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<extra_id_5>Stanley Yelnats was given a choice. The judge said,"You may go to prison,or you may go to Camp Green Lake."Stanley was from a poor family. He had never been to camp before. So, Stanley Yelnats seems set to serve an easy sentence,which is only fair because he is as innocent as you or me. But Stanley is not going where he thinks he is. Camp Green Lake is like no other camp anywhere. It is a place that has no lake and nothing green. Nor is it a camp,at least not the kind of camp kids look forward to in the summertime. It is only a desert wasteland,dotted with countless holes dug by the boys who live at the camp. At Camp Green Lake,the warden makes the boys" build character" by spending all day, every day, digging holes:five feet wide and five feet deep. It doesn't take long for Stanley to realize there's more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake. The boys are digging holes because the warden is searching for something,and before long Stanley begins his own search--for the truth. Fate is to find a solution to it all--the family curse,the mystery of the holes. The great wheel of justice has ground slowly for generations,but now it is about to reveal its verdict . In which section of a newspaper does this passage probably appear?
<extra_id_0>Law.
<extra_id_1>Geography.
<extra_id_2>News.
<extra_id_3>Literature.
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<extra_id_5>A bird eating a lizard is an example of what type of relationship?
<extra_id_0>symbiotic
<extra_id_1>producer
<extra_id_2>parasitic
<extra_id_3>predatory
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<extra_id_5>Did you ever look up at the moon and think you saw a man's face there?When the moon is round and full,the shadows of the moon mountains and the lines of the moon valleys sometimes seem to show a giant nose and mouth and eyes. At least,some people think so. If there were a man on the moon -- instead of mountains and valleys that just look like the face of a man -- what would he be like? He would not be like anyone you know. He would not be like anyone anybody knows. If the man on the moon were bothered by too much heat or cold the way Earth people are,he could not stay on the moon. The moon becomes very,very hot. It becomes as hot as boiling water. And the moon becomes very,very cold. It becomes colder than ice. Whatever part of the moon the sun shines on is hot and bright. The rest of the moon is cold and dark. If the man on the moon had to breathe to stay alive,he couldn't live on the moon because there's no air there.(He'd have to carry an oxygen tank,as astronauts do.) There's no food on the moon,either. Nothing grows -- not even weeds. If the man on the moon liked to climb mountains,he would be very happy. There are many high places there,such as the raised land around the holes,or craters,of the moon. Some of these _ are as tall as Earth's highest mountains. But if the man on the moon liked to swim,he would be unhappy. There is no water on the moon -- just dust and rock. When you think of what it's like on the moon,you may wonder why it interests our scientists. One reason is that the moon is Earth's nearest neighbor -- it is the easiest place in space to get to. Going back and forth between the moon and Earth,astronauts will get a lot of practice in space travel. Things learned on moon trips will be of great help to astronauts who later take long,long trips to some of the planets. Scientists are also interested in the moon because it has no air. The air that surrounds Earth cuts down the view of the scientists who look at the stars through telescopes. A telescope on the moon would give them a clearer,closer view of the stars. Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the passage?
<extra_id_0>The climate on the moon is quite different from that on the Earth.
<extra_id_1>Traveling between the moon and Earth will do much good to astronauts.
<extra_id_2>There is some food and weeds on the moon,even though there's no air.
<extra_id_3>If you want to drink hot water on the moon,it's not so hard to boil water.
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<extra_id_5>WASHINGTON -- It is announced Friday that White House visitor records will be opened up on a regular basis for the first time in modern history, providing the public an unusually detailed look at who gets the opportunity to help shape American policy at the highest levels. "Americans have a right to know whose voices are being heard in the policymaking process," the president said in a written statement issued by the White House while he vacationed with his family at Camp David. By the end of the year, the White House will begin posting online every month the names of the people who visited in the last 90 to 120 days. Each person's full name will be listed, along with the date and time they entered and left and the name of the person they visited. About 70,000 to 100,000 people visit the White House each month, and the records will include tourists as well as people conducting business. The White House pointed out several exceptions to the policy: "purely personal guests" of the Obama family; those cases in which the disclosure of visitors' names "would threaten national safety interests"; and those who come for "particularly sensitive meetings," like candidates for a Supreme Court nomination . Officials said only a "small number" will fit in the latter category , and their names would eventually be disclosed after they are no longer secret, like after a nomination is publicly announced. Moreover, they said, the number of undisclosed visitors will be disclosed, to make clear how few they are. According to the passage, whose name might be kept secret for some time?
<extra_id_0>A tourist.
<extra_id_1>A businessman.
<extra_id_2>A foreign student.
<extra_id_3>A foreign minister.
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<extra_id_5>For many workers trying to lose weight, the weekend is a chance to do some exercise and eat something healthier than a supermarket sandwich at their desk. But some slimmers take a slightly different approach -- consuming more than half their weekly calorie intake from Friday night to Sunday. Away from the daily routine at work that helps them keep control of what they eat, they are snacking and drinking their way to a shocking 10,000 calories, a survey has found. Almost three-quarters of people trying to lose weight admit to over-eating at the weekend. A meal with friends or family, complete with alcohol, as well as a late-night snack before bed, can lead to adults consuming up to 3,500 calories in one day, a survey found. Men typically need 2,500 calories a day and women 2,000 calories. Consuming this amount would see men and women get through half their weekly calorie intake over the course of a 'bad' weekend. Women were found to eat less on a Sunday because of guilt over their consumption over the previous two days. Men had fewer doubts about a third day of excess. The biggest weekend diet danger comes from snacking between meals, the survey found. Some say they will often spend Saturday night in front of the TV with their families -- combining watching their favorite shows with crisps and biscuits. And seven in ten people admitted to having fattening takeaways at weekends, with pizza the most popular. Alcohol is another big factor in weekend bingeing.Around 70 percent still like to have a roast on a Sunday or a big meal with family or friends and a third of those will have second helpings. A spokesman from Forza Supplements, the diet company that conducted the survey, said, "We all have bad weekends where we have a lot of fun, but dieting goes out of the window." The 5:2 diet is becoming increasingly popular -- where we limit our calories for five days and allow ourselves a few treats on the other two days. "For many people, the two days off are Saturday and Sunday but they go way too far" What is the main idea of the text?
<extra_id_0>Weekends are vital for diets.
<extra_id_1>What the 5:2 diet is.
<extra_id_2>The proper way to lose weight.
<extra_id_3>People's weekly calorie intake is changing.
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<extra_id_5>examples of pollution include all but
<extra_id_0>acid rain
<extra_id_1>smog
<extra_id_2>chemical run-off
<extra_id_3>laundry soup
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<extra_id_5>Which of the following best describes the number of chromosomes in a normal human liver cell?
<extra_id_0>23 pairs of chromosomes
<extra_id_1>46 different types of chromosomes
<extra_id_2>46 male chromosomes and 46 female chromosomes
<extra_id_3>23 original chromosomes and 23 duplicate chromosomes
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<extra_id_5>Bruce and Bruno looked worried those days. Their father went to a town far away. Before leaving, he said he would write to them as soon as he found a job there. But two months passed, they did not hear from him. Now they had nothing except the old house and they had no money to buy any food. They thought for a long time. Then they decided to sell the house and look for their father. So one day the two brothers said goodbye to their friends and started to go. They got to the station and bought two tickets. They were afraid that they would be hungry in the train, so they went to the market to buy something to eat. They saw bananas for the first time. The seller told them the bananas were very delicious, so they bought five kilos and got on the train with them. After a while Bruce brought out a banana and bit a little. Just at that moment the train went into a tunnel and it was dark in the train. He was afraid and called out,"Have you taken a bite of your bananas, Bruno?" "Not yet." "That's good."Bruce said, crying,"I did and went blind!" They went to the market to _ .
<extra_id_0>look for their father.
<extra_id_1>buy the tickets.
<extra_id_2>buy something to eat.
<extra_id_3>sell the old house.
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<extra_id_5>I got a guitar for my birthday, and since then I have been struggling. It's kind of sad. To be honest, it is surprising how many problems are caused by such little things in the life of a teenage . It has awakened another side of myself within me. And it couldn't have happened at a worse time. I'm a senior. I'm going to graduate soon and I know what college I'm going to. And now I have to deal with the little voice in my head constantly reminding me that I'm going to be a rock star., not a scientist. So you can see my problem. A few weeks ago I was given the seemingly simple task of writing a short story. No specifics, no strict rules on organization. Just write. So I sat down to create a beautiful work of fiction that would surprise my teacher and classmates. To be honest, this is an area I generally feel very strong in. Writing , that is. I really enjoy it and such writing tasks used to take the least amount of time. So I was trying to write my story, and across the room lies my beautiful birthday present. "Once upon a time," I wrote. Then I stopped, turned in my chair, and stared for a moment at the instrument. And then my reflection started dancing and singing. I wasn't moving, but it sure was.. So I grabbed my guitar and plucked a string . The note sang out pure and heavenly, and there was no stopping what was coming. I sat rocking with my guitar until late into the night. I was sure I was preparing for the future much more efficiently now that I wasn't spending time writing stories. Needless to say, no story was written, and many doubts arose in my mind. Since then, I have constantly asked, "Am I normal for not wanting to do my work anymore?" More importantly, though, I learned I am really going to be a rock star. What's the best title of the passage?
<extra_id_0>Birthday present offers new direction in life
<extra_id_1>How I become a rock star
<extra_id_2>The guitar for my birthday
<extra_id_3>My writing work
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<extra_id_5>It's time to take a spring trip. Do you know how the kids in different countries spend their holidays? Children in China When spring comes, children want to be outside, so some schools usually organize a spring trip for them. It could be a trip to a mountain. There, children can climb mountains, fly kites, enjoy flowers and so on. Sometimes their teachers take them to the Martyrs' Park. Students can put some flowers on the graves . Children in Japan In April, while the Chinese enjoy winter jasmines, the Japanese are enjoying cherry blossoms. This is the best time of the year for children to take a trip. They take picnic lunches, sing and dance under the trees. Children in the UK They have many great choices when it comes to the school trip. They can visit the seaside or a theme park. One of the most special places to go is the bird center. These children can see ducks and other birds. The people at the center are scientists. This means they can teach children about habitat of the birds. The kids spend time in a beautiful place and also learn something about the natural world there without textbooks. What's the best title of the passage?
<extra_id_0>Kids in different countries
<extra_id_1>Spring trips
<extra_id_2>Holidays
<extra_id_3>Different cultures in the world
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<extra_id_5>When I was 16 years old, I made my first visit to the United States. It wasn't the first time I had been abroad. Like most English children, I learnt French at school and I had often been to France, so I was used to speaking a foreign language to people who didn't understand English. But when I went to America I was really looking forward to having a nice easy holiday without any language problems. How wrong I was! The misunderstanding began at the airport. I was looking for a public telephone to give my American friend Danny a ring and tell her that I had arrived. A friendly old man saw me looking like being lost and asked if he could help me. "Yes,"I said."I want to give my friend a ring." "Well, that's nice,"he exclaimed ."Are you getting married? But aren't you a bit young?" "Who is talking about marriage?" I replied. "I just want to give my friend a ring to tell her I've arrived. Can you tell me where there's a phone box?" "Oh!"he said."There's a phone downstairs." When at last we did meet up, Danny explained the misunderstanding to me."Don't worry," she said to me."I had many difficulties at first. There are lots of words which the Americans use differently in meaning from us British. You'll soon get used to all the funny things they say. But most of the time British and American people can understand each other!" When the writer arrived at the airport, he wanted to _ .
<extra_id_0>buy a ring for his friend
<extra_id_1>make a call to his friend
<extra_id_2>ask the way to his friend's
<extra_id_3>go to the telephone company
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<extra_id_5>The concept of Emotional Intelligence(EQ or EI)was first given by Peter Salovey and John Mayer.but it became widely popular after the publication of Daniel Coleman's best seller"Emotional Intelligence"in 1995.The meaning of emotional intelligence is"Knowing how you and others feel and what to do about it." The control center of our emotions is a small part of oily brain called the amygdala,,which scans incoming signals from our sensory organs(eyes,ears...)and acts as the emotional alarm center of our bed.When it detects a condition that we hate,that we fear,or that could hurt us,it sends an immediate signal to the other parts of our brain that controls our actions. The amygdala's widespread web of neural connections allows it,during an emotional emergency.to take control of much of the rest of the brain including the mind.This explains why we sometimes do things "without thinking'' like closing our eyes just before a flying insect hits our face or losing control during the course of a heated argument. Emotions are important for good decision-making and to keep friendly relationships with others around us.We admire people with determination when have the ability to control their emotions when they face pressure,arguments or aggression(attack).We also enjoy being with people who can express co-operation and forgiveness.We need these emotions to be happy in our professional life as much as we need them in our private life. The majority of problems at work are caused by unmet emotional needs.The emotional-intelligent manager knows bow to make out and manage the emotional needs of both the customers and his team.He or she.wants to help others feel respected,supported,helped,trusted,important,special,useful,needed and valued. When our emotional needs are satisfled, we feel better,and when we feel better,we are more productive,patient,creative,open-minded,and caring. Emotional intelligence requires that we develop our abilities in four main areas: 1) self-awareness being aware of our emotions as they happen; 2) managing emotions keeping a healthy balance of emotion and thinking; 3) recognizing emotions in others it's a great communicating skill; 4) handling relationships managing emotions in others increases our popularity.our leadership ability and our communication effectiveness. Which of the following controls our emotion?
<extra_id_0>Amygdala in our brains.
<extra_id_1>Our sensory organs.
<extra_id_2>Our mind.
<extra_id_3>Our head.
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<extra_id_5>How is it that siblings can turn out so differently? One answer is that in fact each sibling grows up in a different family. The firstborn is, for a while, an only child, and therefore has a completely different experience of the parents than those born later. The next child is, for a while, the youngest, until the situation is changed by a new arrival. The mother and father themselves are changing and growing up too. One sibling might live in a stable and close family in the first few years; another might be raised in a family crisis, with a disappointed mother or an angry father. Sibling competition was identified as an important shaping force as early as in 1918. But more recently, researchers have found many ways in which brothers and sisters are a lasting force in each others' lives. Dr. Annette Henderson says firstborn children pick up vocabulary more quickly than their siblings. The reason for this might be that the later children aren't getting the same one-on-one time with parents. But that doesn't mean that the younger children have problems with language development. Later-borns don't enjoy that much talking time with parents, but instead they harvest lessons from bigger brothers and sisters, learning entire phrases and getting an understanding of social concepts such as the difference between "I" and "me". A Cambridge University study of 140 children found that siblings created a rich world of play that helped them grow socially. Love-hate relationships were common among the children. Even those siblings who fought the most had just as much positive communication as the other sibling pairs. One way children seek more attention from parents is by making themselves different from their siblings, particularly if they are close in age. Researchers have found that the first two children in a family are typically more different from each other than the second and third. Girls with brothers show their differences to a maximum degree by being more feminine than girls with sisters. A 2003 research paper studied adolescents from 185 families over two years, finding that those who changed to make themselves different from their siblings were successful in increasing the amount of warmth they gained from their parents. What was found about fights among siblings?
<extra_id_0>Siblings hated fighting and loved playing.
<extra_id_1>Siblings in some families fought frequently.
<extra_id_2>Sibling fights led to bad sibling relationships.
<extra_id_3>Siblings learned to get on together from fights.
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<extra_id_5>The Vienna-based researchers showed that dogs will stop doing a simple task when not rewarded if another dog, which continues to be rewarded, is present. The experiment consisted of taking pairs of dogs and getting them to present a paw for a reward.On giving this "handshake" the dogs received a piece of food.One of the dogs was then asked to shake hands, but received no food.The other dog continued to get the food when it was asked to perform the task. The dog without the reward quickly stopped doing the task, and showed signs of anger or stress when its partner was rewarded. To make sure that the experiment was really showing the interaction between the dogs rather than just the frustration of not being rewarded, a similar experiment was conducted where the dogs performed the task without the partner.Here they continued to present the paw for much longer. Dr Frederike Range from the University of Vienna says this shows that it was the presence of the rewarded partner that was the greater influence on their behaviour. "The only difference is one gets food and the other doesn't, they are responding to being unequally rewarded." she said. The researchers say this kind of behaviour, where one animal gets frustrated with what is happening with another, has only been observed in primates before. Studies with various types of monkeys and chimpanzees show they react not only to seeing their partners receiving rewards when they are not, but also to the type of reward. The dog study also looked at whether the type of reward made a difference.Dogs were given either bread or sausage, but seemed to react equally to either.Dr Range says this may be because they have been trained. Which of the following can best summerise the passage?
<extra_id_0>Animals' various ways to show anger
<extra_id_1>Dogs are more envious than man
<extra_id_2>Most animals want to be be rewarded for their work
<extra_id_3>Animals also have a sense of fairplay
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<extra_id_5>A small boy lived with his mother and grandmother in a big house. His father had died. A bucket of water fell on the small boy's left foot, and it began hurting a hot. His mother said, "I'm going to put something very hot on your foot tonight. That's always very good. Tomorrow your foot won't hurt any longer." In the evening, the small boy's mother came to his bedroom. She had a hot poultice in a bowl. The small boy looked at it and said, "I don't want that. I had one a month ago. Poultices hurt." His mother sat down on his bed and said, "You're going to have this poultice on." She pulled his sheets and blankets away, and put the poultice near his foot, but the boy pulled it away quickly, and poultice fell on the bed. His mother was angry. She went down stairs and came back with his grandmother and a stick. She said to her son, "Your grandmother's going to put the poultice on your foot, and I'm going to hold this stick. Now don't be a stupid boy." She held the stick over the boy, and the grandmother took his foot and put the poultice near it. The boy said. "Stop, you..." but his mother brought the stick nearer, and he did not say anything else. The grandmother brought the poultice near the foot again, and the boy stopped her again, but his mother was angry now and said, "I'm going to hit you." The boy did not finish his words, and his grandmother put the poultice on his foot. He let it there for a few minutes and then took it off again. The boy's mother and grandmother put the sheets and blankets over him again and he said, "My left foot hurts, but you put the poultice on my right foot. I stopped you twice, but you didn't listen to me." The small boy's foot hurt because _ .
<extra_id_0>he fell off the bike
<extra_id_1>a bucket of water fell on his foot
<extra_id_2>he fell and hurt his foot
<extra_id_3>he was ill
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<extra_id_5>A young man approached the foreman of a logging crew and asked for a job. "That depends," replied the foreman. "Let's see you fell this tree." The young man stepped forward and skillfully felled a great tree. Impressed, the foreman said, "You can start Monday." Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday went by -- and on Thursday afternoon the foreman approached the young man and said, "You can pick up your wages on the way out today." Shocked, the young man replied, "I thought you would pay me on Friday." "Normally we do," said the foreman. "But we're letting you go today because you've fallen behind. Our daily felling charts show that you've dropped from first place on Monday to the last place today." "But I'm quite hardworking," the young man disagreed. "I am the first to arrive and the last to leave and even have worked through my coffee breaks!" The foreman thought for a minute and then asked "Have you sharpened your axe?" The young man replied, "No, sir. I've been working too hard to take time for that!" Our lives are like that. We sometimes get so busy that we don't take time to "sharpen" the axe. In today's world it seems that everyone is busier than ever, but less happy than ever. Why is that? Could it be that we have forgotten how to stay sharp? There's nothing wrong with hard work. But we shouldn't get so busy that we ignore the truly important things in life. We all need time to relax, to think, to learn and to grow. If we don't take time to sharpen the axe, we will become dull and lose our effectiveness. Why did the foreman pay the young man on Thursday instead of on the normal Friday?
<extra_id_0>He wanted the young man to have a rest.
<extra_id_1>He wanted the young man to work harder.
<extra_id_2>He wanted to reward the young man for his hard work.
<extra_id_3>He was unsatisfied with the young man and was to fire him.
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<extra_id_5>As an English teacher, one of the most common problems I've found with my students is their lack of confidence with speaking, and difficulty in understanding native speakers. Another problem could be that a foreign language taught in schools can sound quite different to what native speakers actually use. There are a few English words and expressions that I'd never heard until I came to China. The most common one in my experience is "How are you? I'm fine, thank you, and you?" I appreciate that although this greeting is much too formal for everyday use - it's easy to learn and helps build confidence. However, it can be a hard habit to break. I've seen many parents correct their kids if they don't use that exact phrase, as if simply replying "I'm fine" would somehow be rude. In fact I'm banning my students from saying that in the classroom, insisting a simple "I'm fine, thanks" is good enough. "Seldom" is another one that I find interesting. The first time a student told me "I seldom watch TV", my initial reaction was a stupefied look, followed by "Huh?" I then realized the student used "seldom" when it's more common for us to use "rarely." I was just as confused when I first heard a toilet referred to as a WC (water closet), another English term I'd never heard of back in Australia. Of course, my students know the other names for it like bathroom, toilet, washroom etc. so to prefer that name is an interesting choice. I don't mind that my students have substituted familiar English words with their own, far from it. It reminds me how creative they can be with not only their language, but with mine as well. It's healthy for English to evolve and change and I'm happy to add these new words to my vocabulary. One important lesson I've learnt is that textbooks can only help you so much. For further improvement you'd better practice with native speakers. What is the writer's attitude towards his students using Chinese-English?
<extra_id_0>He's tolerant.
<extra_id_1>He's angry.
<extra_id_2>He feels uncomfortable.
<extra_id_3>He pays no attention.
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<extra_id_5>High in the mountains, and deep in the forest, lives a lake with many plants and animals in and around her. The plants and animals have enough food and clean water to keep them healthy. The wind carries air, and the rain comes down clear and clean. But recently, Lucy Lake and her friends haven't been feeling very well. All the plants and animals get together to talk about the problem. "Why are we sick?" "What can we do?" ask all of them. No one has any answers. Just then two hikers appear. The animals tell them about their problems. "Can you help us?" they ask. "Yes," one hiker says. "I think it's because of acid rain." "Acid rain comes from chemicals in the air. The pollution comes from factories, cars and trucks." "So, although I don't want to, I help the pollution travel through the air!" says the wind. "And I carry it to the land!" cries the rain. "If you can help us think of some solutions , we will send a message to tell people how to clean up our environment," one hiker says. With the help of the plants and animals, the two hikers make a list of ideas for saving Lucy Lake and her friends. Time passes, and the forest and lake begin to feel a little better. The next time the hikers climb up the mountains to Lucy Lake, they smile at what they find. "We're glad things have started to change," one hiker says. "And we're glad helped us make a difference," says the other. The two hikers are most probably _ .
<extra_id_0>scientists
<extra_id_1>teachers
<extra_id_2>doctors
<extra_id_3>reporters
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<extra_id_5>Kid Power in Action! Kids wanted aChicken Soup book of their own, so here it is!Children Soup for the Kid'sSoul is for kids ages nine through thirteen, and it's "all that!" Sometimes you feel like life is a complete blast , from scoring the winning goal to hanging out with your friends. Yet other times, life is too difficult: You seem to see violence everywhere you turn, more parents are getting divorced , your best friend moves away, or you feel like you don't fit in. Now there is a place to find answers and encouragement and to help you realize that your dreams really can come true. With funny stories about friendship and family, and serious stories about brave kids and difficult choices, this book will make you laugh, cry, think, and feel good about yourself. Ever since the firstChicken Soup for the Soul was published in June 1993, we have been getting requests from kids all over the world asking for a Chicken Soup book just for them. So here it is, the first full-lengthChicken Soup for the Kid's Soul, written by kids and by grown-ups who haven't forgotten what it's like to be a kid. We would like to know how the stories in the book will affect you and which ones are your favorites, please write to us and let us know. We also invite you to send us any stories that you would like us to consider for the second book: Helping of Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul. You may send stories and poems that you have written, or ones that you have read and liked. For more information, you can visit the Chicken Soup for the Soul site on American Online at keyword:chickensoul. The first book was written by _ .
<extra_id_0>Kids
<extra_id_1>Grown-ups
<extra_id_2>An English woman
<extra_id_3>Both kids and Grown-ups
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<extra_id_5>Dear Jenny, I'm very busy on Friday. At 8: 00 I have math. It is not fun. The teacher says it is useful, but I think it is difficult. Then at 9: 00 I have science. It is difficult but interesting. At 10: 00 I have history. After that I have P. E. at 11: 00. It's easy and fun. Lunch is from 12: 00 to 1: 00, and after that we have Chinese. It is my favourite subject. Our Chinese teacher, Mr. Wang, is great fun. My classes finish at 1: 50, but after that I have an art lesson for two hours. It is really relaxing! How about you? When are your classes? What is your favourite subject? Your friend, Yu Mei Yu Mei and Jenny are _ .
<extra_id_0>sister
<extra_id_1>classmates
<extra_id_2>brother
<extra_id_3>friends
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<extra_id_5>Every year there is the Spring Festival in China. Usually it is in January or February. It's the most important festival in China. So before it comes, everyone has to prepare things. They buy beef, pork, chicken, fruit and many other things. And they often make a special kind of food called "dumplings". It means "come together" in Chinese. On the day before the festival, parents buy new clothes for their children and children also buy presents for their parents. On the festival eve, all the family members come back to their home. This is a happy moment. They sing, dance and play cards. When they enjoy the meal, they give each other the best wishes for the coming year. They all have a good time. ,. (5) The food "dumplings" mean " _ ".
<extra_id_0>be delicious
<extra_id_1>be hungry
<extra_id_2>come together
<extra_id_3>come back
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<extra_id_5>Do you or someone you know use a mobile phone? In today's world, many people use a mobile phone especially businessmen and businesswomen. These people are an important part of the business world and help our economies develop. In fact in some countries even children and the elderly use mobile phones to keep in touch with family and friends. We know how useful it is to have a mobile phone, but do we know how safe these phones are? Some scientists say that mobile phones could be a risk to our health. So, money is being given to scientific research to find out if mobile phones may be harmful in any way. What does the future look like? Is a hands - free phone the answer? The idea behind hands - free sets is simple and maybe they are a safer way for people to communicate. The hands - free set has a piece in your ear and a microphone near your mouth which is connected to a wire that goes into your phone. Some scientists think this is a much safer way to use a phone. Some scientists have proved that a mobile phone 10 centimeters from your head is far safer than if the headset is right against your ear. Some reports say that hands - free sets have 95% less radiation exposure, while other reports say that hands - free sets expose you to more radiation. Governments and the mobile phone industry are researching the effects, including: * the effects of radio waves on blood pressure and the brain, such as the abilities to concentrate, remember and learn the connections between mobile phone use and brain cancer long - term effects of mobile phone use, looking at health histories of people who have used mobiles since the 1980s. They will be looking at both current mobile phones and the new generation of 4G phones. The results from these studies will help us understand more about the world beyond mobile communications. Wouldn't it be strange if scientists discovered that mobile phones were too dangerous and we had to stop using them and go back to writing letter and using the normal telephone? The writer thinks that .
<extra_id_0>it's certain that new technology brings new problems
<extra_id_1>it would be strange if we stop using mobile phones
<extra_id_2>using the normal telephone can avoid the risk from mobile phones
<extra_id_3>we couldn't stop using mobile phones though they might be harmful in any way
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<extra_id_5>Welcome to our third newsletter of the year! Our major activity for March is our Walk for the Woods fundraising event on Saturday, 17thMarch, starting any time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. We will be walking the distance between Warley Woods and Tipperary. It is indeed a long way--80 miles. The more people that you can get to sponsor you, the more money we can raise to help look after our beautiful woodland. More information is available on our website. The Sunday volunteers planted two beeches and an oak last week. This was thanks to the money from the Big Tree Plant and to Lisa and Gordon Whitaker, whose friends gave money for the big trees instead of for their wedding presents. Thanks to everyone who took part. There were 15 volunteers at the Oral History Training Day which was led very ably by Julia Letts. The group will be meeting again and will start to interview the local people who have offered to tell their stories. We are happy to hear from others who would like to be interviewed about their memories of the Woods for the project. If you or anyone you know is interested, please call Viv Cole at the office. This project is financed by Heritage Lottery Fund. There was a huge response to the Forest Schools activities held at half term. These will be held again during the Easter holidays on the following dates: 4thApril from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for over 8s. On 12thApril from 10 a. m. to 12 noon, there will be a Teddy Bears' Picnic for the under 8s. All these must be booked in advance. Finally, don't forget the Easter Egg Roll on Bank Holiday, 9thApril, starting at 11 a.m. Bring your own hard-boiled and decorated egg to roll down the hill in the woods. The first past the finishing line will win a large chocolate egg! This year, due to popular demand, there will also be an Adults' Easter Egg Roll following the children's competition. We look forward to seeing you all soon, at one of our many events! Heritage Lottery Fund provides money to _ .
<extra_id_0>help look after the woodland
<extra_id_1>collect stories about the community
<extra_id_2>hold activities for the Forest Schools
<extra_id_3>organize the Easter holiday competitions
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<extra_id_5>Johann Gutenberg, who worked as a goldsmith , took what had already been discovered, and created a small invention that changed history. He created a machine that allowed him to move small blocks of letters in such a way that written material could be printed and mass-produced. Few people could read before Guttenberg made the invention, but once books became less expensive, more Europeans could read and write. Block printing existed long before Gutenberg. The Chinese had been using wood blocks to print books as early as 868, but a new set of woodcuts had to be made for each book. Producing one book was not easy; producing all kinds of books was more difficult. Writing ink dates from about 2500 BC in Egypt and China. Gutenberg used an oil-based printing ink that would last longer than other inks used in his time. We don't know much about Gutenberg because he was not famous during his lifetime. He was born in Germany about 1400. In 1448, Gutenberg developed signatures for each number, letter, and punctuation mark . He then built the molds to hold the signatures in place. Gutenberg published the first mass-produced book: a 1,282 page Bible. To this day, more copies of the Bible have been printed than any other book. Copies of Gutenberg's invention spread throughout Europe, but the German goldsmith did not get rich from his invention. Some officials _ the invention of printing because they feared that it would spread bad ideas. By 1500 there were 1,700 printing presses in Europe. The presses had already produced about 20 million volumes of 40,000 different books. Compared with block printing in China, Johann Gutenberg's method _ .
<extra_id_0>was difficult to run
<extra_id_1>needed harder paper
<extra_id_2>used a new kind of ink
<extra_id_3>was put into use earlier
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<extra_id_5>If you want fully enjoy your vacation, then you'd better check the Durban City Tours! This is actually one of the best choices in South Africa today. There is nothing more relaxing than to think about that there is a place to go and relax, right? City life is strained, but you can escape this situation and be in the place where there is nothing but relaxation. Here in Durban you will get to see all the amazing tourist attractions. If you love animals and want to see some elephants wandering around the streets, then Durban is the place to go. You can even get to ride one if you want! Here you will also get to taste all the delicious South African food. You can choose from Italian cooking to its native dishes. Durban is a great place to tour with your friends and family. You will learn a lot about its history through the landmarks you will see down the streets. Tourists and even the local villagers just can't get enough of these treats! However, it is important that you make the necessary arrangements. There are actually lots of tour guides that will help you as you make your journey along the streets of Durban. But if you prefer the best tour guides here in Durban, then you'd better choose the Street Scene Tours. Their staff are all well-trained and professional. They will certainly make your stay here an unforgettable one. No wonder tourists prefer the Street Scene Tours when it comes to Durban City Tours. If you walk in the streets of Durban, what will impress you most?
<extra_id_0>Tourists from all over the world.
<extra_id_1>The buildings and many kinds of animals.
<extra_id_2>The streets and some wandering elephants.
<extra_id_3>The friendly local people and the scenery.
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<extra_id_5>The advantages of Eating Fruits & Vegetables Vegetables and fruit are good for your health because of a lot of vitamins, nutrients and fiber in them. Fruits and vegetables are regarded as a healthy diet without adding chemicals or additives for carrying or storing foods. The United States Department of Agriculture suggests eating plenty of fruits and vegetables every day to get the advantages of eating a healthy diet. Disease Prevention The United States Department of Agriculture tells that eating fruits and vegetables helps fight strokes, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Because of the potassium in fruits and vegetables, they can prevent the risk of developing kidney stones. The fiber in fruits and vegetables helps the body fight against coronary heart disease. Idea Health Since fruits and vegetables add to a balanced and healthy diet, eating these will help you with your idea. The vitamins in fruits and vegetables helps fight depress , according to the Mental Health Foundation. Vitamin B and folic acid found in some vegetables and bananas help you to relax. Eating fruits and vegetables can also help improve memory. Healthy Weight Eating fruits and vegetables helps you have a healthy weight. Fruits and vegetables naturally include less energy than other foods, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The fiber and water in the fruits and vegetables make you feel that you are full, so you will not feel that you have to eat more food. Which of the following is not disease?
<extra_id_0>Potassium
<extra_id_1>Strokes
<extra_id_2>Cardiovascular
<extra_id_3>Type 2 diabetes
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<extra_id_5>Waiters wanted King Restaurant needs five waiters. If you want to find a new job, you can come here. Please call John at 678-5342. To get to the restaurant, you just have to cross North Road. It's next to the bank. Teachers wanted Do you want to be a teacher? Are you friendly to kids? Can you sing, dance or play the piano? We need a man teacher and a woman teacher to teach music. It's not difficult! Please call Mr. Clark at 415-3440. My lost pet My pet Nini is a small brown cat. I played ball games with Nini in Central Park last Saturday. Then she ran after the ball and did not come back. I am worried about her. If you see her, please call Sara at 283-2585. Thank you! Specials We have some great specials. We have different kinds of noodles, dumplings and soup. Would you like a big bowl of noodles for 12 yuan or a small one for just 8 yuan? You can also order our delicious chicken soup. It's only 9 yuan. Welcome to our restaurant! ,. When did Sara lose her pet?
<extra_id_0>Last Wednesday.
<extra_id_1>Last Thursday.
<extra_id_2>Last Friday.
<extra_id_3>Last Saturday.
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<extra_id_5>Long long ago, there lived two girls named Emily and Tina. Both of them had long black hair and blue eyes. One day while they were playing in the back yard , Emily heard a tinkling sound. She jumped up. "Listen," she told her twin. They listened. The noise came again. This time Tina heard it. She sat up. "It came from over there," She whispered, looking at the zinnias far away. They came near to find it out. Then something flew out, making the same tinkling sound they had heard before. The children looked at one another. "Was it a bee?" asked Tina. "I don't think so," replied Emily. "Do bees make a sound like bells?" "Let's call it the Tinkle Bee anyway," said Tina. Emily nodded, listening with a little difficulty. What had made that noise? The next day, Emily and Tina brought their cookies outside. Tina took her plate by the zinnias. Suddenly she caught something. "Emily!" she called. "I've got the Tinkle Bee!" Emily rushed over. They sat down on the grass. Tina opened her hand very carefully. There was that sound! Something was shining in Tina's hand. They smiled. Then Emily cried, "It's a fairy !" Tina looked down at it in her hand. It looked like a girl. A _ girl with wings! Tina dropped it before she noticed that a wing was torn . The little fairy could not fly away so she took a piece of grass out of the ground and sat on it. Emily and Tina were surprised at what they saw. The fairy turned to Emily and said, "Hello, I am Marabella." Then she said again, "Marabella the Fairy." Emily smiled. "I'm Emily," she said. Tina said, "I'm Tina. Are you really a fairy?" "Oh, yes!" replied Marabella. "I've always been a fairy." How did the sound come out?
<extra_id_0>A bee behind the zinnias made the sound.
<extra_id_1>It came out from the fairy's flying.
<extra_id_2>It came out when the fairy shouted for help.
<extra_id_3>The bell by the zinnias rang.
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<extra_id_5>Nonverbal Communication When you are in another country, it is important to know the language, but it is equally important to know how to communicate nonverbally. Before saying anything, people communicate nonverbally by making gestures. According to an investigation ,only 30 to 35 percent of our communication is verbal. When people don't know the language, the most common way to communicate is through gestures. However, many gestures have different meanings, or no meaning at all, in different parts of the world. In the United States, for example, nodding your head up and down means "yes". In some parts of Greece and Turkey, however, this motion can mean "no". In Southeast Asia, nodding your head is a polite way of saying "I've heard you." In ancient Rome, when the emperor wanted to spare someone's life, he would put his thumb up. Today in the United States, when someone puts his/her thumb up, it means "Everything is all right." However, in Sardinia and Greece, the gesture is insulting and should not be used there. In the United States, raising your clasped hands above your head means "I'm the champion" or "I'm the winner". It is the sign that prizefighters make when they win a fight. When a leading Russian statesman made this gesture after a White House meeting, Americans misunderstood and thought he meant he was a winner. In Russia, however, it is a sign of friendship. There are other nonverbal signals that people should be aware of when they go to another country, such as the distance to maintain between speakers. Americans stand closer to each other than English people. English people don't like touching somebody or being touched. Now in America, touch is important. For example friends touch each other on the arm. They often put an arm around a friend when they say "hello" or "goodbye". The gesture of putting one's thumb up should not be used when you are travelling in _ .
<extra_id_0>China
<extra_id_1>the United States
<extra_id_2>Greece
<extra_id_3>Southeast Asia
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<extra_id_5>Several months ago I decided it would be wise to look into the possibilities of buying a life insurance policy , because I understood it might be a good investment. I got the name of an insurance agent from a friend and called the agent to get some information. From the kinds of questions I put to him the agent could tell that I knew nothing about insurance, so he kindly offered to explore the matter with me in more detail---to help me determine the kind of policy I ought to be considering. That evening he appeared at my door promptly at 7:30; without wasting time on pleasantness, he spread his papers out on the kitchen table and launched into a lengthy explanation. I listened attentively as he talked about the difference between various types of policies, and he explained the kind of coverage he felt I ought to have. Toward the end of the evening (after three or four hours of talking), he kindly helped me fill out an application for a $50,000 policy, and then he asked if I could go to a Dr. Luther's office on Friday for a physical examination. I don't know why, but it was not until the mention of the doctor's appointment that I realized fully what was happening. I was about to sign a lifetime contract, yet I had not really made a decision about whether I wanted to buy the policy. However, since he had spent so much time with me, I didn't want to make him feel that he had wasted his time. So I invented an excuse about things I had to do on Friday, and I assured him I would call him in a few days. Actually, I had no intention of going to see Dr. Luther or of calling the agent again. I wanted to forget the whole thing. It's been over three months now since our meeting, and my friendly insurance agent still calls at my office faithfully two or three times a week. My secretary knows that I don't want to talk to him, so when he calls she tells him that I'm in a meeting or that I'm out of the office or that I'm away on a business trip. I realize now that it was a mistake not to tell him that first night that I didn't want the policy. Since I still can't bring myself to tell him clearly that I'm not interested, and please not to bother me anymore, all I can do is avoid his calls and hope I don't run into him some place. The writer realized that _ .
<extra_id_0>he should have told the truth to the agent earlier
<extra_id_1>he should buy the policy
<extra_id_2>the agent is a real friend
<extra_id_3>insurance is but a cheat
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<extra_id_5>How much rain has fallen on the earth in the past? Man has not always kept weather records. Because scientists need a way to learn about past rainfall, they study the tree rings. A tree's trunk keeps growing year by year. Under its bark , a tree adds a layer of new wood each year it lives. If you look at a tree stump, you can see the layers. They are called annual ring . On some trees, all of the rings are of the same width. But the ponderosa that grows in the American southwest have rings in different withes. The soil in he southwest is dry. The pines depend on rainfall for water. In a year of good rainfall, they form wide rings. In a dry year, they form narrow ones. Scientists do not have to cut down a pine to study its rings. With a special tool, they remove a narrow piece of wood from the trunk without harming the tree. Then they look at the width of each ring to see how much rain fell in the year it formed. Some pines are hundreds of years old and have hundreds of rings. These rings are from an annual record o0f past rainfall in the southwest. We could infer from the passage that _ .
<extra_id_0>a tree grows faster when it has a lot of water
<extra_id_1>scientists cut down trees to study tree rings
<extra_id_2>pine trees form rings of he same width every year
<extra_id_3>the ponderosa grows in he southeast
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<extra_id_5>President Abraham Lincoln often visited hospitals to talk with wounded soldiers during the Civil War.Once,Lincoln went over to the bedside of a young dying soldier. "Is there anything I can do for you?"asked the President. The soldier obviously didn't recognize Lincoln, and with some effort he was able to whisper, "Would you please write a letter to my mother?" So the President carefully began writing down the soldier's words,"My dearest mother, I was badly hurt while doing my duty. I'm afraid I'm not going to recover. Don't _ too much for me, please. Kiss my sister Mary for me.May God bless you and Father." The soldier was too weak to continue, so Lincoln signed the letter for him and added, "Written for your son by Abraham Lincoln."The young man asked to see the note and was astonished when he discovered who had written it."Are you really the President?"he asked. "Yes, I am,"replied Lincoln quietly.Then he asked if there was anything else he could do."Would you please hold my hand?"asked the soldier."It will help to see me through to the end." In the quiet room, the tall gaunt President took the soldier's hand and spoke warm words of encouragement until death came. According to the passage, which of the following is TRUE?
<extra_id_0>The dying soldier was filled with love.
<extra_id_1>Lincoln only signed his name in the letter instead of the soldier's.
<extra_id_2>The soldier was the only child in his family.
<extra_id_3>Lincoln often wrote letters for the wounded.
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<extra_id_5>On the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar , which is Wednesday this year, all Chinese celebrate one of their traditional festivals, the Dagon Boat Festival, or Dragon Boat Festival. Their celebrations include eating zongzi, rice wrapped in bamboo leaves in the shape of a pyramid, racing dragon boats and sticking _ on their doors. In 2007, the central government decided to add the Dragon Boat Festival, together with two other traditional festivals - Tomb Sweeping Day and Mid Autumn Festival - to the list of public holidays According to tradition, our ancestors believed the hot weather in midsummer might cause different kinds of diseases . So, to keep off diseases and drive out evil were the main purposes of the Dragon Boat Festival. Parents used colorful threads to make necklaces and bracelets for children, gave them beautiful embroidered bags , painted the Chinese character for "king" (wang) on their foreheads to drive away bad luck. The Dragon Boat Festival was also called "kids festival" in some places. Spending such happy hours with parents, young children began to understand the festival as well as the traditions and culture behind it. Repeating the customs year by year makes it possible for kids to learn the traditions, accept it and pass it on when they become adults. How many public holidays added by the central government in 2007?
<extra_id_0>2
<extra_id_1>3
<extra_id_2>4
<extra_id_3>only one
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<extra_id_5>People have strange ideas about food. In the 18th century, Americans never ate tomatoes. They grew them in their gardens because tomato plants are so pretty. But they thought the vegetable was poisonous . They called tomatoes "poison apples." President Thomas Jefferson, however, knew that tomatoes were good to eat. He was a learned man. He had been to Paris, where he learned to love the taste of tomatoes. He grew many kinds of tomatoes in his garden. The President taught his cook a way, for a cream of tomato soup . This beautiful pink soup was served at the President's next dinner party. The guests thought the soup tasted really good. They never thought their President would sever his dinner guests poison apples. Jefferson never spoke to his guests about the fact. Which of the following is true?
<extra_id_0>Americans never ate tomatoes after the 17th century.
<extra_id_1>Even now Americans don't eat tomatoes.
<extra_id_2>It was not until after the 18th century that Americans began to grow tomatoes for food.
<extra_id_3>Americans didn't eat tomatoes before the 19th century.
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<extra_id_5>Most recently, it's very common in students who need a parent present for job interviews. Naturally, it's easy to blame the students in these situations, but the bigger problem is us. We--as parents--are so eager to protect our kids that we fail to realize that this in itself is harming them. As the mother of two young sons, I have to remind myself all the time that the biggest responsibility I have as a parent is to help them develop the skills needed to live in, to live without me. So, I'll let them fail. I'll let them fail because as long as they are safe and warm inside their comfort zones, they will never grow. And failure--along with loss, heartbreak, disappointment, etc.--will be part of growth for them. Call me the anti-tiger mom, but leaving them alone is my way of helping them become equipped to fit in this world as we know it today. From terrorism and seemingly endless natural disasters, to our national debt and beyond, if we expect the next generation to stand up to the very real problems of our time, we need to stop feeding them and start teaching them how to fish. My children are faced with hard situations in their own life almost each day, but they try to negotiate everything now. It's a small price to help them learn a skill they'll use for the rest of their lives, including when I don't come with them on job interviews. According to the author, what is helpful to kids' development?
<extra_id_0>Protecting them.
<extra_id_1>Keeping them safe.
<extra_id_2>Leaving them alone.
<extra_id_3>Blaming them.
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<extra_id_5>These days, there's a popular cartoon named happy sheep and gray wolf. It's an excellent Chinese cartoon, which tells the stories of happy sheep and gray wolf. The poor gray wolf is always trying hard to catch the sheep, but the sheep could always run away from the danger. The sheep are so clever and lovely that the cartoon gets all the children's love. At the same time, the cartoon is full of humor. The children could learn more knowledge and enjoyment from it. The cartoon is shown repeatedly on many TV channels.The Zhejiang Channel broadcasts the cartoon on weekends and the vacations; the Sichuan Channel broadcasts the cartoon for an hour in the evening; the Shandong Channel broadcasts it in the morning, while CCTV-3 broadcasts it at noon every day. On one hand, the cartoon gets the children's love because the happy sheep is really clever. He always has a way to work out any problem and save his friends. What's more , there're many things about happy sheep and gray wolf, such as the books, the toys, the pencil-box, the clothings, and so on. Children are happy to buy them. On the other hand, many adults also like the cartoon, for the gray wolf is regarded as the perfect husband with skills and effort. He invents many things just to catch a sheep for his wife. Though he is often hit by his wife, he always makes her happy without complaining . We can learn more from the cartoon, including the skills, the stories, the details, the humor, and so on. We could see the humor of Chinese type during the cartoon. But I don't like its being shown so often. It may make the children spend more time on watching TV and it is bad for their health and study. Why do many adults also like the cartoon Happy Sheep and Gray Wolf?
<extra_id_0>Because they like men like gray wolf.
<extra_id_1>Because they are still young.
<extra_id_2>Because they want to make their children happy.
<extra_id_3>Because there are many things about the happy sheep and the gray wolf.
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<extra_id_5>Jane is only four years o1d and she doesn't go to school. But she is very clever and learns a lot from her grandpa--an old teacher. One day, Jane's mother, Mrs John takes her to a party. The guests all praise a rich woman's son. Mrs John asks him a few questions, but his answers are wrong. Jane begins to laugh. The rich woman is angry. She te11s her friend--a teacher to ask Jane some questions, but the little girl answers all. Then she asks, ''There are three birds in a tree. How many will be left if I kill one?" "One" answers Jane. "You're wrong!" calls out the rich woman. "All of them will fly away","Do you think a dead bird can fly?"asks the little girl. The guests begin to 1augh and the woman's face turns red. Who do you think is clever in the story?
<extra_id_0>Mrs John and the guests.
<extra_id_1>The woman's son.
<extra_id_2>Jane.
<extra_id_3>The rich woman.
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<extra_id_5>Have you ever wondered what a Degree might be worth to you in your job or career? It means a lot. Americans with an Associate Degree average nearly $10,000 more in yearly earnings than those with just a High School Diploma. Harcourt Learning Direct offers you a way to get a Specialized Associate Degree in 11 of today's growing fields - without having to go to college full-time. With Harcourt, you study at home, in your spare time so you don't have to give up your present job while you train for a better one. Choose from exciting majors like Business Management, Accounting, Dressmaking & Design, Bookkeeping, Photography, Computer Science, Engineering, and more! Your training includes everything you need! Books, lessons, learning aids---even professional-quality tools and equipment --- everything you need to master your training and move ahead to a new career is included in the low tuition price you pay. Your education is nationally recognized! Nearly 2,000 American companies --- including General Electric, IBM, Mobil, General Motors, Ford, and many others --- have used our training for their employees. If companies like these recognize the value of our training, you can be sure that employers in your area will, too! Earn your degree in as little as two years! Get a career diploma in just six months! The career of your dreams is closer than you think! Even if you have no experience before, you can get valuable job skills in today's hottest fields! Step-by-step lessons make learning easy. Prepare for promotions, pay raises, or even start a business of your own. Send today for FREE information about Harcourt at-home training! Simply fill in your name and address on the coupon above. Then, write in the name and number of the program you're most interested in, and mail it today. We'll rush your free information about how you can take advantage of the opportunities. In the field you've chosen. Act today! Mail coupon today! Or call the number below 1-800-372-1589. Call anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. www.harcourt-learning.com E-mail: Harcourt@learning.com How can you contact Harcourt Learning Direct?
<extra_id_0>By visiting the office on weekdays.
<extra_id_1>By sending an e-mail.
<extra_id_2>By making a call on weekdays only.
<extra_id_3>By sending a letter not later than today.
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<extra_id_5>My parents have always raised me to be very money-conscious, so I guess, in that sense, they are rather untraditional. Since I was a little girl, if I ever wanted to purchase anything, my parents would sternly remind me of the value of every cent, prompting me to spend my pocket money only when necessary. My mom actually came up with a system that we strictly abide by in regards to money-spending. She gives me a certain amount of allowance every month, and whenever I buy anything with my accumulated money, I keep track of my receipts and record it in a little notebook, essentially a tiny version of my mom's own accounting booklet. Being in control of my own money has really taught me to be careful in how I spend my money, giving me a sense of responsibility and ownership over it. As for earning money, aside from my allowance, my parents never really encouraged me to go out and find a job at typical American occupation locales , such as restaurants or clothing stores. Instead, they would prefer that I spend my time focusing on my schoolwork, which I guess is where my parents become more traditional. Yet I still earn money here and there in little jobs, such as teaching students at my school, and of course, writing for the paper. Though I have several friends already working, I am pretty happy with my current situation. I am able to focus on my studies, all the while earning quite a bit of money, and also learning monetary skills that are _ to survival in the real world, and for that I am grateful. We can know that the author from the passage _ .
<extra_id_0>loves a little notebook
<extra_id_1>likes spending money
<extra_id_2>needs working at restaurants
<extra_id_3>satisfies the current situation
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<extra_id_5>Try and see inside your mind a wide open blue sky and a wide green sea far away. Breathe in as you circle your hands high above your head, then bend back a little. Breathe out as you circle your arms back down to your sides..." Following the yoga teacher's gentle instructions, Bai Yunuo,15, from the High School attached to Beijing Normal University tried to get each of her poses correct. Bai's school offered 24 elective courses for Senor 1 students this term and she chose two. It was her first yoga class. "I'm happy that I can learn yoga at school. I love dancing but I had some injuries on my knees when I was a kid. So I decide to try something soft. Simply stretching into different poses makes me feel free and quiet. And the music is quite comforting. The class is relaxing after a whole day's work," Bai said. Liu Zehao,15, found his interest was Junior Achievement . The course brought students into the real world of business. In their first class, Liu and his group members named their company "Vision". Liu was elected as CEO of the company. "Here we learn to think like an adult. We have to make our company get more money. It's new and different from other courses," he said. Liu and Bai take their elective courses twice a week with students from other classes who share the same interest. The students will get two credits from each course at the end of this term. They have to achieve eight credit points from electives to graduate from high school. If you are interested in more about elective courses, please CLICK HERE to register for general elective courses. What can be inferred from the passage?
<extra_id_0>Bai does not like dancing.
<extra_id_1>Yoga is softer than dancing.
<extra_id_2>Students study hard for credits.
<extra_id_3>The elective courses are easy.
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<extra_id_5>The morning was cold and clear. A yellow bus came around the corner and stopped near a wood . A coach asked the students to get off the bus. Girls began to gather by the starting line. One of them is a young, little girl. She had prepared for this running race for the whole summer. She looked around at the other girls, noticing how she was different. There was a break in the silence, and everyone started to run. After about twenty-five minutes, every runner finished the race except the girl. She was still running for the next forty minutes. As she came near the finishing line, she saw her parents, classmates and the coach. They shouted her name and told her not to stop until the end. The sweat was flowing down her face. She kept on running until she crossed the line. I was that girl, and that was the first time I had finished a cross-country race . Finishing this race made me realize that I could do anything with my own strength. After that, I took more hard work to practice running. I was not a natural-born runner, but I want to become one. I continued to struggle with every run. Now I run much faster than before and become more and more confident. I am so thankful for running because it has helped make me who I am today. The writer finished her first cross-country race in about _ minutes.
<extra_id_0>20
<extra_id_1>25
<extra_id_2>40
<extra_id_3>65
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<extra_id_5>A child, who has once got interested in a tale, likes, as a rule, to have it retold in almost the same words, but this should not lead parents to treat printed fairy stories as formal texts. It is always much better to "tell" a story than just "read" it out of a book, and, if a parent can produce his own as an improvement on the printed text, according to his child's actual situation, so much the better. There is a charge made against some fairy tales, as they probably harm children by frightening them or leaving them sad feelings. To prove it, an experiment has been done to show that children who have heard terrible fairy stories often feel more uneasy than those who have not. As for fears, there are some cases where children get timid by some fairy story. Often, however, this arises from the child having heard the story once. Familiarity with the story by repetition may weaken the pain of fear. There are also people who object to fairy stories on the grounds that the stories are not objectively true, and that those giants, witches, two-headed dragons, magic carpets etc. do not really exist, so children should be taught to learn the reality by studying history, instead of being got fond of the strange side in fairy tales. Those, who prefer to create such stories, are so peculiar that it is hard to argue with them. If their creative exaggeration were _ , the world should be full of mad men attempting to fly from New York to Philadelphia on a stick or covering a telephone with kisses in the belief that it was their beloved girl-friend. Not once is a fairy story ever declared to be a description of the real world, but not every child is clever enough to be aware of it. Parents should choose their children's "bed-time" reading materials with much care. Only the fairy stories containing positive effect will make a clever and caring child with rich imagination. The author mentions "sticks" and "telephones" to prove that _ .
<extra_id_0>fairy stories are all made up
<extra_id_1>fairy tales lead to misunderstanding
<extra_id_2>children are cheated by old stories
<extra_id_3>there is more concern for children
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<extra_id_5>A robot is a computer-controlled machine that is programmed to move and handle objects. Robots are able to perform repetitive tasks more quickly, cheaply, and accurately than humans. In 1995, about 700,000 robots were used-including over 500,000 in Japan, about 120,000 in Western Europe, and about 60,000 in the United States-all in the industrialized world. Many robots applications are designed for tasks that are either dangerous or unpleasant for human beings. Now, robotic technology can be used in more and more fields. Experts say in the future robots will be able to make new highways, constructsteel frameworks of buildings, clean sewage , and such physical work. Besides, another possibility is the development of robotic technology in medical surgery operations. Perhaps the greatest changes in future robots will improve from their increasing ability to reason. The field of artificial intelligence is moving rapidly from university labs to practical application in industry, and machines of a new kind of robots are being developed, _ can perform something involved in the process of understanding and planning, such as the management of a battlefield. Even the control of a large factory will be performed by intelligent computers. And there might be a possibility that these computers can design and make robots of their own. Is there anything dangerous involved in this artificial intelligence progress then? Robot technology has been making people nervous ever since it was invented. Is it unreasonable to worry that robots will someday become too clever? Is it impossible that these human-like robots will start to think and plan for themselves? Will robots take over the world and force humans to give them energy to survive? Which of the following makes people worried most?
<extra_id_0>Future robotic technology might cause dangers.
<extra_id_1>Future robotic technology might make people too clever.
<extra_id_2>Future robotic technology might help to do all dangerous jobs.
<extra_id_3>Future robotic technology might not survive because of its shortage of energy.
<extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>At the World Expo Shanghai 2010, you will be able to see the world in just one day. The World Expo (short for "exposition") is the third largest world event after the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup. Countries build pavilions at the Expo, showing off technologies and cultures with colorful exhibitions and performances. People can experience the most advanced technologies at the World Expo. Throughout history, many new inventions have made their debuts at the World Expo, including the TV, telephone and even the ice cream cone. But the Expo is not just a trade fair . It's a platform for cultural exchange, bringing people closer to the rest of the world. For example, at the Shanghai Expo, couples may be able to marry in French-style weddings at the France Pavilion. Thailand will let visitors walk into its emperor's palace. Visitors to the Austria Pavilion will have the chance to experience the snow-capped mountains of the country. Many countries have also decided to bring their national treasures to the event. Since the 1993 Expo in Chicago, the World Expo began to focus on one theme. It changed from a show into a community event. Visitors are invited to help solve global issues, such as environmental problems. The theme of the Shanghai Expo is "Better city, better life". It will call on the world to solve the problems human beings face as a result of urbanization . In the future, more and more people may care about protecting the places they live in. What is the theme of the Shanghai Expo?
<extra_id_0>One world, one dream.
<extra_id_1>Better world, better life.
<extra_id_2>Better city, better life.
<extra_id_3>One world, one family.
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<extra_id_5>Losing weight comes with a lot of health benefits--including making your brain sharper. Yes, it turns out that overweight may damage cognitive functions such as memory and attention. There have been few studies of overweight and cognitive functioning, possibly because it is generally believed that it is not a primary risk cause for poor cognitive performance. Losing weight, therefore, may help improve these mental functions, according to a new research led by John Gunstad, assistant professor of psychology at Kent State University. Growing evidence suggests that being fat is linked to cognitive deficits . So Gunstad and his team guessed that losing weight might improve mental function. For their study, they measured memory and attention in a group of 150 overweight participants, some of whom had some kind of operation for weight loss and some did not. All of the volunteers completed mental skills tests to assess their abilities of memory and attention at the beginning of the study, and again 12 weeks later. To begin with, about 24% of the patients showed damaged learning and 23% showed signs of poor memory when tested. At the end of the study, those who had lost weight after operation improved their scores into the average or above average range for cognitive functions. Scores for the volunteers who didn't lose weight dropped even further. The study helped Gunstad to find out whether losing weight had any effect on mental function. Now that he's seen the positive effect that weight loss can have on memory and attention, he says he will next study those who choose to lose weight by the traditional way--eating healthier and getting more active. He expects that losing weight in this way will have a similarly positive effect on the brain. "If we can improve the condition with operations, then we can probably produce the same change with behavioral weight loss as well," he says. Which of the following is the best title for th e text?
<extra_id_0>Body Weight and Health
<extra_id_1>Losing Weight by Operation
<extra_id_2>Ways to Improve Mental Functions
<extra_id_3>Losing Weight to S harpen Your MindD
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<extra_id_5>Swimming is one of those activities that can be learned early in life. Little children can learn to swim as soon as they walk. In fact, you need the same skills in walking as in swimming. However, I believe that five is the best age to learn. By five or six, a child knows fear of water, a very important thing to know. It's wise to be afraid, to recognize true danger. Young ones understand that the water can sometimes be very dangerous. To really benefit from swimming, every swimmer should learn, as soon as possible, these four basic strokes; butterfly, backstroke, Breaststroke, and crawl. I feel that one of these-the breaststroke-is different from the others, since some young swimmers use this stroke naturally, without any training. In swimming there are certain rules every swimmer should follow: 1). Never swim alone! No matter how good you are in the water, don't risk drowning by swimming alone. If you swim by yourself, with no life guards or friends with you, you may get into trouble. 2). Don't go beyond your abilities. Most swimmers know enough not to swim too far from the bank or the beach, Showing off by doing dangerous tricks is no good. Swim safely and you will continue to swim and alive. 3). Don't smoke. Swimming depends on a healthy body; good lungs are part of it. 4). Work at any activity that builds muscles. Little children can learn to swim as soon as _ .
<extra_id_0>they can talk
<extra_id_1>they are five or six years old
<extra_id_2>they have no fear of the water
<extra_id_3>they start walking
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<extra_id_5>Some kids start to drink alcohol at a young age. They think it is part of becoming an adult. They also think drinking is not that bad because so many people do it. They feel it is not as bad as taking drugs . It is easy for kids to get liquor by using fake identification . Parents may start to notice a change in their child's behavior if the child starts drinking. Kids who drink sometimes stop doing things they normally liked to do. They may keep telephone calls and meetings a secret and not want anybody to touch their things. They act moody and do not have the same eating and sleeping habits. Parents need to stay involved in their kids' lives. They should talk to their children about their problems to be aware of any changes. Parents can be the best protection. Children who get a lot of love can feel good about themselves. It helps them resist doing bad things even when other kids are doing them. Parents can also help set a good example by not drinking and driving. They can have firm rules in the home that everyone follows. Give the children good ideas on how to say "no" to drinking, even when they are at a party. Try not to overreact or panic if the child tries alcohol. How you handle it can affect their attitude. It may be helpful to talk to other parents about setting up curfews and rules about parties or other events. According to the passage, what changes may happen to the kids who start drinking?
<extra_id_0>Nothing serious will happen to them.
<extra_id_1>They keep the same eating and sleeping habits.
<extra_id_2>They can control their moods quite well.
<extra_id_3>Sometimes they act secretly.
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<extra_id_5>Scientists know that Earth is constantly changing. They are familiar with the processes that are repeated daily, monthly, and yearly. Which of these is a natural event that can be predicted to occur monthly?
<extra_id_0>volcanic eruptions
<extra_id_1>earthquake activity
<extra_id_2>phases of the moon
<extra_id_3>precipitation amounts
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<extra_id_5>Nicky Haywood, from Nottingham, was found guilty of travelling on an East Midlands train from Nottingham to Newstead without a ticket. The 27-year-old, who did not appear for his hearing at Nottingham Magistrates Court , is now being made to pay the price --- which is almost 200 times the original price ---- for the 20 minute journey. According to the Nottingham Post, Magistrates have ordered Haywood to pay a $ 220 fine, $ 302 in costs, a $ 22 government surcharge and the $ 2.80 fare. Senior conductor, Yvonne Clay was working on the day of the incident, according to the Nottingham Post. The newspaper reported that she said Haywood had got on the train without a ticket, though he had the chance to buy one from both vending machines and booking offices on the platform. She said:"He offered a Solo Electron card but we could not take that on the train. I informed him with a notice to pay. He gave his name and address and had 21 days to pay the fare." Even though he was given three weeks to pay the $ 2.80, a payment from Haywood was not received. How much should Nicky Haywood pay according to the court?
<extra_id_0>$2.80.
<extra_id_1>$544.
<extra_id_2>$550.
<extra_id_3>$546.8.
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<extra_id_5>The oldest and most common source of renewable energy known to man, biomass is one of the most important forms energy production in the United States and elsewhere. Since such a wide variety of biomass materials is everywhere --- from trees and grasses to agricultural and city --- life wastes ---biomass promises to play a continuing role in providing power and heat for millions of people around the world. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists(UCS), biomass is a kind of renewable energy source that produces no carbon dioxide , because the energy it contains comes from the sun. When plant matter is burned, it gives off the sun's energy. In this way, biomass serves as a sort of natural battery for storing the sun's energy. As long as biomass is produced continuously ---with only as much grown as is used-- the "battery" lasts forever. According to the Energy Information Administration, biomass has been one of the leading renewable energy sources in the United States for several years running through 2007, making up between 0.5 and 0.9 percent of the nation's total electricity supply. In 2008---although the numbers aren't all in yet---wind power probably took over first place because of the rapid development of wind farms across the country. Producing power from biomass helps reduce some 11 million tons of carbon dioxide each year. Some homeowners also try to make their own heat by using biomass materials. Such practice may save homeowner's money, but it also produces a lot of pollution. So, the best way is to encourage power plants to use it. Where does the text probably come from?
<extra_id_0>A research plan.
<extra_id_1>A science magazine
<extra_id_2>A book review.
<extra_id_3>A business report.
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<extra_id_5>Dayton operates a collection agency. He was trying to collect a $400 bill for medical services rendered to Pratt by Doctor. Dayton went to Pratt's house and when Martina, Pratt's mother, answered the door, Dayton told Martina he was there to collect a bill owed by Pratt. Martina told Dayton that because of her illness, Pratt had been unemployed for six months, that she was still ill and unable to work, and that she would pay the bill as soon as she could. Dayton, in a loud voice, demanded to see Pratt and said that if he did not receive payment immediately, he would file a criminal complaint charging her with fraud. Pratt, hearing the conversation, came to the door. Dayton, in a loud voice, repeated his demand for immediate payment and his threat to use criminal process. If Pratt asserts a claim against Dayton, based on infliction of emotional distress, will Pratt prevail?
<extra_id_0>Yes, if Pratt suffered severe emotional distress as a result of Dayton's conduct.
<extra_id_1>Yes, unless the bill for medical services was valid and past due.
<extra_id_2>No, unless Pratt suffered physical harm as a result of Dayton's conduct.
<extra_id_3>No, if Dayton's conduct created no risk of physical harm to Pratt.
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<extra_id_5>Did you know that about 55% of communication is unspoken, so in fact, our bodies are actually saying more than our words. I find that the key to a successful conversation in any language is to speak to people not only in their spoken language but also with the body language they know best. Britain, along with much of Northern Europe, has a non-touch culture, so personal space is very important. In a formal situation, we would usually greet each other with a handshake. Informally, but not so often, my British friends and I would greet with a hug. Hardly ever would we greet with a kiss on the cheek, let alone a hug and two kisses on the cheek![:||] Here in the south of Italy, and in many different parts of the world, both men and women greet with two kisses on the cheek, use a lot of hand signs and often touch each other. In other words, little personal space is left between people when communicating. At university, I have learnt to successfully communicate in spoken Italian. And since I moved to live with the local people, I have also started to pick up their body language. Sometimes, I find myself not knowing what hand signs to use when expressing myself. However, what I know for sure is that I would miss the opportunity to fully put myself in the Italian culture if I keep my personal space unbroken. Here are 5 body language tips in Italy; * Use different signs; head, arms and hands. * Use facial expressions. Always smile at people! It is said that smiling is the most powerful unspoken way to communicate friendliness. * Use eye contact , because "the eyes are the window to the soul." * Don't worry about personal space. Italians are a people who like to use the sense of touch, so moving away or keeping your distance may be considered as being unfriendly. * Touch. When meeting and leaving, always shake hands. The writer uses Britain and Italy as examples to show _ .
<extra_id_0>men and women greet in the same way
<extra_id_1>Italians are more friendly than the British people
<extra_id_2>keeping personal space is very important in any country
<extra_id_3>people in different countries use different body language
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<extra_id_5>(Published March 30, 2011)Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity might have a few mistakes--and Jake Barnett has set out to prove it. Between attending college classes at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and tutoring his fellow students, Jake is also working on a new theory about the creation of the universe. He happens to be 12 years old. From an early age, Jake showed an extraordinary interest in stars. When he was 3, his parents took him to a space observatory. He tried to learn as much as he could about astronomy. Jake's IQ measured remarkably high at 170. As a baby, Jake was found out with Asperser's syndrome, a form of autism . Autism causes difficulties in communication and social abilities. People with autism may also have strong interests--like Jake's interest in the stars at a young age. The symptoms of autism can range from mild to extremely severe. Asperser's is one of the milder forms of autism. Sometimes people with Asperser's, like Jake, develop extremely advanced skills in science, music or art. When Jake was in elementary school, his parents worried that the effects of his Asperser's were worsening. He became quiet. _ So a doctor recommended that Jake's parents let him study more advanced subjects, like math and physics. Jake's mother asked an astronomy professor to let Jake sit in on his class. Now, Jake studies advanced sciences like electromagnetic physics at IUPUI. But Jake thinks it's important to have a normal life too. He likes to play Guitar Hero with his friends and watch science fiction movies. He also enjoys playing classical music on the piano.But for Jake, studying physics is the most important thing. Jake's professor, John Ross, is working on getting a large sum of money for him to do research at the university. Doctors have said Jake's autism symptoms have lessened over time. Still, Jake proudly refers to himself as an "Aspy", or someone with Asperser's. In an interview with his university student newspaper, he said, "I think the autism is the reason I'm even at IUPUI." In the eyes of Jake, autism is something _ .
<extra_id_0>not worth worrying about
<extra_id_1>annoying
<extra_id_2>not necessary to know about
<extra_id_3>embarrassing
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<extra_id_5>If John wants to save a little every month, what can he do to help with his water bill?
<extra_id_0>dripping the sink at night
<extra_id_1>taking a bath twice a day
<extra_id_2>flushing the toilet more
<extra_id_3>repairing all his pipes
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<extra_id_5>Paper chromatography is a process used to separate mixtures of substances into their components. The components are carried by a mobile phase through a stationary phase made of absorbent paper. An investigation analyzed a sample of black ink to determine its components.Which property allows the components to separate?
<extra_id_0>the solubility of the components in the mobile phase
<extra_id_1>the evaporation rate of the components at a certain temperature
<extra_id_2>the magnetic property of the components
<extra_id_3>the thickness of the paper used as the stationary phase
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<extra_id_5>Once upon a time, there was a scholar who wanted to gain more knowledge each day even though he had already gained enough knowledge. One day, he came to visit a saint and wanted to be his student. The saint provided some tea. He slowly filled the scholar's cup: the cup was full, yet he kept pouring and pouring. The scholar burst out, "Stop! You can't add anything to something that's already full!" The saint set down the teapot and replied, "Exactly." Whether it's the silence between notes in music, or some open time in your schedule, you need space to act effectively. Yet most of us, myself included, tend to stuff as much as possible into whatever room is available-closets, schedules, budgets, relationships, and even the mind itself. However, some people know how to avoid overstuffing their life. For example, in Australia, it seemed that most people there operated at about 85% of their capacity ,unlike Americans pushing as close to 100% as possible. So when you run into Australians you know in the street, they have time to hang out and talk with you. Remember the cup: its value is in the space, the emptiness it holds. How to empty your "cup"? Be mindful of the element of space, openness , and emptiness in your life. This includes room in a drawer, the volume of air in a kitchen, and open-mindedness in a friend. Sometimes you're just stuck with a big bucket of tasks yet to do. But at least empty the bucket faster than you fill it with new tasks. Put some space between finishing one thing and staring another. For example, after sending one email, take a breath before replying to another one. Drop the stuff you can no longer afford to _ around. At sea level, you can run with a brick in your backpack, but if you're hiking on a mountain, that brick has got to go. What's the structure of the passage?
<extra_id_0>Example -advice- conclusion -story.
<extra_id_1>Topic- example -advice- story.
<extra_id_2>Story-topic -example-advice.
<extra_id_3>Reason -topic -advice -example.
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<extra_id_5>I believe that my country, Poland, is a perfect example for a place where food is particularly important. When we were little children, we began to understand how much a loaf of bread meant to our parents--to some it might sound silly but for me the custom of kissing bread before you started cutting it was simply amazing. It's not so common nowadays to treat food that way, since you hardly ever bake your own bread. Besides, everyone would call you crazy if you tried to kiss every bread roll before you ate them! But though we no longer make our food from scratch , some customs have been kept--that's why I feel so sorry every time I have to throw any food away--even though I no longer live with my parents and nobody would blame me for this anymore! Many people of our nation are still working as farmers, eating what they grow and harvest and therefore enjoying everything more. It's widely known that you value more anything that needs your effort in the first place. In most homes in Poland, especially those of farmers, the whole family would try and have their meals together--extremely difficult now, but so rewarding ! You can share other members' troubles and successes, give your children some attention, or just sit down for a moment instead of rushing through life aimlessly. Furthermore, your body, and stomach in particular will be very grateful for such a time! In Poland, a wedding, Christmas or even a birthday is celebrated with a great meal. Women in the house get together and cook, sometimes for a few days before the event, and the extremely good or unusual food will be remembered and widely talked about. You cannot over-value the importance of food in the country. What's more, almost everyone in Poland will be as interested in the topic as I am. The writer feels very sorry when he/she has to throw away any food because
<extra_id_0>he/she makes food from scratch
<extra_id_1>his/her parents would blame him/her
<extra_id_2>some customs still have effect on him/her
<extra_id_3>many people are still working hard as farmers
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<extra_id_5>It is obvious that television brings us not only advantages but also disadvantages . At first, television is both a convenient channel of amusement, and a ly cheap one. If we have a TV set in the family, we are not necessary to go to the cinema or theatre to enjoy programme with expensive tickets. All that they have to do is press a button with a finger, and they can watch all the programmes they like, such as TV talk shows , movies, opera and so on. But some people think of it as a danger. When we watch TV, we don't need to do anything . We do not even have to leave our sofa because we have a remote control in our hand. We don't need to make any judgment or statement about it. We are totally passive and don't use our head to think hard about some matters. As we all know, television keeps us informed about world events--including all the events in society, science and politics .We can get a good idea of the most remote countries and the strangest customs in their country. Of course the radio performs this service too, but the effect of the programme is not better than on the television. Everything we enjoy on the television is much more vivid and realistic. However, in turn there is a great danger. Usually we cannot resist the television screen, because it has a great harm for us. We have been so accustomed to enjoying the screen, so dependent on its pictures. But when our TV sets are out of order, we are surprised to find that we have much more time to do things. And at this time we actually begin to have a talk to each other again. It is really worth thinking. Of course the arguments about the advantages and disadvantages of television are on the go.We can not simply say television itself is good or bad. The truth is that how we use it determines its true value to our society. Television , as a channel of amusement , is _ .
<extra_id_0>not very convenient
<extra_id_1>ly cheap
<extra_id_2>quite dangerous
<extra_id_3>very expensive
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<extra_id_5>Art lovers around the world have thought about this question for so many years: what is the secret behind the Mona Lisa's smile? However, they can ask Mona Lisa herself in the interactive exhibition in Beijing. This exhibition brings the 500-year-old painting to life. Now Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting can move her head and wave her hand in 3D, and even answer questions. She can answer the questions about her life, her age and so on. But when she talks she doesn't speak Italian but Chinese like: "Da jia hao, wo jiao Mengna Lisha. Hen gao xing jian dao ni men." The new, digital picture of Mona Lisa is the center piece of the World Classic Interactive Arts Exhibition in Beijing. You can also see other world-famous paintings such as Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper. Last Supper is another picture that they made alive with 3D. In this picture, Jesus can walk and talk with his believers . It took the organizer Wang Hui and over 400 digital artists in South Korea two years to make the picture, at a cost of around 50 million yuan. He says, "What's special about it is that it's the first time to use computer technology to make her speak and move." So what does the Mona Lisa say if you ask her why she is smiling? For many years art lovers all around the world have wondered _ .
<extra_id_0>why Mona Lisa smiled
<extra_id_1>who Mona Lisa lived with
<extra_id_2>how old Mona Lisa was
<extra_id_3>who Mona Lisa loved
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<extra_id_5>London has become a cycle friendly zone after the launch of a new bike hire scheme.It has been designed to encourage more people to cycle in and around central London. So how does it work?First you have to sign up to the scheme to be sent a key.The key will unlock one of the bikes,which are kept at docking stations in and around central London.You have to pay an access fee for the key and then you pay as you go,for the length of time you use the bike. Transport for London, which runs the scheme,are hoping to have 6,000 bikes and 400 docking stations in place by the end of the year.The new hire system is hoping to ease congestion in London and is expected to generate up to 40,000 extra cycle trips a day into the city centre. London Mayor Boris Johnston launched the scheme and said London had been "filled with thousands of gleaming machines that will transform the look and feel of our streets and become as common place on our roads as black cabs and red buses". However,there have been a few problems since the scheme was launched last Friday.On the first day some people found they couldn't dock their bike properly and their usage of the bike had not registered.Transport for London did admit they had been expecting a few "teething problems" and have said they wouldn't charge for the first day as a"gesture of goodwill".Some other people have criticized the lack of docking stations and locks for the bikes as well as the price it costs to hire the bicycles. Despite the comments,the green-thinking London Mayor still seems very positive about things,saying,"My campaign for the capital to become the greatest big cycling city in the world has taken a gigantic pedal-powered push forwards." .Which of the following is NOT the "teething problems" of the scheme?
<extra_id_0>People were unable to lock properly.
<extra_id_1>People could not dock the bikes properly.
<extra_id_2>People had no enthusiasm about the scheme.
<extra_id_3>It's too expensive for some people to hire a bike.
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<extra_id_2>
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<extra_id_5>Can you imagine living in the desert for a whole year, watching the activities of a group of busy ants? Deborah Gordon did exactly that. She finally found out that there were four main groups of workers in the ant team: cleaners, haulers , gatherers and security ants. Each group did their own job to finish the task of the whole team. Cleaner ants carried waste food from inside the nest to outside. Hauler ants walked on the top of the nest and cleared rubbish. Gatherer ants went out to find food for the whole team and security ants fought against anyone who wanted to hurt the members of the team. While she was watching the ants in the desert, Deborah found that the most interesting part was watching the ants dealing with difficulties, such as fighting against other insects that wanted to destroy their nest, or a big fire. At those moments, they would all stop what they were doing and go to help security ants to protect their home. What do we do when people around us meet difficulties? What have we done to turn our world into a better place? It's time to think. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
<extra_id_0>Cleaner ants carried waste food from outside the nest to the inside.
<extra_id_1>Gatherer ants went out to find food for themselves.
<extra_id_2>Each group did their own job when meeting difficulties.
<extra_id_3>There were some other insects that wanted to destroy their nest.
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<extra_id_5>Pairs, Jan. 11--- An armored car robbery last night ended in a wild gunbattle that two men dead and a hostage seriously wounded. The drama began when an armored car carrying the contents of safety boxes to a bank was struck by a large truck, police said. The bank guards were helpless when the robbers jumped out of the truck and tied them. The robbers used heavy tools and explosives to break the armored car. A passing police car turned to look into the accident as the men were removing the contents of the armored car. Police said the three robbers fled on foot across a nearby highway. Stopping a private car driven by a teenaged girl, the three escaped for central Pairs with the police car in hot pursuit . A plain clothes policeman saw the car as it drove through the street of Lat in Quarter. The policeman tried to stop the car, but the thieves started shooting at him, witness said. The girl hostage tried to slip away. Just as she was crawling away from the car, she was hit by a bullet. Police said she was out of danger at Central Hospital. The gunmen gave up the car and got into a shop, pouring fire on more than 50 policemen that surrounded the building. After a wild gunbattle, police broke into the room. They only found two of the gunmen, both seriously wounded. The third thief was believed to have escaped with over $1.3 million in cash and jewellery. A plain clothes policeman is _ .
<extra_id_0>not a policeman but a soldier .
<extra_id_1>not a policeman but a gunman .
<extra_id_2>a policeman but he doesn't wear a uniform .
<extra_id_3>a robber .
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<extra_id_5>We've reached a strange--some would say unusual--point. While fighting world hunger continues to be the matter of vital importance according to a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO), more people now die from being overweight, or say, from being extremely fat, than from being underweight. It's the good life that's more likely to kill us these days. Worse, nearly l8 million children under the age of five around the world are estimated to be overweight. What's going on? We really don't have many excuses for our weight problems. The dangers of the problem have been drilled into us by public-health campaigns since 2001 and the message is getting through--up to a point. In the 1970s, Finland, for example, had the highest rate of heart disease in the world and being overweight was its main cause. Not any more. A public-health campaign has greatly reduced the number of heart disease deaths by 80 per cent over the past three decades. Maybe that explains why the percentage of people in Finland taking diet pills doubled between 2001 and 2005, and doctors even offer surgery of removing fat inside and change the shape of the body. That has become a sort of fashion. No wonder it ranks as the world's most body-conscious country. We know what we should be doing to lose weight--but actually doing it is another matter. By far the most popular excuse is not taking enough exercise. More than half of us admit we lack willpower. Others blame good food. They say: it's just too inviting and it makes them overeat. Still others lay the blame on the Americans, complaining that pounds have piled on thanks to eating too much American-style fast food. Some also blame their parents--their genes. But unfortunately, the parents are wronged because they're normal in shape, or rather slim. It's a similar story around the world, although people are relatively unlikely to have tried to lose weight. Parents are eager to see their kids shape up. Do as I say--not as I do. Why does the author think that people have no excuse for being overweight?
<extra_id_0>A lot of effective diet pills are available.
<extra_id_1>Body image has nothing to do with good food.
<extra_id_2>They have been made fully aware of its dangers.
<extra_id_3>There are too many overweight people in the world.
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<extra_id_5>Wanda, the neighborhood witch, was a good witch and had been one for about 221 years. Her fondest dream was to become a fairy godmother. She had been going to the Fairy Godmother Academy for 103 years, learning fairy godmother magic: how to turn pumpkins into coaches, how to make things vanish in clouds of smoke, even how to change mice into horses and footmen. Just that very morning the principal of the Academy had said Wanda was ready for her final test. She was to change the first animal she met into something else. The animal was to be so happy at becoming whatever it became that it would say, "Oh, happy day! I'm a..." If it did, Wanda would pass the test. She would become a fairy godmother, with a sparkling pink dress, a golden crown, and a magic wand tipped with a shining star. However, if she failed, she would have to start school all over again--all 103 years of it. "Good luck," the principal said as Wanda left the Academy. The very first animal Wanda bumped into was Charley, a little green frog who sat in a pond by the side of the road catching bugs with his long, sticky tongue and croaking "Baroomp! Baroomp!" When Charley saw Wanda he jumped onto a lily pad. "Hi," he cried. "Witch way are you going? Ha, ha. That's a joke, Wanda. 'Witch way are you going?' Get it?" "I get it, Charley," replied Wanda, "but it's not much of a joke. Anyway, I'm glad you're here. I have a surprise for you. You'll be so happy." Then, without even an "if you please," Wanda waved her wand, said a magic word, and poof ! Charley, the little green frog, turned into a prince! He was a handsome prince but a wet one. The lily pad had collapsed under his weight and dumped him into the water. Charley-turned-prince stood up and looked at his reflection in the water. "Hey!" he cried. "You turned me into a prince! It's a surprise all right, but I don't want to be a prince. I want to be a frog! Change me back right now!" "Oh, dear," Wanda said. "You know I don't like to be yelled at, Charley. Now you've made me forget the reverse spell. But who wouldn't rather be a prince than a frog?" "I wouldn't!" cried Charley. "I want to be a frog!" He stuck out his tongue, missing a bug flying by the end of his nose. "Look at that, Wanda! I was such a good fly catcher. And I had eyes on top of my head, too. I could see forward and backward and sideways all at once, but look at me now. With my eyes in front of my face, I can only see one direction at a time. I don't even have a castle, Wanda. What kind of prince is that? I'd really rather be a frog. Please change me back!" "I can't, Charley. But you'll learn to be happy as a prince. As for a castle, I can take care of that." She waved her wand, and suddenly a castle appeared by the banks of the pond. It had stone walls, oaken doors, and pennants waving from its turrets. "Your very own palace, Charley! You'll have servants, eat fancy foods and ice cream." "Bah!" Charley interrupted. "Who wants servants, or ice cream and fancy foods? I want bugs!" He stuck out his tongue and looked down his nose at it, cross-eyed. "This tongue is no good--it's too short!" he cried. "I can't even see it." Again Wanda waved her wand. "Look, Charley, musicians," she said. Out of the castle marched dozens of musicians blowing trumpets, tootling flutes, and banging drums. "See? Your own band. They'll play music, and you can sing and dance and snap your fingers to your heart's content." "I don't want to sing and dance!" Charley cried. "And why would I do something as silly as snapping my fingers?" "Snapping fingers!" exclaimed Wanda. "That's it, Charley. That's what I forgot!" She snapped her fingers, cried "Upsi-doodle!" and poof! The castle and musicians disappeared and the prince became a little green frog. Charley hopped onto a lily pad. He looked at himself in the water. "You did it, Wanda. Oh, happy day! I'm a frog." Wanda smiled and thought to herself, "So I have to go back to school for another 103 years. Who cares? Charley's happy, and that's what really counts." Well, it wasn't exactly 'Oh, happy day! I'm a prince,' but the principal of the Fairy Godmother Academy decided that 'Oh, happy day! I'm a frog' was close enough. Wanda hadn't thought about herself. She had only wanted to make Charley happy. Thinking about others was the most important thing fairy godmothers had to do. The principal waved her magic wand. Look! Wanda the Witch became Wanda the Fairy Godmother...sparkling pink dress, magic wand with a star, and all. How did Wanda turn the prince back to a frog?
<extra_id_0>By waving her wand with a star
<extra_id_1>By snapping her fingers and saying some words
<extra_id_2>by crying "Upsi-doodle!" and a poof
<extra_id_3>By blowing trumpets, tootling flutes, and banging drums
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<extra_id_5>Bad news sells. If it bleeds, it leads. No news is good news, and good news is no news. Those are the classic rules for the evening broadcasts and the morning papers. But now that information is being spread and monitored in different ways, researchers are discovering new rules. By tracking people's e-mails and online posts, scientists have found that good news can spread faster and farther than disasters and sob stories. "The 'if it bleeds' rule works for mass media", says Jonah Berger, a scholar at the University of Pennsylvania. "They want your eyeballs and don't care how you're feeling. But when you share a story with your friends, you care a lot more how they react. You don't want them to think of you as a Debbie Downer." Researchers analyzing word-of-mouth communication--e-mails, Web posts and reviews, face-to-face conversations--found that it tended to be more positive than negative, but that didn't necessarily mean people preferred positive news. Was positive news shared more often simply because people experienced more good things than bad things? To test for that possibility, Dr. Berger looked at how people spread a particular set of news stories on The New York Times' website. He and a Penn colleague analyzed the "most e-mailed" list for six months. One of his first findings was that articles in the science section were much more likely to make the list than non-science articles. He found that science amazed Times' readers and made them want to share this positive feeling with others. Readers also tended to share articles that were exciting or funny, or that inspired negative feelings like anger or anxiety, but not articles that left them merely sad. They needed to be aroused one way or the other, and they preferred good news to bad. The more positive an article, the more likely it was to be shared, as Dr. Berger explains in his new book, "Contagious: Why Things Catch On." What do the classic rules mentioned in the text apply to?
<extra_id_0>News reports.
<extra_id_1>Research papers.
<extra_id_2>Private e-mails.
<extra_id_3>Daily conversations.
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<extra_id_5>A man had seven sons, who were always quarreling. They left their studies and work, to quarrel among themselves. Some bad men were looking forward to the death of their father, to cheat them out of their property by making them quarrel about it. The good old man, one day, called his sons around him. He laid before them seven sticks, which were tied together. He said, "I will pay a hundred dollars to the one who can break this bundle ." Each one tried their best to break the bundle. After a long but useless efforts, they all said that it could not be done. "And yet, my boys," said the father, "nothing is easier to do." He then untied the bundle, and broke the sticks, one by one, with perfect ease. "Ah!" said his sons, "It is easy enough to do it so; anybody could do it in that way." Their father replied, "As it is with these sticks, so it is with you, my sons. So long as you hold fast together and help each other, you will be much richer, and none can harm you. "But if the brotherhood bundle is broken, it will happen to you just as it has to these sticks, which lie there broken on the ground." Home, city, country, all are property found, When they hold tightly together. Why was the old man able to break the sticks?
<extra_id_0>Because his sons helped him to do so.
<extra_id_1>Because he was strong enough to do so.
<extra_id_2>Because he was wise enough to untie the bundle.
<extra_id_3>Because the sticks were no longer as strong as before.
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<extra_id_5>Invitation to a going-away party Wednesday, 17 May Dear Lucy and Jack, You are invited to a farewell for the "White family's visit to Africa". Departure Date:6 July The best part of their big adventure to Africa will be when they come face-to-face with lions, elephants, crocodiles and other African wildlife. They have always wanted to do this. Party given by: Mr. and Mrs. White, Eric and Tom Date: Saturday, 8 June. Time: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm Place: 12 Gold Street, New Town, Sydney Reply by: Thursday, 4 June Phone: 6457226 Food and drinks will be prepared at the party. The party will take place on _ .
<extra_id_0>17 May
<extra_id_1>8 June
<extra_id_2>4 June
<extra_id_3>6 July
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<extra_id_5>People usually talk about two groups of colors: warm colors and cool colors. Scientists think that there are also two kinds of people: people who prefer warm colors and people who prefer cool colors. The warm colors are red, orange and yellow. Where there are warm colors and a lot of lights people usually want to be active. People think that red, for example, is exciting. Sociable people, those who like to be with others, like red. The cool colors are green, blue and violet. These colors, unlike warm colors, are relaxing. Where there are cool colors, people are usually quiet. People who like to spend time alone often prefer blue. Red may be exciting, but one scientist says that time seems to pass more slowly in a room with warm colors than in a room with cool colors. He says that a warm color, such as red or orange, is good color for a living room or restaurant. People who are resting or eating do not want time to pass quickly. Cool colors are better for offices or factories if the people who are working there want time to pass quickly. Why are offices and factories often colored in cool colors according to the scientist?
<extra_id_0>Because these colors can make time pass more quickly.
<extra_id_1>Because these colors can make people excited.
<extra_id_2>Because everybody likes white color.
<extra_id_3>Because working people can be more active.
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<extra_id_5>Today is Friday. Peter has six classes today. He goes to school at 7:30 a.m. At 8:00 a.m., he begins his first class. The first class is English. At 9:00 a.m., he has math. Peter likes math because it's interesting. At 10:00 a.m. she has a biology class. Peter thinks it's very boring. Then at 11:00 a.m., he has a history class. That's his favorite subject. He can learn a lot about the past from history. Peter has lunch at school at about 12:00. Then he has a short _ . At 1:30 p.m., he has a music class. At 2:30 p.m., he has a P.E. class. Peter likes this afternoon, because music and P.E. are easy and interesting. School is over at 4:00 p.m. Peter is happy because he can go home and have a good time on Saturday and Sunday. ,. Which is true ?
<extra_id_0>Peter gets up at 7:30 in the morning.
<extra_id_1>Peter thinks math is difficult and boring.
<extra_id_2>Peter doesn't have lunch at home on weekdays.
<extra_id_3>Peter is not happy on Friday afternoon.
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<extra_id_5>Welcome to the Ambassador Hotel. To make your stay as enjoyable as possible, we hope you will use our facilities to the full. _ Breakfast is served in the dining mom from 8 to 9:30 a.m.. Alternatively, the room staff will bring a breakfast tray to your room at any time after 7 a.m., if you place an order for it by telephone. In this case, please fill out a card and hang it outside your door when you go to bed. Lunch: 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. Dinner: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Telephone:48752 _ This operates 24 hours a day. Phone the Reception Desk, and your message will be passed on to the room staff. Telephone:48759 _ To make a telephone call, dial 0 for Reception and Laundry , and ask to be connected. We apologize for delays in putting calls through when the staff are very busy. There are also public telephone booths near the Reception Desk. Early calls should be booked with Reception. _ The hotel shop is open for souvenirs , gifts and toiletries from 9 a.m. to 5:30p.m. Telephone:48687 _ We have a laundry on the premises and will wash, iron and return your clothes within 24 hours. Ask the room staff to phone the laundrymen to collect them. Telephone:48867 _ The hotel bar is open from 12 to 2 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.. The Reception staff will cash cheques and exchange money in many foreign currencies . The card in a bedroom of the hotel is announced that _ .
<extra_id_0>you should keep silence when walking past the room
<extra_id_1>the passenger of the room is taking a rest
<extra_id_2>the waiters mustn't enter the room
<extra_id_3>any visitors won't bother the hotel guest
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<extra_id_5>When Peng Liyuan stepped off the plane in Moscow, the whole world wanted to know who dressed the elegant first lady. The reporter released the secret--Ma Ke. Peng Liyuan has been wearing Ma Ke's designs for more than a decade, a fact that was only highlighted recently when she was on her first state visit, accompanying her husband President Xi Jinping. The elegant and attractive Peng, formerly a popular singer, has been compared with the US' first lady Michelle Obama and France's Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, since stepping off the airplane in Moscow on March 22. Suddenly, everyone was curious to know more about the first lady's wardrobe. Even so, Ma prefers a low-key approach. _ she says of all the media attention. Ma's relationship with Peng began 10 years ago after a concert in Guangzhou when a reporter told Peng she knew the designer behind the label Exception de Mixmind. Peng asked for an introduction because she was a fan of Ma's designs and had been wearing them for years. The two naturally became friends. Ma says, "The painting reflects the painter, and clothes reflect both the designer and the wearer. Someone desires fame and wealth, or love and sympathy; what you have in your heart is reflected in the design. Those who don't share my philosophy won't buy my clothes. Peng is a caring person, devoted to charity and environmental protection, which is exactly what I'm doing now." However, regardless of the brand, Peng's support of Chinese labels has surprised millions of Chinese who favor foreign fashion brands. "Instead she presented a vision of Chinese fashion, desiring to bring Chinese designers to the world stage," says a western designer. The first lady's double-breasted coat and her black leather handbag aren't available at any of Exception's shops, though Exception's physical stores do have seen a rising number of visitors. Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the passage?
<extra_id_0>Peng wears the dress designed by a Chinese designer probably to support Chinese brands.
<extra_id_1>Many citizens found Peng Liyuan's choice quite unexpected.
<extra_id_2>Black leather handbags like Peng's are widely sold in bag stores in big cities.
<extra_id_3>After Peng Liyuan's visit to Moscow Ma Ke's clothes became more popular.
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<extra_id_5>The Blacks are American tourists. They visits now in Beijing. This is their first visit to China. They are going to stay in China for three months. They want to visit some big cities and villages. They hope to learn some Chinese, too. Mr Black is a taxi driver. He likes to drive in Beijing. Mrs Black is a school teacher. She is visiting a city school today and a village school tomorrow. Their daughter is a middle school student. She is going to meet some Chinese students. They are taking a lot of pictures in China. When they return to America, they are going to show the pictures to their friends. They want the American people to know more about China. Mr Black is _ .
<extra_id_0>a teacher
<extra_id_1>a doctor
<extra_id_2>a taxi driver
<extra_id_3>a worker
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<extra_id_5>One day a poor man was cutting a big piece of wood near a river. Suddenly his old axe fell into the water. He felt very sad because he lost his only axe. Then all at once a beautiful fairy came out and asked the man what the was matter. "I have lost my axe." he said, "It fell into the water when I was cutting the wood." The fairy showed him a gold axe and asked, "Is that yours?" "No." said the man. The fairy then showed him a silver axe and asked again, "Is this yours?" "No." again answered the man. Then she showed him the old axe. "Yes, that is mine." called out the happy man. "I know it well enough." said the fairy, "I only wanted to see if you would tell me the truth, and now I'll give you the gold axe and the silver axe besides your own one." ,. One day , when the poor man was cutting wood near the river , _ .
<extra_id_0>He fell into the water.
<extra_id_1>His old axe fell into the water.
<extra_id_2>He met a young man .
<extra_id_3>He found an axe.
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<extra_id_5>This is the letter that Mr. White wrote before his death about his three books for children: Dear Reader: I receive many letters from children and can't answer them all -- there wouldn't be time enough in a day. That is why I am sending you this printed reply to your letter. I'll try to answer some of the questions that are commonly asked. Where did I get the idea for Stuart Little and for Charlotte's Web? Well, many years ago I went to bed one night in a railway sleeping car, and during the night I dreamed about a tiny boy who acted rather like a mouse. That's how the story of Stuart Little got started. As for Charlotte's Web, I like animals and my barn is a very pleasant place to be, at all hours. One day when I was on my way to feed the pig, I began feeling sorry for the pig because, like most pigs, he was doomed to die. This made me sad. So I started thinking of ways to save a pig's life. I had been watching a big grey spider at her work and was impressed by how clever she was at weaving. Gradually I worked the spider into the story that you know, a story of friendship and salvation on a farm. Three years after I started writing it, it was published. (I am not a fast worker, as you can see.) Sometimes I'm asked how old I was when I started to write, and what made me want to write. I started early -- as soon as I could spell. In fact, I can't remember any time in my life when I wasn't busy writing. I don't know what caused me to do it, or why I enjoyed it, but I think children often find pleasure and satisfaction is trying to set their thoughts down on paper, either in words or in pictures. I was no good at drawing, so I used words instead. As I grew older, I found that writing can be a way of earning a living. Some of my readers want me to visit their school. Some want me to send a picture, or an autograph, or a book. And some ask questions about my family and my animals and my pets. Much as I'd like to, I can't go visiting. I can't send books, either -- you can find them in a bookstore or a library. Many children assume that a writer owns (or even makes) his own books. This is not true -- books are made by the publisher. If a writer wants a copy, he must buy it. That's why I can't send books. And I do not send autographs(,) -- I leave that to the movie stars. I live most of the year in the country, in New England. From our windows we can look out at the sea and the mountains. I live near my married son and three grandchildren. Are my stories true, you ask? No, they are imaginary tales, containing fantastic characters and events. In real life, a family doesn't have a child who looks like a mouse; in real life, a spider doesn't spin words in her web. In real life, a swan doesn't blow a trumpet(,) . But real life is only one kind of life -- there is also the life of the imagination. And although my stories are imaginary, I like to think that there is some truth in them, too -- truth about the way people and animals feel and think and act. Yours sincerely, E.B. White What does the author do?
<extra_id_0>a writer
<extra_id_1>a reporter
<extra_id_2>a doctor
<extra_id_3>a teacher
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<extra_id_5>Americans love dogs, all types of dogs: small dogs, big dogs, lapdogs . Each year, people spend billions of dollars on their four-legged pals, making sure the lovable dogs have enough food to eat and lots of toys to play with. Dogs love people, too. They lick their faces, protect their homes. Where did these four-legged companions come from? Some scientists believe that they have found the answer. Scientists have long known that dogs evolved from wolves. Exactly when the transformation from wolf to dog actually took place, however, remains a mystery. Some said dogs evolved as a separate species 135,000 years ago in two parts of the world. One group of dogs developed in Europe and Asia from Asian wolves. The other group evolved in North, Central, and South America from American wolves. Now researchers say those theories are wrong. New studies suggest that _ dogs first appeared 15,000 years ago in eastern Asia. Scientists also say that every modern dog descended from approximately five female Asian wolves, the mother of all modern dogs. Scientists suspect dogs first set paws in North America by following settlers across a land bridge that once linked northern Asia and North America. The best title for this story might be _ .
<extra_id_0>Why Cats Don't Like Dogs
<extra_id_1>Barking up the Wrong Tree
<extra_id_2>Love Me, Love My Dog
<extra_id_3>Going from Wolf to Dog
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<extra_id_5>An affordable housing law passed three years ago promises a possible supply of below-market-rate homes, but has failed to encourage increased housing production and is unlikely to affect prefix = st1 /San Francisco's poorest families. Barbara, 44, who came to The City in 1970, have been trying to pick herself up from the bottom, where she and her children started out with just the clothes on their backs-through the kindness of others they got by. They were last homeless in 1999. Since then, Barbara has worked hard to keep from returning to the streets and the shelters, taking advantage first of transitional housing, then a rent assistance, and studying for a job as a nursing assistant and a home health aide. However the cost for housing has made it difficult for her to _ . She can't afford proper housing. Even an improper shelter costs as much as $ 1,200 for rent. She has to spend every night in a dining room. In this respect, she is not alone. There are hundreds of thousands of San Franciscans who are in the same boat with her. Since 2000, she's been providing health care in the homes of charity , and relying on an assistance program to pay the rent for her two-bedroom apartment in the Lower Height. A few months ago she lost her full-time job due to budget cuts, just as she had hoped to get a permanent post that would allow her to cover her $ 1,700 monthly rent. Now she works three or four hour shifts six days a week for $ 10.50 an hour, taking the bus around from client to client and worrying that in February, when her rent assistance is gone, she could end up on the streets with her family again. The passage suggests that _ .
<extra_id_0>Barbara would be homeless again
<extra_id_1>Barbara is a lazy person
<extra_id_2>Barbara could not live without help
<extra_id_3>Barbara is out of work now
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<extra_id_5>Barditch High School decided to an All-School Reunion. Over 450 people came to the event. There were tours of the old school building and a picnic at Confederate Park. Several former teachers were on hand to tell stories about the old days. Ms. Mabel Yates, the English teacher for fifty years, was wheeled to the Park. Some eyes rolled and there were a few low groans when Ms.Yates was about to speak. Many started looking at their watches and coming up with excuses to be anywhere instead of preparing to listen to a lecture from an old woman who had few kind words for her students and made them work harder than all the other teachers combined. Then Ms. Yates started to speak: "I can't tell you how pleased I am to be here. I haven't seen many of you since your graduation, but I have followed your careers and enjoyed your victories as well as crying for your tragedies. I have a large collection of newspaper photographs of my students. Although I haven't appeared in person, I have attended your college graduations, weddings and even the birth your children, in my imagination." Ms. Yates paused and started crying a bit. Then she continued: "It was my belief that if I pushed you as hard as I could, some of you would succeed to please me and others would succeed to annoy me. Regardless of our motives, I can see that you have all been successful in you chosen path." "There is no greater comfort for an educator than to see the end result of his or her years of work. You have all been a great source of pleasure and pride for me and I want you to know I love you all from the bottom of my heart." There was a silence over the crowd for a few seconds and then someone started clapping. Tee clapping turned into cheering, then into a deafening roar . Lawyers, truck drivers, bankers and models were rubbing their eyes or crying openly with no shame all because of the words from a long forgotten English teacher from their hometown. What was Ms.Yates' belief in teaching teenagers?
<extra_id_0>Teachers' knowledge is the key to students' achievements.
<extra_id_1>Pressure on students from teachers should be reduced.
<extra_id_2>Hard-pushed students are more likely to succeed.
<extra_id_3>Students' respect is the best reward for teachers.
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<extra_id_5>For many girls, having long beautiful hair is something to beproud of. Rachel Barrett, 15, recently cut her long hair and lookedlike a boy. But she was also proud of herself. She donated herhair to a charity and raised a lot of money.Barrett is a middle school student in Britain. On Nov. 16 at her school's talent contest, Barrett had her hair cut off in front of around 300 students. The hair would be used to make wigs for children with cancer. She has raised several thousand pounds and the money will help people with breast cancer . Barrett got the idea when she visited her friend's mom with cancer. "All of her hair had fallen out, and it really made me want to do something," Barrett said. When she found out that the charity Little Princess Trust could make wigs for children with cancer, she decided to donate her own hair, even though she loved it. "I saw how sad it was for my friend's mom to lose her hair. So if my hair can go to help a young child with cancer then it's worth it," she said. Cath Stanton, a teacher, felt proud of the girl. "She's always been very well groomed , so for her to cut all her hair off really moves us," she said. "She has done a moving job." Many students were moved by her courage and donated money. How old is Rachel Barrett?
<extra_id_0>12.
<extra_id_1>13.
<extra_id_2>14.
<extra_id_3>15.
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<extra_id_5>Schools and parents in Shenzhen City have been asked to take better care of children's eyesight as 45 percent of them were found to be shortsighted. Too much reading, poor lighting and too much TV are blamed . Of the city's high school graduates who applied to study at colleges this summer, but now he gets up earlier. Only _ of the children in Shenzhen City have good eyesight.
<extra_id_0>45 percent
<extra_id_1>less than half
<extra_id_2>55 percent
<extra_id_3>two thirds
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<extra_id_5>Whenever we see a button, we are eager to press it because we know something will happen. This is true in most cases, for example on a doorbell and on the "on/off" button on the TV. But some buttons are actually fake, like the "close" button on a lift. Many people are in the habit of pressing the "close" button because they don't have the patience to wait for the lift doors to shut. But lifts' "close" buttons are a complete scam , at least in the US-the doors will not close any faster no matter how hard you press. It started in the 1990s when the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in the US, making sure that all lifts stayed open long enough so that people with disabilities could enter. Only US firefighters and repairmen can use the buttons to speed up the door-closing process if they have a code or special keys. But to normal lift riders, the buttons aren't completely useless. According to psychologists, fake buttons can actually make you feel better by offering you a sense of control. "Perceived control is very important. It reduces stress and increases well-being," Ellen J. Langer, a psychology professor, said, " having a lack of control is associated with depression." Experts have revealed that a lot of buttons that don't do anything exist in our lives _ . For example, many offices in the US have fake thermostats because people tend to feel better when they think they can control the temperature in their workspace. But psychologists found it interesting that even when people are aware of these little "white lies", they still continue to push fake buttons because as long as the doors eventually close, it is considered to be worth the effort. "That habit is here to stay," John Kounios, a psychology professor, said. "Even though I have real doubts about the traffic light buttons, I always press them. After all, I've got nothing else to do while waiting. So why not press the button in the hope that this one will work?" What was the author's main purpose in writing the article?
<extra_id_0>To analyze the functions of fake buttons.
<extra_id_1>To describe some different kinds of fake buttons.
<extra_id_2>To explain the advantages and disadvantages of fake buttons.
<extra_id_3>To explore people's different habits when it comes to pushing buttons.
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<extra_id_5>Which is the most basic unit of living things?
<extra_id_0>Cells
<extra_id_1>Bones
<extra_id_2>Tissues
<extra_id_3>Organs
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<extra_id_5>High school could be a scary time for everyone. The school seems bigger; there are more kids and it's a totally new environment. In fact, it isn't that bad. High school is a lot like middle school after a while. The first day of course is always scary, and the first day of middle school must have been the same. Of course, the first few days you might get lost while looking for your classes but after a while, what seemed to be a large school really isn't. One thing that's really cool about high school is that there are so many more classes you can take. If you happen to like art, there are many art classes. In addition, there are other classes that weren't available in middle school like photography or psychology. In high school, there are a lot of things that are similar to how middle school was but at the same time, there are other opportunities available as well. There are more clubs, sports, and other activities you can join in. You're able to join in these activities and make new friends with kids with the same interest as you. These activities also give you a chance to learn something you never had the opportunity to learn before. High school has something for everyone. You just have to decide what to take part in. but there's one thing that's certain that you're going to have just as much fun in high school as you did in middle school. And if middle school wasn't that great for you, high school is a chance to make up for it. High school isn't just about having fun though. You have to be responsible while you're growing up. Teachers aren't going to chase you up to do your homework. It can be inferred that you can do the following things in high school EXCEPT _ .
<extra_id_0>making more friends
<extra_id_1>taking photography classes
<extra_id_2>getting lost while looking for classes
<extra_id_3>ignoring your homework until your teacher reminds you
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<extra_id_5>Convenience Foods Instead of buying only fresh foods, Americans nowadays buy many more convenience foods. These are foods which are ready partly or completely prepared. Many of them are frozen, such as frozen dinner, heat-and-serve French fries, and frozen pizzas. There are also many canned convenience foods, such as ready-made spaghetti, soups, stews and vegetables Convenience foods save time and trouble. They are popular with people who are busy or who don't like to cook or wash dishes. But they often cost more than fresh, unprepared foods and many contain man-made additives. Also, many people feel they don't taste as good as home-cooked foods. Health Food and Co-ops In the 1960s, a "back-to-the-earth" movement was started by young people in the United States. The movement was a reaction against the harmful effects of technology. From the movement came a new understanding of food and health. Many people now prefer natural and organic foods to the prepared foods sold in health foods stores and in food co-ops, which are small stores where customers help manage the store. In co-ops, food is usually not packaged. Customers bring their own bags and jars and scoop their food out of boxes or baskets. The Diet Craze These days Americans are more and more concerned with their weight. Perhaps as many as 70 million Americans are on weight-dollar business. American supermarkets sell a variety of diet food such as soft drinks, diet candy, and diet salad dressings. Dieters also spend money on diet pills, exercise machines, and jogging suits . Each year dozens of new diets are popularized. They have such names as the Miracle Diet, the Nine-day Wonder Diet, and the East 24-hour Diet. There is even one called the Ice Cream Diet, which advises the dieters to eat only ice cream for lunch and dinner! For dieters who cannot lose weight on their own, there are many well-organized diet groups, which offer help and encouragement. Generally speaking, convenience foods in America _ .
<extra_id_0>are popular with people
<extra_id_1>are made by farmers on farms
<extra_id_2>are shipped from foreign countries
<extra_id_3>are better than fresh ones
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<extra_id_0>
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<extra_id_5>The Chinese mainland and Taiwan today extended the number of regular cross-Straits direct passenger flights from 108 to 270 a week. Six cities, which are Hefei, Harbin, Nanchang, Guiyang, Ningbo and Jinan, are joining another 21 mainland cities in operating direct passenger flights to Taiwan, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said. The 108 direct passenger flights previously operated were all classed as chartered flights. The new services will contain both regular chartered and scheduled flights. Among the 27 designated mainland terminals , 25 will launch scheduled direct passenger flights from Monday to Saturday, to Taipei's Taoyuan or Kaohsiung airports. Scheduled direct _ flights will belaunched between Shanghai, Guangzhou on the mainland and Taoyuan, Kaohsiung, which will bring the total number of weekly chartered and scheduled cargo flights to 28, according to the CAAC. The mainland and Taiwan began direct air and sea transport links and postal services on Dec 15 last year. Previously, air and sea connections, including mail, were routed through a third location, usually Hong Kong. On Nov 4 last year, the mainland and Taiwan agreed to regular direct passenger charter flights across the Straits. Before that, flights were only offered on weekends and during the country's four major traditional festivals - the Spring Festival, Tomb-Sweeping Day, Dragon Boat Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival. (Xinhua Agency) According to the CAAC, the total number of weekly chartered and scheduled cargo flights will be _ .
<extra_id_0>27
<extra_id_1>28
<extra_id_2>29
<extra_id_3>30
<extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_1>
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<extra_id_5>These days, more and more students in the UK are taking a "gap year"between their graduation from school and their university studies. This means they can take a year off to do something else, before they start their studies. For most students, spending time in foreign countries is the favorite activity --- and Australia is the favorite place to go. Many parents, teachers and business people agree that travelling can teach important values. "After a year of travelling, I felt I'd grown up. I had learnt the importance of relationships with people, on all kinds of levels." There are many companies around the world that welcome these students on their projects---helping people in poorer countries, or even in your home country. Although you don't get paid for your work, this kind of work can teach important skills---decision making and finding answers to problems, for example---that will help many students in a job one day. Finally, getting some knowledge and experience in an area you hope to study or work in one day will always be very useful. If several university graduates are applying for the same job, gar year work experience allows you to say, " I've already had some experience of this kind of work." And that can get your job. Chances for the same job will be given to the students .
<extra_id_0>who study well in school
<extra_id_1>who have some experience in this kind of work
<extra_id_2>who don't apple for the job
<extra_id_3>who are rich enough
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<extra_id_1>
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<extra_id_5>IT'S over - millions of Senior 3 students across the country have finished their last exams. But in two years, it'll be your turn in the examination room. How can you spend the time you have left to best effect? Read these thoughts from new graduates to get some pointers. Cao A'min, 18 Xuanhua No 1 High School, Hebei Study: Keeping pace with teachers is a good way to study. Teachers are experienced and their plans are systematic . But remember to work in a way that suits you. It's also important to learn from past mistakes. Keep a notebook to make a record of the mistakes you make - it'll help you avoid making the same ones later. Zhang Zilu, 17 Xinyu No 1 High School, Jiangxi Friendship: This time of life may be hard, but you're not alone. You may be busy studying, but you can show you care by calling your friends or sending a short message. Don't let your friendships die. Some boys and girls in my class were in love, but I'd advise against a relationship at this stage. Zhan Yu, 17 Huanggang High School, Hubei Health: It's as important to live well as it is to study well, I think. I went to bed no later than 11:30 pm. It put me in the right mood for the next day. I didn't follow a special diet , but I did make sure I ate a nutritious breakfast each day. Ju Shuntian, 18 Yantai Economic and Technological Development Zone Senior High School, Shandong Relaxation: The person who plays well, studies well. Having a lot of schoolwork doesn't mean having to give up on every other activity. I played basketball or took a walk to relax when I felt tired. Time out is not a waste of time but helps you study more efficiently . Zhang Qingzhou, 17 Dongtai High School, Jiangsu Options: Besides taking the big exam, you have other choices for college. I took the independent enrollment exam held by Peking University and some other students even prepared to study abroad. Pay attention to any relevant information you can find, whether it's from school, the news media or another source . If you'd like to take the independent enrollment, what should you do?
<extra_id_0>Do morning exercises every day
<extra_id_1>Go to bed later than11:30
<extra_id_2>Pay attention to any relevant information
<extra_id_3>Call your friends or send short message
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<extra_id_5>One way to protect against food poisoning is to
<extra_id_0>cook food to proper temperatures.
<extra_id_1>combine different types of food.
<extra_id_2>store food in glass containers.
<extra_id_3>defrost meat slowly on the counter.
<extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_0>
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<extra_id_5>Why can some people sleep through noises like a honking car or flushing toilet, while others are awakened by the lightest sound? To find the answer, sleep researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital conducted an unusual study of 12 self-described deep sleepers. After tests confirmed that the healthy volunteers were solid sleepers, they took part in a three-night study in the university's sleep laboratory. The participants spent the night in a big and comfortable room. But the room also included four speakers positioned near the top of the bed. During the night, the deep sleepers were subjected to 14 different recorded sounds, like street traffic, toilets flushing, an ice machine dispensing and an airplane flying overhead. Next door, the researchers monitored their sleep patterns and brain waves. As expected, all of the participants slept ly well, but there were differences in how they responded to the noisy interruptions. Some of the sleepers didn't wake up even when a sound was blasted at 70 decibels ; others were awakened by sounds at 40 or 50 decibels. The researchers discovered that the difference in a sleeper's reaction to noise could be predicted by the level of brain activity called "sleep spindles''. A sleep spindle is a burst of high-frequency brain activity coming from deep inside the brain during sleep. The source of the spindles is the thalamus, a part of the brain that sends sensory information to the rest of the cortex . Before the study, the Massachusetts researchers theorized that the spindles are the brain's way of preventing sensory information from passing through the thalamus and waking the rest of the brain during sleep. They found that the sleepers who experienced the most sleep spindles during the night were also the soundest sleepers and were least likely to be awakened by noise. Scientists already know that most people become lighter sleepers with age, most likely because older people experience less "slow wave sleep'', which is the deepest stage of sleep. People also produce fewer sleep spindles as they age. But even when controlling for the stage of sleep a person was in, the number of sleep spindles still predicted their risk for awakening because of noise. More research is needed, but the findings suggest that a better understanding of sleep spindles could lead to new behavioral or drug therapies for people with sleep disorders. For instance, future studies may try to determine whether diet, exercise or other behaviors may influence the number of sleep spindles a person produces during the night. Scientists believe that the key to affecting deep sleep is _ .
<extra_id_0>sleep spindles
<extra_id_1>stages of sleep
<extra_id_2>sleep disorders
<extra_id_3>sensory information
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<extra_id_5>Things Your Pilot Won't Tell You You may not be getting the airline you paid for. You may go to an airline website and buy a ticket, and get onto an airplane that has a similar name painted on it, but half the time, you're really on a regional airline.The regionals aren't held to the same safety standards as the majors: their pilots aren't required to have as much training and experience, and the public doesn't know that. --Captain at a major airline If you're a nervous flier, book a morning flight. The heating of the ground later causes bumpier air, and it's much more likely to thunderstorm in the afternoon. --Jerry Johnson , pilot, Los Angeles The smoothest place to sit is often over or near the wing. The bumpiest place to sit is in the back.If you're in the middle, you don't move as much. --Patrick Smith, pilot, and author of Cockpit Confidential Sit in the front if you want fresher air. The general flow of air in any airplane is from front to back.So if you're really concerned about breathing the freshest possible air or not getting too hot, sit as close to the front as you can.Planes are generally warmest in the back. --Tech pilot at a regional airline, Texas You never know where the safest seat is. There is no safest place to sit.In one accident, the people in the back are dead; in the next, it's the people up front. --John Nance, aviation safety analyst and retired airline captain, Seattle I've been struck by lightning twice. Most pilots have.Airplanes are built to take it.You hear a big boom and see a big flash and that's it.You're not going to fall out of the sky. --Charlotte, pilot for a regional earner,.North Carolina People don't understand why they can't use their cell phones. Well, what can happen is 12 people will decide to call someone just before landing, and I can get a false reading on my instruments saying that we are higher than we ideally are. --Jim Tilmon, retired American Airlines pilot, Phoenix Passengers' use of cellphones before landing is likely to _ .
<extra_id_0>increase the risk of being struck by lightning
<extra_id_1>make it difficult for pilots to control the plane
<extra_id_2>cause the instruments of the plane to break down
<extra_id_3>affect pilots' judgment about the height of the plane
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<extra_id_5>Donald was shaken by thunder on the bed before he could count "one thousand one". Then he heard the smoke alarm go off. He went downstairs quickly to investigate. When he opened the door to the basement , flames exploded out. Donald fled back upstairs to call 911 but the phone didn't work. When he tried to go downstairs, he was stopped by a wall of flames. He had to use a towel to cover his mouth. His house was three miles off the main road and so well hidden by trees that Donald knew calling for help would be useless. Actually, he didn't even try to do that. About one mile away lived Donald's closest neighbor, Jeremie. When he heard some sounds, Jeremie jumped out of bed, holding a phone and a flashlight, and went towards the noise. He dialed 911 the instant he saw the flames. When he came close to the house, Jeremie knew he'd better wait until rescuers came. But he didn't want Donald to die in the fire. Without hesitation , he rushed into the house. He shouted, "Donald, where are you?" Then he had to run outside to catch his breath. After one more attempt , he gave up and circled around back. He saw Donald on the second-floor balcony, but there was no way to get to him. Suddenly, he noticed a ladder. He dragged it over to the balcony and pulled Donald down just when the second floor fell down. Within the year, Donald built a new two-story wood house at the site of the fire. Jeremie and Donald don't run into each other regularly, but Donald knows that if he ever needs help, Jeremie will be there. From the text, we can infer that _ .
<extra_id_0>it was the firemen who saved Donald that night
<extra_id_1>Jeremie helped Donald build a new wood house
<extra_id_2>Donald had fallen off the second floor before Jeremie found him
<extra_id_3>whatever difficulties Donald meets, Jeremie will help him
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<extra_id_5>Based on the Doppler effect, the electromagnetic waves reaching Earth from a galaxy that is moving away from Earth would be expected to
<extra_id_0>experience an increase in their amplitude.
<extra_id_1>experience an increase in frequency.
<extra_id_2>experience a decrease from transverse waves to longitudinal waves.
<extra_id_3>experience a decrease in frequency.
<extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>Last year I lived in Chile for half a year as an exchange student with the American Field Service. Compared to most visitors, I didn't travel much. I lived with a Chilean family and had the responsibilities of any Chilean teenager. I went to school every day, in uniform. I had good days and bad days and days that I didn't understand. Chuquicamata, my host community, is a mining camp in the Atacama Desert. There is no disco, no shopping center, no museum or beach. Driveways must be watered daily to keep the dust down. When I arrived here, I was scared. It was so different from the urban middle-class America I was accustomed to. There were lost dogs on the streets, and a constant cloud of brick-colored dust came from the mine. There was no downtown, few smoothly paved streets, and little to do for amusement. The people worked extremely hard. Rain was a rare phenomenon; earthquakes and windstorms were frequent. I had studied Spanish for two and a half years and was always one of the best students in my class. But in my first week in Chile I was barely able to communicate and desperate for one person to whom I could explain my shock. I couldn't speak the thoughts in my head --- and there were so many. Most exchange students experience this like me. Culture shock presents itself in everything from increased aggression toward the people to lack of appetite or weight gain and depression. I was required to overcome all difficulties. Being an exchange student is not easy. As time passed, everything changed. I began to forget words in English and to dream in Spanish and love Chilean food. I got used to not depending on expensive things for fun. Fun in Chuquicamata was being with people. And I took math, physics, chemistry, biology, Spanish, art, and philosophy --- for which I received half a credit in global studies. Somehow my high school couldn't figure out a way to relate my experience to its curriculum. But the sacrifices were nothing compared to the gain. I learned how to accept as well as to succeed in another culture. I now know the world is my community and have a much deeper understanding of both myself and others. What can we learn from the passage?
<extra_id_0>Most Chileans are not friendly to foreigners.
<extra_id_1>Exchange students always fail to succeed in another culture.
<extra_id_2>The author benefits greatly from the experience in Chile.
<extra_id_3>The official languages of Chile are Spanish and English.
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<extra_id_5>Zheng He made seven heroic voyages to Asia and Africa between 1405 and 1433, which predated the Westerners' Voyages of Discovery by almost a century . Despite Zheng He's remarkable maritime feats , with larger and matchless fleets until World War I , he is ly unknown worldwide compared with his Western counterparts like Columbus and Vasco da Gama . Why ? Sadly , much of the official Chinese records of these voyages were destroyed after his death , by order of his powerful enemies at Court . They were opposed to his expeditions , both on economic and other grounds . Further , the Ming History made only little mention of his exploits . Most surprisingly , not even his date of death and burial place were recorded . Therefore , his final resting place is still a matter of _ .So he became only a legend and folk hero in his life time . However , hardly any Chinese works on him have been translated into foreign languages . Ironically , it was due to a handful of famous Western researchers like prefix = st1 /Needham, Zlevathes and , most recently , Menzies that the world is now more familiar with his greatness . Zhen He's rightful place in Chinese history has been confirmed by none other than Deng Xiaoping in 1984 , when he addressed the nation's People's Congress in Beijing : "...The Ming dynasty , under Yongle Emperor , did wisely pursue an open-door policy resulting in Zheng He's famous maritime expeditions overseas . However , after Yongle's death, Chinadeserted this policy resulting in foreign intervention andChina's final humiliation during the 19th century . The open-door policy is therefore the way forward forChina." Following a more realistic overall appraise by scholars East and West of Zheng He's achievements , his standing as one of the greatest maritime explorers of all time has at last been firmly recognized worldwide . Which statement is TRUE according to the passage ?
<extra_id_0>No one knew Zheng He's maritime achievements in history until World War I .
<extra_id_1>The Westerners' Voyages of Discovery fell behind Chinauntil 1433 .
<extra_id_2>No other fleets in the world could be compared with those of Chinain size for almost over 500 years in history .
<extra_id_3>Columbus was born in a western country, so he was more famous than Zheng He in the world .
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<extra_id_5>Yesterday was my friend Bert's birthday. He invited me to his house for his birthday party. Another friend Guy could take me to the party by car. Well,I was getting dressed when Guy rang and said he was ill. So I decided to go by train. Unluckily, when I was talking on the phone, the cat walked over my shirt. Then I spent a few minutes finding another one and I was late for leaving. As I was walking to the station, it started snowing and I got very cold. I just missed a train and I had to wait for another one. Half an hour later, the train arrived. I was so cold and tired that I fell asleep on the train and missed my station. Well, I got off at the next station, and decided to walk to Bert's house. I walked for 10 minutes but I got lost. Then I took a taxi. When I arrived at Bert's house, the party nearly finished and people were leaving. What a terrible day! What happened when the writer was talking on the phone?
<extra_id_0>He had a bad cold.
<extra_id_1>The cat was ill.
<extra_id_2>The cat walked over his shirt.
<extra_id_3>Guy came to his house.
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<extra_id_5>A boy was going to study at the best school in town. In the morning, his grandfather took him to the school. When they went into the playground, the children came up. "What a funny old man," the boy said, making a face. "Hey, fatty ,"another one shouted. The children _ the pair(,) and jumped up and down. Without saying a word, the old man took his grandson out of the school gate. "Wonderful! I don't have to go to school!" the boy said. "You do, but not this one," his grandfather said. "I'll find you another school to go to." Grandfather took his grandson back to his house, asked Grandmother to look after him, and then went out to look for a school alone. Every time he got to a school, the old man went into the playground, and waited for the children to come out at break time. In some schools the children completely ignored the old man, and in others, they made fun of him. When this happened, he would turn sadly and leave. Finally, he went into the very small playground of a very small school, and stood tiredly against the wall. The bell rang, and the children came out into the playground. "Sir, are you all right? Shall I bring you something to drink?" said a voice. "We've got a bench in the playground. Come and sit down," came another voice. Soon a young teacher came out into the playground. The old man greeted him and said, "Finally, I've found my grandson the best school in town." When the old man was in the very small school, the children there _ him.
<extra_id_0>shouted at
<extra_id_1>made fun of
<extra_id_2>cared about
<extra_id_3>paid no attention to
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<extra_id_5>Lion was the King of the Jungle . One day, Giraffe told Lion, "Rabbit says he is the new King of the Jungle." "What?" Lion was very angry. He went to meet Rabbit. The other animals followed him to see what he would do. "Rabbit," said Lion, "Why do you say that you are the new King of the Jungle?" "Oh, but it's true," said Rabbit. "I'm faster and cleverer than you. We can have a competition ." "All right," said Lion. Rabbit took Lion to a deep ravine . He said, "If I fly down to the ravine faster than you, I am faster and cleverer than you. So I go, or you will go first?" "Of course I will go first," said Lion, "I am the King of the Jungle!" He then threw himself into the deep ravine. Rabbit smiled and said to the other animals. "I am your new king now. I am faster and cleverer than Lion." The other animals didn't understand. "Lion was stupid! Anyone will die after jumping into the ravine!" _ told Loin that Rabbit was the new King of the Jungle.
<extra_id_0>Elephant
<extra_id_1>Giraffe
<extra_id_2>Monkey
<extra_id_3>Turtle
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<extra_id_5>My friend got married. His mother carried two bags of cotton from the countryside by bus and train to his city. After arriving at the city, there was still a long way to his house without any bus passing by the house. His mother walked to his home breathlessly for 40 minutes without taking a taxi in order to save money. My friend felt bitter as well as funny at his mother's deeds. He pointed to the cashmere and silk quilts and said, "So long as you have money, you can buy anything in the supermarket. There is no need for you to carry so much cotton here in such a long way." But his mother insisted and said, "The cotton of this year is light and warmth-keeping. Have a try and you will know!" Maybe every parent is the same, caring for their children with stubborn love without caring about whether they know or like it. This early spring, I went to visit my grandmother. We had dry beans stew , eggplant salad bar, sauce radish for our dinner, all of which were dried by my grandmother last autumn and tasted wonderful. I loved the dishes to my heart's content and could not help praising them again and again. After a few days, my grandmother, who seldom visited us, came to my home and unpacked her bag, smilingly taking out bags of dried eggplants, dried beans and dried vegetable. She told me that I left so hastily last time that she forgot to give me some of these foods, so she took this chance to bring me what I liked. I was speechless at that time. Due to my casual complimentary her food, my grandmother, a nearly 70-year-old lady, by taking three buses from the west of the city to the east, came to my home with the food I liked. But she was bus-sick in life and even seldom went strolling in the street. My pretty girlfriend had a failed marriage in the past. After divorce, her parents shed the deepest protection and care to her by helping her attend to the child and offering financial aids. Her parents' love made her pull herself together and forgot the man who had hurt her before. Nonetheless, her father, an honest and upright old man, after hearing his ex-son-in-law got promoted in his company, felt terrifically irritated and went to his company to question his boss why a philandering man with corrupt conducts could get promoted. The whole office fell into a mess immediately and many staff just watched on the sidelines. Some people even whispered lightly, "It is a new era now and the relationship between men and women is very open. No one would care about that anymore!" The old man stood silently in the office with his hands shivering and eyes tearing. That night, my girlfriend cried heavily in front of me. I asked her whether it was her father's stupid deeds that made her feel _ But she said that she felt guilty for her dad and that though the rest of the whole world betrayed her, her old father would still back her up and help her get the justice she deserved, just as when she was young and the neighboring boy grabbed her ball, her father would get it back for her. However, this changed world was no longer the stage for her old father and his deeds became funnily obsolete. No one managed to see the real and ever-lasting love to his daughter behind his seemingly rude behaviors. Now we have grown up so much so that we could support our family and have our own children. But in our parents' heart, they are still worried that we do not have sufficient quilts and dried vegetables. They would not feel troubled to bring all these to us regardless of long tough journey. They even would not like us to suffer a bit and try all means to protect us without caring about whether what they do is awkward and stupid or not. Who in the world would love us so deeply and relentlessly without asking for any repay? Only our parents! How many examples of older generation's love are mentioned in the passage?
<extra_id_0>One
<extra_id_1>Two
<extra_id_2>Three
<extra_id_3>four
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<extra_id_5>Recently a group of children in America poured some gasoline on a sleeping man and set him on fire. When caught, the children said they had done what they'd seen on TV. The incidents make people angry who believe that American children are harmed by watching too much TV. They claim children can't tell between the fiction of TV and reality, and TV distracts them from learning and makes them violent. To estimate the impact of TV on young people, "Life" magazine hires a company to interview hundreds of school children in Nora Springs, Iowa and in Dallas, Texas. Although the two cities are very different, the company finds children in each city watch the same TV shows. Many Iowa children, who watch an average of three hours of TV a day, recognizing that life on TV is rosier than what they experience. Their favourite shows are situation comedies about American families in trouble. Many boys like violent shows about police detectives or heroes, girls particularly soap operas-stories about families and friends. On the whole, children find real violence on news programs hard to take. "If you see a bus crash on the news, it's frightening," one fifth grader says. By and large, the Iowa children agree that the best thing about TV is it makes you laugh. Children in Dallas are savvier about programs of drug use on TV. "They don't really show them doing it right. On TV they are not real." A fifth grader says. "Life" agrees with a 1988 study by the U. S Department of education that finds children are none the worse for watching TV. The study finds TV doesn't have lasting effect on children. On the contrary, kids show good judgment about what they watch. "There are very few good shows on TV anymore," a 10-year-old boy says. While the debate about TV is so heated, the "Life" survey gives hope that American kids aren't wasting three or four hours a day (what is worse, by the time young people enter college today, they will have devoted more time to watching television than they will spend in college). However, a child watching TV isn't reading a good book or joining in healthful sports. Children who see real violence on TV news programs _ .
<extra_id_0>change the channel to watch other programs
<extra_id_1>live in Iowa or Texas
<extra_id_2>are sometimes upset and scared
<extra_id_3>think TV gives a very positive image of friendship
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<extra_id_5>Gadgets can be wildly expensive and quickly out-of-date, but Steven Poole is still the first to buy them. Technological innovations are often quite stupid. The idea that you might want to walk down the street holding a mobile phone in front of your face, just to experience the wonders of video calling, is clearly ridiculous. Luckily for the tech companies, however, there are some people who jump at the chance to buy into new gadgets before they are fully ready and cheap enough for the mass-market. They are called early adopters, and their fate is a terrible one. I should know, since I am one myself. Early adopters have a Mecca: it's Tokyo's Akihabara district, also known as "Electric City". There, in 1999, I bought a digital camera, a gizmo that few people in Britain had heard of. Over the next few years I watched in great sadness as digital cameras became more popular, cheaper and more powerful, until better models could be had for a quarter of the price I had paid. Did I feel stupid? What I actually did was this: I splashed out more money last year for a new one, one that let me feel pleasantly ahead of the curve once again. But I know that cannot last, and I'll probably have to buy another in a few years. Thus early adopters are betting on other people eventually feeling the same desires. And it's worse if that future never arrives. Early adopters of the Betamax home-video format in the 1970s could only look on in sadness when their investment was nullified by the success of VHS. All sorts of apparently splendid inventions, such as videogame consoles like the Atari Jaguar have been abandoned to the dustbin of history right after a few early adopters bought in. Those who invested thousands in a Segway motorized scooter on the wave of ridiculous advertising campaigns that accompanied its launch a couple of years ago can join the club. You might think we should just stop being so silly, save our money, and wait to see what really catches on. But the logic of the industry is such that, if everyone did that, no innovation would become popular. Imagine the third person to buy an ordinary telephone soon after Alexander Graham Bell had invented it. Who was he going to call? Maybe he simply bought two phones, one for a special friend. But still, the usefulness and eventual popularity of the device wasn't clear at the time. Nobody dreamed of the possibility of being able to speak to any one of millions of people. And yet if he, and the hundreds and thousands of early adopters after him, had not bought into the idea, the vast communication networks that we all take for granted today would never have been built. The same goes, indeed, for all new technologies. Those guys holding bricks to their ears that we laughed at in the 1980s made the current mobile phone possible. People who bought DVD players when they still cost a fortune, instead of today's cheap one at the local supermarket, made sure that the new format succeeded. Early adopters' desire for desires supported the future financially. And what did they get for their pains? They got a hole in their bank accounts and inferior, unperfected technology. But still, they got it first. And today they are still at work, buying overpriced digital radios, DVD recorders and LCD televisions, and even 3G phones, so that you will be eventually be able to buy better and less expensive ones. So next time you see a gadget-festooned geek and feel tempted to sneer , think for a minute. Without early adopters, there would be no cheap mobile phones or DVD players; there would be no telephone or television either. We are the tragic, unsung foot soldiers of the technology revolution. We're the desire-addicted pioneers, pure in heart, dreaming of a better future. We make expensive mistakes so you don't have to. Really, we are heroes. Why did the writer buy a new digital camera last year?
<extra_id_0>Because he didn't want to miss the cheap but better cameras.
<extra_id_1>Because he had to buy another new camera in several years anyway.
<extra_id_2>Because the old camera made him feel upset and out of fashion.
<extra_id_3>Because early digital cameras were of poor quality and couldn't last long.
<extra_id_4>
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<extra_id_5>A cat's body temperature would be highest if immersed in
<extra_id_0>apple juice
<extra_id_1>lava
<extra_id_2>liquid nitrogen
<extra_id_3>water
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