conversation_id
int64
1
87.9k
category
stringclasses
1 value
conversation
list
2,201
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nBrooke Martin's golden retriever Kayla hated being left alone or separated. She would howl, pace, and chew on things. Brooke learned that other people had the same problem with their pets. She wondered: --What if you could talk to your dog if you were gone?\nWorking with her father in their garage, the 16-year-old came up with several ideas. Finally, she invented a device that allowed pet owners to video chat with their pets! She calls the device iCPooch. --The dog doesn't have to answer the call,explains Brooke. --It comes up immediately on the screen on their end. It's a two-way audio and video--you can see and hear each other.With a click of a button you can even send the dog a treat!\nHer invention has earned her a spot competing against nine other finalists in a young scientist competition for middle-school students. These finalists, selected based on their short video presentations, are working with mentors over the summer before heading to the final competition in St. Paul, Minn.\nAfter Martin's video put her among the 10 finalists in the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, she was paired with Delony Langer-Anderson, a product development scientist in 3M's consumer health care division. --I just lead her down the product development path,Langer-Anderson told Live Science. This path includes guidance on how to test the potential product, which combines a video chat device that answers immediately on the dog's end with a dog treat device the owner can remotely activate.\nOne thing I have thought about a lot is, what happens if while the device is on the floor, what if your dog knocks it over, or scratches the screen? Martin said. She and Langer-Anderson discussed this, and Martin is now testing materials at a local dog shelter by taping them to the dog house floors to see how well they withstand sharp teeth and claws.\nThe finalists create models they can test, with the guidance from a mentor. Their projects include a fuel cell that transforms cut grass into electricity and an app that rewards drivers for not texting or calling. Langer-Anderson tries to help the students work through the scientific method, testing their hypothesis, in a determined way, --so the kids don't get buried in data.she said.\n\n<question>:\nWhat do the inventions of the finalists have in common?\n\n<options>:\nA They are all new inventions dealing with pets.\nB They are possible solutions to everyday problems.\nC They cope with the problems related to computers.\nD They are all accomplished through individual work.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,202
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nLaptop computers are popular all over the world. People use them on trains and airplanes, in airports and hotels. These laptops connect people to their workplace. In the United States today, laptops also connect students to their classrooms.\nWestlake College in Virginia will start a laptop computer program that allows students to do schoolwork anywhere they want. Within five years, each of the 1500 students at the college will receive a laptop. The laptops are part of a $10 million computer program at Westlake, a 110-year-old college. The students with laptops will also have access to the Internet. In addition, they will be able to use e-mail to \"speak\" with their teachers, their classmates, and their families. However, the most important part of the laptop program is that students will be able to use computers without going to computer labs. They can work with it at home, in a fast-food restaurant or under the trees----anywhere at all!\nBecause of the many changes in computer technology , laptop use in higher education, such as colleges and universities, is workable. As laptops become more powerful, they become more similar to desktop computers. In addition, the portable computers can connect students to not only the Internet, but also libraries and other resources. State higher-education officials are studying how laptops can help students. State officials are also testing laptop programs at other universities, too.\nAt Westlake College, more than 60 percent of the staff use computers. The laptops will allow all teachers to use computers in their lessons. As one Westlake teacher said, \" Here we are in the middle of Virginia and we're giving students _ . They can see everything and do everything.\"\n\n<question>:\nThe main purpose of the laptop program is to give each student a laptop to _ .\n\n<options>:\nA use for their schoolwork\nB search the Internet\nC work at home\nD connect them to libraries\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,203
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nLaptop computers are popular all over the world. People use them on trains and airplanes, in airports and hotels. These laptops connect people to their workplace. In the United States today, laptops also connect students to their classrooms.\nWestlake College in Virginia will start a laptop computer program that allows students to do schoolwork anywhere they want. Within five years, each of the 1500 students at the college will receive a laptop. The laptops are part of a $10 million computer program at Westlake, a 110-year-old college. The students with laptops will also have access to the Internet. In addition, they will be able to use e-mail to \"speak\" with their teachers, their classmates, and their families. However, the most important part of the laptop program is that students will be able to use computers without going to computer labs. They can work with it at home, in a fast-food restaurant or under the trees----anywhere at all!\nBecause of the many changes in computer technology , laptop use in higher education, such as colleges and universities, is workable. As laptops become more powerful, they become more similar to desktop computers. In addition, the portable computers can connect students to not only the Internet, but also libraries and other resources. State higher-education officials are studying how laptops can help students. State officials are also testing laptop programs at other universities, too.\nAt Westlake College, more than 60 percent of the staff use computers. The laptops will allow all teachers to use computers in their lessons. As one Westlake teacher said, \" Here we are in the middle of Virginia and we're giving students _ . They can see everything and do everything.\"\n\n<question>:\nWhich of the following is true about Westlake College?\n\n<options>:\nA All teachers use computers.\nB 1500 students have laptops.\nC It is an old college in America.\nD Students there can do everything.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,204
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nLaptop computers are popular all over the world. People use them on trains and airplanes, in airports and hotels. These laptops connect people to their workplace. In the United States today, laptops also connect students to their classrooms.\nWestlake College in Virginia will start a laptop computer program that allows students to do schoolwork anywhere they want. Within five years, each of the 1500 students at the college will receive a laptop. The laptops are part of a $10 million computer program at Westlake, a 110-year-old college. The students with laptops will also have access to the Internet. In addition, they will be able to use e-mail to \"speak\" with their teachers, their classmates, and their families. However, the most important part of the laptop program is that students will be able to use computers without going to computer labs. They can work with it at home, in a fast-food restaurant or under the trees----anywhere at all!\nBecause of the many changes in computer technology , laptop use in higher education, such as colleges and universities, is workable. As laptops become more powerful, they become more similar to desktop computers. In addition, the portable computers can connect students to not only the Internet, but also libraries and other resources. State higher-education officials are studying how laptops can help students. State officials are also testing laptop programs at other universities, too.\nAt Westlake College, more than 60 percent of the staff use computers. The laptops will allow all teachers to use computers in their lessons. As one Westlake teacher said, \" Here we are in the middle of Virginia and we're giving students _ . They can see everything and do everything.\"\n\n<question>:\nWhat can we infer from the passage?\n\n<options>:\nA The program is terrible.\nB The program is not workable.\nC The program is too expensive.\nD We don't know the result yet.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,205
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nSuccess is often measured by the ability to overcome adversity.But,it is often the belief of others that gives us the courage to try.\nJ.K.Rowling,author of the Harry Potter book series,began writing at the age of 6.In her biography,she remembers with great fondness when her good friend Sean,whom she met in secondary school,became the first person to encourage her and help build the confidence that one day she would be a very good writer\n\"He was the first person with whom I really discussed my serious ambition to be a writer.He was also the only person who thought I was bound to be a success at it,which meant much more to me than I ever told him at the time.\"\nDespite many setbacks,Rowling persevered in her writing,particularly fantasy stories.But it wasn't until 1990 that she first conceived the idea about Harry Potter.As she recalls,it was on a long train journey from London to Manchester that the idea of Harry Potter simply fell into her head.\"To my immense frustration ,I didn't have a functioning pen with me,and I was too shy to ask anybody if I could borrow one.I think,now,that this was probably a good thing,because I simply sat and thought,for four (delayed train) hours,and all the details bubbled up in my brain,and this scrawny,blackhaired,bespectacled boy who didn't know he was a wizard became more and more real to me.\"\nThat same year,her mother passed away after a tenyear battle with multiple sclerosis,which deeply affected her writing.She went on to marry and had a daughter,but separated from her husband shortly afterwards.\nDuring this time,Rowling was diagnosed with clinical depression.Unemployed,she completed her first novel in area cafes,where she could get her daughter to fall asleep.After being rejected by 12 publishing houses,the first Harry Potter novel was sold to a small British publishing house.\nNow with seven books that have sold nearly 400 million copies in 64 languages,J.K.Rowling is the highest earning novelist in history.And it all began with her commitment to writing that was fostered by the confidence of a friend!\n\n<question>:\nWho believed J.K.Rowling was to be a good writer?\n\n<options>:\nA Her friend Sean.\nB Her mother.\nC Her daughter.\nD Her husband.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,206
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nSuccess is often measured by the ability to overcome adversity.But,it is often the belief of others that gives us the courage to try.\nJ.K.Rowling,author of the Harry Potter book series,began writing at the age of 6.In her biography,she remembers with great fondness when her good friend Sean,whom she met in secondary school,became the first person to encourage her and help build the confidence that one day she would be a very good writer\n\"He was the first person with whom I really discussed my serious ambition to be a writer.He was also the only person who thought I was bound to be a success at it,which meant much more to me than I ever told him at the time.\"\nDespite many setbacks,Rowling persevered in her writing,particularly fantasy stories.But it wasn't until 1990 that she first conceived the idea about Harry Potter.As she recalls,it was on a long train journey from London to Manchester that the idea of Harry Potter simply fell into her head.\"To my immense frustration ,I didn't have a functioning pen with me,and I was too shy to ask anybody if I could borrow one.I think,now,that this was probably a good thing,because I simply sat and thought,for four (delayed train) hours,and all the details bubbled up in my brain,and this scrawny,blackhaired,bespectacled boy who didn't know he was a wizard became more and more real to me.\"\nThat same year,her mother passed away after a tenyear battle with multiple sclerosis,which deeply affected her writing.She went on to marry and had a daughter,but separated from her husband shortly afterwards.\nDuring this time,Rowling was diagnosed with clinical depression.Unemployed,she completed her first novel in area cafes,where she could get her daughter to fall asleep.After being rejected by 12 publishing houses,the first Harry Potter novel was sold to a small British publishing house.\nNow with seven books that have sold nearly 400 million copies in 64 languages,J.K.Rowling is the highest earning novelist in history.And it all began with her commitment to writing that was fostered by the confidence of a friend!\n\n<question>:\nRowling first came up with the idea about Harry Potter _ .\n\n<options>:\nA at the age of 6\nB on a train journey\nC after her mother's death\nD in her secondary school\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,207
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nSuccess is often measured by the ability to overcome adversity.But,it is often the belief of others that gives us the courage to try.\nJ.K.Rowling,author of the Harry Potter book series,began writing at the age of 6.In her biography,she remembers with great fondness when her good friend Sean,whom she met in secondary school,became the first person to encourage her and help build the confidence that one day she would be a very good writer\n\"He was the first person with whom I really discussed my serious ambition to be a writer.He was also the only person who thought I was bound to be a success at it,which meant much more to me than I ever told him at the time.\"\nDespite many setbacks,Rowling persevered in her writing,particularly fantasy stories.But it wasn't until 1990 that she first conceived the idea about Harry Potter.As she recalls,it was on a long train journey from London to Manchester that the idea of Harry Potter simply fell into her head.\"To my immense frustration ,I didn't have a functioning pen with me,and I was too shy to ask anybody if I could borrow one.I think,now,that this was probably a good thing,because I simply sat and thought,for four (delayed train) hours,and all the details bubbled up in my brain,and this scrawny,blackhaired,bespectacled boy who didn't know he was a wizard became more and more real to me.\"\nThat same year,her mother passed away after a tenyear battle with multiple sclerosis,which deeply affected her writing.She went on to marry and had a daughter,but separated from her husband shortly afterwards.\nDuring this time,Rowling was diagnosed with clinical depression.Unemployed,she completed her first novel in area cafes,where she could get her daughter to fall asleep.After being rejected by 12 publishing houses,the first Harry Potter novel was sold to a small British publishing house.\nNow with seven books that have sold nearly 400 million copies in 64 languages,J.K.Rowling is the highest earning novelist in history.And it all began with her commitment to writing that was fostered by the confidence of a friend!\n\n<question>:\nShe felt frustrated on the train because _ .\n\n<options>:\nA her train was delayed for four hours\nB she didn't have a pen with her\nC her mind suddenly went blank\nD no one would offer her help\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,208
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nSuccess is often measured by the ability to overcome adversity.But,it is often the belief of others that gives us the courage to try.\nJ.K.Rowling,author of the Harry Potter book series,began writing at the age of 6.In her biography,she remembers with great fondness when her good friend Sean,whom she met in secondary school,became the first person to encourage her and help build the confidence that one day she would be a very good writer\n\"He was the first person with whom I really discussed my serious ambition to be a writer.He was also the only person who thought I was bound to be a success at it,which meant much more to me than I ever told him at the time.\"\nDespite many setbacks,Rowling persevered in her writing,particularly fantasy stories.But it wasn't until 1990 that she first conceived the idea about Harry Potter.As she recalls,it was on a long train journey from London to Manchester that the idea of Harry Potter simply fell into her head.\"To my immense frustration ,I didn't have a functioning pen with me,and I was too shy to ask anybody if I could borrow one.I think,now,that this was probably a good thing,because I simply sat and thought,for four (delayed train) hours,and all the details bubbled up in my brain,and this scrawny,blackhaired,bespectacled boy who didn't know he was a wizard became more and more real to me.\"\nThat same year,her mother passed away after a tenyear battle with multiple sclerosis,which deeply affected her writing.She went on to marry and had a daughter,but separated from her husband shortly afterwards.\nDuring this time,Rowling was diagnosed with clinical depression.Unemployed,she completed her first novel in area cafes,where she could get her daughter to fall asleep.After being rejected by 12 publishing houses,the first Harry Potter novel was sold to a small British publishing house.\nNow with seven books that have sold nearly 400 million copies in 64 languages,J.K.Rowling is the highest earning novelist in history.And it all began with her commitment to writing that was fostered by the confidence of a friend!\n\n<question>:\nThe text mainly tells us _ .\n\n<options>:\nA hardship makes a good novelist\nB the courage to try is a special ability\nC you can have a wonderful idea everywhere\nD encouragement contributes to one's success\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,209
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nNowadays women appear to have a positive image of themselves as safer drivers than men.\nIn a survey done for insurer MetLife, 51% of women said they drive more safely. The evidence is on their side: Men are 3.4 times more likely than women to get a ticket for careless driving and 3.1 times as likely to be punished for drunk driving. \"Women are on average less aggressive and more law abiding drivers, which leads to fewer accidents,\" the report says. However, not all male drivers share the same opinion. Of the men surveyed by MetLife, 39% claimed male drivers were safer. The findings did back them upon one point: automotive knowledge. The report showed that more men are familiar with current safety equipment such as electronic stability control,which helps prevent rollover accidents.\nAuto safety unavoidably matters to Money. Insurance companies focus on what classes of drivers have the lowest dollar amounts of claims, and for now, that mainly includes women. In general, women pay about 9% less for auto insurance than men. A study by the website Insweb also showed that auto insurance rates are lower for women in most states. Among individual states, women get the greatest, advantage in Wyoming (where they pay 20% less), South Dakota and Washington, D.C, where their insurance costs are 16% lower.\n\"More than 11,900 male drivers died in US traffic accidents in 2009,compared with just under 4,900 women drivers\" according to the study. \"Based on miles traveled, men died at a rate of 2.5 deaths per 100 million miles traveled, vs.1.7 deaths for women.\"\n\n<question>:\nAccording to the study,female drivers _ .\n\n<options>:\nA are more aggressive while driving\nB are more interested in auto knowledge\nC are more likely to stick to driving laws\nD are more familiar with safety equipment\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,210
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nNowadays women appear to have a positive image of themselves as safer drivers than men.\nIn a survey done for insurer MetLife, 51% of women said they drive more safely. The evidence is on their side: Men are 3.4 times more likely than women to get a ticket for careless driving and 3.1 times as likely to be punished for drunk driving. \"Women are on average less aggressive and more law abiding drivers, which leads to fewer accidents,\" the report says. However, not all male drivers share the same opinion. Of the men surveyed by MetLife, 39% claimed male drivers were safer. The findings did back them upon one point: automotive knowledge. The report showed that more men are familiar with current safety equipment such as electronic stability control,which helps prevent rollover accidents.\nAuto safety unavoidably matters to Money. Insurance companies focus on what classes of drivers have the lowest dollar amounts of claims, and for now, that mainly includes women. In general, women pay about 9% less for auto insurance than men. A study by the website Insweb also showed that auto insurance rates are lower for women in most states. Among individual states, women get the greatest, advantage in Wyoming (where they pay 20% less), South Dakota and Washington, D.C, where their insurance costs are 16% lower.\n\"More than 11,900 male drivers died in US traffic accidents in 2009,compared with just under 4,900 women drivers\" according to the study. \"Based on miles traveled, men died at a rate of 2.5 deaths per 100 million miles traveled, vs.1.7 deaths for women.\"\n\n<question>:\nInsurance companies focus on female driver clients probably because they _ .\n\n<options>:\nA cause more accidents on the road\nB pay more money to the insurance companies\nC take the most part of the insurance clients\nD have the lowest amount of money on insurance claims\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,211
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nNowadays women appear to have a positive image of themselves as safer drivers than men.\nIn a survey done for insurer MetLife, 51% of women said they drive more safely. The evidence is on their side: Men are 3.4 times more likely than women to get a ticket for careless driving and 3.1 times as likely to be punished for drunk driving. \"Women are on average less aggressive and more law abiding drivers, which leads to fewer accidents,\" the report says. However, not all male drivers share the same opinion. Of the men surveyed by MetLife, 39% claimed male drivers were safer. The findings did back them upon one point: automotive knowledge. The report showed that more men are familiar with current safety equipment such as electronic stability control,which helps prevent rollover accidents.\nAuto safety unavoidably matters to Money. Insurance companies focus on what classes of drivers have the lowest dollar amounts of claims, and for now, that mainly includes women. In general, women pay about 9% less for auto insurance than men. A study by the website Insweb also showed that auto insurance rates are lower for women in most states. Among individual states, women get the greatest, advantage in Wyoming (where they pay 20% less), South Dakota and Washington, D.C, where their insurance costs are 16% lower.\n\"More than 11,900 male drivers died in US traffic accidents in 2009,compared with just under 4,900 women drivers\" according to the study. \"Based on miles traveled, men died at a rate of 2.5 deaths per 100 million miles traveled, vs.1.7 deaths for women.\"\n\n<question>:\nWe can infer from the passage that _ .\n\n<options>:\nA men are 3.1 times more likely to get tickets than women\nB all women in the USA pay the same for their auto insurance\nC more female drivers die every year than male drivers\nD women are generally safer drivers than the opposite gender\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,212
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nTHANK-you cards--heartfelt expressions of gratitude for gifts, services and general kindness--seem to be rare in an age when the Internet continues to reduce human interaction.\nAlthough our society has changed greatly over the past century, the _ of thank-you notes has not.\nWhile most people would agree that thank-you notes under these circumstances are a necessity, there are still those who forever postpone or are forgetful for unknown reasons.\nAnd at no time of the year are thank-you notes more visible (or lacking) than June, the month of graduations, and the beginning of summer parties.\n\"It's a must-do thing. A real thank you does not come by e-mail. It comes in the mail in an envelope. And what comes out of an envelope is a beautiful thing to touch and to handle and to pass around for everyone to read,\" said etiquette expert Letitia Baldrige.\nDon't think for a second that Baldrige is old-fashioned. Handwritten thank-you notes--any handwritten correspondence, for that matter- have taken on an air of extra importance and dignity in this e-hyper world.\nBaldrige remains hopeful that the art may be enjoying a renaissance (,).\nMore than simply obeying rules of etiquette, thank-you cards are a sign of caring.\n\"They're more important now than ever,\" expert Peter Post says. \"You are building a relationship. And part of building that relationship is that you acknowledge when someone has done something nice for you. \"\n\"The payoff,\" Post says, \"can be huge. The more we do it, the more it comes back to us, and it's a benefit to us all. It makes our world a little bit nicer place to live in. \"\n\n<question>:\nNowadays thank-you cards seem to be rare mainly because _ .\n\n<options>:\nA people think that they are out of fashion\nB it is quicker to say thanks by e-mail\nC the Internet has reduced people's contact\nD people are too busy to remember these things\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,213
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nTHANK-you cards--heartfelt expressions of gratitude for gifts, services and general kindness--seem to be rare in an age when the Internet continues to reduce human interaction.\nAlthough our society has changed greatly over the past century, the _ of thank-you notes has not.\nWhile most people would agree that thank-you notes under these circumstances are a necessity, there are still those who forever postpone or are forgetful for unknown reasons.\nAnd at no time of the year are thank-you notes more visible (or lacking) than June, the month of graduations, and the beginning of summer parties.\n\"It's a must-do thing. A real thank you does not come by e-mail. It comes in the mail in an envelope. And what comes out of an envelope is a beautiful thing to touch and to handle and to pass around for everyone to read,\" said etiquette expert Letitia Baldrige.\nDon't think for a second that Baldrige is old-fashioned. Handwritten thank-you notes--any handwritten correspondence, for that matter- have taken on an air of extra importance and dignity in this e-hyper world.\nBaldrige remains hopeful that the art may be enjoying a renaissance (,).\nMore than simply obeying rules of etiquette, thank-you cards are a sign of caring.\n\"They're more important now than ever,\" expert Peter Post says. \"You are building a relationship. And part of building that relationship is that you acknowledge when someone has done something nice for you. \"\n\"The payoff,\" Post says, \"can be huge. The more we do it, the more it comes back to us, and it's a benefit to us all. It makes our world a little bit nicer place to live in. \"\n\n<question>:\nThe author implies in this article that _ .\n\n<options>:\nA old-fashioned people take a negative attitude to e-mails\nB the changing society is making people impolite and lazy\nC modern technology is driving people apart\nD the e-hyper world is not a nice place to live in\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,214
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nTHANK-you cards--heartfelt expressions of gratitude for gifts, services and general kindness--seem to be rare in an age when the Internet continues to reduce human interaction.\nAlthough our society has changed greatly over the past century, the _ of thank-you notes has not.\nWhile most people would agree that thank-you notes under these circumstances are a necessity, there are still those who forever postpone or are forgetful for unknown reasons.\nAnd at no time of the year are thank-you notes more visible (or lacking) than June, the month of graduations, and the beginning of summer parties.\n\"It's a must-do thing. A real thank you does not come by e-mail. It comes in the mail in an envelope. And what comes out of an envelope is a beautiful thing to touch and to handle and to pass around for everyone to read,\" said etiquette expert Letitia Baldrige.\nDon't think for a second that Baldrige is old-fashioned. Handwritten thank-you notes--any handwritten correspondence, for that matter- have taken on an air of extra importance and dignity in this e-hyper world.\nBaldrige remains hopeful that the art may be enjoying a renaissance (,).\nMore than simply obeying rules of etiquette, thank-you cards are a sign of caring.\n\"They're more important now than ever,\" expert Peter Post says. \"You are building a relationship. And part of building that relationship is that you acknowledge when someone has done something nice for you. \"\n\"The payoff,\" Post says, \"can be huge. The more we do it, the more it comes back to us, and it's a benefit to us all. It makes our world a little bit nicer place to live in. \"\n\n<question>:\nWhat's Baldrige's attitude towards handwritten thank-you cards?\n\n<options>:\nA Regretful to disappear\nB Promising to come back\nC Old-fashioned to keep\nD Unnecessary between friends\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,215
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nPeople without homes have always been present in America. In the past,they were called hobos,bums,or drifters. It was not until the early 1980s that these people received a new name,when activists named them the homeless.\nThe types of people who were homeless also changed in the 1980s. No longer were they primarily older men. They were younger,with an average age of 35. Their numbers consisted of women,children,adolescents and entire families. They were of many races and cultures. No longer were they only in the inner city. They lived in rural areas and in large and small cities. No longer were they invisible to the people with homes and jobs. The homeless of the 1980s lived in packing crates and doorways. They slept on sidewalks and in public parks. They begged money from passersby.\nCounting the numbers of homeless people is difficult. However,in 1984 the Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated the homeless population at between 250,000 and 350,000. In 1990 the Census Bureau counted about 459,000 people in shelters,in cheap hotels,and on the streets. In 1995 the National Alliance to End Homelessness estimated that there were 750,000 homeless Americans.\nThe homeless of the 1980s also began to speak out for themselves. Some spoke to Congress and to government committees controlling funding for social programs. Street newspapers,such as Chicago's Streetwise and Boston's Spare Change,had stories,poems,and essays that expressed the homeless viewpoint. The visible and vocal presence of the homeless prompted help from volunteers and government agencies. But what is still needed is a solution to the _ of America's homeless population.\n\n<question>:\nThis passage is mainly about _ .\n\n<options>:\nA one homeless person's story\nB the history of the homeless\nC the changes of the homeless in the late 20th century\nD a way to provide homes for the homeless\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,216
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nPeople without homes have always been present in America. In the past,they were called hobos,bums,or drifters. It was not until the early 1980s that these people received a new name,when activists named them the homeless.\nThe types of people who were homeless also changed in the 1980s. No longer were they primarily older men. They were younger,with an average age of 35. Their numbers consisted of women,children,adolescents and entire families. They were of many races and cultures. No longer were they only in the inner city. They lived in rural areas and in large and small cities. No longer were they invisible to the people with homes and jobs. The homeless of the 1980s lived in packing crates and doorways. They slept on sidewalks and in public parks. They begged money from passersby.\nCounting the numbers of homeless people is difficult. However,in 1984 the Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated the homeless population at between 250,000 and 350,000. In 1990 the Census Bureau counted about 459,000 people in shelters,in cheap hotels,and on the streets. In 1995 the National Alliance to End Homelessness estimated that there were 750,000 homeless Americans.\nThe homeless of the 1980s also began to speak out for themselves. Some spoke to Congress and to government committees controlling funding for social programs. Street newspapers,such as Chicago's Streetwise and Boston's Spare Change,had stories,poems,and essays that expressed the homeless viewpoint. The visible and vocal presence of the homeless prompted help from volunteers and government agencies. But what is still needed is a solution to the _ of America's homeless population.\n\n<question>:\nHow did the homeless speak out about their problems?\n\n<options>:\nA By writing books.\nB By moving to rural areas.\nC By being elected to the government committees.\nD By expressing their viewpoints in street newspapers.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,217
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nPeople without homes have always been present in America. In the past,they were called hobos,bums,or drifters. It was not until the early 1980s that these people received a new name,when activists named them the homeless.\nThe types of people who were homeless also changed in the 1980s. No longer were they primarily older men. They were younger,with an average age of 35. Their numbers consisted of women,children,adolescents and entire families. They were of many races and cultures. No longer were they only in the inner city. They lived in rural areas and in large and small cities. No longer were they invisible to the people with homes and jobs. The homeless of the 1980s lived in packing crates and doorways. They slept on sidewalks and in public parks. They begged money from passersby.\nCounting the numbers of homeless people is difficult. However,in 1984 the Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated the homeless population at between 250,000 and 350,000. In 1990 the Census Bureau counted about 459,000 people in shelters,in cheap hotels,and on the streets. In 1995 the National Alliance to End Homelessness estimated that there were 750,000 homeless Americans.\nThe homeless of the 1980s also began to speak out for themselves. Some spoke to Congress and to government committees controlling funding for social programs. Street newspapers,such as Chicago's Streetwise and Boston's Spare Change,had stories,poems,and essays that expressed the homeless viewpoint. The visible and vocal presence of the homeless prompted help from volunteers and government agencies. But what is still needed is a solution to the _ of America's homeless population.\n\n<question>:\nWho is responsible to get the number of the homeless population according to the passage?\n\n<options>:\nA Government agencies.\nB Street newspapers.\nC The homeless themselves.\nD The volunteers.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,218
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nPeople without homes have always been present in America. In the past,they were called hobos,bums,or drifters. It was not until the early 1980s that these people received a new name,when activists named them the homeless.\nThe types of people who were homeless also changed in the 1980s. No longer were they primarily older men. They were younger,with an average age of 35. Their numbers consisted of women,children,adolescents and entire families. They were of many races and cultures. No longer were they only in the inner city. They lived in rural areas and in large and small cities. No longer were they invisible to the people with homes and jobs. The homeless of the 1980s lived in packing crates and doorways. They slept on sidewalks and in public parks. They begged money from passersby.\nCounting the numbers of homeless people is difficult. However,in 1984 the Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated the homeless population at between 250,000 and 350,000. In 1990 the Census Bureau counted about 459,000 people in shelters,in cheap hotels,and on the streets. In 1995 the National Alliance to End Homelessness estimated that there were 750,000 homeless Americans.\nThe homeless of the 1980s also began to speak out for themselves. Some spoke to Congress and to government committees controlling funding for social programs. Street newspapers,such as Chicago's Streetwise and Boston's Spare Change,had stories,poems,and essays that expressed the homeless viewpoint. The visible and vocal presence of the homeless prompted help from volunteers and government agencies. But what is still needed is a solution to the _ of America's homeless population.\n\n<question>:\nWhich of the following is TRUE according to the passage?\n\n<options>:\nA The homeless all lived in urban cities in America.\nB The name \"the homeless\" was given in the early 1980.\nC Not only the disabled belong to the homeless family.\nD There were about 800,000 homeless people in western countries.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,219
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nAcross the planet there are millions of people who engage in some type of meditation, the practice of concentrating and clearing the mind to bring the body into a state of peace, at least a semi-regular basis. For some, particularly among practitioners of Eastern religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism, this is _ of their religious practice.\nFor others, particularly in Western cultures, meditation tends to be a response to stress. With the world economy approaching meltdown and people worried about their job or their ability to keep their home, it's a way for people to attain a state of peace of mind and well-being.\nFor those interested in taking up the practice, instruction in meditation for beginners can be found in literally thousands of sources.\nOne of the most popular styles of mediation in the West, with classes offered in most major cities, is called Transcendental Meditation. TM, as it is known among its practitioners, first came to worldwide attention when the Beatles began practicing it in 1967. For direct, guided, personal instruction in meditation for the beginner, TM may be the hallmark.\nPart of the confusion about how to practice meditation effectively is due to the fact that there are literally hundreds of techniques championed by various groups and individuals. As a general principle, it might be said that all meditation techniques seek to have the practitioner attain a state of consciousness that is different to our ordinary state of awareness. They attempt to train people to clear their minds and achieve a sense of inner peace. It sounds simple enough, but of the huge number of people experiment with meditation, very few are able to maintain its practice over the long haul. In most cases, this is due to frustration over the inability to experience any dramatic, instantly recognizable effects.\nThis is quite a sad state of affairs, that so few these days are willing or equipped to persist in something that doesn't provide immediate life-changing results. It reflects a culture in which demands for discipline and sustained effort are considered unnecessary or even unfair. It is no surprise therefore that many people abandon their efforts at meditation before they have a chance to bear fruit.\nBut for anyone who does decide to take up this worthwhile practice, please remember. You must clear your mind, relax and \"take it as it comes\". Maintain the practice with a sense of discipline and devotion, and eventually benefits of inner peace and calm will be yours.\n\n<question>:\nThe goal of meditation is _ .\n\n<options>:\nA to clear the mind\nB to practice a religion\nC to develop a technique\nD to carry out an experiment\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,220
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nAcross the planet there are millions of people who engage in some type of meditation, the practice of concentrating and clearing the mind to bring the body into a state of peace, at least a semi-regular basis. For some, particularly among practitioners of Eastern religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism, this is _ of their religious practice.\nFor others, particularly in Western cultures, meditation tends to be a response to stress. With the world economy approaching meltdown and people worried about their job or their ability to keep their home, it's a way for people to attain a state of peace of mind and well-being.\nFor those interested in taking up the practice, instruction in meditation for beginners can be found in literally thousands of sources.\nOne of the most popular styles of mediation in the West, with classes offered in most major cities, is called Transcendental Meditation. TM, as it is known among its practitioners, first came to worldwide attention when the Beatles began practicing it in 1967. For direct, guided, personal instruction in meditation for the beginner, TM may be the hallmark.\nPart of the confusion about how to practice meditation effectively is due to the fact that there are literally hundreds of techniques championed by various groups and individuals. As a general principle, it might be said that all meditation techniques seek to have the practitioner attain a state of consciousness that is different to our ordinary state of awareness. They attempt to train people to clear their minds and achieve a sense of inner peace. It sounds simple enough, but of the huge number of people experiment with meditation, very few are able to maintain its practice over the long haul. In most cases, this is due to frustration over the inability to experience any dramatic, instantly recognizable effects.\nThis is quite a sad state of affairs, that so few these days are willing or equipped to persist in something that doesn't provide immediate life-changing results. It reflects a culture in which demands for discipline and sustained effort are considered unnecessary or even unfair. It is no surprise therefore that many people abandon their efforts at meditation before they have a chance to bear fruit.\nBut for anyone who does decide to take up this worthwhile practice, please remember. You must clear your mind, relax and \"take it as it comes\". Maintain the practice with a sense of discipline and devotion, and eventually benefits of inner peace and calm will be yours.\n\n<question>:\nWhat can we infer about meditation from the passage?\n\n<options>:\nA It has two main types.\nB It is practiced by many famous artists.\nC Its benefits are not immediately obvious.\nD Most people find it a very good way to relax.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,221
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nAcross the planet there are millions of people who engage in some type of meditation, the practice of concentrating and clearing the mind to bring the body into a state of peace, at least a semi-regular basis. For some, particularly among practitioners of Eastern religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism, this is _ of their religious practice.\nFor others, particularly in Western cultures, meditation tends to be a response to stress. With the world economy approaching meltdown and people worried about their job or their ability to keep their home, it's a way for people to attain a state of peace of mind and well-being.\nFor those interested in taking up the practice, instruction in meditation for beginners can be found in literally thousands of sources.\nOne of the most popular styles of mediation in the West, with classes offered in most major cities, is called Transcendental Meditation. TM, as it is known among its practitioners, first came to worldwide attention when the Beatles began practicing it in 1967. For direct, guided, personal instruction in meditation for the beginner, TM may be the hallmark.\nPart of the confusion about how to practice meditation effectively is due to the fact that there are literally hundreds of techniques championed by various groups and individuals. As a general principle, it might be said that all meditation techniques seek to have the practitioner attain a state of consciousness that is different to our ordinary state of awareness. They attempt to train people to clear their minds and achieve a sense of inner peace. It sounds simple enough, but of the huge number of people experiment with meditation, very few are able to maintain its practice over the long haul. In most cases, this is due to frustration over the inability to experience any dramatic, instantly recognizable effects.\nThis is quite a sad state of affairs, that so few these days are willing or equipped to persist in something that doesn't provide immediate life-changing results. It reflects a culture in which demands for discipline and sustained effort are considered unnecessary or even unfair. It is no surprise therefore that many people abandon their efforts at meditation before they have a chance to bear fruit.\nBut for anyone who does decide to take up this worthwhile practice, please remember. You must clear your mind, relax and \"take it as it comes\". Maintain the practice with a sense of discipline and devotion, and eventually benefits of inner peace and calm will be yours.\n\n<question>:\nAccording to the writer, what has attracted many Western people to meditation practices in recent years?\n\n<options>:\nA Their improved understanding of foreign culture.\nB The need to fill in their growing free time.\nC Increasing employment instability.\nD Migration from countries in which meditation is traditional.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,222
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nAcross the planet there are millions of people who engage in some type of meditation, the practice of concentrating and clearing the mind to bring the body into a state of peace, at least a semi-regular basis. For some, particularly among practitioners of Eastern religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism, this is _ of their religious practice.\nFor others, particularly in Western cultures, meditation tends to be a response to stress. With the world economy approaching meltdown and people worried about their job or their ability to keep their home, it's a way for people to attain a state of peace of mind and well-being.\nFor those interested in taking up the practice, instruction in meditation for beginners can be found in literally thousands of sources.\nOne of the most popular styles of mediation in the West, with classes offered in most major cities, is called Transcendental Meditation. TM, as it is known among its practitioners, first came to worldwide attention when the Beatles began practicing it in 1967. For direct, guided, personal instruction in meditation for the beginner, TM may be the hallmark.\nPart of the confusion about how to practice meditation effectively is due to the fact that there are literally hundreds of techniques championed by various groups and individuals. As a general principle, it might be said that all meditation techniques seek to have the practitioner attain a state of consciousness that is different to our ordinary state of awareness. They attempt to train people to clear their minds and achieve a sense of inner peace. It sounds simple enough, but of the huge number of people experiment with meditation, very few are able to maintain its practice over the long haul. In most cases, this is due to frustration over the inability to experience any dramatic, instantly recognizable effects.\nThis is quite a sad state of affairs, that so few these days are willing or equipped to persist in something that doesn't provide immediate life-changing results. It reflects a culture in which demands for discipline and sustained effort are considered unnecessary or even unfair. It is no surprise therefore that many people abandon their efforts at meditation before they have a chance to bear fruit.\nBut for anyone who does decide to take up this worthwhile practice, please remember. You must clear your mind, relax and \"take it as it comes\". Maintain the practice with a sense of discipline and devotion, and eventually benefits of inner peace and calm will be yours.\n\n<question>:\nWho is the probable audience for this article?\n\n<options>:\nA Experienced meditation practitioners.\nB People interested in starting to learn meditation.\nC Buddhists and Hindus.\nD People who are very religious.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,223
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nLike most English children,I learned foreign languages at school.When I made my first visit to the United States,I was sure I could have a nice easy holiday without any language problem.But how wrong I was. \nAt the American airport,I was looking for a public telephone to tell my friend Jenny that I had arrived.A worker asked if he could help me.\"Yes,\"I said,\"I want to give my friend a ring.\"\"Well,that's nice.Are you getting married?\"he asked.\"No,\"I replied.\"I just want to tell her on the phone I have arrived.\"\"Oh,\"he said.\"There is a phone downstairs on the first floor.\"\"But we're on the first floor now,\"I said.\"Well,I don't know what you are talking about.Maybe you aren't feeling too well after your journey,\"he said.\"You just go and wash up,and you will feel a lot better.\"And he went off,leaving me wondering where on earth I was:at home we wash up after a meal to get the cups and plates clean.How can I wash up at an airport \nAt last we did meet.She explained the misunderstanding:Americans say \"to give someone a call\",but we English say\"to give somebody a ring\".When we say\"to wash your hands\",they say\"to wash up\".And Englishmen start numbering from the ground floor,so the first floor is the second for Americans.\n\n<question>:\nIn American English \"wash up\" means _ .\n\n<options>:\nA wash cups,plates and so on\nB wash your body with water\nC drink from a clean cup\nD wash your hands and face\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,224
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nLike most English children,I learned foreign languages at school.When I made my first visit to the United States,I was sure I could have a nice easy holiday without any language problem.But how wrong I was. \nAt the American airport,I was looking for a public telephone to tell my friend Jenny that I had arrived.A worker asked if he could help me.\"Yes,\"I said,\"I want to give my friend a ring.\"\"Well,that's nice.Are you getting married?\"he asked.\"No,\"I replied.\"I just want to tell her on the phone I have arrived.\"\"Oh,\"he said.\"There is a phone downstairs on the first floor.\"\"But we're on the first floor now,\"I said.\"Well,I don't know what you are talking about.Maybe you aren't feeling too well after your journey,\"he said.\"You just go and wash up,and you will feel a lot better.\"And he went off,leaving me wondering where on earth I was:at home we wash up after a meal to get the cups and plates clean.How can I wash up at an airport \nAt last we did meet.She explained the misunderstanding:Americans say \"to give someone a call\",but we English say\"to give somebody a ring\".When we say\"to wash your hands\",they say\"to wash up\".And Englishmen start numbering from the ground floor,so the first floor is the second for Americans.\n\n<question>:\nThe writer's friend is an _ .\n\n<options>:\nA Englishwoman\nB Englishman\nC American girl\nD American boy\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,225
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nLike most English children,I learned foreign languages at school.When I made my first visit to the United States,I was sure I could have a nice easy holiday without any language problem.But how wrong I was. \nAt the American airport,I was looking for a public telephone to tell my friend Jenny that I had arrived.A worker asked if he could help me.\"Yes,\"I said,\"I want to give my friend a ring.\"\"Well,that's nice.Are you getting married?\"he asked.\"No,\"I replied.\"I just want to tell her on the phone I have arrived.\"\"Oh,\"he said.\"There is a phone downstairs on the first floor.\"\"But we're on the first floor now,\"I said.\"Well,I don't know what you are talking about.Maybe you aren't feeling too well after your journey,\"he said.\"You just go and wash up,and you will feel a lot better.\"And he went off,leaving me wondering where on earth I was:at home we wash up after a meal to get the cups and plates clean.How can I wash up at an airport \nAt last we did meet.She explained the misunderstanding:Americans say \"to give someone a call\",but we English say\"to give somebody a ring\".When we say\"to wash your hands\",they say\"to wash up\".And Englishmen start numbering from the ground floor,so the first floor is the second for Americans.\n\n<question>:\nWe know from the passage that the writer went to America _ .\n\n<options>:\nA to meet his future wife\nB to marry an American\nC to spend his holiday\nD to learn American English\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,226
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nLike most English children,I learned foreign languages at school.When I made my first visit to the United States,I was sure I could have a nice easy holiday without any language problem.But how wrong I was. \nAt the American airport,I was looking for a public telephone to tell my friend Jenny that I had arrived.A worker asked if he could help me.\"Yes,\"I said,\"I want to give my friend a ring.\"\"Well,that's nice.Are you getting married?\"he asked.\"No,\"I replied.\"I just want to tell her on the phone I have arrived.\"\"Oh,\"he said.\"There is a phone downstairs on the first floor.\"\"But we're on the first floor now,\"I said.\"Well,I don't know what you are talking about.Maybe you aren't feeling too well after your journey,\"he said.\"You just go and wash up,and you will feel a lot better.\"And he went off,leaving me wondering where on earth I was:at home we wash up after a meal to get the cups and plates clean.How can I wash up at an airport \nAt last we did meet.She explained the misunderstanding:Americans say \"to give someone a call\",but we English say\"to give somebody a ring\".When we say\"to wash your hands\",they say\"to wash up\".And Englishmen start numbering from the ground floor,so the first floor is the second for Americans.\n\n<question>:\nBoth the English and Americans say\"give somebody a ring\", _ .\n\n<options>:\nA but they mean two different things\nB and they mean the same thing\nC and they understand each other\nD and they never misunderstand\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,227
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nLike most English children,I learned foreign languages at school.When I made my first visit to the United States,I was sure I could have a nice easy holiday without any language problem.But how wrong I was. \nAt the American airport,I was looking for a public telephone to tell my friend Jenny that I had arrived.A worker asked if he could help me.\"Yes,\"I said,\"I want to give my friend a ring.\"\"Well,that's nice.Are you getting married?\"he asked.\"No,\"I replied.\"I just want to tell her on the phone I have arrived.\"\"Oh,\"he said.\"There is a phone downstairs on the first floor.\"\"But we're on the first floor now,\"I said.\"Well,I don't know what you are talking about.Maybe you aren't feeling too well after your journey,\"he said.\"You just go and wash up,and you will feel a lot better.\"And he went off,leaving me wondering where on earth I was:at home we wash up after a meal to get the cups and plates clean.How can I wash up at an airport \nAt last we did meet.She explained the misunderstanding:Americans say \"to give someone a call\",but we English say\"to give somebody a ring\".When we say\"to wash your hands\",they say\"to wash up\".And Englishmen start numbering from the ground floor,so the first floor is the second for Americans.\n\n<question>:\nAn American can probably say _ .\n\n<options>:\nA wait a minute,please.But I must give my friend a ring\nB my car is in a room on the first floor of my house.You can use it\nC you should wash your hands before dinner\nD you can give your girlfriend a ring when you get married\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,228
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nFor some people, music is no fun at all. About four percent of the population is what scientists call \"amusic.\" People who are amusic are born without the ability to recognize or reproduce musical notes . Amusic people often cannot tell the difference between two songs. Amusics can only hear the difference between two notes if they are very far apart on the musical scale.\nAs a result, songs sound like noise to an amusic. Many amusics compare the sound of music to pieces of metal hitting each other. Life can be hard for amusics. Their inability to enjoy music set them apart from others. It can be difficult for other people to identify with their condition. In fact, most people cannot begin to grasp what it feels like to be amusic. Just going to a restaurant or a shopping mall can be uncomfortable or even painful. That is why many amusics intentionally stay away from places where there is music. However, this can result in withdrawal and social isolation. \"I used to hate parties,\" says Margaret, a seventy-year-old woman who only recently discovered that she was amusic. By studying people like Margaret, scientists are finally learning how to identify this unusual condition.\nScientists say that the brains of amusics are different from the brains of people who can appreciate music. The difference is complex, and it doesn't involve defective hearing. Amusics can understand other nonmusical sounds well. They also have no problems understanding ordinary speech. Scientists compare amusics to people who just can't see certain colors.\nMany amusics are happy when their condition is finally diagnosed . For years, Margaret felt embarrassed about her problem with music. Now she knows that she is not alone. There is a name for her condition. That makes it easier for her to explain. \"When people invite me to a concert, I just say, 'No thanks, I'm amusic,'\" says Margaret. \"I just wish I had learned to say that when I was seventeen and not seventy.\" (335 words)\n\n<question>:\nWhich of the following is true of amusics?\n\n<options>:\nA Listening to music is far from enjoyable for them.\nB They love places where they are likely to hear music.\nC They can easily tell two different songs apart.\nD Their situation is well understood by musicians.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,229
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nFor some people, music is no fun at all. About four percent of the population is what scientists call \"amusic.\" People who are amusic are born without the ability to recognize or reproduce musical notes . Amusic people often cannot tell the difference between two songs. Amusics can only hear the difference between two notes if they are very far apart on the musical scale.\nAs a result, songs sound like noise to an amusic. Many amusics compare the sound of music to pieces of metal hitting each other. Life can be hard for amusics. Their inability to enjoy music set them apart from others. It can be difficult for other people to identify with their condition. In fact, most people cannot begin to grasp what it feels like to be amusic. Just going to a restaurant or a shopping mall can be uncomfortable or even painful. That is why many amusics intentionally stay away from places where there is music. However, this can result in withdrawal and social isolation. \"I used to hate parties,\" says Margaret, a seventy-year-old woman who only recently discovered that she was amusic. By studying people like Margaret, scientists are finally learning how to identify this unusual condition.\nScientists say that the brains of amusics are different from the brains of people who can appreciate music. The difference is complex, and it doesn't involve defective hearing. Amusics can understand other nonmusical sounds well. They also have no problems understanding ordinary speech. Scientists compare amusics to people who just can't see certain colors.\nMany amusics are happy when their condition is finally diagnosed . For years, Margaret felt embarrassed about her problem with music. Now she knows that she is not alone. There is a name for her condition. That makes it easier for her to explain. \"When people invite me to a concert, I just say, 'No thanks, I'm amusic,'\" says Margaret. \"I just wish I had learned to say that when I was seventeen and not seventy.\" (335 words)\n\n<question>:\nWhat is the passage mainly concerned with?\n\n<options>:\nA Amusics' strange behaviours.\nB Some people's inability to enjoy music.\nC Musical talent and brain structure.\nD Identification and treatment of amusics.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,230
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nThree years ago I listened to a lecture on cognition that changed the way I think about intelligence. There are two types of cognition, and the first is normal cognition the ability to regain knowledge from memory. The second type of cognition is metacognition the ability to know whether or not you know.\nDoes this affect intelligence? In traditional education, intelligence is measured by cognitive ability. Some people can easily produce everything they know on a test. But others are awarded with poor grades and considered inferior (not as good as). But does this inability make them any less intelligent? If the question came up on a task, they could refer to a book or a quick Google search. In reality they're just as effective as the people that ace a test. They just can't prove it as easily.\nMetacognition is more important to success than cognition. A person with poor cognitive ability, but great metacognitive ability might do poorly in school, but when faced with a challenge, they understand their abilities and _ . For example, when faced with a question, a person with strong metacognitive ability will deal with it like this. If he knows the answer, but can't come up with it, he can always do a bit of research. If he knows for sure that he doesn't know, then he can start educating himself. Because he's aware of his ignorance, he doesn't act with foolish confidence. These people might not seem intelligent at first glance, but because they know what they know, they make better decisions and learn the most important things.\nHowever, people with great cognitive ability but poor metacognitive ability may be considered excellent at a young age for acing every test and getting great SAT scores. Unfortunately, they've been ruined by poor metacognition they think they know everything but they really don't. They are arrogant (overconfident), fail to learn from mistakes, and don't understand the slight differences of personal relationships, showing disregard for persons with lower cognitive ability. They may make the worst decisions.\nThe most important mental power is the ability to know what you don't know .The recognition of a fault is the first step to improvement. Don't try to hide a lack of knowledge. For intelligent people this is the toughest lesson to learn.\n\n<question>:\nPeople with great cognitive ability tend to _ .\n\n<options>:\nA do well in tests\nB be considered inferior\nC be more effective than others\nD do research when faced with a task\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,231
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nThree years ago I listened to a lecture on cognition that changed the way I think about intelligence. There are two types of cognition, and the first is normal cognition the ability to regain knowledge from memory. The second type of cognition is metacognition the ability to know whether or not you know.\nDoes this affect intelligence? In traditional education, intelligence is measured by cognitive ability. Some people can easily produce everything they know on a test. But others are awarded with poor grades and considered inferior (not as good as). But does this inability make them any less intelligent? If the question came up on a task, they could refer to a book or a quick Google search. In reality they're just as effective as the people that ace a test. They just can't prove it as easily.\nMetacognition is more important to success than cognition. A person with poor cognitive ability, but great metacognitive ability might do poorly in school, but when faced with a challenge, they understand their abilities and _ . For example, when faced with a question, a person with strong metacognitive ability will deal with it like this. If he knows the answer, but can't come up with it, he can always do a bit of research. If he knows for sure that he doesn't know, then he can start educating himself. Because he's aware of his ignorance, he doesn't act with foolish confidence. These people might not seem intelligent at first glance, but because they know what they know, they make better decisions and learn the most important things.\nHowever, people with great cognitive ability but poor metacognitive ability may be considered excellent at a young age for acing every test and getting great SAT scores. Unfortunately, they've been ruined by poor metacognition they think they know everything but they really don't. They are arrogant (overconfident), fail to learn from mistakes, and don't understand the slight differences of personal relationships, showing disregard for persons with lower cognitive ability. They may make the worst decisions.\nThe most important mental power is the ability to know what you don't know .The recognition of a fault is the first step to improvement. Don't try to hide a lack of knowledge. For intelligent people this is the toughest lesson to learn.\n\n<question>:\nPeople with poor metacognition may not succeed because they _ .\n\n<options>:\nA lack basic moral values\nB have improper self evaluation\nC fail to communicate with others\nD show little respect for others\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,232
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nThree years ago I listened to a lecture on cognition that changed the way I think about intelligence. There are two types of cognition, and the first is normal cognition the ability to regain knowledge from memory. The second type of cognition is metacognition the ability to know whether or not you know.\nDoes this affect intelligence? In traditional education, intelligence is measured by cognitive ability. Some people can easily produce everything they know on a test. But others are awarded with poor grades and considered inferior (not as good as). But does this inability make them any less intelligent? If the question came up on a task, they could refer to a book or a quick Google search. In reality they're just as effective as the people that ace a test. They just can't prove it as easily.\nMetacognition is more important to success than cognition. A person with poor cognitive ability, but great metacognitive ability might do poorly in school, but when faced with a challenge, they understand their abilities and _ . For example, when faced with a question, a person with strong metacognitive ability will deal with it like this. If he knows the answer, but can't come up with it, he can always do a bit of research. If he knows for sure that he doesn't know, then he can start educating himself. Because he's aware of his ignorance, he doesn't act with foolish confidence. These people might not seem intelligent at first glance, but because they know what they know, they make better decisions and learn the most important things.\nHowever, people with great cognitive ability but poor metacognitive ability may be considered excellent at a young age for acing every test and getting great SAT scores. Unfortunately, they've been ruined by poor metacognition they think they know everything but they really don't. They are arrogant (overconfident), fail to learn from mistakes, and don't understand the slight differences of personal relationships, showing disregard for persons with lower cognitive ability. They may make the worst decisions.\nThe most important mental power is the ability to know what you don't know .The recognition of a fault is the first step to improvement. Don't try to hide a lack of knowledge. For intelligent people this is the toughest lesson to learn.\n\n<question>:\nThe author probably supports the idea that _ .\n\n<options>:\nA intelligence is measured by cognitive ability\nB cognition is the most important mental power\nC the toughest lesson is to distinguish the two types of cognition\nD the awareness of one's ignorance contributes to one's improvement\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,233
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nThis week, 46-year-old Randy Pausch said goodbye to his students at Carnegie Mellon University with the last lecture called \"How to Live Your Childhood Dreams\" on his life's journey and the lessons he's learned. In the lecture, he showed the audience how serious his illness was and admitted it was \"an elephant in the room\", but he was not that discouraged and he made jokes in his lecture. Randy is not just another story on Good Morning America or even on the local news here in Pittsburgh. He is a man I worked for, a Professor of Liam's and a friend of the family. Randy is dying of Pancreatic cancer and in his words only has \"3 to 6 months of quality life\".\nWe met Randy about 5 years ago when Liam and I went to a Building Virtual Worlds show. Liam was hooked and applied to get his master under Randy at the Entertainment and Technology Center or ETC. Randy even came to our home for Liam's graduation party and earlier that year we saw the Flying Karamazov Brothers with him and his wife Jaye. Liam got to know Randy as a professional over the course of two years as a graduate student and then as a faculty member. Randy has three children all under the age of 6. Dillon, his oldest, Ross is younger and the youngest is only 9 months old, Lily. I believe Randy is a good man for a few simple reasons. He gave my husband a future doing something he loves, and he was a kind boss, but the thing I admire most about Randy is that you always know where you stand with him. He may be blunt and harsh at times but you know he is honest. He will be greatly missed at Carnegie Mellon. I wish Jaye and the children the best that life has to offer. Please click on the above underlined link and watch his inspiring lecture. It will be worth your time.\n\n<question>:\nWe can infer that Randy gave his last lecture because _ .\n\n<options>:\nA he would retire\nB he would move to Pittsburgh\nC he was seriously ill\nD he was tired of his present job.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,234
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nThis week, 46-year-old Randy Pausch said goodbye to his students at Carnegie Mellon University with the last lecture called \"How to Live Your Childhood Dreams\" on his life's journey and the lessons he's learned. In the lecture, he showed the audience how serious his illness was and admitted it was \"an elephant in the room\", but he was not that discouraged and he made jokes in his lecture. Randy is not just another story on Good Morning America or even on the local news here in Pittsburgh. He is a man I worked for, a Professor of Liam's and a friend of the family. Randy is dying of Pancreatic cancer and in his words only has \"3 to 6 months of quality life\".\nWe met Randy about 5 years ago when Liam and I went to a Building Virtual Worlds show. Liam was hooked and applied to get his master under Randy at the Entertainment and Technology Center or ETC. Randy even came to our home for Liam's graduation party and earlier that year we saw the Flying Karamazov Brothers with him and his wife Jaye. Liam got to know Randy as a professional over the course of two years as a graduate student and then as a faculty member. Randy has three children all under the age of 6. Dillon, his oldest, Ross is younger and the youngest is only 9 months old, Lily. I believe Randy is a good man for a few simple reasons. He gave my husband a future doing something he loves, and he was a kind boss, but the thing I admire most about Randy is that you always know where you stand with him. He may be blunt and harsh at times but you know he is honest. He will be greatly missed at Carnegie Mellon. I wish Jaye and the children the best that life has to offer. Please click on the above underlined link and watch his inspiring lecture. It will be worth your time.\n\n<question>:\nWhich of the following is NOT right?\n\n<options>:\nA Randy's children are still young.\nB Randy is a visiting professor in Carnegie Mellon.\nC Randy is probably known in Pittsburgh.\nD Randy is optimistic though he is in a poor state of health.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,235
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nA young boy recently received an unexpected message in the mail from his father Joseph, who died two years ago.\nRowan's dad was a hardworking man who wanted to give his son the best life he could. It was why Rowan's mother, Julie Van Stone, said Joseph joined the Navy and went to MIT to get two masters degrees.\nWhile at school in Boston, he would often write to Rowan. Even when he left school and was driving back to Colorado, he would send postcards from each state he stopped in. Those postcards were sent in 2007. \"I remember him saying he had sent 5 or 6, and I only got 3 or 4 in the mail. But I never thought anything of it,\" Van Stone said.\nThose postcards and pictures are priceless memories for Van Stone and her son, especially after Joseph passed away from a rare brain disease. Rowan never had a chance to say goodbye. But, on Saturday, just days before the two-year anniversary of Joseph's death, a postcard arrived in the mail. It arrived March 11, 2015. The message read: \"Hello from Pennsylvania. I love you, and I miss you so much. See you soon. Love, Daddy.\"\nNeither he nor his mother knows how it happened, and they may never know. But, they have their own ideas why. \"I feel like that was the final goodbye that he didn't get to say,\" Van Stone said. Van Stone says Joseph's last words to her before he died were: \"Everything is a circle. We will see each other again. All that matters is love.\"\n\n<question>:\nWhat did Rowan's dad do to give his son the best life?\n\n<options>:\nA He bought many for Julie.\nB He became a soldier in Navy.\nC He kept writing to his son.\nD He got many masters degrees.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,236
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nA young boy recently received an unexpected message in the mail from his father Joseph, who died two years ago.\nRowan's dad was a hardworking man who wanted to give his son the best life he could. It was why Rowan's mother, Julie Van Stone, said Joseph joined the Navy and went to MIT to get two masters degrees.\nWhile at school in Boston, he would often write to Rowan. Even when he left school and was driving back to Colorado, he would send postcards from each state he stopped in. Those postcards were sent in 2007. \"I remember him saying he had sent 5 or 6, and I only got 3 or 4 in the mail. But I never thought anything of it,\" Van Stone said.\nThose postcards and pictures are priceless memories for Van Stone and her son, especially after Joseph passed away from a rare brain disease. Rowan never had a chance to say goodbye. But, on Saturday, just days before the two-year anniversary of Joseph's death, a postcard arrived in the mail. It arrived March 11, 2015. The message read: \"Hello from Pennsylvania. I love you, and I miss you so much. See you soon. Love, Daddy.\"\nNeither he nor his mother knows how it happened, and they may never know. But, they have their own ideas why. \"I feel like that was the final goodbye that he didn't get to say,\" Van Stone said. Van Stone says Joseph's last words to her before he died were: \"Everything is a circle. We will see each other again. All that matters is love.\"\n\n<question>:\nHow long did it take for the postcard to reach Rowan?\n\n<options>:\nA 2 years.\nB 5 years.\nC 6 years.\nD 8 years.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,237
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nThere's a guy like me in every state and federal prison in America, I guess -- I'm the guy who can get these for you: cigarettes, a bag of cigar, if you want that, a bottle of wine to celebrate yourson or daughter's high school graduation, or almost anything else. . . within reason, that is. It wasn't always that way.\nI came to Shawshank when I was just twenty, and I am one of the few people in the prison who is willing to admit what he did. I committed murder . I put a large insurance policy on my wife, who was three years older than I was, and then I fixed the brakes of the car her father had given us as a wedding present. It worked out exactly as I had planned, except I hadn't planned on her stopping to pick up the neighbor woman and the woman's son on the way down Castle Hill and into town. The brakes let go and the car crashed through the bushes, gathering speed. Bystanders said it must have been doing fifty or better when it hit the base of the Civil War statue in the town arid burst into flames.\nI also hadn't planned on getting caught, but I was caught. I got a pass into this place. My state has no death penalty , but I was tried for all three deaths and given three life sentences, to run one after the other. That fixed up any chance of parole I might have, for a long, long time. The judge called what I had done 'an extremely evil crime', and it was, but it is also in the past now.\nHave I transformed myself, you ask? I don't know what that word means, at least as far as prisons and corrections go. I think it's a politician's word. It may have some other meaning, and it may be that I will have a chance to find out, but that is the future. . .\nI was young, good-looking, and from the poor side of town. I met a pretty, headstrong girl who lived in one of the fine old houses on Carbine Street. She got pregnant later. Her father was agreeable to the marriage if I would take a job in the company he owned and 'work my way up'. I found out that what he really had in mind was keeping me in his house and under his thumb, like a disagreeable pet that has not quite been housebroken and which may bite. Enough hate eventually piled up to cause me to do what I did.\nGiven a second chance I would not do it again, but I'm not sure whether that means I am transformed.\n\n<question>:\nWhat do we know about the man from the passage?\n\n<options>:\nA He is treated unfairly in the prison.\nB He is in charge of the federal prison.\nC He is quite an able person as a prisoner.\nD He is the most powerful man in the prison.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,238
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nThere's a guy like me in every state and federal prison in America, I guess -- I'm the guy who can get these for you: cigarettes, a bag of cigar, if you want that, a bottle of wine to celebrate yourson or daughter's high school graduation, or almost anything else. . . within reason, that is. It wasn't always that way.\nI came to Shawshank when I was just twenty, and I am one of the few people in the prison who is willing to admit what he did. I committed murder . I put a large insurance policy on my wife, who was three years older than I was, and then I fixed the brakes of the car her father had given us as a wedding present. It worked out exactly as I had planned, except I hadn't planned on her stopping to pick up the neighbor woman and the woman's son on the way down Castle Hill and into town. The brakes let go and the car crashed through the bushes, gathering speed. Bystanders said it must have been doing fifty or better when it hit the base of the Civil War statue in the town arid burst into flames.\nI also hadn't planned on getting caught, but I was caught. I got a pass into this place. My state has no death penalty , but I was tried for all three deaths and given three life sentences, to run one after the other. That fixed up any chance of parole I might have, for a long, long time. The judge called what I had done 'an extremely evil crime', and it was, but it is also in the past now.\nHave I transformed myself, you ask? I don't know what that word means, at least as far as prisons and corrections go. I think it's a politician's word. It may have some other meaning, and it may be that I will have a chance to find out, but that is the future. . .\nI was young, good-looking, and from the poor side of town. I met a pretty, headstrong girl who lived in one of the fine old houses on Carbine Street. She got pregnant later. Her father was agreeable to the marriage if I would take a job in the company he owned and 'work my way up'. I found out that what he really had in mind was keeping me in his house and under his thumb, like a disagreeable pet that has not quite been housebroken and which may bite. Enough hate eventually piled up to cause me to do what I did.\nGiven a second chance I would not do it again, but I'm not sure whether that means I am transformed.\n\n<question>:\nBy saying that \"I got a pass into this place\" (in Para. 3), the man means that _ .\n\n<options>:\nA he had to stay in prison\nB he was allowed to go home\nC he was caught by the police without a pass\nD he has stayed in the federal prison before\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,239
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nThere's a guy like me in every state and federal prison in America, I guess -- I'm the guy who can get these for you: cigarettes, a bag of cigar, if you want that, a bottle of wine to celebrate yourson or daughter's high school graduation, or almost anything else. . . within reason, that is. It wasn't always that way.\nI came to Shawshank when I was just twenty, and I am one of the few people in the prison who is willing to admit what he did. I committed murder . I put a large insurance policy on my wife, who was three years older than I was, and then I fixed the brakes of the car her father had given us as a wedding present. It worked out exactly as I had planned, except I hadn't planned on her stopping to pick up the neighbor woman and the woman's son on the way down Castle Hill and into town. The brakes let go and the car crashed through the bushes, gathering speed. Bystanders said it must have been doing fifty or better when it hit the base of the Civil War statue in the town arid burst into flames.\nI also hadn't planned on getting caught, but I was caught. I got a pass into this place. My state has no death penalty , but I was tried for all three deaths and given three life sentences, to run one after the other. That fixed up any chance of parole I might have, for a long, long time. The judge called what I had done 'an extremely evil crime', and it was, but it is also in the past now.\nHave I transformed myself, you ask? I don't know what that word means, at least as far as prisons and corrections go. I think it's a politician's word. It may have some other meaning, and it may be that I will have a chance to find out, but that is the future. . .\nI was young, good-looking, and from the poor side of town. I met a pretty, headstrong girl who lived in one of the fine old houses on Carbine Street. She got pregnant later. Her father was agreeable to the marriage if I would take a job in the company he owned and 'work my way up'. I found out that what he really had in mind was keeping me in his house and under his thumb, like a disagreeable pet that has not quite been housebroken and which may bite. Enough hate eventually piled up to cause me to do what I did.\nGiven a second chance I would not do it again, but I'm not sure whether that means I am transformed.\n\n<question>:\nThe man committed such an evil crime because _ .\n\n<options>:\nA he had made a secret deal with an insurance company\nB he had been angry for a long time with his father-in-law\nC his wife's family members had disapproved of their marriage\nD his wife had looked on him as a pet and he didn't feel respected\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,240
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nThere's a guy like me in every state and federal prison in America, I guess -- I'm the guy who can get these for you: cigarettes, a bag of cigar, if you want that, a bottle of wine to celebrate yourson or daughter's high school graduation, or almost anything else. . . within reason, that is. It wasn't always that way.\nI came to Shawshank when I was just twenty, and I am one of the few people in the prison who is willing to admit what he did. I committed murder . I put a large insurance policy on my wife, who was three years older than I was, and then I fixed the brakes of the car her father had given us as a wedding present. It worked out exactly as I had planned, except I hadn't planned on her stopping to pick up the neighbor woman and the woman's son on the way down Castle Hill and into town. The brakes let go and the car crashed through the bushes, gathering speed. Bystanders said it must have been doing fifty or better when it hit the base of the Civil War statue in the town arid burst into flames.\nI also hadn't planned on getting caught, but I was caught. I got a pass into this place. My state has no death penalty , but I was tried for all three deaths and given three life sentences, to run one after the other. That fixed up any chance of parole I might have, for a long, long time. The judge called what I had done 'an extremely evil crime', and it was, but it is also in the past now.\nHave I transformed myself, you ask? I don't know what that word means, at least as far as prisons and corrections go. I think it's a politician's word. It may have some other meaning, and it may be that I will have a chance to find out, but that is the future. . .\nI was young, good-looking, and from the poor side of town. I met a pretty, headstrong girl who lived in one of the fine old houses on Carbine Street. She got pregnant later. Her father was agreeable to the marriage if I would take a job in the company he owned and 'work my way up'. I found out that what he really had in mind was keeping me in his house and under his thumb, like a disagreeable pet that has not quite been housebroken and which may bite. Enough hate eventually piled up to cause me to do what I did.\nGiven a second chance I would not do it again, but I'm not sure whether that means I am transformed.\n\n<question>:\nWhich of the following is TRUE about the man?\n\n<options>:\nA He regrets having committed the crime.\nB He will be out of prison in the near future.\nC He thinks the trial a mistake and is unfair.\nD He has found out the meaning of 'transform'.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,241
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nColleges may try to do a lot to prepare students for study abroad -- telling about culture shock, warning about homesickness, and recommending books about the country. But when it comes to adjusting to campus life when they return, schools haven't done as much, even though the transition is sometimes almost as difficult. \n\"They can feel disoriented and depressed. They find things are not exactly the way they were when they left,\" said Antonio Jimenez, director of the Center for International Affairs at California State University Channel Islands in Camarillo, California, US. \"They find that people don't care much about their experiences.\" \nSome colleges are now rethinking their approach to studying abroad, recognizing that students might need almost as much help adjusting to life back home as they did getting ready to leave: students experience a sort of reverse culture shock when they return to the US. They might be troubled by the wealth and waste they see back home or they might feel homesick for their new country and its customs. And when they try to talk about their experiences, people quickly lose interest, especially if they haven't lived abroad themselves. \nDown the road, they also might find it difficult to translate their time abroad into experience that an employer finds attractive. \nSome California universities have organized conferences to help students make the most of their time abroad. During a one-day event, students learn how to adjust after living abroad, talk about their experiences and incorporate (,) them into their lives and future careers. \nBlythe Cheney, 22, a senior who has studied in Thailand and Britain, found the workshops helpful. \"Any experience abroad does have an effect on you,\" Cheney said. \"When you come back, it's important to talk about it, especially with people who know what you've been through.\" Yet most universities focus more on preparation than reorientation .\n\n<question>:\nWhich of the following is TRUE about the US students returning from studying overseas?\n\n<options>:\nA They may still miss the country they studied in.\nB They feel ashamed of the American way of wasting.\nC They don't talk much about their overseas experience.\nD They feel comfortable being back in their own country again.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,242
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nColleges may try to do a lot to prepare students for study abroad -- telling about culture shock, warning about homesickness, and recommending books about the country. But when it comes to adjusting to campus life when they return, schools haven't done as much, even though the transition is sometimes almost as difficult. \n\"They can feel disoriented and depressed. They find things are not exactly the way they were when they left,\" said Antonio Jimenez, director of the Center for International Affairs at California State University Channel Islands in Camarillo, California, US. \"They find that people don't care much about their experiences.\" \nSome colleges are now rethinking their approach to studying abroad, recognizing that students might need almost as much help adjusting to life back home as they did getting ready to leave: students experience a sort of reverse culture shock when they return to the US. They might be troubled by the wealth and waste they see back home or they might feel homesick for their new country and its customs. And when they try to talk about their experiences, people quickly lose interest, especially if they haven't lived abroad themselves. \nDown the road, they also might find it difficult to translate their time abroad into experience that an employer finds attractive. \nSome California universities have organized conferences to help students make the most of their time abroad. During a one-day event, students learn how to adjust after living abroad, talk about their experiences and incorporate (,) them into their lives and future careers. \nBlythe Cheney, 22, a senior who has studied in Thailand and Britain, found the workshops helpful. \"Any experience abroad does have an effect on you,\" Cheney said. \"When you come back, it's important to talk about it, especially with people who know what you've been through.\" Yet most universities focus more on preparation than reorientation .\n\n<question>:\nThe writer is _ the help colleges offer for the students when they return from studying overseas.\n\n<options>:\nA pleased with\nB proud of\nC dissatisfied with\nD no interest in\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,243
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nColleges may try to do a lot to prepare students for study abroad -- telling about culture shock, warning about homesickness, and recommending books about the country. But when it comes to adjusting to campus life when they return, schools haven't done as much, even though the transition is sometimes almost as difficult. \n\"They can feel disoriented and depressed. They find things are not exactly the way they were when they left,\" said Antonio Jimenez, director of the Center for International Affairs at California State University Channel Islands in Camarillo, California, US. \"They find that people don't care much about their experiences.\" \nSome colleges are now rethinking their approach to studying abroad, recognizing that students might need almost as much help adjusting to life back home as they did getting ready to leave: students experience a sort of reverse culture shock when they return to the US. They might be troubled by the wealth and waste they see back home or they might feel homesick for their new country and its customs. And when they try to talk about their experiences, people quickly lose interest, especially if they haven't lived abroad themselves. \nDown the road, they also might find it difficult to translate their time abroad into experience that an employer finds attractive. \nSome California universities have organized conferences to help students make the most of their time abroad. During a one-day event, students learn how to adjust after living abroad, talk about their experiences and incorporate (,) them into their lives and future careers. \nBlythe Cheney, 22, a senior who has studied in Thailand and Britain, found the workshops helpful. \"Any experience abroad does have an effect on you,\" Cheney said. \"When you come back, it's important to talk about it, especially with people who know what you've been through.\" Yet most universities focus more on preparation than reorientation .\n\n<question>:\nWhat is the passage mainly about?\n\n<options>:\nA Some universities offer to help students in need.\nB Overseas students experience culture shock in foreign countries.\nC Returned students find it difficult to translate their time abroad into experience.\nD Returning from studying overseas, students face more trouble than they expected.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,244
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nIn our culture, the sources of what we call a sense of \"mastery\" - feeling important and worthwhile - and the sources of what we call a sense of \"pleasure\" - finding life enjoyable - are not always the same. Women often are told \"You can't have it all.\" Sometimes what the speaker really is saying is: \"You chose a career, so you can't expect to have closer relationships or a happy family life.\" or \"You have a wonderful husband and children--What's all this about wanting a career?\" But women need to understand and develop both aspects of well-being, if they are to feel good about themselves.\nOur study shows that, for women, well-being has two dimensions. One is mastery, which includes self-esteem, a sense of control over your life, and low levels of anxiety and depression. Mastery is closely related to the \"doing\" side of life, to work and activity. Pleasure is the other dimensions, and it is composed of happiness, satisfaction and optimism. It is tied more closely to the \"feeling\" side of life. The two are independent of each other. A woman could be high in mastery and low in pleasure, and vice versa . For example, a woman who has a good job, but whose mother has just died, might be feeling very good about herself and in control of her work life, but the pleasure side could be damaged for a time.\nThe concepts of mastery and pleasure can help us identify the sources of well-being for women, and remedy past mistakes. In the past, women were encouraged to look only at the feeling side of life as the source of all well-being. But we know that both mastery and pleasure are critical. And mastery seems to be achieved largely through work. In our study, all the groups of employed women rated significantly higher in mastery than did women who were not employed.\nA woman's well-being is enhanced when she takes on multiple roles. At least by middle adulthood, the women who were involved in a combination of roles-marriages, motherhood, and employment were the highest in well-being, despite warnings about stress and strain.\n\n<question>:\nThe author's attitude towards women having a career is_.\n\n<options>:\nA negative\nB positive\nC neutral\nD realistic\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,245
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nIn our culture, the sources of what we call a sense of \"mastery\" - feeling important and worthwhile - and the sources of what we call a sense of \"pleasure\" - finding life enjoyable - are not always the same. Women often are told \"You can't have it all.\" Sometimes what the speaker really is saying is: \"You chose a career, so you can't expect to have closer relationships or a happy family life.\" or \"You have a wonderful husband and children--What's all this about wanting a career?\" But women need to understand and develop both aspects of well-being, if they are to feel good about themselves.\nOur study shows that, for women, well-being has two dimensions. One is mastery, which includes self-esteem, a sense of control over your life, and low levels of anxiety and depression. Mastery is closely related to the \"doing\" side of life, to work and activity. Pleasure is the other dimensions, and it is composed of happiness, satisfaction and optimism. It is tied more closely to the \"feeling\" side of life. The two are independent of each other. A woman could be high in mastery and low in pleasure, and vice versa . For example, a woman who has a good job, but whose mother has just died, might be feeling very good about herself and in control of her work life, but the pleasure side could be damaged for a time.\nThe concepts of mastery and pleasure can help us identify the sources of well-being for women, and remedy past mistakes. In the past, women were encouraged to look only at the feeling side of life as the source of all well-being. But we know that both mastery and pleasure are critical. And mastery seems to be achieved largely through work. In our study, all the groups of employed women rated significantly higher in mastery than did women who were not employed.\nA woman's well-being is enhanced when she takes on multiple roles. At least by middle adulthood, the women who were involved in a combination of roles-marriages, motherhood, and employment were the highest in well-being, despite warnings about stress and strain.\n\n<question>:\nOne can conclude from the passage that if a woman takes on several social roles,_.\n\n<options>:\nA it will be easier for her to overcome stress and strain\nB she will be more successful in her career\nC her chances of getting promoted will be greater\nD her life will be richer and more meaningful\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,246
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nIn our culture, the sources of what we call a sense of \"mastery\" - feeling important and worthwhile - and the sources of what we call a sense of \"pleasure\" - finding life enjoyable - are not always the same. Women often are told \"You can't have it all.\" Sometimes what the speaker really is saying is: \"You chose a career, so you can't expect to have closer relationships or a happy family life.\" or \"You have a wonderful husband and children--What's all this about wanting a career?\" But women need to understand and develop both aspects of well-being, if they are to feel good about themselves.\nOur study shows that, for women, well-being has two dimensions. One is mastery, which includes self-esteem, a sense of control over your life, and low levels of anxiety and depression. Mastery is closely related to the \"doing\" side of life, to work and activity. Pleasure is the other dimensions, and it is composed of happiness, satisfaction and optimism. It is tied more closely to the \"feeling\" side of life. The two are independent of each other. A woman could be high in mastery and low in pleasure, and vice versa . For example, a woman who has a good job, but whose mother has just died, might be feeling very good about herself and in control of her work life, but the pleasure side could be damaged for a time.\nThe concepts of mastery and pleasure can help us identify the sources of well-being for women, and remedy past mistakes. In the past, women were encouraged to look only at the feeling side of life as the source of all well-being. But we know that both mastery and pleasure are critical. And mastery seems to be achieved largely through work. In our study, all the groups of employed women rated significantly higher in mastery than did women who were not employed.\nA woman's well-being is enhanced when she takes on multiple roles. At least by middle adulthood, the women who were involved in a combination of roles-marriages, motherhood, and employment were the highest in well-being, despite warnings about stress and strain.\n\n<question>:\nWhich of the following can be considered as a source of \"pleasure\" for women?\n\n<options>:\nA Family life\nB Multiple roles in society\nC Regular employment\nD Freedom from anxiety\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,247
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nMy father' s family is not a musical family. They are a family of words. My brother has my father's dark hair, his love of a good argument. I take after my mother. From her I inherited a curious nature, a sense of adventure, bright red hair. I did not, contrary to her hopes, inherit a talent for the piano. That fact was established beyond doubt after unsuccessful attempts to draw music from me.\nThe piano lessons began when I was four. My mother was convinced that I would be a child Mozart. She found the ideal teacher--Madame Oblenka, a strict Russian woman, whose pursed lips were enough to frighten a wild horse into submission. Madame Oblenka, who expected a little Mozart, was not very delighted to find a little girl banging her fists on the keys.\nI tried to please her. \"Feel the music,\" she urged. I \"felt\" it and winced my ear--for what is more unpleasant than a series of wrong notes played continuously? She \"felt\" my music, too, which is why she always left with an angrier expression than when she came.\nOnce, when I was ten, I managed to record one of my own rehearsals . In order to escape my practice sessions, I would close myself behind the door of the piano room, put on the tape recording, and read until the tape had finished. That method worked for a week, until my mother began to wonder why I always missed the same B-sharp. She knocked on the door, and, receiving no answer, came in to check on me and found that I had fallen asleep while the tape of my performance played on and on.\nI was twelve when my parents finally acknowledged that my hidden talent was not about to _ any time soon. My mother, refusing to admit defeat, told me to pick another instrument. \"Choose anything you want, Honey,\" she said, assuming that freedom of choice would inspire devotion. I thought long and hard and chose the drums. My parents, sensitive to noise, would be less than overjoyed by a daily bombardment of playing. I imagined my father in his study, cotton wads in his ears.\nI worked my way through several other instruments before my mother hit on another idea. Maybe I wasn't meant to be an instrumentalist. Realizing that drama might be more suited to my talents, Mom took me to a drama teacher. However, he put me backstage, painting scenery. Once I recovered from my sense of injury, I realized the wisdom of his choice. I loved the active, practical backstage world, and I discovered that I had a knack for constructing and painting. I loved the challenge of taking our scanty supplies and using them to make something beautiful. Imagining a scene and then seeing it emerge before me--this, to me, was close to magic.\nI'm a sculptor now, and every day I experience afresh the joy of being fully absorbed in the act of artistic creation. It's a wonderful, blissful feeling. I realize that my parents, in their misguided attempts to interest me in music, were trying to give me this feeling. And now I feel grateful. Perhaps they went about it in the wrong way, but their hearts were in the right place.\n\n<question>:\nWhich of the following best reveals the author's attitude towards piano practice?\n\n<options>:\nA She tried to make the piano teacher pleased.\nB She repeated the same mistake in practicing.\nC She played the recording instead of practicing.\nD She recorded her performance for improvement.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,248
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nMy father' s family is not a musical family. They are a family of words. My brother has my father's dark hair, his love of a good argument. I take after my mother. From her I inherited a curious nature, a sense of adventure, bright red hair. I did not, contrary to her hopes, inherit a talent for the piano. That fact was established beyond doubt after unsuccessful attempts to draw music from me.\nThe piano lessons began when I was four. My mother was convinced that I would be a child Mozart. She found the ideal teacher--Madame Oblenka, a strict Russian woman, whose pursed lips were enough to frighten a wild horse into submission. Madame Oblenka, who expected a little Mozart, was not very delighted to find a little girl banging her fists on the keys.\nI tried to please her. \"Feel the music,\" she urged. I \"felt\" it and winced my ear--for what is more unpleasant than a series of wrong notes played continuously? She \"felt\" my music, too, which is why she always left with an angrier expression than when she came.\nOnce, when I was ten, I managed to record one of my own rehearsals . In order to escape my practice sessions, I would close myself behind the door of the piano room, put on the tape recording, and read until the tape had finished. That method worked for a week, until my mother began to wonder why I always missed the same B-sharp. She knocked on the door, and, receiving no answer, came in to check on me and found that I had fallen asleep while the tape of my performance played on and on.\nI was twelve when my parents finally acknowledged that my hidden talent was not about to _ any time soon. My mother, refusing to admit defeat, told me to pick another instrument. \"Choose anything you want, Honey,\" she said, assuming that freedom of choice would inspire devotion. I thought long and hard and chose the drums. My parents, sensitive to noise, would be less than overjoyed by a daily bombardment of playing. I imagined my father in his study, cotton wads in his ears.\nI worked my way through several other instruments before my mother hit on another idea. Maybe I wasn't meant to be an instrumentalist. Realizing that drama might be more suited to my talents, Mom took me to a drama teacher. However, he put me backstage, painting scenery. Once I recovered from my sense of injury, I realized the wisdom of his choice. I loved the active, practical backstage world, and I discovered that I had a knack for constructing and painting. I loved the challenge of taking our scanty supplies and using them to make something beautiful. Imagining a scene and then seeing it emerge before me--this, to me, was close to magic.\nI'm a sculptor now, and every day I experience afresh the joy of being fully absorbed in the act of artistic creation. It's a wonderful, blissful feeling. I realize that my parents, in their misguided attempts to interest me in music, were trying to give me this feeling. And now I feel grateful. Perhaps they went about it in the wrong way, but their hearts were in the right place.\n\n<question>:\nThe author's mother can be best described as _ .\n\n<options>:\nA devoted and stubborn\nB encouraging and independent\nC helpful and considerate\nD hardworking and generous\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,249
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nMy father' s family is not a musical family. They are a family of words. My brother has my father's dark hair, his love of a good argument. I take after my mother. From her I inherited a curious nature, a sense of adventure, bright red hair. I did not, contrary to her hopes, inherit a talent for the piano. That fact was established beyond doubt after unsuccessful attempts to draw music from me.\nThe piano lessons began when I was four. My mother was convinced that I would be a child Mozart. She found the ideal teacher--Madame Oblenka, a strict Russian woman, whose pursed lips were enough to frighten a wild horse into submission. Madame Oblenka, who expected a little Mozart, was not very delighted to find a little girl banging her fists on the keys.\nI tried to please her. \"Feel the music,\" she urged. I \"felt\" it and winced my ear--for what is more unpleasant than a series of wrong notes played continuously? She \"felt\" my music, too, which is why she always left with an angrier expression than when she came.\nOnce, when I was ten, I managed to record one of my own rehearsals . In order to escape my practice sessions, I would close myself behind the door of the piano room, put on the tape recording, and read until the tape had finished. That method worked for a week, until my mother began to wonder why I always missed the same B-sharp. She knocked on the door, and, receiving no answer, came in to check on me and found that I had fallen asleep while the tape of my performance played on and on.\nI was twelve when my parents finally acknowledged that my hidden talent was not about to _ any time soon. My mother, refusing to admit defeat, told me to pick another instrument. \"Choose anything you want, Honey,\" she said, assuming that freedom of choice would inspire devotion. I thought long and hard and chose the drums. My parents, sensitive to noise, would be less than overjoyed by a daily bombardment of playing. I imagined my father in his study, cotton wads in his ears.\nI worked my way through several other instruments before my mother hit on another idea. Maybe I wasn't meant to be an instrumentalist. Realizing that drama might be more suited to my talents, Mom took me to a drama teacher. However, he put me backstage, painting scenery. Once I recovered from my sense of injury, I realized the wisdom of his choice. I loved the active, practical backstage world, and I discovered that I had a knack for constructing and painting. I loved the challenge of taking our scanty supplies and using them to make something beautiful. Imagining a scene and then seeing it emerge before me--this, to me, was close to magic.\nI'm a sculptor now, and every day I experience afresh the joy of being fully absorbed in the act of artistic creation. It's a wonderful, blissful feeling. I realize that my parents, in their misguided attempts to interest me in music, were trying to give me this feeling. And now I feel grateful. Perhaps they went about it in the wrong way, but their hearts were in the right place.\n\n<question>:\nWe can learn from the passage _ .\n\n<options>:\nA art should be treated as a joy rather than a burden\nB the ordinary backstage work can help one succeed\nC you can only get better at something if you practice\nD parents should encourage their children to create art\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,250
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nStudents and Technology in the Classroom\nI love my blackberry--it's my little connection to the larger world that can go anywhere with me . I also love my laptop computer ,as it holds all of my writing and thought .Despite this love of technology ,I know that there are times when I need to move away from these device and truly communication with others.On occasion ,I teach a course called History Matters for a group of higher education managers. My goals for the class include a full discussion of historical themes and ideas .Because I want students to thoroughly study the material and exchange their ideas with each other in the classroom ,I have a rule --no laptop ,ipads ,phones ,etc .When students were told my rule in advance of the class, some of them were not happy .\nMost students assume that year reasons for this rule include unpleasant experiences in the past with students misusing technology . There's a bit of truth to that.Some students assume that I am anti-technology . There's no truth in that at all . I love technology and try to keep up with it so I relate to my students.\nThe real reason why I ask students to leave technology at the door is that I think there are very few places in which we can have deep conversions and truly\ncomplex ideas. Interruptions by technology often break concentration and allow for too much dependence on outside information for ideas . I want students to think differently and make connections between the course the material and the class discussion .\nI've been teaching my history class in this way for many years and the educations reflect student satisfaction with the environment that I create .Students realize that with deep conversation and challenge , they learn at a level that helps them keep the course material beyond the classroom .\nI'm not saying that I won't ever change my mind about technology use in my history class, but until I hear a really good reason for the change ,I'm sticking to my plan. a few hours of technology-free dialogue is just too give up.\n\n<question>:\nsome of the students in the history class were unhappy with _\n\n<options>:\nA the course material\nB others' misuse of technology\nC discussion topics\nD the author's class regulator\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,251
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nStudents and Technology in the Classroom\nI love my blackberry--it's my little connection to the larger world that can go anywhere with me . I also love my laptop computer ,as it holds all of my writing and thought .Despite this love of technology ,I know that there are times when I need to move away from these device and truly communication with others.On occasion ,I teach a course called History Matters for a group of higher education managers. My goals for the class include a full discussion of historical themes and ideas .Because I want students to thoroughly study the material and exchange their ideas with each other in the classroom ,I have a rule --no laptop ,ipads ,phones ,etc .When students were told my rule in advance of the class, some of them were not happy .\nMost students assume that year reasons for this rule include unpleasant experiences in the past with students misusing technology . There's a bit of truth to that.Some students assume that I am anti-technology . There's no truth in that at all . I love technology and try to keep up with it so I relate to my students.\nThe real reason why I ask students to leave technology at the door is that I think there are very few places in which we can have deep conversions and truly\ncomplex ideas. Interruptions by technology often break concentration and allow for too much dependence on outside information for ideas . I want students to think differently and make connections between the course the material and the class discussion .\nI've been teaching my history class in this way for many years and the educations reflect student satisfaction with the environment that I create .Students realize that with deep conversation and challenge , they learn at a level that helps them keep the course material beyond the classroom .\nI'm not saying that I won't ever change my mind about technology use in my history class, but until I hear a really good reason for the change ,I'm sticking to my plan. a few hours of technology-free dialogue is just too give up.\n\n<question>:\naccording to the author ,the use of technology in the classroom may _\n\n<options>:\nA keep students from doing independent thinking\nB encourage students to have in-depth conversations\nC help students to better understand complex themes\nD affect students' concentration on course evaluation\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,252
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nBrazil has become one of the developing world's great successes in reducing population growth--but more by accident than design.While countries such as India have made joint efforts to reduce birth rates,Brazil has had better result without really trying,says George Martine at Harvard.\nBrazil's population growth rate has dropped from 2.99% a year between 1951 and 1960 to 1.93% a year between 1981 and 1990,and Brazilian women now have only 2.7 children on average.Martine says this figure may have fallen still further since 1990,an achievement that makes it the envy of many other Third World countries.\nMartine _ ,among other things,soap operas and installment plans introduced in the 1970s.Both played an important,although indirect,role in lowering the birth rate.Brazil is one of the world's biggest producers of soap operas.Globo,Brazil's most popular television network,shows three hours of soaps six nights a week,while three others show at least one hour a night.Most soaps are based on wealthy characters living the high life in big cities.\n\"Although they have never really tried to work in a message towards the problems of reproduction ,they describe middle and upper class values--not many children,different attitudes towards sex,women working,\"says Martine.\"They sent this message to all parts of Brazil and made people realise other patterns of family life and other values,which were put into a very attractive package.\"\nMeanwhile,the installment plans tried to encourage the poor to become consumers.\"This led to change in consumption patterns and consumption did not get along well with unlimited reproduction,\"says Martine.\n\n<question>:\nSoap operas have helped in lowering Brazil's birth rate because _ .\n\n<options>:\nA they keep people sitting long hours watching TV\nB they have gradually changed people's way of life\nC people are drawn to their attractive package\nD they make birth control measures popular\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,253
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nBrazil has become one of the developing world's great successes in reducing population growth--but more by accident than design.While countries such as India have made joint efforts to reduce birth rates,Brazil has had better result without really trying,says George Martine at Harvard.\nBrazil's population growth rate has dropped from 2.99% a year between 1951 and 1960 to 1.93% a year between 1981 and 1990,and Brazilian women now have only 2.7 children on average.Martine says this figure may have fallen still further since 1990,an achievement that makes it the envy of many other Third World countries.\nMartine _ ,among other things,soap operas and installment plans introduced in the 1970s.Both played an important,although indirect,role in lowering the birth rate.Brazil is one of the world's biggest producers of soap operas.Globo,Brazil's most popular television network,shows three hours of soaps six nights a week,while three others show at least one hour a night.Most soaps are based on wealthy characters living the high life in big cities.\n\"Although they have never really tried to work in a message towards the problems of reproduction ,they describe middle and upper class values--not many children,different attitudes towards sex,women working,\"says Martine.\"They sent this message to all parts of Brazil and made people realise other patterns of family life and other values,which were put into a very attractive package.\"\nMeanwhile,the installment plans tried to encourage the poor to become consumers.\"This led to change in consumption patterns and consumption did not get along well with unlimited reproduction,\"says Martine.\n\n<question>:\nWhat is Martine's conclusion about Brazil's population growth?\n\n<options>:\nA The increase in birth rate will increase consumption.\nB The desire for consumption helps to reduce birth rate.\nC Consumption patterns and reproduction patterns are contradictory.\nD A country's production is limited by its population growth.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,254
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nBrazil has become one of the developing world's great successes in reducing population growth--but more by accident than design.While countries such as India have made joint efforts to reduce birth rates,Brazil has had better result without really trying,says George Martine at Harvard.\nBrazil's population growth rate has dropped from 2.99% a year between 1951 and 1960 to 1.93% a year between 1981 and 1990,and Brazilian women now have only 2.7 children on average.Martine says this figure may have fallen still further since 1990,an achievement that makes it the envy of many other Third World countries.\nMartine _ ,among other things,soap operas and installment plans introduced in the 1970s.Both played an important,although indirect,role in lowering the birth rate.Brazil is one of the world's biggest producers of soap operas.Globo,Brazil's most popular television network,shows three hours of soaps six nights a week,while three others show at least one hour a night.Most soaps are based on wealthy characters living the high life in big cities.\n\"Although they have never really tried to work in a message towards the problems of reproduction ,they describe middle and upper class values--not many children,different attitudes towards sex,women working,\"says Martine.\"They sent this message to all parts of Brazil and made people realise other patterns of family life and other values,which were put into a very attractive package.\"\nMeanwhile,the installment plans tried to encourage the poor to become consumers.\"This led to change in consumption patterns and consumption did not get along well with unlimited reproduction,\"says Martine.\n\n<question>:\nWhich is the best title of the passage?\n\n<options>:\nA Brazil:the developing world's success\nB Soap operas and installment plans\nC Brazil:reducing birth rate by accident\nD Learn from Brazil,one of the Third World Countries\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,255
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nBrazil has become one of the developing world's great successes in reducing population growth--but more by accident than design.While countries such as India have made joint efforts to reduce birth rates,Brazil has had better result without really trying,says George Martine at Harvard.\nBrazil's population growth rate has dropped from 2.99% a year between 1951 and 1960 to 1.93% a year between 1981 and 1990,and Brazilian women now have only 2.7 children on average.Martine says this figure may have fallen still further since 1990,an achievement that makes it the envy of many other Third World countries.\nMartine _ ,among other things,soap operas and installment plans introduced in the 1970s.Both played an important,although indirect,role in lowering the birth rate.Brazil is one of the world's biggest producers of soap operas.Globo,Brazil's most popular television network,shows three hours of soaps six nights a week,while three others show at least one hour a night.Most soaps are based on wealthy characters living the high life in big cities.\n\"Although they have never really tried to work in a message towards the problems of reproduction ,they describe middle and upper class values--not many children,different attitudes towards sex,women working,\"says Martine.\"They sent this message to all parts of Brazil and made people realise other patterns of family life and other values,which were put into a very attractive package.\"\nMeanwhile,the installment plans tried to encourage the poor to become consumers.\"This led to change in consumption patterns and consumption did not get along well with unlimited reproduction,\"says Martine.\n\n<question>:\nFrom the passage,we can conclude that _ .\n\n<options>:\nA India have reduced birth rates by accident,too\nB many other Third World countries are suffering a population growth rate now\nC Brazil government's achieved a success reducing the birth rate purposely\nD Brazil has successfully reduced population growth--but more by accident than design\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,256
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nBoiler rooms are often dirty and steamy,but this one is clean and cool.Fox Point is a very new 47unit living building in South Bronx,one of the city's poorest areas.Twothirds of the people living there are formerly homeless people,whose rent is paid by the government.The rest are lowincome families.The boiler room has special equipment,which produces energy for electricity and heat.It reuses heat that would otherwise be lost to the air,reducing carbon emissions while also cutting costs.\nFox Point is operated by Palladia,a group that specializes in providing housing and services to needy people.Palladia received support from Enterprise Community Partners (ECP),which helps build affordable housing by providing support to housing developers.\nECP has created national standards for healthy,environmentally clever and affordable homes which are called the Green Communities Standards.These standards include water keeping,energy saving and the use of environmentally friendly building materials.Meeting the standards increases housing construction costs by 2%,which is rapidly paid back by lower running costs.Even the positioning of a window to get most daylight can help save energy.\nMichael Bloomberg,New York's mayor,plans to create 165,000 affordable housing units for 500,000 New Yorkers.Almost 80% of New York City's greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings,and 40% of those are caused by housing.So he recently announced that the city's Department of Housing and Preservation and Development (DHPD),whose duty is to develop and keep the city's supply of affordable housing,will require all its new projects to follow ECP's green standards.\nSimilar measures have been taken by other cities,such as Cleveland and Denver,but New York's DHPD is the largest city developer of affordable housing in the country.(2010*,B)\n\n<question>:\nWhat is an advantage of the buildings meeting the Green Communities Standards?\n\n<options>:\nA Lower running costs.\nB Costing less in construction.\nC Less air to be lost in hot days.\nD Better prices for homeless people.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,257
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nBoiler rooms are often dirty and steamy,but this one is clean and cool.Fox Point is a very new 47unit living building in South Bronx,one of the city's poorest areas.Twothirds of the people living there are formerly homeless people,whose rent is paid by the government.The rest are lowincome families.The boiler room has special equipment,which produces energy for electricity and heat.It reuses heat that would otherwise be lost to the air,reducing carbon emissions while also cutting costs.\nFox Point is operated by Palladia,a group that specializes in providing housing and services to needy people.Palladia received support from Enterprise Community Partners (ECP),which helps build affordable housing by providing support to housing developers.\nECP has created national standards for healthy,environmentally clever and affordable homes which are called the Green Communities Standards.These standards include water keeping,energy saving and the use of environmentally friendly building materials.Meeting the standards increases housing construction costs by 2%,which is rapidly paid back by lower running costs.Even the positioning of a window to get most daylight can help save energy.\nMichael Bloomberg,New York's mayor,plans to create 165,000 affordable housing units for 500,000 New Yorkers.Almost 80% of New York City's greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings,and 40% of those are caused by housing.So he recently announced that the city's Department of Housing and Preservation and Development (DHPD),whose duty is to develop and keep the city's supply of affordable housing,will require all its new projects to follow ECP's green standards.\nSimilar measures have been taken by other cities,such as Cleveland and Denver,but New York's DHPD is the largest city developer of affordable housing in the country.(2010*,B)\n\n<question>:\nIt can be learned from the text that _ .\n\n<options>:\nA New York City is seriously polluted\nB people's daily life causes many carbon emissions in New York City\nC a great number of people in New York City don't have houses to live in\nD some other cities have developed more affordable housing than New York City\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,258
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nBoiler rooms are often dirty and steamy,but this one is clean and cool.Fox Point is a very new 47unit living building in South Bronx,one of the city's poorest areas.Twothirds of the people living there are formerly homeless people,whose rent is paid by the government.The rest are lowincome families.The boiler room has special equipment,which produces energy for electricity and heat.It reuses heat that would otherwise be lost to the air,reducing carbon emissions while also cutting costs.\nFox Point is operated by Palladia,a group that specializes in providing housing and services to needy people.Palladia received support from Enterprise Community Partners (ECP),which helps build affordable housing by providing support to housing developers.\nECP has created national standards for healthy,environmentally clever and affordable homes which are called the Green Communities Standards.These standards include water keeping,energy saving and the use of environmentally friendly building materials.Meeting the standards increases housing construction costs by 2%,which is rapidly paid back by lower running costs.Even the positioning of a window to get most daylight can help save energy.\nMichael Bloomberg,New York's mayor,plans to create 165,000 affordable housing units for 500,000 New Yorkers.Almost 80% of New York City's greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings,and 40% of those are caused by housing.So he recently announced that the city's Department of Housing and Preservation and Development (DHPD),whose duty is to develop and keep the city's supply of affordable housing,will require all its new projects to follow ECP's green standards.\nSimilar measures have been taken by other cities,such as Cleveland and Denver,but New York's DHPD is the largest city developer of affordable housing in the country.(2010*,B)\n\n<question>:\nWhat is the main purpose of this text?\n\n<options>:\nA To call on people to pay more attention to housing problems.\nB To prove that some standards are needed for affordable housing.\nC To ask society to help homeless people and lowincome families.\nD To introduce healthy,environmentally clever and affordable housing.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,259
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nIt was a Saturday morning,a day I believed would end in victory.For weeks,I had been preparing for the match at the county fairgrounds,sponsored by our local riding club.My horse,Tonka, and I could run faster than any kid in the county, and I hoped to bring home a blue ribbon.\nMy mother usually drove me to the riding events, but on this day, my father planned to drop us off at the fairgrounds with the horse trailer .\nAlthough we never discussed it, my father's struggle with alcoholism had become the silent center of our family life.My mother was paralyzed with fear and indecision.Her salary as a part-time nurse couldn't possibly support four children.No one talked about alcoholism in those days,and it was my family secret.\nWe climbed on the trailer and my father pulled out of our driveway and headed toward the fairgrounds,picking up speed once we hit the main road.It wasn't until we felt a big bump that I realized the trailer was out of control.The dream of my riding winner disappeared.Tonka lay on the floor, completely still.No words were possible.I knew _ was dead.\nSuddenly a man appeared.\"Are you all right?\"he asked.\"Yes.\"I answered,although I knew that nothing was all right.\"Sit here on the grass,\"he said.He bent down to look into the trailer.Tonka remained still.He touched Tonka and then turned to face me.\"He is going to be OK.He has just been knocked unconscious.\" He rubbed Tonka's cheeks and gently pulling his ears.Tonka rose to his feet.\nOur father was talking to a police officer.He was upset and in pain and took little notice of me.I looked back;the man was gone.\nI never forgot him.He gave me strength and a sense of hope in a dark and frightening moment.\n\n<question>:\nThe writer went to the fairgrounds because he wanted to _ .\n\n<options>:\nA take part in a horse racing\nB buy Mum a blue ribbon\nC join the local riding club\nD train his horse there\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,260
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nIt was a Saturday morning,a day I believed would end in victory.For weeks,I had been preparing for the match at the county fairgrounds,sponsored by our local riding club.My horse,Tonka, and I could run faster than any kid in the county, and I hoped to bring home a blue ribbon.\nMy mother usually drove me to the riding events, but on this day, my father planned to drop us off at the fairgrounds with the horse trailer .\nAlthough we never discussed it, my father's struggle with alcoholism had become the silent center of our family life.My mother was paralyzed with fear and indecision.Her salary as a part-time nurse couldn't possibly support four children.No one talked about alcoholism in those days,and it was my family secret.\nWe climbed on the trailer and my father pulled out of our driveway and headed toward the fairgrounds,picking up speed once we hit the main road.It wasn't until we felt a big bump that I realized the trailer was out of control.The dream of my riding winner disappeared.Tonka lay on the floor, completely still.No words were possible.I knew _ was dead.\nSuddenly a man appeared.\"Are you all right?\"he asked.\"Yes.\"I answered,although I knew that nothing was all right.\"Sit here on the grass,\"he said.He bent down to look into the trailer.Tonka remained still.He touched Tonka and then turned to face me.\"He is going to be OK.He has just been knocked unconscious.\" He rubbed Tonka's cheeks and gently pulling his ears.Tonka rose to his feet.\nOur father was talking to a police officer.He was upset and in pain and took little notice of me.I looked back;the man was gone.\nI never forgot him.He gave me strength and a sense of hope in a dark and frightening moment.\n\n<question>:\nWhat does the author want to tell the readers through the story?\n\n<options>:\nA Once formed,bad habits are difficult to break\nB Unexpected kindness is a light that shines in the darkness\nC However mean your life is,meet it and live it\nD Family is a place of encouragement, a safe harbor in the storms\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,261
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nDiary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third WheelBy Jeff Kinney\nA dance at Greg Heffley's middle school is going to be held, but he can't find someone to go with him. Finally he finds a girl from his class to go with him. That is when The Third Wheel story begins.\nThe Third Wheel is full of jokes and interesting drawings.\nIvy and Bean Make the RulesBy Annie Barrows\nBean's older sister Jessie goes to a summer camp called Girl Power 4-Ever, but Bean can't join her because she is too young. So Bean and her best friend, Ivy, decide to create their own camp. At Camp Flaming Arrow, Ivy and Bean come up with all the activities and, of course, they make the rules. Their happiness and kindness will make you want to keep reading.\nStick DogBy Tom Watson\nStick Dog is a dog that lives in an empty pipe. He has four dog friends named Poo-Poo, Stripes, Karen and Mutt. When Stick Dog smells some delicious hamburgers, he and his friends decide to steal the food from a human family that is having a picnic in Picas-so Park. Along the way, they face a lot of funny challenges.\nWhite Fur FlyingBy Patricia Maclachlan\nZoo and Alice's mother might just have the coolest job ever. She rescues Great Pyrenees dogs! But dogs aren't the only things that need to be saved. The family's new neighbour, Philfip, doesn't speak, and no one knows why.\nWhite Fur Flying is all about understanding that love can come from both inside and outside. Although it is a little sad, the book is good to read. Kids who love animals and a good story will really like it, too.\n\n<question>:\nThere are interesting drawings in _ .\n\n<options>:\nA Stick Dog\nB Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel\nC Ivy and Bean Make the Rules\nD White Fun Flying\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,262
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nDiary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third WheelBy Jeff Kinney\nA dance at Greg Heffley's middle school is going to be held, but he can't find someone to go with him. Finally he finds a girl from his class to go with him. That is when The Third Wheel story begins.\nThe Third Wheel is full of jokes and interesting drawings.\nIvy and Bean Make the RulesBy Annie Barrows\nBean's older sister Jessie goes to a summer camp called Girl Power 4-Ever, but Bean can't join her because she is too young. So Bean and her best friend, Ivy, decide to create their own camp. At Camp Flaming Arrow, Ivy and Bean come up with all the activities and, of course, they make the rules. Their happiness and kindness will make you want to keep reading.\nStick DogBy Tom Watson\nStick Dog is a dog that lives in an empty pipe. He has four dog friends named Poo-Poo, Stripes, Karen and Mutt. When Stick Dog smells some delicious hamburgers, he and his friends decide to steal the food from a human family that is having a picnic in Picas-so Park. Along the way, they face a lot of funny challenges.\nWhite Fur FlyingBy Patricia Maclachlan\nZoo and Alice's mother might just have the coolest job ever. She rescues Great Pyrenees dogs! But dogs aren't the only things that need to be saved. The family's new neighbour, Philfip, doesn't speak, and no one knows why.\nWhite Fur Flying is all about understanding that love can come from both inside and outside. Although it is a little sad, the book is good to read. Kids who love animals and a good story will really like it, too.\n\n<question>:\nWho wants to start a camp?\n\n<options>:\nA Jessie.\nB Greg.\nC Bean.\nD Alice.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,263
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nDiary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third WheelBy Jeff Kinney\nA dance at Greg Heffley's middle school is going to be held, but he can't find someone to go with him. Finally he finds a girl from his class to go with him. That is when The Third Wheel story begins.\nThe Third Wheel is full of jokes and interesting drawings.\nIvy and Bean Make the RulesBy Annie Barrows\nBean's older sister Jessie goes to a summer camp called Girl Power 4-Ever, but Bean can't join her because she is too young. So Bean and her best friend, Ivy, decide to create their own camp. At Camp Flaming Arrow, Ivy and Bean come up with all the activities and, of course, they make the rules. Their happiness and kindness will make you want to keep reading.\nStick DogBy Tom Watson\nStick Dog is a dog that lives in an empty pipe. He has four dog friends named Poo-Poo, Stripes, Karen and Mutt. When Stick Dog smells some delicious hamburgers, he and his friends decide to steal the food from a human family that is having a picnic in Picas-so Park. Along the way, they face a lot of funny challenges.\nWhite Fur FlyingBy Patricia Maclachlan\nZoo and Alice's mother might just have the coolest job ever. She rescues Great Pyrenees dogs! But dogs aren't the only things that need to be saved. The family's new neighbour, Philfip, doesn't speak, and no one knows why.\nWhite Fur Flying is all about understanding that love can come from both inside and outside. Although it is a little sad, the book is good to read. Kids who love animals and a good story will really like it, too.\n\n<question>:\nWhat's the main idea of the bookStick Dog?\n\n<options>:\nA The dogs' experience of stealing food.\nB The dogs' picnic in a park.\nC How five dogs are saved from danger.\nD How to get along with dogs.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,264
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nDiary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third WheelBy Jeff Kinney\nA dance at Greg Heffley's middle school is going to be held, but he can't find someone to go with him. Finally he finds a girl from his class to go with him. That is when The Third Wheel story begins.\nThe Third Wheel is full of jokes and interesting drawings.\nIvy and Bean Make the RulesBy Annie Barrows\nBean's older sister Jessie goes to a summer camp called Girl Power 4-Ever, but Bean can't join her because she is too young. So Bean and her best friend, Ivy, decide to create their own camp. At Camp Flaming Arrow, Ivy and Bean come up with all the activities and, of course, they make the rules. Their happiness and kindness will make you want to keep reading.\nStick DogBy Tom Watson\nStick Dog is a dog that lives in an empty pipe. He has four dog friends named Poo-Poo, Stripes, Karen and Mutt. When Stick Dog smells some delicious hamburgers, he and his friends decide to steal the food from a human family that is having a picnic in Picas-so Park. Along the way, they face a lot of funny challenges.\nWhite Fur FlyingBy Patricia Maclachlan\nZoo and Alice's mother might just have the coolest job ever. She rescues Great Pyrenees dogs! But dogs aren't the only things that need to be saved. The family's new neighbour, Philfip, doesn't speak, and no one knows why.\nWhite Fur Flying is all about understanding that love can come from both inside and outside. Although it is a little sad, the book is good to read. Kids who love animals and a good story will really like it, too.\n\n<question>:\nIn which section of a newspaper can we see the text?\n\n<options>:\nA Literature.\nB Lifestyles.\nC Hobbies.\nD Travel.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,265
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nPeople believe that climbing can do good to health. Where can you learn the skill of climbing then? If you think that you have to go to the mountains to learn how to climb,you're wrong. Many Americans are learning to climb in city gyms . Here,people are learning on special climbing walls. The climbing wall goes straight up and has small holding places for hands and feet.\nHow do people climb the wall? To climb,you need special shoes and a harness around your chest to hold you. There are ropes tied to your harness. The ropes hold you in place so that you don't fall. A beginner's wall is usually about 15 feet high,and you climb straight up. There are small pieces of metal that stick out for you to stand on and hold on to. Sometimes it's easy to see the new piece of metal. Sometimes, it's not. The most difficult part is to control your fear. It's normal for humans to be afraid of falling, so it's difficult not to feel fear. But when you move away from the wall,the harness and the ropes hold you,and you begin to feel safe. You move slowly until you reach the top.\nClimbing attracts people because it's good exercise for almost everyone. You use your whole body,especially your arms and legs. This sport gives your body a complete _ . When you climb,both your mind and your body can become stronger.\n\n<question>:\nWhat can we infer from the passage?\n\n<options>:\nA People are fairly interested in climbing nowadays.\nB It is impossible to build up one's body by climbing.\nC People can only learn the skill of climbing outdoors.\nD It is always easy to see holding places in climbing.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,266
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nPeople believe that climbing can do good to health. Where can you learn the skill of climbing then? If you think that you have to go to the mountains to learn how to climb,you're wrong. Many Americans are learning to climb in city gyms . Here,people are learning on special climbing walls. The climbing wall goes straight up and has small holding places for hands and feet.\nHow do people climb the wall? To climb,you need special shoes and a harness around your chest to hold you. There are ropes tied to your harness. The ropes hold you in place so that you don't fall. A beginner's wall is usually about 15 feet high,and you climb straight up. There are small pieces of metal that stick out for you to stand on and hold on to. Sometimes it's easy to see the new piece of metal. Sometimes, it's not. The most difficult part is to control your fear. It's normal for humans to be afraid of falling, so it's difficult not to feel fear. But when you move away from the wall,the harness and the ropes hold you,and you begin to feel safe. You move slowly until you reach the top.\nClimbing attracts people because it's good exercise for almost everyone. You use your whole body,especially your arms and legs. This sport gives your body a complete _ . When you climb,both your mind and your body can become stronger.\n\n<question>:\nThe most difficult thing to do in wall climbing is .\n\n<options>:\nA to tie ropes to your harness\nB to control your fear\nC to move away from the wall\nD to climb straight up\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,267
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nPeople believe that climbing can do good to health. Where can you learn the skill of climbing then? If you think that you have to go to the mountains to learn how to climb,you're wrong. Many Americans are learning to climb in city gyms . Here,people are learning on special climbing walls. The climbing wall goes straight up and has small holding places for hands and feet.\nHow do people climb the wall? To climb,you need special shoes and a harness around your chest to hold you. There are ropes tied to your harness. The ropes hold you in place so that you don't fall. A beginner's wall is usually about 15 feet high,and you climb straight up. There are small pieces of metal that stick out for you to stand on and hold on to. Sometimes it's easy to see the new piece of metal. Sometimes, it's not. The most difficult part is to control your fear. It's normal for humans to be afraid of falling, so it's difficult not to feel fear. But when you move away from the wall,the harness and the ropes hold you,and you begin to feel safe. You move slowly until you reach the top.\nClimbing attracts people because it's good exercise for almost everyone. You use your whole body,especially your arms and legs. This sport gives your body a complete _ . When you climb,both your mind and your body can become stronger.\n\n<question>:\nWhy does the author write this passage?\n\n<options>:\nA To tell people where to find gyms.\nB To prove the basic need for climbing.\nC To encourage people to climb mountains.\nD To introduce the sport of wall climbing.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,268
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nThe world produces about 4 billion metric tons of food a year but 1.2 to 2 billion tons is not eaten, the study by the London-based Institution of Mechanical Engineers said. It is instead thrown away. Experts say food is wasted in both rich and poor countries, but for different reasons.\nElliot Woolley teaches sustainable manufacturing at Loughborough University in Britain. He spoke at the Global Conference on Sustainable Manufacturing, which was held earlier this month in Vietnam.\nMr. Woolley said in poor countries, food is usually lost while it is still in the field or during storage and transportation. He said that is because food producers there are inefficient. These businesses are unable to operate effectively without wasting materials, time or energy. But he added that once food is sold in developing countries, people usually eat everything they buy.\nHowever, people in developed countries throw away as much as half of the food they purchase. In the US, big contributors to waste include supersized portions that customers simply can't manage, and\"eat as much as you want\"offers in restaurants. In the UK, over-conservative sell-by dates on labels and two-for-one offers of perishable items are key factors, encouraging consumers to buy too much food to start with and to throw away items that have reached their sell-by date, but which are still edible. And efficient farming methods, transport and storage mean that most of the wastage occurs through retail and customer behavior. The British researcher called this custom\"adisgrace\".\nElliot Woolley has created a smartphone app that he says shows users what food they have bought and when the food is about to become unsafe to eat. It also gives information on how people can combine the foods they have to make a meal. The software program is called\"Pantry App\".\nMr. Woolley said that people who used the app reduced the amount of food they wasted by a third. But this result came from a limited experiment -- users only followed their food use for a week.\nJeremy Bonvoisin is a student at the Technical University of Berlin. He attended the recent conference in Vietnam. He said one way to solve the problem of wasting food is to take steps to persuade people to stop buying so much food in the first place. He said people buy more food than they need because it is becoming less costly. They waste so much food because they buy more than they need.\nHe said the new app could help those who already want to change the way they use the food they buy. But he is also worried that it could get people to waste more food because they no longer have to pay attention to how much they have bought.\n\n<question>:\nAccording to Elliot Woolley, the best way to stop wasting food in poor countries is probably .\n\n<options>:\nA making people realize the bad effects of wasting food\nB increasing the production and quality of grain\nC limiting the transporting and storing of food\nD improving their agricultural techniques\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,269
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nThe world produces about 4 billion metric tons of food a year but 1.2 to 2 billion tons is not eaten, the study by the London-based Institution of Mechanical Engineers said. It is instead thrown away. Experts say food is wasted in both rich and poor countries, but for different reasons.\nElliot Woolley teaches sustainable manufacturing at Loughborough University in Britain. He spoke at the Global Conference on Sustainable Manufacturing, which was held earlier this month in Vietnam.\nMr. Woolley said in poor countries, food is usually lost while it is still in the field or during storage and transportation. He said that is because food producers there are inefficient. These businesses are unable to operate effectively without wasting materials, time or energy. But he added that once food is sold in developing countries, people usually eat everything they buy.\nHowever, people in developed countries throw away as much as half of the food they purchase. In the US, big contributors to waste include supersized portions that customers simply can't manage, and\"eat as much as you want\"offers in restaurants. In the UK, over-conservative sell-by dates on labels and two-for-one offers of perishable items are key factors, encouraging consumers to buy too much food to start with and to throw away items that have reached their sell-by date, but which are still edible. And efficient farming methods, transport and storage mean that most of the wastage occurs through retail and customer behavior. The British researcher called this custom\"adisgrace\".\nElliot Woolley has created a smartphone app that he says shows users what food they have bought and when the food is about to become unsafe to eat. It also gives information on how people can combine the foods they have to make a meal. The software program is called\"Pantry App\".\nMr. Woolley said that people who used the app reduced the amount of food they wasted by a third. But this result came from a limited experiment -- users only followed their food use for a week.\nJeremy Bonvoisin is a student at the Technical University of Berlin. He attended the recent conference in Vietnam. He said one way to solve the problem of wasting food is to take steps to persuade people to stop buying so much food in the first place. He said people buy more food than they need because it is becoming less costly. They waste so much food because they buy more than they need.\nHe said the new app could help those who already want to change the way they use the food they buy. But he is also worried that it could get people to waste more food because they no longer have to pay attention to how much they have bought.\n\n<question>:\nWhich of the following is not the function of Pantry APP?\n\n<options>:\nA It informs people of the kind of food they've purchased.\nB It warns people how long the food remains safe to eat.\nC It gives people some instructions on how to cook.\nD It tells people how much food they have wasted.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,270
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nThe world produces about 4 billion metric tons of food a year but 1.2 to 2 billion tons is not eaten, the study by the London-based Institution of Mechanical Engineers said. It is instead thrown away. Experts say food is wasted in both rich and poor countries, but for different reasons.\nElliot Woolley teaches sustainable manufacturing at Loughborough University in Britain. He spoke at the Global Conference on Sustainable Manufacturing, which was held earlier this month in Vietnam.\nMr. Woolley said in poor countries, food is usually lost while it is still in the field or during storage and transportation. He said that is because food producers there are inefficient. These businesses are unable to operate effectively without wasting materials, time or energy. But he added that once food is sold in developing countries, people usually eat everything they buy.\nHowever, people in developed countries throw away as much as half of the food they purchase. In the US, big contributors to waste include supersized portions that customers simply can't manage, and\"eat as much as you want\"offers in restaurants. In the UK, over-conservative sell-by dates on labels and two-for-one offers of perishable items are key factors, encouraging consumers to buy too much food to start with and to throw away items that have reached their sell-by date, but which are still edible. And efficient farming methods, transport and storage mean that most of the wastage occurs through retail and customer behavior. The British researcher called this custom\"adisgrace\".\nElliot Woolley has created a smartphone app that he says shows users what food they have bought and when the food is about to become unsafe to eat. It also gives information on how people can combine the foods they have to make a meal. The software program is called\"Pantry App\".\nMr. Woolley said that people who used the app reduced the amount of food they wasted by a third. But this result came from a limited experiment -- users only followed their food use for a week.\nJeremy Bonvoisin is a student at the Technical University of Berlin. He attended the recent conference in Vietnam. He said one way to solve the problem of wasting food is to take steps to persuade people to stop buying so much food in the first place. He said people buy more food than they need because it is becoming less costly. They waste so much food because they buy more than they need.\nHe said the new app could help those who already want to change the way they use the food they buy. But he is also worried that it could get people to waste more food because they no longer have to pay attention to how much they have bought.\n\n<question>:\nWhat's Jeremy Bonvoisin's advice on handling the problem of wasting food?\n\n<options>:\nA Talking people out of buying so much food.\nB Raising people's awareness of saving food.\nC Passing a law to require people to save food.\nD Persuading people to continue using Pantry App.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,271
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nCan trees talk? Yes, but not in words. Scientists have reasons to believe that trees do communicate with each other. Not long ago, researchers learned some surprising things. First a willow tree attacked in the woods by caterpillars changed the chemistry of its leaves and made them taste so terrible that they got tired of the leaves and stopped eating them. Then even more astonishing, the tree sent out a special smell---a signal causing its neighbors to change the chemistry of their own leaves and make them less tasty.\nCommunication, of course, doesn't need to be in words. We can talk to each other by smiling, raising our shoulders and moving our hands. We know that birds and animals use a whole vocabulary of songs, sounds, and movements. Bees dance their signals, flying in certain patterns that tell other bees where to find nectar for honey. So why shouldn't trees have ways of sending messages?\n\n<question>:\nIt can be concluded from the passage that caterpillars do not feed on leaves that _ .\n\n<options>:\nA are lying on the ground\nB have an unpleasant taste\nC bees don't like\nD have an unfamiliar shape\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,272
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nCan trees talk? Yes, but not in words. Scientists have reasons to believe that trees do communicate with each other. Not long ago, researchers learned some surprising things. First a willow tree attacked in the woods by caterpillars changed the chemistry of its leaves and made them taste so terrible that they got tired of the leaves and stopped eating them. Then even more astonishing, the tree sent out a special smell---a signal causing its neighbors to change the chemistry of their own leaves and make them less tasty.\nCommunication, of course, doesn't need to be in words. We can talk to each other by smiling, raising our shoulders and moving our hands. We know that birds and animals use a whole vocabulary of songs, sounds, and movements. Bees dance their signals, flying in certain patterns that tell other bees where to find nectar for honey. So why shouldn't trees have ways of sending messages?\n\n<question>:\nThe willow tree described in the passage protected itself by _ .\n\n<options>:\nA growing more branches\nB communicating with birds and bees\nC changing its leaf chemistry\nD shaking caterpillars off\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,273
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nCan trees talk? Yes, but not in words. Scientists have reasons to believe that trees do communicate with each other. Not long ago, researchers learned some surprising things. First a willow tree attacked in the woods by caterpillars changed the chemistry of its leaves and made them taste so terrible that they got tired of the leaves and stopped eating them. Then even more astonishing, the tree sent out a special smell---a signal causing its neighbors to change the chemistry of their own leaves and make them less tasty.\nCommunication, of course, doesn't need to be in words. We can talk to each other by smiling, raising our shoulders and moving our hands. We know that birds and animals use a whole vocabulary of songs, sounds, and movements. Bees dance their signals, flying in certain patterns that tell other bees where to find nectar for honey. So why shouldn't trees have ways of sending messages?\n\n<question>:\nAccording to the passage, the willow tree was able to communicate with other trees by _ .\n\n<options>:\nA waving its branches\nB giving off a special smell\nC dropping its leaves\nD changing the colour of its trunk\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,274
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nCan trees talk? Yes, but not in words. Scientists have reasons to believe that trees do communicate with each other. Not long ago, researchers learned some surprising things. First a willow tree attacked in the woods by caterpillars changed the chemistry of its leaves and made them taste so terrible that they got tired of the leaves and stopped eating them. Then even more astonishing, the tree sent out a special smell---a signal causing its neighbors to change the chemistry of their own leaves and make them less tasty.\nCommunication, of course, doesn't need to be in words. We can talk to each other by smiling, raising our shoulders and moving our hands. We know that birds and animals use a whole vocabulary of songs, sounds, and movements. Bees dance their signals, flying in certain patterns that tell other bees where to find nectar for honey. So why shouldn't trees have ways of sending messages?\n\n<question>:\nThe author believes that the incident described in the passage _ .\n\n<options>:\nA cannot be taken seriously\nB should no longer be permitted\nC must be checked more thoroughly\nD seems completely reasonable\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,275
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nScientists fear rising energy bills may lead to an increase in obesity after discovering a link between poorly-heated homes and higher body -fat.\nResearchers from the University of Stirling's Behavioural Science Centre set out to explore claims that warm indoor temperatures have contributed to rising obesity levels in winter.Instead, the team found that people who live in well-heated homes are more likely to have low body mass index levels while those who keep their heating turned down or off tend to be heavier.\nDr Michael Daly, behavioral scientist and senior lecturer, said: \"We set out to investigate the scientific claims that cooler indoor temperatures help us maintain a healthy weight by pushing our bodies to use up more energy. In fact, the research suggests people may eat less and burn more energy when in a warmer indoor environment.\nThe 13-year study, published in the journal Obesity, involved more than 100,000 adults across England.\nResearchers found reduced weight levels among people living in homes heated to above 23degC(73F), which involved about 15,000 of the households studied.\nDr Daly said: \"As national gas bills continue to rise faster than the rate of inflation, this research suggests the obesity could worsen where heating is turned down below comfortable levels or off for long periods to cut costs.\"\nThis is not just about people who live in well-heated homes being in the financial position to afford more expensive low-calorie foods, exercise classes and sporting activities, and therefore finding it easier to maintain a low BMI level.The study took age, sex, social class and other factors into account.\n\"The comfortable temperature of 20degC -23degC is where we feel comfortable in our clothes and are neither hot nor cold.At temperatures above this, we use more energy and we eat less because our appetite is affected.\"\n\n<question>:\nThe findings of the research can be described as _ .\n\n<options>:\nA horrible\nB surprising\nC funny\nD encouraging\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,276
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nScientists fear rising energy bills may lead to an increase in obesity after discovering a link between poorly-heated homes and higher body -fat.\nResearchers from the University of Stirling's Behavioural Science Centre set out to explore claims that warm indoor temperatures have contributed to rising obesity levels in winter.Instead, the team found that people who live in well-heated homes are more likely to have low body mass index levels while those who keep their heating turned down or off tend to be heavier.\nDr Michael Daly, behavioral scientist and senior lecturer, said: \"We set out to investigate the scientific claims that cooler indoor temperatures help us maintain a healthy weight by pushing our bodies to use up more energy. In fact, the research suggests people may eat less and burn more energy when in a warmer indoor environment.\nThe 13-year study, published in the journal Obesity, involved more than 100,000 adults across England.\nResearchers found reduced weight levels among people living in homes heated to above 23degC(73F), which involved about 15,000 of the households studied.\nDr Daly said: \"As national gas bills continue to rise faster than the rate of inflation, this research suggests the obesity could worsen where heating is turned down below comfortable levels or off for long periods to cut costs.\"\nThis is not just about people who live in well-heated homes being in the financial position to afford more expensive low-calorie foods, exercise classes and sporting activities, and therefore finding it easier to maintain a low BMI level.The study took age, sex, social class and other factors into account.\n\"The comfortable temperature of 20degC -23degC is where we feel comfortable in our clothes and are neither hot nor cold.At temperatures above this, we use more energy and we eat less because our appetite is affected.\"\n\n<question>:\nAccording to the passage, with rising gas bills, people may turn down or off their heating to _ .\n\n<options>:\nA stay in shape\nB maintain a low BMI level\nC save money\nD avoid eating more\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,277
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nScientists fear rising energy bills may lead to an increase in obesity after discovering a link between poorly-heated homes and higher body -fat.\nResearchers from the University of Stirling's Behavioural Science Centre set out to explore claims that warm indoor temperatures have contributed to rising obesity levels in winter.Instead, the team found that people who live in well-heated homes are more likely to have low body mass index levels while those who keep their heating turned down or off tend to be heavier.\nDr Michael Daly, behavioral scientist and senior lecturer, said: \"We set out to investigate the scientific claims that cooler indoor temperatures help us maintain a healthy weight by pushing our bodies to use up more energy. In fact, the research suggests people may eat less and burn more energy when in a warmer indoor environment.\nThe 13-year study, published in the journal Obesity, involved more than 100,000 adults across England.\nResearchers found reduced weight levels among people living in homes heated to above 23degC(73F), which involved about 15,000 of the households studied.\nDr Daly said: \"As national gas bills continue to rise faster than the rate of inflation, this research suggests the obesity could worsen where heating is turned down below comfortable levels or off for long periods to cut costs.\"\nThis is not just about people who live in well-heated homes being in the financial position to afford more expensive low-calorie foods, exercise classes and sporting activities, and therefore finding it easier to maintain a low BMI level.The study took age, sex, social class and other factors into account.\n\"The comfortable temperature of 20degC -23degC is where we feel comfortable in our clothes and are neither hot nor cold.At temperatures above this, we use more energy and we eat less because our appetite is affected.\"\n\n<question>:\nWhich of the following can be the best title for the passage?\n\n<options>:\nA Obesity links to poorly-heated homes\nB Well-heated home's contribute to obesity\nC Obesity--- A weighty problem in England\nD Rising energy bills help maintain a healthy weight\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,278
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nTom Hanks ranks as one of Hollywood's most popular actors. Moviegoers eagerly anticipate in the opening of his new pictures. If you're a Hank fan, you don't have to wait much longer. Hank's newest film, Cast Away, opens this winter.\n Tom Hanks plays Chunk Noland, a FedEx executive who lives by the clock. He carefully plans every minute of both his professional and personal time. But on his way home for the holidays, the small plane he's in crashes in the Pacific Ocean. Only Noland survives. He ends up alone on a tropical island and begins a battle for survival. In the process, his view of success and life itself change dramatically .\nThis role may be the most physically-challenging of Hank's career. The actor lost 53 pounds for the part. Director Robert Zemeckis shot the first section of the film with Hanks weighing more than 225 pounds. The filming took a break for a year while Hanks lost weight. To take off the pounds, Hanks ate little and exercised a lot.\nThe movie may surprise some of Hank's fans. It's not an upbeat comedy like Sleepless in Seattle or You're Got Mail. In fact, Hanks spends a large part of the movie not speaking. After all, who is there to talk to when you're alone on an island?\n\n<question>:\nWhat do you think the expression \"live by the clock\" in the text mean?\n\n<options>:\nA To make an income from selling clocks.\nB To put one's whole life on a schedule .\nC To behave according to the rules of books.\nD To work very quickly in order to finish a job before a certain time.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,279
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nTom Hanks ranks as one of Hollywood's most popular actors. Moviegoers eagerly anticipate in the opening of his new pictures. If you're a Hank fan, you don't have to wait much longer. Hank's newest film, Cast Away, opens this winter.\n Tom Hanks plays Chunk Noland, a FedEx executive who lives by the clock. He carefully plans every minute of both his professional and personal time. But on his way home for the holidays, the small plane he's in crashes in the Pacific Ocean. Only Noland survives. He ends up alone on a tropical island and begins a battle for survival. In the process, his view of success and life itself change dramatically .\nThis role may be the most physically-challenging of Hank's career. The actor lost 53 pounds for the part. Director Robert Zemeckis shot the first section of the film with Hanks weighing more than 225 pounds. The filming took a break for a year while Hanks lost weight. To take off the pounds, Hanks ate little and exercised a lot.\nThe movie may surprise some of Hank's fans. It's not an upbeat comedy like Sleepless in Seattle or You're Got Mail. In fact, Hanks spends a large part of the movie not speaking. After all, who is there to talk to when you're alone on an island?\n\n<question>:\nWhich of the followings is not true according to the passage?\n\n<options>:\nA Chuck Noland goes home to spend his holidays.\nB All the passengers but Chuck Noland survive the air crash.\nC While living on the island, Chuck Noland greatly changes his view of life.\nD The part of Chuck Noland requires Tom Hanks less weighty.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,280
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nTom Hanks ranks as one of Hollywood's most popular actors. Moviegoers eagerly anticipate in the opening of his new pictures. If you're a Hank fan, you don't have to wait much longer. Hank's newest film, Cast Away, opens this winter.\n Tom Hanks plays Chunk Noland, a FedEx executive who lives by the clock. He carefully plans every minute of both his professional and personal time. But on his way home for the holidays, the small plane he's in crashes in the Pacific Ocean. Only Noland survives. He ends up alone on a tropical island and begins a battle for survival. In the process, his view of success and life itself change dramatically .\nThis role may be the most physically-challenging of Hank's career. The actor lost 53 pounds for the part. Director Robert Zemeckis shot the first section of the film with Hanks weighing more than 225 pounds. The filming took a break for a year while Hanks lost weight. To take off the pounds, Hanks ate little and exercised a lot.\nThe movie may surprise some of Hank's fans. It's not an upbeat comedy like Sleepless in Seattle or You're Got Mail. In fact, Hanks spends a large part of the movie not speaking. After all, who is there to talk to when you're alone on an island?\n\n<question>:\nHow did Tom Hanks lose so much weight? Because _ .\n\n<options>:\nA he had no one to talk to\nB he felt he was too weighty, so he had to\nC he was alone on an island\nD he ate little and exercised a lot\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,281
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nAbout ten years ago, a young and very successful businessman named Josh was traveling down a prefix = st1 /Chicagoneighborhood street. He was going a bit too fast in his shiny, black, 12 cylinder Jaguar XKE, which was only two months old.\nHe was watching for kids rushing out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no child came out, but a brick sailed out and-WHUMP!-it hit the Jag's shiny black side door! SCREECH. . . !!!! Immediately Josh stopped the car, jumped out, seized the kid and pushed him up against a parked car. He shouted at the kid, \"What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing?!\" Building up a head of steam, he went on. \"That's my new Jag, that brick you threw is gone cost you a lot of money. Why did you throw it?\"\n\"Please, mister, please. . . I'm sorry! I didn't know what else to do!\" begged the youngster. \"I threw the brick because no one else would stop!\" Tears were streaming down the boy's face as he pointed around the parked car. \"It's my brother, mister,\" he said. \"He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up. \" Sobbing, the boy asked the businessman, \"Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair?\" He's hurt and he's too heavy for me. \"\nMoved beyond words, the young businessman tried hard to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. Straining, he lifted the young man back into the wheelchair and took out his handkerchief and wiped the scrapers and cuts, checking to see that everything was going to be OK. He then watched the younger brother push him down the sidewalk toward their home. \nIt was a long walk back to the black, shining, 12 cylinder Jaguar XKE -- a long and slow walk. Josh never fixed the side door of his Jaguar. He kept the dent to remind him not to go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at him to get his attention. _\n\n<question>:\nThe boy threw a brick at the businessman's car because _ .\n\n<options>:\nA the businessman drove at a high speed\nB he envied the brand-new car very much\nC he wanted to get help from the driver\nD he wanted to ask for some money\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,282
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nAbout ten years ago, a young and very successful businessman named Josh was traveling down a prefix = st1 /Chicagoneighborhood street. He was going a bit too fast in his shiny, black, 12 cylinder Jaguar XKE, which was only two months old.\nHe was watching for kids rushing out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no child came out, but a brick sailed out and-WHUMP!-it hit the Jag's shiny black side door! SCREECH. . . !!!! Immediately Josh stopped the car, jumped out, seized the kid and pushed him up against a parked car. He shouted at the kid, \"What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing?!\" Building up a head of steam, he went on. \"That's my new Jag, that brick you threw is gone cost you a lot of money. Why did you throw it?\"\n\"Please, mister, please. . . I'm sorry! I didn't know what else to do!\" begged the youngster. \"I threw the brick because no one else would stop!\" Tears were streaming down the boy's face as he pointed around the parked car. \"It's my brother, mister,\" he said. \"He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up. \" Sobbing, the boy asked the businessman, \"Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair?\" He's hurt and he's too heavy for me. \"\nMoved beyond words, the young businessman tried hard to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. Straining, he lifted the young man back into the wheelchair and took out his handkerchief and wiped the scrapers and cuts, checking to see that everything was going to be OK. He then watched the younger brother push him down the sidewalk toward their home. \nIt was a long walk back to the black, shining, 12 cylinder Jaguar XKE -- a long and slow walk. Josh never fixed the side door of his Jaguar. He kept the dent to remind him not to go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at him to get his attention. _\n\n<question>:\nWhat can we learn from the passage?\n\n<options>:\nA Josh would accept the money from the kids.\nB Josh was a kind-hearted man.\nC The two kids were Josh's neighbors.\nD Josh's new car broke down easily.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,283
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nAbout ten years ago, a young and very successful businessman named Josh was traveling down a prefix = st1 /Chicagoneighborhood street. He was going a bit too fast in his shiny, black, 12 cylinder Jaguar XKE, which was only two months old.\nHe was watching for kids rushing out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no child came out, but a brick sailed out and-WHUMP!-it hit the Jag's shiny black side door! SCREECH. . . !!!! Immediately Josh stopped the car, jumped out, seized the kid and pushed him up against a parked car. He shouted at the kid, \"What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing?!\" Building up a head of steam, he went on. \"That's my new Jag, that brick you threw is gone cost you a lot of money. Why did you throw it?\"\n\"Please, mister, please. . . I'm sorry! I didn't know what else to do!\" begged the youngster. \"I threw the brick because no one else would stop!\" Tears were streaming down the boy's face as he pointed around the parked car. \"It's my brother, mister,\" he said. \"He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up. \" Sobbing, the boy asked the businessman, \"Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair?\" He's hurt and he's too heavy for me. \"\nMoved beyond words, the young businessman tried hard to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. Straining, he lifted the young man back into the wheelchair and took out his handkerchief and wiped the scrapers and cuts, checking to see that everything was going to be OK. He then watched the younger brother push him down the sidewalk toward their home. \nIt was a long walk back to the black, shining, 12 cylinder Jaguar XKE -- a long and slow walk. Josh never fixed the side door of his Jaguar. He kept the dent to remind him not to go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at him to get his attention. _\n\n<question>:\nAccording to the passage, the last sentence means _ .\n\n<options>:\nA trying to get ready for the trouble in your future life\nB driving fast in a neighborhood street is dangerous\nC protecting oneself from being hurt\nD trying to be more understanding seeing others in trouble\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,284
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nShould people who study science and business pay less for college than people who focus on art and history? That may soon be the case at Florida's state universities.\nIn tough economic times, Florida governor Rick Scott wants to lead college students toward careers that will pay off after graduation. There are more jobs available in Florida in the fields of business, engineering, healthcare, science and technology. So why not encourage students to focus on these \"high-demand\" subjects by charging less tuition for them?\n\"We assume students go to college because they want to pursue jobs,\" Dale Brill said. He is the head of a group of business people, educators and lawmakers who made the recommendation to the governor to keep tuition low for job-friendly areas of academic study. \"We all share the goal of students getting jobs and being productive citizens. Some majors are more valuable than others.\"\nSupporters of the plan have their reasons. More students will choose these \"high-demand\" majors and get jobs after graduation. The state will gain an \neducated workforce that is qualified to fill open jobs. Universities that can show that their\ngraduates are getting jobs will qualify for more funding from the state.\nBut critics of the plan say it's unfair to load humanities majors--those who study literature, philosophy, history and art--with debt while keeping tuition low for so-called \"high-demand\" majors in business and science. In fact, university professors wrote a letter to Governor Scott arguing that if students majoring in history and other humanities subjects are forced to pay higher tuition, they may simply choose to attend universities in other states.\nStill others argue that the plan sets students up for failure. Students should choose majors based on their interests, skills and talents, rather than on what jobs are available at any given time. Those who choose majors because they are interested in a particular field of study will be more successful and satisfied in their careers.\n\n<question>:\nWhy does Florida governor Rick Scott want to charge science and business students less ?\n\n<options>:\nA Because these fields usually attract very few students\nB Because science and business are too difficult to learn.\nC Because he thinks they have a poor family background.\nD Because he wants more students to choose these fields .\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,285
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nShould people who study science and business pay less for college than people who focus on art and history? That may soon be the case at Florida's state universities.\nIn tough economic times, Florida governor Rick Scott wants to lead college students toward careers that will pay off after graduation. There are more jobs available in Florida in the fields of business, engineering, healthcare, science and technology. So why not encourage students to focus on these \"high-demand\" subjects by charging less tuition for them?\n\"We assume students go to college because they want to pursue jobs,\" Dale Brill said. He is the head of a group of business people, educators and lawmakers who made the recommendation to the governor to keep tuition low for job-friendly areas of academic study. \"We all share the goal of students getting jobs and being productive citizens. Some majors are more valuable than others.\"\nSupporters of the plan have their reasons. More students will choose these \"high-demand\" majors and get jobs after graduation. The state will gain an \neducated workforce that is qualified to fill open jobs. Universities that can show that their\ngraduates are getting jobs will qualify for more funding from the state.\nBut critics of the plan say it's unfair to load humanities majors--those who study literature, philosophy, history and art--with debt while keeping tuition low for so-called \"high-demand\" majors in business and science. In fact, university professors wrote a letter to Governor Scott arguing that if students majoring in history and other humanities subjects are forced to pay higher tuition, they may simply choose to attend universities in other states.\nStill others argue that the plan sets students up for failure. Students should choose majors based on their interests, skills and talents, rather than on what jobs are available at any given time. Those who choose majors because they are interested in a particular field of study will be more successful and satisfied in their careers.\n\n<question>:\nWhat does Dale Brill think the government should do ?\n\n<options>:\nA Create more jobs for art students.\nB Treat every subject in university equally.\nC Keep tuition low for majors leading to more jobs .\nD Create more jobs for science and business students .\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,286
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nFor more than 40 years, scientists have sought to learn how well human beings can adapt to long periods in space. The International Space Station continues to provide valuable knowledge about spaceflight. But an earlier space station, Skylab, helped make the current space project possible.\nCanadian astronaut Chris Hadfield sang aboard the International Space Station on May 12, 2013. His music video has become extremely popular. The astronaut played his own version of David Bowie's song Space Oddity. He performed while floating weightlessly, with images of planet earth and space appearing in the window behind him.\nChris Hadfield recently returned home after nearly five months on the space station. For him, the long flight produced a hit video on YouTube and no major physical problems. But 40 years ago, scientists did not know how humans would react to long-term spaceflight. To find out, NASA, the American space agency, launched Skylab in May, 1973. Over nearly a year, three teams of astronauts visited Skylab for stays of between 28 to 84 days. They learned how people react to extended periods in space.\nGerald Carr commanded Skylab 4. He spoke at a NASA event marking the 40th anniversary of Skylab's launch. He said that the loss of the body's muscle mass was a main concern. Astronauts on Skylab used exercise equipment to stay strong. The astronauts spent their workdays carrying out experiments, including biomedical research.\nMarshall Porterfield is the director of NASA's Space Life and Physical Sciences Division. He says the Skylab astronauts' understanding of their own ability to deal with long-term spaceflight continues to help current astronauts. NASA says the next step for life away from Earth is a year-long space station mission, set for 2015.\n\n<question>:\nWhy was Chris Hadfield's song so special?\n\n<options>:\nA It was performed in space.\nB It was created by an astronaut.\nC It was a very familiar song.\nD It was first sung by a famous singer.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,287
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nFor more than 40 years, scientists have sought to learn how well human beings can adapt to long periods in space. The International Space Station continues to provide valuable knowledge about spaceflight. But an earlier space station, Skylab, helped make the current space project possible.\nCanadian astronaut Chris Hadfield sang aboard the International Space Station on May 12, 2013. His music video has become extremely popular. The astronaut played his own version of David Bowie's song Space Oddity. He performed while floating weightlessly, with images of planet earth and space appearing in the window behind him.\nChris Hadfield recently returned home after nearly five months on the space station. For him, the long flight produced a hit video on YouTube and no major physical problems. But 40 years ago, scientists did not know how humans would react to long-term spaceflight. To find out, NASA, the American space agency, launched Skylab in May, 1973. Over nearly a year, three teams of astronauts visited Skylab for stays of between 28 to 84 days. They learned how people react to extended periods in space.\nGerald Carr commanded Skylab 4. He spoke at a NASA event marking the 40th anniversary of Skylab's launch. He said that the loss of the body's muscle mass was a main concern. Astronauts on Skylab used exercise equipment to stay strong. The astronauts spent their workdays carrying out experiments, including biomedical research.\nMarshall Porterfield is the director of NASA's Space Life and Physical Sciences Division. He says the Skylab astronauts' understanding of their own ability to deal with long-term spaceflight continues to help current astronauts. NASA says the next step for life away from Earth is a year-long space station mission, set for 2015.\n\n<question>:\nWhich of the following best describes the physical condition of Chris Hadfield after his return?\n\n<options>:\nA Worse.\nB Better.\nC Normal.\nD Weaker.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,288
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nFor more than 40 years, scientists have sought to learn how well human beings can adapt to long periods in space. The International Space Station continues to provide valuable knowledge about spaceflight. But an earlier space station, Skylab, helped make the current space project possible.\nCanadian astronaut Chris Hadfield sang aboard the International Space Station on May 12, 2013. His music video has become extremely popular. The astronaut played his own version of David Bowie's song Space Oddity. He performed while floating weightlessly, with images of planet earth and space appearing in the window behind him.\nChris Hadfield recently returned home after nearly five months on the space station. For him, the long flight produced a hit video on YouTube and no major physical problems. But 40 years ago, scientists did not know how humans would react to long-term spaceflight. To find out, NASA, the American space agency, launched Skylab in May, 1973. Over nearly a year, three teams of astronauts visited Skylab for stays of between 28 to 84 days. They learned how people react to extended periods in space.\nGerald Carr commanded Skylab 4. He spoke at a NASA event marking the 40th anniversary of Skylab's launch. He said that the loss of the body's muscle mass was a main concern. Astronauts on Skylab used exercise equipment to stay strong. The astronauts spent their workdays carrying out experiments, including biomedical research.\nMarshall Porterfield is the director of NASA's Space Life and Physical Sciences Division. He says the Skylab astronauts' understanding of their own ability to deal with long-term spaceflight continues to help current astronauts. NASA says the next step for life away from Earth is a year-long space station mission, set for 2015.\n\n<question>:\nFor what purpose did NASA launch Skylab?\n\n<options>:\nA To research on whether human beings could stay in space.\nB To gather up information on setting up a space station.\nC To study the changes in the body when staying long in space.\nD To find out the possibility of doing experiments in space.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,289
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nDo you know that a Mom deserves a special gift this year for Mother's Day? Sure, flowers can always brighten Mother's day and a dinner out is always appreciated. However, doesn't she deserve something more personal or something that lasts longer than an evening?\nI'm talking about the gift of fitness. Improved fitness is a gift that is invaluable to everyone. When you give a woman the gift of fitness, you are helping her open a door to better health. I can't think of a more thoughtful gift that shows the recipient how much you care about their well-being. By giving the gift of fitness you are providing them with unlimited health benefits. And, its a gift that you can truly feel proud to give.\nOf course, we all know that exercising can help people stay slim and fit. But, do you also know about all the other great benefits of exercising? Daily physical activity reduces stress and can help you sleep better. Fitness has been linked to reducing the risk of some diseases and to warding off depression. Researchers also believe that strength training can help prevent osteoporosis . Not to mention that exercising also improves self-esteem, increases energy and helps you be able to do continuous work for longer.\nAll Moms would find these fitness benefits extremely invaluable. If they are like most of us, they have probably even mentioned how they would like to drop a few pounds or just get in better shape. In fact, experts say that about 62% of Americans are currently on a diet. By giving the gift of fitness you are helping provide your mom with extra motivation. She may be more motivated to actually get fit because she doesn't want to feel guilty about ignoring such a thoughtful gift .\n\n<question>:\nYou would like to send the gift of fitness to your mother because _ .\n\n<options>:\nA it is very expensive\nB it doesn't cost you too much\nC it makes your mother healthy\nD you will be proud of it\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,290
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nDo you know that a Mom deserves a special gift this year for Mother's Day? Sure, flowers can always brighten Mother's day and a dinner out is always appreciated. However, doesn't she deserve something more personal or something that lasts longer than an evening?\nI'm talking about the gift of fitness. Improved fitness is a gift that is invaluable to everyone. When you give a woman the gift of fitness, you are helping her open a door to better health. I can't think of a more thoughtful gift that shows the recipient how much you care about their well-being. By giving the gift of fitness you are providing them with unlimited health benefits. And, its a gift that you can truly feel proud to give.\nOf course, we all know that exercising can help people stay slim and fit. But, do you also know about all the other great benefits of exercising? Daily physical activity reduces stress and can help you sleep better. Fitness has been linked to reducing the risk of some diseases and to warding off depression. Researchers also believe that strength training can help prevent osteoporosis . Not to mention that exercising also improves self-esteem, increases energy and helps you be able to do continuous work for longer.\nAll Moms would find these fitness benefits extremely invaluable. If they are like most of us, they have probably even mentioned how they would like to drop a few pounds or just get in better shape. In fact, experts say that about 62% of Americans are currently on a diet. By giving the gift of fitness you are helping provide your mom with extra motivation. She may be more motivated to actually get fit because she doesn't want to feel guilty about ignoring such a thoughtful gift .\n\n<question>:\nYou want to keep healthy you should _ .\n\n<options>:\nA reduce stress and have a good sleep\nB try your best to get rid of depression\nC increase your energy and work longer\nD take an active part in physical activity\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,291
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nDo you know that a Mom deserves a special gift this year for Mother's Day? Sure, flowers can always brighten Mother's day and a dinner out is always appreciated. However, doesn't she deserve something more personal or something that lasts longer than an evening?\nI'm talking about the gift of fitness. Improved fitness is a gift that is invaluable to everyone. When you give a woman the gift of fitness, you are helping her open a door to better health. I can't think of a more thoughtful gift that shows the recipient how much you care about their well-being. By giving the gift of fitness you are providing them with unlimited health benefits. And, its a gift that you can truly feel proud to give.\nOf course, we all know that exercising can help people stay slim and fit. But, do you also know about all the other great benefits of exercising? Daily physical activity reduces stress and can help you sleep better. Fitness has been linked to reducing the risk of some diseases and to warding off depression. Researchers also believe that strength training can help prevent osteoporosis . Not to mention that exercising also improves self-esteem, increases energy and helps you be able to do continuous work for longer.\nAll Moms would find these fitness benefits extremely invaluable. If they are like most of us, they have probably even mentioned how they would like to drop a few pounds or just get in better shape. In fact, experts say that about 62% of Americans are currently on a diet. By giving the gift of fitness you are helping provide your mom with extra motivation. She may be more motivated to actually get fit because she doesn't want to feel guilty about ignoring such a thoughtful gift .\n\n<question>:\nAccording to this passage the gift of fitness will _ .\n\n<options>:\nA help moms to lose some more weight\nB encourage moms to do more exercise\nC keep moms having a healthy diet\nD make moms look even more beautiful\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,292
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nDo you know that a Mom deserves a special gift this year for Mother's Day? Sure, flowers can always brighten Mother's day and a dinner out is always appreciated. However, doesn't she deserve something more personal or something that lasts longer than an evening?\nI'm talking about the gift of fitness. Improved fitness is a gift that is invaluable to everyone. When you give a woman the gift of fitness, you are helping her open a door to better health. I can't think of a more thoughtful gift that shows the recipient how much you care about their well-being. By giving the gift of fitness you are providing them with unlimited health benefits. And, its a gift that you can truly feel proud to give.\nOf course, we all know that exercising can help people stay slim and fit. But, do you also know about all the other great benefits of exercising? Daily physical activity reduces stress and can help you sleep better. Fitness has been linked to reducing the risk of some diseases and to warding off depression. Researchers also believe that strength training can help prevent osteoporosis . Not to mention that exercising also improves self-esteem, increases energy and helps you be able to do continuous work for longer.\nAll Moms would find these fitness benefits extremely invaluable. If they are like most of us, they have probably even mentioned how they would like to drop a few pounds or just get in better shape. In fact, experts say that about 62% of Americans are currently on a diet. By giving the gift of fitness you are helping provide your mom with extra motivation. She may be more motivated to actually get fit because she doesn't want to feel guilty about ignoring such a thoughtful gift .\n\n<question>:\nWhich of the following would be the best title for this passage?\n\n<options>:\nA This Mother's Day, Give the gift of Fitness\nB Better Pay Attention to Your Mom's Health\nC Mom Like to Accept the Gift of Fitness\nD Help Your Mom Keep a Good Shape\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,293
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nIf you were to come up with a list of organizations whose failures had done the most damage to the American economy in recent years,you would probably have to start with the Wall Street firms that brought us the financial.From there,you might move on to the automakers in Detroit.\n But I would suggest that the list should also include a less obvious nominee:public education.\n At its top level,the American system of higher education may be the best in the world.Yet in terms of its core mission-turning teenagers into educated college graduates--much of the system is failing.\n The United States does a good job enrolling teenagers in college,but only half of the students who enroll end up with a bachelor's degree.\nSo identifying the causes of the college dropout crisis m the world's largest economy matters enormously, and a new book called Crossing the Finish Line tries to do precisely that.Its authors are economists William Bowen and Michael.McPherson,and a doctoral candidate Matthew Chigoes.The first problem they diagnose is something they call tender-matching. It refers to students who choose not to attend the best college they can get into.They instead go to a less selective one,perhaps one that is closer to home or less expensive.About half of the low--income students with a grade-point average of at least3.5 in high school and an SAT score of at least 1,200 do not attend the best college they could have. \"I was really astonished by the degree to which well--qualified students from poor families under-matched,\" said Mr.Bowen.\nIn fact,well-off students attend the colleges that do the best job of producing graduates.Meanwhile,lower-income students-even when they are better qualified--often go to colleges that excel in producing drop-outs.\"It's really a waste,\"Mr.Bowen said,\"and a big problem for the country.\"As the authors point out, the only way to lift the college graduation rate significantly is to lift it among poor and working--class students. Instead,it appears to have fallen. \n What can be done? Money is clearly part of the answer.\n\n<question>:\nWhich of the following would people first think of as a factor responsible for the American financial crisis according to the passage?\n\n<options>:\nA The government\nB Public education\nC The Detroit automakers.\nD The Wall Street firms\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "D" } ]
2,294
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nIf you were to come up with a list of organizations whose failures had done the most damage to the American economy in recent years,you would probably have to start with the Wall Street firms that brought us the financial.From there,you might move on to the automakers in Detroit.\n But I would suggest that the list should also include a less obvious nominee:public education.\n At its top level,the American system of higher education may be the best in the world.Yet in terms of its core mission-turning teenagers into educated college graduates--much of the system is failing.\n The United States does a good job enrolling teenagers in college,but only half of the students who enroll end up with a bachelor's degree.\nSo identifying the causes of the college dropout crisis m the world's largest economy matters enormously, and a new book called Crossing the Finish Line tries to do precisely that.Its authors are economists William Bowen and Michael.McPherson,and a doctoral candidate Matthew Chigoes.The first problem they diagnose is something they call tender-matching. It refers to students who choose not to attend the best college they can get into.They instead go to a less selective one,perhaps one that is closer to home or less expensive.About half of the low--income students with a grade-point average of at least3.5 in high school and an SAT score of at least 1,200 do not attend the best college they could have. \"I was really astonished by the degree to which well--qualified students from poor families under-matched,\" said Mr.Bowen.\nIn fact,well-off students attend the colleges that do the best job of producing graduates.Meanwhile,lower-income students-even when they are better qualified--often go to colleges that excel in producing drop-outs.\"It's really a waste,\"Mr.Bowen said,\"and a big problem for the country.\"As the authors point out, the only way to lift the college graduation rate significantly is to lift it among poor and working--class students. Instead,it appears to have fallen. \n What can be done? Money is clearly part of the answer.\n\n<question>:\nWhat is a big problem with American higher education?\n\n<options>:\nA It is hard to enroll enough students into college.\nB Many colleges are experiencing low rate of graduation.\nC Many college students stay away from classes.\nD It is nard for many colleges to get financial and from the government.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "B" } ]
2,295
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nIf you were to come up with a list of organizations whose failures had done the most damage to the American economy in recent years,you would probably have to start with the Wall Street firms that brought us the financial.From there,you might move on to the automakers in Detroit.\n But I would suggest that the list should also include a less obvious nominee:public education.\n At its top level,the American system of higher education may be the best in the world.Yet in terms of its core mission-turning teenagers into educated college graduates--much of the system is failing.\n The United States does a good job enrolling teenagers in college,but only half of the students who enroll end up with a bachelor's degree.\nSo identifying the causes of the college dropout crisis m the world's largest economy matters enormously, and a new book called Crossing the Finish Line tries to do precisely that.Its authors are economists William Bowen and Michael.McPherson,and a doctoral candidate Matthew Chigoes.The first problem they diagnose is something they call tender-matching. It refers to students who choose not to attend the best college they can get into.They instead go to a less selective one,perhaps one that is closer to home or less expensive.About half of the low--income students with a grade-point average of at least3.5 in high school and an SAT score of at least 1,200 do not attend the best college they could have. \"I was really astonished by the degree to which well--qualified students from poor families under-matched,\" said Mr.Bowen.\nIn fact,well-off students attend the colleges that do the best job of producing graduates.Meanwhile,lower-income students-even when they are better qualified--often go to colleges that excel in producing drop-outs.\"It's really a waste,\"Mr.Bowen said,\"and a big problem for the country.\"As the authors point out, the only way to lift the college graduation rate significantly is to lift it among poor and working--class students. Instead,it appears to have fallen. \n What can be done? Money is clearly part of the answer.\n\n<question>:\nThe title of the Book Crossing the Finish Line probably means _ .\n\n<options>:\nA running to the end of the line\nB going to college\nC finishing college education\nD working hard in college\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,296
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nIf you were to come up with a list of organizations whose failures had done the most damage to the American economy in recent years,you would probably have to start with the Wall Street firms that brought us the financial.From there,you might move on to the automakers in Detroit.\n But I would suggest that the list should also include a less obvious nominee:public education.\n At its top level,the American system of higher education may be the best in the world.Yet in terms of its core mission-turning teenagers into educated college graduates--much of the system is failing.\n The United States does a good job enrolling teenagers in college,but only half of the students who enroll end up with a bachelor's degree.\nSo identifying the causes of the college dropout crisis m the world's largest economy matters enormously, and a new book called Crossing the Finish Line tries to do precisely that.Its authors are economists William Bowen and Michael.McPherson,and a doctoral candidate Matthew Chigoes.The first problem they diagnose is something they call tender-matching. It refers to students who choose not to attend the best college they can get into.They instead go to a less selective one,perhaps one that is closer to home or less expensive.About half of the low--income students with a grade-point average of at least3.5 in high school and an SAT score of at least 1,200 do not attend the best college they could have. \"I was really astonished by the degree to which well--qualified students from poor families under-matched,\" said Mr.Bowen.\nIn fact,well-off students attend the colleges that do the best job of producing graduates.Meanwhile,lower-income students-even when they are better qualified--often go to colleges that excel in producing drop-outs.\"It's really a waste,\"Mr.Bowen said,\"and a big problem for the country.\"As the authors point out, the only way to lift the college graduation rate significantly is to lift it among poor and working--class students. Instead,it appears to have fallen. \n What can be done? Money is clearly part of the answer.\n\n<question>:\nWhy do some students under-match?\n\n<options>:\nA Because they have financial difficulty.\nB Because they face ambition crisis.\nC Because they lack confidence.\nD Because they can't get guidance.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]
2,297
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nIf you were to come up with a list of organizations whose failures had done the most damage to the American economy in recent years,you would probably have to start with the Wall Street firms that brought us the financial.From there,you might move on to the automakers in Detroit.\n But I would suggest that the list should also include a less obvious nominee:public education.\n At its top level,the American system of higher education may be the best in the world.Yet in terms of its core mission-turning teenagers into educated college graduates--much of the system is failing.\n The United States does a good job enrolling teenagers in college,but only half of the students who enroll end up with a bachelor's degree.\nSo identifying the causes of the college dropout crisis m the world's largest economy matters enormously, and a new book called Crossing the Finish Line tries to do precisely that.Its authors are economists William Bowen and Michael.McPherson,and a doctoral candidate Matthew Chigoes.The first problem they diagnose is something they call tender-matching. It refers to students who choose not to attend the best college they can get into.They instead go to a less selective one,perhaps one that is closer to home or less expensive.About half of the low--income students with a grade-point average of at least3.5 in high school and an SAT score of at least 1,200 do not attend the best college they could have. \"I was really astonished by the degree to which well--qualified students from poor families under-matched,\" said Mr.Bowen.\nIn fact,well-off students attend the colleges that do the best job of producing graduates.Meanwhile,lower-income students-even when they are better qualified--often go to colleges that excel in producing drop-outs.\"It's really a waste,\"Mr.Bowen said,\"and a big problem for the country.\"As the authors point out, the only way to lift the college graduation rate significantly is to lift it among poor and working--class students. Instead,it appears to have fallen. \n What can be done? Money is clearly part of the answer.\n\n<question>:\nThe passage is mainly about _ .\n\n<options>:\nA problems with secondary American education and possible solutions\nB America's financial crisis, its cause and influence\nC low rate of American college graduation, its cause and its influence\nD relationship between American education and its economy\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,298
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nYou may not be aware, but digital currency is a big part of the Internet world. QQ Coins can buy you accessories for your QQ images. More importantly, a new digital currency, Bitcoin, is bringing the world's commerce online.\nIf you're traveling, you can spend Bitcoins at restaurants and hotels listed at BitcoinTravel.com. In China, Bitcoins can be used to buy goods at about 134 online shops on Taobao. And at a cafe named 2nd Place in Beijing, you can even buy fresh coffee with Bitcoins.\nSo what makes Bitcoin so attractive to investors?\nFirst of all, the Bitcoin system is not controlled by anyone. One central authority cannot make policies to change the value of Bitcoins. The fixed amount of Bitcoins also means they cannot lose value through inflation , as all forms of paper money have done over time.\nIn addition, accounts in the Bitcoin system are anonymous and transparent. Users can set up an account easily and track every Bitcoin. All of these features seem to make Bitcoins immune from loss, but that is not entirely true.\n\"The value of Bitcoins can vary wildly as no central government makes the price of them steady. If the value drops suddenly, investors cannot get any compensation ,\" Zhao Qingming, a senior researcher at China Construction Bank, told China Economic Weekly. And Bitcoins, unlike company shares, are not backed by any tangible funds, which also adds to their risk.\nWhile China will not recognize the digital currency anytime soon, Xinhua said, lawmakers and officials at a hearing on Nov. 18 in the US made positive comments about Bitcoin.\nBen Bernanke, outgoing chairman of the Federal Reserve, told the Washington Post that \"these types of creations, such as Bitcoin... may hold long-term promise, particularly if its system promotes a faster, more secure and more efficient payment system.\"\n\n<question>:\nBitcoin is _ .\n\n<options>:\nA actually exactly like QQ Coins\nB only used online\nC a new currency used both online and in real life\nD a country's new digital currency.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,299
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nYou may not be aware, but digital currency is a big part of the Internet world. QQ Coins can buy you accessories for your QQ images. More importantly, a new digital currency, Bitcoin, is bringing the world's commerce online.\nIf you're traveling, you can spend Bitcoins at restaurants and hotels listed at BitcoinTravel.com. In China, Bitcoins can be used to buy goods at about 134 online shops on Taobao. And at a cafe named 2nd Place in Beijing, you can even buy fresh coffee with Bitcoins.\nSo what makes Bitcoin so attractive to investors?\nFirst of all, the Bitcoin system is not controlled by anyone. One central authority cannot make policies to change the value of Bitcoins. The fixed amount of Bitcoins also means they cannot lose value through inflation , as all forms of paper money have done over time.\nIn addition, accounts in the Bitcoin system are anonymous and transparent. Users can set up an account easily and track every Bitcoin. All of these features seem to make Bitcoins immune from loss, but that is not entirely true.\n\"The value of Bitcoins can vary wildly as no central government makes the price of them steady. If the value drops suddenly, investors cannot get any compensation ,\" Zhao Qingming, a senior researcher at China Construction Bank, told China Economic Weekly. And Bitcoins, unlike company shares, are not backed by any tangible funds, which also adds to their risk.\nWhile China will not recognize the digital currency anytime soon, Xinhua said, lawmakers and officials at a hearing on Nov. 18 in the US made positive comments about Bitcoin.\nBen Bernanke, outgoing chairman of the Federal Reserve, told the Washington Post that \"these types of creations, such as Bitcoin... may hold long-term promise, particularly if its system promotes a faster, more secure and more efficient payment system.\"\n\n<question>:\nWe can use Bitcoin to buy the following things except _ .\n\n<options>:\nA online goods\nB goods at 134 online shops on Taobao\nC books in physical shops\nD coffee at a cafe named 2nd Place\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "C" } ]
2,300
race_middle
[ { "human": "Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.\n\n<passage>:\nYou may not be aware, but digital currency is a big part of the Internet world. QQ Coins can buy you accessories for your QQ images. More importantly, a new digital currency, Bitcoin, is bringing the world's commerce online.\nIf you're traveling, you can spend Bitcoins at restaurants and hotels listed at BitcoinTravel.com. In China, Bitcoins can be used to buy goods at about 134 online shops on Taobao. And at a cafe named 2nd Place in Beijing, you can even buy fresh coffee with Bitcoins.\nSo what makes Bitcoin so attractive to investors?\nFirst of all, the Bitcoin system is not controlled by anyone. One central authority cannot make policies to change the value of Bitcoins. The fixed amount of Bitcoins also means they cannot lose value through inflation , as all forms of paper money have done over time.\nIn addition, accounts in the Bitcoin system are anonymous and transparent. Users can set up an account easily and track every Bitcoin. All of these features seem to make Bitcoins immune from loss, but that is not entirely true.\n\"The value of Bitcoins can vary wildly as no central government makes the price of them steady. If the value drops suddenly, investors cannot get any compensation ,\" Zhao Qingming, a senior researcher at China Construction Bank, told China Economic Weekly. And Bitcoins, unlike company shares, are not backed by any tangible funds, which also adds to their risk.\nWhile China will not recognize the digital currency anytime soon, Xinhua said, lawmakers and officials at a hearing on Nov. 18 in the US made positive comments about Bitcoin.\nBen Bernanke, outgoing chairman of the Federal Reserve, told the Washington Post that \"these types of creations, such as Bitcoin... may hold long-term promise, particularly if its system promotes a faster, more secure and more efficient payment system.\"\n\n<question>:\nWhat is the disadvantage of Bitcoin?\n\n<options>:\nA the value of it can rise and fall wildly.\nB It cannot lose value through inflation.\nC Every bitcoin in your account can be followed.\nD It can even be used at some specific restaurants and hotels.\n\n<answer>:\n", "assistant": "A" } ]