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Question: Seven years ago, a small town in Changhua started to grow healthy rice. What surprised us was that the "farmers" were not really farmers. They were students from a small middle school. Now everything on the farm goes well. And there are stories behind rice, too. The idea of growing rice came from the school teachers decided to teach students how to grow healthy rice on the school land . They wanted the students to be close to(......) the land and learn to help each other outside the classroom. The students and the teachers ate the rice. The school made money by selling the rice and giving farming classes to the community. With the money, the school could help some students go to foreign countries some day. Today _ comes true--the students are flying to Japan to share their special farming stories, and have fun over there, of course! "We all feel very happy that even students from a small town can make themselves stars," said one of the teachers. What is the article about? Choices: A. A great teaching plan. B. A new way of cooking rice. C. A farming class for farmers. D. A famous teacher from a small town.
A
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Question: Gavin has two rocks. Both rocks are made up entirely of the same mineral. What other property of his two rocks is most likely to be the same? Choices: A. size B. shape C. color D. weight
C
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Question: For poets, bird song is a beautiful expression of nature in full bloom. But for scientists, the chirps of birds are far more meaningful than just pretty sounds. Latest studies show the way that young birds learn to sing is similar to that of a human baby learning to speak. "The question we're trying to answer is how a young bird learns its song," says Professor Michale Fee of MIT. Bird's creative, trial-and-error type of learning provides an ideal model for studying similar processes in humans. An example is how a baby's babble turns into the recognizable syllables of mama and papa. Also the part of the brain that is involved in bird song is very similar to that of a human. So birds may have something to teach us about our own brains, Fee said. The study shows that young birds like to create new and imperfect songs. Gradually, the youngsters' songs become less different and more similar to the sound of their parents. Scientists disabled part of a young finch's brain and stopped the learning in midstream. The bird still sings. But never learns the right songs. Fee's team found that the part of the brain involved is called the anterior forebrain pathway. Its neurons produce random bursts that make the young bird make new sounds and compared it with that of their parents. They also find out that once a bird is old enough that part of the brain will be less active. The study does not enable us to really understand the meaning of bird language. But Fee believes it will eventually be applied to human brain diseases, such as Parkinson's disease. It can be inferred from the story that _ . Choices: A. young birds are always making meaningless sounds B. if a bird had its anterior forebrain pathway damaged, it can never sing C. a bird can't live happily without its anterior forebrain pathway D. as a bird grows older, it may not learn new songs quickly
D
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Question: I was 15. She looked like she was over 70. But on that day. I think she understood me more than anyone else. Walking into the church that Sunday was hard. I had never let anyone see me cry. But I knew I would cry that day .My grandfather was suddenly ill .The doctors said he might not live much longer. Everyone in my family was crying .Grandpa was the sweetest man in the world .Why was he leaving us? There weren't many people at church that day. One of them was an old lady sitting at the end of my row. She was smiling. I closed my eyes and prayed for my grandfather to get better. Soon, my eyes were full of tears. I opened my eyes and saw a hand in front of me. _ was giving me a tissue . The old lady was sitting next to me, smiling. She didn't say a word. She just gave me a tissue and a smile. I tried to thank her, but only tears came out. Then she took my hand. I looked into her eyes. They were clear and blue, and they make me feel peaceful. Her smile said to me :I am with you. Everything will be OK. I closed my eyes again. When I opened them, she wasn't there. I left the church but still couldn't find her. I never saw her again. My grandfather died the next week. We all cried a lot. But when I thought of that old lady's warm smile, I felt a little better. How did she know how I was feeling ? I wish I could see her again, to say thank you. What made the author feel better after Grandfather died ? Choices: A. The old lady's words. B. The old lady's smile. C. The old lady's eyes. D. The old lady's hand.
B
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Question: As we all know, children are our future, and it's up to us to arm them with the tools to succeed. Sadly, today's children are sometimes being armed with more dangerous tools like weapons, drugs and gangs in the USA. Once a relatively peaceful environment, many schoolyards of today are becoming unsafe for both students and teachers. Home schools are available to give you choices. Home schooling provides top-quality education, flexibility and freedom to create your own schedule. At Sunny Home School we believe the choice should be yours. Thanks to modern technology, home schooling information is becoming readily available across the nation. A recent study by the ITBS (Iowa Tests of Basic Skills) and TAP (Tests of Achievement and Proficiency) shows us that students of home schools do particularly well when compared with the nationwide average. In every subject at every grade level, students of home schooling scored obviously higher than those in public and private schools. If you're new to home schooling, you may be asking yourself, "Will home schools really work for my children?" Fact: A nationwide study using a random selection of 1,516 families found students of home schooling to be scoring, on average, at or above the 80thpercentile (80) in all areas, on standardized achievement test. (Note: The national average on standardized achievement test is the 50thpercentile.) Collectively, the staff at Sunny Home School brings 65 years of experience in home schooling curriculum. We've placed students in the top 2% of the nation in math and many are successfully moving on to college. One study found that of the home schooled students, 94% said home education prepared them to be independent persons. For more home schooling information, call us today toll free at (1800)542-8668. The passage mainly targets _ . Choices: A. students B. parents C. teachers D. adults
B
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Question: Biochemical compounds that include sugars, starches, and cellulose are examples of what? Choices: A. carbohydrates B. electrolytes C. proteins D. lipids
A
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Question: Retinas can have light fall on them when Choices: A. pupils are open B. rooms are dark C. eyes are closed D. lights are off
A
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Question: In New York, Ma witnessed the Alibaba Group opening on the New York stock exchange with the largest initial public offering (IPO,) in American history. "Alibaba, the world's largest Internet commerce company makes China equal to the US in the rapidly increasing global competition for technological innovation and economic transformation " commented the South China Morning Post. It has also made Ma China's richest man with a fortune of around $25 billion (153 billion yuan), reported Reuters. It's reported that Ma's rags-to-riches journey is just as spectacular as his Internet empire. Ma failed the national college entrance exams twice before he was finally in Hangzhou Normal University on his third attempt and failed in finding a suitable job several times. Aslo, Mr Ma is a big believer in perseverance, which was proved in his English study experience. However, it was his vision and goals that launched his career. During a short trip to the US as an interpreter in 1995, Ma first experienced the Internet. He believed in the Internet's business potential when few other Chinese people did. He started Alibaba in his Hangzhou apartment, with 17 friends and $60,000 of funds. At the time, when e-commerce was unheard of in China, _ he once said, according to The Guardian. His unusual ideas earned him the nickname "Crazy Jack Ma" . Indeed, Ma is different. Although he is very thin and about 160cm tall, "Ma is yet animated and forceful, said The Guardian. "He is funny, creative, and a compelling speaker. Ma told Time magazine that he was "old for the Internet". He started to slow down and looked around. According to The Wall Street Journal, Ma "plans to open a tai chi club with the actor Jet Li, build an entrepreneur university in Hangzhou and continue to work on several environmental projects." What's the personality of Ma Yun according to the passage? Choices: A. Funny and competitive. B. Determined and creative. C. Rich and different. D. Attractive and believable.
B
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Question: Recently I met a former student Jeanie, for lunch. She had been one of my sixth grade students. Before she had moved away, I had been asked to speak as someone who had been a motivator. I spoke telling the crowd gathered that she was a blessing and encouragement to me. She was a child that had come from a family with some problems. When we finally met, she told me that the thing that made me her favorite teacher was the speech I gave every year. I tell my students that when they wake each morning and come to school, they spend more time with me than they spend with their parents. They may be in the same house, but that does not mean that they spend time with them. I told them that my job was to teach them, comfort them, encourage them, and discipline them as needed. However, my most important job was to love them so that they could put away all other thoughts and prepare to learn. I have no losers in my class. They should therefore consider me their mom away from home. Over lunch, Jeanie asked if she could have the honor of calling me "Mom", because over the years _ She said she has heard from many friends and this is what they all remember about me That I was not only their teacher, but their mom; someone to comfort them, guide them and teach them. Which of the following statements is NOT true about Jeanie ? Choices: A. She is a former student of the author. B. She is one of sixth grade students. C. She was from a family with problems. D. She was a blessing to the author.
B
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Question: Any passenger on the subway who caught a glimpse of me may have already thought that I was strange. In particular this gentleman sitting opposite me was staring at me, at the cheese bun on the floor in front of me, and then back at me; "Next stop, St. Patrick Station" my stop was quickly coming up. I had minutes to either take the cheese bun, which nobody else was claiming(as a passenger probably dropped it by mistake and got off at a previous stop), or leave it there and hope that it didn't go to waste. In those few minutes I felt my pride getting in the way. "What would other people on this subway think of me if I took the Cheese bun? Would they think that I was poor and hungry? Would they think that I'm stealing?" The ignorant thing to do was say "yes" to any of those self-imposed questions, which would only justify my ego. But then I'd get off the subway, walk a block up the street to my office, get settled at my desk, and despite feeling comfortable, warm, and being well-fed myself for the whole day, there would be a weight of guilt and regret weighing on my consciousness. My thoughts were pushing me towards pride and ignorance when the truth was evident:this missing cheese bun is a gift. For a homeless person who is hungry and cold. For me to overcome a little bit of ego and pass along so much kindness. It was clear that the homeless person who would receive this cheese bun needed it just as much as I did. ks5u Just as the doors opened at my stop I grabbed the cheese bun and exited the subway. It felt awesome and I didn't care if people were looking or what they thought. Instead of going directly to my office as usual, I walked a few more blocks up to Queen's Park where I have seen a homeless man sitting outside many times on my walk from the gym to my office. I always wanted to give him something. There he was this morning, wrapped in a sleeping bag. From the text we can know the author was _ . Choices: A. caring B. generous C. selfish D. timid
A
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Question: Oyster What is an Oyster card? Oyster is the easiest way to pay for journeys on the bus, Tube, tram, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Overground and National Rail journeys in London. You can store your travel cards, Bus&Tram Pass, season tickets and credit to pay for journeys as you go. Where to get an Oyster card? There are a number of ways for you to get an Oyster card: * At over 3,900 Oyster Ticket stops * At Tube and London Overground station ticket offices * At some National Rail stations * At London Travel information Centres * Online at tfl. gov. uk/oyster How to use an Oyster card? To pay the correct fare on the Tube, DLR, London Overground and National Rail services, you must always touch in on the yellow Oyster card reader at the start of your journey, and touch out at the end. If you don't, a maximum cash Oyster fare will be changed. When using the bus or tram, you must only touch in at the start, but not at the end of your journey. What happens if I don't visit London very often? Don't worry. Any pay as you go credit on your card will not expire , so you can keep it for your next visit or lend it to a friend. Fares Traveling by Tube from Central London (Zone l)to Heathrow (Zone 6) Adult Oyster single fare PS 4. 20 Monday to Friday 06:30 - 09:30 and 16:00 -19:00 PS 2. 70 at all other times including public holidays Adult single cash fare PS 5.00 For further information, visit tfl.gov. uk /fares. The passage is probably taken from a _ Choices: A. magzine B. travel guide C. textbook D. novel
B
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Question: Chinese people take their food and eat it extremely seriously .Eating is a communal ,social, human experience in China .Sharing a meal is a sign of friendship,and trust , Eating plays a central role in friendship ,business ,medicine ,family and love. In short, food is life. When eating, the rice is separated into your own personal bowl, but the dishes are placed in communal bowls in the center of the table and everybody help themselves with chopsticks .It's considered polite, and sign of respect and friendship, to encourage other people to eat plenty of the good bits, even to pick up food with your chopsticks and drop it into their rice bowls for them. Food is an important component of weddings, funerals and almost all Chinese festivals. New Year is the time for dumplings, the Dragon Boat Festival is the time for sticky rice Zongzi wrapped in leaves, and Mid -Autumn Day is the time for Moon Cakes. The dinner table is the best for forum to close business deals ,and it's the number one thing to do with friends. Chinese women express their admiration for the opposite sex by cooking delicious meals of many courses, and these days it's the other way round too. In short, if you want to get to know Chinese people, understand Chinese culture and thinking and get into Chinese life, you have to eat and appreciate Chinese food. What is the best title of this passage? Choices: A. Eating Food in China B. How Do Chinese People Eat Food C. The Importance of Chinese Food D. Different Foods for Different Chinese Food
C
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Question: There are over one million superstitions , and most people believe at least one or two of them. Many people are superstitious about numbers. They think that there are lucky numbers and unlucky numbers. The number 13 is often considered unlucky. In some parts of the world, buildings have no 13th floor and streets have no houses with the number 13. In Japan, "4" is considered unlucky because in Japanese the word "four" is pronounced the same as the word "death" . Japanese never give gifts of four knives, four napkins, or four of anything. What are the lucky numbers? Seven is a lucky number in many places, and "8" is considered a lucky number in Japan and China. In China, businesses often open on August 8, and many couples register to get married at eight past eight on August 8. Superstitions about numbers are so widespread that some people--called numerologist--make a living by giving advice about numbers. In 1937, when the Toyoda family of Japan wanted to form a car company, they asked a numerologist if "Toyoda" would be a good name for the company. The numerologist said it would not be. He explained that "Toyota" would be a better name for the company. The family took his advice. As a result, millions of people drive "Toyota" and not "Toyoda" . There are many other kinds of superstitions. There are superstitions about eating, sleeping, sneezing and itching . There are superstitions about animals and holidays and horseshoes. There are even superstitions about superstitions. Those superstitions will tell people how to reverse bad luck. When the Japanese bump heads, they immediately bump heads again. According to a Japanese superstition, the first-bump means their parents will die, but the second bump "erases" the first bump To reverse bad luck in general, people turn around three times, turn their pockets inside out, or put their hats on backwards. In the United States, baseball players sometimes wear their caps backwards when their team is losing. It looks silly, but the baseball players do not mind if it helps them win the game. The writer wrote this passage with the purpose of_. Choices: A. persuading us to believe superstitions B. showing us some facts of superstitions C. showing us the magic power of number D. showing us a numerologist
B
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Question: Where might you see light reflect? Choices: A. rocks B. bottled liquid C. sand D. wood
B
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Question: It's sometimes reported that strange objects have been seen high up in the sky. These unidentified flying objects - UFOs have made a lot of people interested. Some of the reports about them are difficult to believe.Some have been explained in scientific ways, others have never been explained. It is not easy to decide whether a report is true or not. One report of UFOs came from a British plane on its way from New York to London in 1954. The British plane was flying over an island at 19,000 feet when the captain noticed that something was on their left and a little lower than their plane. It's about five miles away. "It was not one object but several," the captain said. "We saw one large and six smaller objects. I sent a radio to report about them and I received the answer that the other planes were coming out to meet us. Before the planes arrived, the smaller objects entered the big objects. The big object then became smaller and moved away fast." How many objects did the captain see? Choices: A. Only one. B. Five C. Six D. Seven
D
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Question: Over 500 dogs being delivered to a butcher house were saved by a Chinese animal protection organization. The incident then resulted in a debate among Chinese netizens about the necessity of pouring so much money and efforts into saving dogs. On Friday, a truck loaded with over 500 dogs was stopped by volunteers from animal protection organization on Beijing section of Jingha expressway. Beijing Times reported these dogs were being delivered to slaughter houses in the city of Changchun, northeast one in Jilin Province and would be eventually served on dinner tables. After negotiations with the truck driver and a philanthropic founda tion, Shangshan Foundation purchased these dogs with much money. Dogs were then delivered to the headquarter of China Small Animal Protection Association (CSAPA) , being taken care of and waiting for adoption. After the dog saving mission was reported, Chinese net users debate over whether saving dogs worth so much efforts and money while there are still many poor and needy people in China lacking assistance. Some net users argue the dog saving mission is placing too much attention to animals while lots of needy people are still left unattended. A microblogger "Xiaowulaitajie" said on China's twitter-like website, weibo. com, "Dogs are saved, adopted and they attracted media attention. We'd better spend such money and take such efforts in helping the needy people. " Another microblogger, Liluping, said "We poured such huge sum of money into saving dogs. I would rather the money be spent on disaster relief. " Some applaud volunteers' actions and show eagerness of offering their helping hands to those saved dogs. Still many disapprove those "saving dogs" critics. They argue that such act nevertheless _ social progress. A microblogger named "broken bridge" said, saving dogs does not go against taking care of people. Such enthusiasm in public affairs will help raise social awareness in helping the needy. I think people and animals are created equal. Attention should be paid to people as well as animals. According to the passage, we know the article probably comes from _ . Choices: A. a science fiction B. a TV programme C. the Internet D. a magazine
C
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Question: It's nine o'clock in the evening. The family are all at home. Jim's father is sitting in a chair. He's watching TV. Jim's mother is standing near the window. She's giving some food to a bird. Polly says,"Thanks ! Thanks!" Where's Jim ? Oh, he's behind the door. Kate, Jim's sister, is looking for him. They are playing games. They have no homework on Sunday evening. What's Kate doing ? Choices: A. She's doing her homework. B. She's standing near the window. C. She's looking for a pen. D. She's playing games.
D
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Question: Once there was a king. He had two old ministers. One was kind and the other was bad. The bad minister often said bad words about the kind minister before the king. The king was very angry. One day the king said to the bad minister, "Write two words on two pieces of paper. Write 'live' on one piece and 'die' on the other. Then put them in a jar and tell him to choose. If he takes out the paper with 'live' on it, I'll let him go. If he takes out the paper with 'die' on it, I'll kill him at once. " The bad minister was quite happy. He got two pieces of paper ready. He wrote 'die' on each piece of paper. The kind old man came. He knew the bad minister wanted to kill him. He also knew the words on the two pieces were both "die". But he knew what to do. Later the king had to keep his word and let the old minister go. Do you know what the kind man did about this at that time? He chose a piece of paper and ate it, When they saw the word "die" on the other piece, the king and other ministers thought the word on the piece that the kind man had eaten must be "live", so he saved his own life by his cleverness . The kind minister would _ if he chose the paper with "live" on it. Choices: A. die B. live C. give it back D. run
B
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Question: What is the evolutionary history of a group of related organisms called? Choices: A. superfamily B. lineage C. ancestry D. phylogeny
D
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Question: However you decide to travel in Britain, a great starting point is Traveline-a very useful site that will help you plan your journey and get loads of information for national, regional and local travel. By Air Though Britain is a small country, flying can be a competitive choice, especially if you book ahead and travel early in the morning or late in the evening, you can get some great deals which can be cheaper than going by train. Airlines with good regional coverage are listed below... By Train Trains can be a rewarding , relaxing and, if you book in advance, good value way to travel round Britain. Lots of different companies run services in Britain. So start by contacting National Rail (Tel: 08705484950; outside UK + 44 1332 387601). It's a helpful, centralized service that provides timetable and fare information. To buy tickets, you have to contact individual train operating companies or use a website such as Traveline. Some of the major companies are listed below ... By Coach It is the cheapest way to travel long distances, and you can see a lot more of the country while you're traveling than by train. National Express-Largest national coach network with excellent value BritXplorer passes that you can use on the whole network for 7, 14 and 28 days. Tel: 08705808080 UK only. Meag Bus-Mega value, no-frills intercity travel. City Link-Scotland's leading coach company. Tel: 08705 505050 UK only. Traveling-Provide information about bus travel all over the country. Tel: 08706 082608 UK only. By Car Rental rates can be fairly high in the UK, but if there are several of you, hiring a car can be a good value way to travel. Try and book in advance for better deals. If you are planning on traveling extensively in Britain it might be worth buying a car to travel round and then selling it afterwards. Major rental companies include ... By Ferry The main ferries in Britain serve the islands west and north of Scotland. Caledonian Mac (Tel: 08705650000) is the main operator off the west coast. North-link Ferries (Tel: 08456 000449) is the main operator to Orkney and the only sea-going choice to the Shetlands. Check out the Ferry Information for more information. If you want to travel in a coach, which of the following phones would you call go get the information about bus travel over the country? Choices: A. 08705 505050. B. 08706 082608. C. 08705 484950. D. 08705 650000
B
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Question: Maybe you never opened that account, but someone else did ----someone who used your name and personal information to commit fraud . When an imposter uses your name, your credit card number, or some other piece of your personal information for their own purpose -in short, when someone takes your personal information without your knowledge -it's a crime, pure and simple. The biggest problem is that you may not know your identity has been stolen until you notice that something's wrong: you may get bills for a credit card account you never opened, your credit report may include debts you never knew you had, a billing cycle may pass without your receiving a statement, or you may see charges on your bills that you didn't sign for, and even don't know anything about. If someone has stolen your identity, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suggests that you take three actions immediately. First, contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit offices. Tell them to flag your file with a fraud alert including a statement that creditors should get your permission before opening any new accounts in your name. Then, ask the credit offices for copies of your credit reports. Credit offices must give you a free copy of your report if it is not correct because of fraud. Review your reports carefully to make sure no additional fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name or unauthorized changes made to your present accounts. In a few months, order new copies of your reports to check your corrections and changes, and to make sure no new fraudulent activity has occurred. What should you do first when you find your identity is stolen? Choices: A. Inform creditors not to open any new accounts in your name without your permission. B. Ask for copies of your credit reports and make sure no other frauds have been made. C. Keep ordering new copies to check what you have already changed and corrected. D. Always lock your ID card in your cupboard in case it should be stolen.
A
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Question: Everybody in London knew Mr. Scrooge. He was very rich but also very mean. The most important thing in his life was money! At six o'clock Bob Cratchit, Scrooge's clerk, went to Mr. Scrooge. "Excuse me. sir. Tomorrow is Christmas Day, can l stay at home?" "Stay at home," shouted Scrooge. "I don't pay you to stay at home!" "But it is Christmas," said Cratchit. "Very well," said Scrooge. "but you must work double hours on Boxing Day!" "Yes sir, certainly sir, Merry Christmas, sir." "Get out," shouted Scrooge. "Christmas! Everybody talks about Christmas!" said Scrooge. "It's just an excuse not to work. People want money too. Always money! For doing nothing!" Scrooge put on his hat and coat and left the office. It was Christmas Eve and everyone was shopping. It was dark and Scrooge was alone. He saw a person dressed in black. "Are you the Spirit of Christmas to come?" asked Scrooge. The Spirit didn't speak. It pointed to a group of people. The people were talking. "Is he dead?" asked one man. "Yes. No-one will cry for him," said another. "He was a horrible, unkind man. He never gave money to us poor people. He wasn't a happy man." "Who's dead?" asked Scrooge. The Spirit pointed down. It was a grave . There were no flowers and no people there. "Who is it?" asked Scrooge nervously. The Spirit pointed again. "No, I don't want to look, I want to go home." But the Spirit didn't move. Very slowly Scrooge rubbed the snow away. On the grave were the words EBENEZER SCROOGE. It was morning. Christmas morning. Scrooge was in bed! "I'm alive, I'm alive, how wonderful!" He jumped out of bed, singing and dancing as he went around the room. "What a beautiful day it is. I love Christmas. I love everybody." He went to the butcher's and said, "Take the biggest turkey you have to Bob Cratchit's house." Scrooge met the two men collecting money for the poor. "Please take this," said Scrooge to the men and gave them a big sum of money for the poor. From that Christmas Scrooge was a new man. He helped the poor and was kind to everyone. He became a happy man and everybody loved him. What kind of man was Scrooge in the past? Choices: A. A rich and happy man. B. A rich but unkind man. C. A poor but happy man. D. A poor hard-working man.
B
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Question: Hyperparathyroidism results from an overproduction of what? Choices: A. tharayroid hormone B. inhibited hormone C. parathyroid hormone D. elevated hormone
C
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Question: Anyone who has ever volunteered for any cause can tell you that in the end, they felt that they gained more from the experience than they gave. This is true for most examples of reaching out to help others. We find that we gain new understanding about not only those we help, but ourselves as well. Stressing the importance of helping others in martial arts students will benefit them both inside and outside of the class. Helping others strengthens families. Families that practice the belief of working together and helping each other prepare their children for the concept of teamwork outside of the home environment. By learning to help around the house through activities such as household jobs, baby-sitting and keeping a tidy bedroom, children learn valuable lessons that they carry with them to their future relationships. By helping others outside of the home environment, valuable friendships can be developed. When we learn to reach out to others and give off our time and talents we find that our friendships grow, which in turn is a benefit to our lives. Martial arts training supports this by exposing students to people of various backgrounds and beliefs that gather for a common goal and to help each other. Any time a group of people are working toward a common goal, team spirit surely forms. When we help each other in the martial arts setting and in every area of our lives, a friendship is formed that promotes teamwork. The most important thing to realize is that it does not take a lot to make a lot happen. Little things can make a big difference in the area of helping others. Simple gestures of kindness and support given frequently can build a strong base for the growth and development of each individual which leads to the success of all. Any volunteer will benefit from the experience because _ . Choices: A. they will be admitted to a martial arts class for free B. they can also have a better understanding of themselves C. they can understand the importance of martial arts better D. they will be paid off by those who are helped sooner or later
B
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Question: Mabel's aunt wanted to give her the best birthday present ever. So the day after Mabel's birthday, her aunt brought her to the pet store! Mabel had been asking her aunt for a pet for a very long time. Many of her friends had pets, and she wanted one too. Her friend Faith had a hamster named Peaches. Bobby had a rat named Hugo! Melissa had two snakes and a lizard! Heather had a fish bowl with three fish. Mabel couldn't wait to get her pet and tell her friends all about it. At the pet store, Mabel and her aunt looked at all the animals they had. They saw puppies, kittens, fish, turtles, frogs, and bunnies. Mabel saw a cute black puppy that she thought she might like. There was also a white kitten with blue eyes. But then Mabel saw a gray bunny who was fluffy and soft, and she knew that she wanted the bunny as her pet. Her aunt helped her buy the bunny. They also got everything they needed for the bunny. They got a cage, a water bowl, and bunny food. Mabel named her new bunny Fluffy. Mabel thanked her aunt, and she had the best birthday ever! How many of Mabel's friends have pets? Choices: A. Five. B. Six. C. Three. D. Four.
D
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Question: Mooncake Box Recycling Activity People in Beijing throw away about two million mooncake boxes every year. These boxes weigh up to 750 tons and can fill up about a hundred 50-meter-long swimming pools. They are going to become garbage . Let's have a green Mid-Autumn Festival this year! Bring your mooncake boxes. Show that you care! Date: September 28, 2014 ~ October 14, 2014 Time: 9:00 am ~ 9:00 pm Collection point: Sunshine Shopping Center Please keep the mooncake boxes clean. We will sell all mooncake boxes to recycling companies. We will hold a tree-planting activity with the money collected. Save Our Earth (Beijing) An organization for environmental protection Telephone: 2123 1234 Website: www.saveourearth.org E-mail: info@saveourearth.org How long will the Mooncake Box Recycling Activity last? Choices: A. For one week. B. For half a month. C. For 17 days. D. For one month.
C
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Question: What Theresa Loe is doing proves that a large farm isn't _ for a modern grow-your-own lifestyle. On a mere 1/10 of an acre in Los Angeles, Loe and her family grow, can and preserve much of the food they consume. Loe is a master food preserver, gardener and canning expert. She also operates a website, where she shares her tips and recipes, with the goal of demonstrating that every has the ability to control what's on their plate. Loe initially went to school to become an engineer, but she quickly learned that her enthusiasm was mainly about growing and preparing her own food. "I got into cooking my own food and started growing my own herbs and foods for that fresh flavor,"she said. Engineer by day, Loe learned cooking at night school. She ultimately purchased a small piece of land with her husband and began growing their own foods. "I teach people how to live farm-fresh without a farm," Loe said. Through her website Loe emphasizes that "anybody can do this anywhere." Got an apartment with a balcony ? Plant some herbs. A window? Perfect spot for growing. Start with herbs, she recommends, because "they're very forgiving." Just a little of the herbs "can take your regular cooking to a whole new level," she added. "I think it's a great place to start." "Then? Try growing something from a seed, she said, like a tomato or some tea." Canning is a natural extension of the planting she does. With every planted food. Loe noted, there's a moment when it's bursting with its absolute peak flavor. "I try and keep it in a time capsule in a canning jar," Loe said. "Canning for me is about knowing what's in your food, knowing where it comes from." In addition to being more in touch with the food she's eating, another joy comes from passing this knowledge and this desire for good food to her children: "Influencing them and telling them your opinion on not only being careful what we eat but understanding _ ," she said, "that if we don't take care of the earth, no will." Why does Loe suggest starting with herbs? Choices: A. They are used daily. B. They are easy to grow. C. They can grow very tall D. They can be eaten uncooked
B
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Question: I was born into a family of five children. As the youngest child, I didn't have many new clothes. Though my parents worked very hard, we could hardly make ends meet. The only time we would receive new clothes was at Christmas. The family across the street lived a much better life. They just had two daughters and they were often seen wearing new dresses. The younger girl named Anna was of my age. One afternoon, she walked on the street wearing a beautiful white dress. She looked like an angel in that dress. I, together with many little girls, followed her. We just couldn't keep our eyes off her dress. We all wished we would have such a dress one day! That day, after coming back, I told my mom that I wanted a dress like that. My mom frowned she thought such a beautiful dress like that must cost an arm and a leg, but my mom kept that in mind. She worked five days a week at that time, but when Christmas was getting close, she worked even on every Saturday. However, several days before Christmas, I changed my mind. It was Anna's birthday that day and I was invited to her home with some other girls. After that party, I asked if I could try on her white dress. "Of course," she said, "and you can take it if you like it." I couldn't believe my ears. How could she give such a beautiful dress to someone else? After trying it on, I knew why. The dress looked beautiful, but it was uncomfortable to wear. As a matter of fact, my back was quite itchy after I put it on. From that day on, I stopped admiring what others had. They may not be as good aswe think. When the writer was a little girl, she _ . Choices: A. couldn't get whatever she liked B. couldn't see her parents at all C. didn't like new clothes D. didn't like Christmas that much
A
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Question: Which of these is a nonliving part of a forest? Choices: A. Tree B. Soil C. Worm D. Mushroom
B
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Question: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is America's fifth largest city. Once a major American colonial city, it is the home of America's first library, its first hospital, and its first zoo. Now it is also the first US city to be named a World Heritage City. On November 6, 2015, Philadelphia joined more than 260 other cities that have been recognized for their influence on the world. These cities include Paris, France, Florence, Italy, and Cairo, Egypt. "Today marks the start of a new and exciting chapter in the history of Philadelphia," remarked Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter when the announcement was made. "As a World Heritage City, Philadelphia is being officially recognized on the global stage for its wealth of contributions to the world. To be named a World Heritage City, a city must be home to a UNESCO World Heritage site. UNESCO World Heritage sites are selected for their universal value and significance. For Philadelphia, the site is Independence Hall. Independence Hall is where two of the most important documents in US history--the Declaration of Independenceand theUS Constitution--were adopted. TheDeclaration of Independence, approved on July 4, 1776, united the 13 former British colonies and declared them independent from British rule. TheUS Constitution, signed in 1787, established the American democratic system of government. A democracy is a system of government in which the people elect their leaders. TheConstitutionlater spelled out the basic freedoms American citizens have. Philadelphia Deputy Mayor Alan Greenberger says the city's selection as a World Heritage City also reflects its educational, cultural, and economic achievements. The city is home to dozens of colleges and universities, and many museums, such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art. "Philadelphia has rightfully earned its place as one of the greatest cities in the world." Greenberger says. What could be the best title for the text? Choices: A. Philadelphia Makes a Difference B. Philadelphia Develops a Lot C. Philadelphia Makes History D. Philadelphia Wins Global Respect
C
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Question: NASA is moving ahead with plans to put a long-armed Lander on Mars' icy North Pole to search for clues for water and possible signs of life. The $386 million Phoenix Mars is planned to touch down in the Martian arctic in 2008. The stationary probe will use its robotic arm to dig into the icy land and pick up soil samples to analyze. In 2002, the Mars Odyssey orbiter spotted evidence of ice-rich soil near the arctic surface. Scientists hope the Phoenix mission will find clues to the geologic history of water on the Red Planet and determine whether microbes existed in the ice. Phoenix will be the first mission of the Mars Scout program, a renewed, low-cost effort to study the Red Planet. "The Phoenix mission explores new territory in the northern plains of Mars analogous to the permafrost regions on Earth," Peter Smith said. True to its name, Phoenix rose from the ashes of previous missions. The lander for Phoenix was built to fly as part of the 2001 Mars Surveyor program. But the program broke down after the well-known disappearance of the Mars Polar Lander in 1999. The Polar Lander lost contact during a landing attempt near the planet's south pole after its rocket engine shut off _ , causing the spacecraft to fall about 130 feet to almost certain destruction. The Phoenix probe had been in storage at a Lockheed Martin clean room in Denver before it was reused for its present mission. It will carry science instruments that were designed for the Mars Surveyor program including an improved panoramic camera and a trench-digging robotic arm. Phoenix will lift off from the Kennedy Space Center in August 2007 and land on the planet nine months later. After Phoenix lands on Mars, we can infer it will firstly _ . Choices: A. find soil samples and send them to the earth B. look for the icy land to dig for the soil samples C. take photos and send them to the earth D. find the remains of the Mars Polar Lander
B
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Question: Do you know anything about the way of shopping in western countries? People there usually make shopping lists first and then go shopping. Most people like to go to supermarkets because they can get many things in one supermarket such as clothes, food, drinks. The things in supermarkets are cheaper. When they get into a supermarket, they get a basket. Then they buy things and put them in the basket. After they get everything they want, they pay the money. Most people go to the supermarket once a week. People can buy _ from the supermarkets. Choices: A. food B. milk C. clothes D. A, B, and C
D
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Question: Paul was a good athlete when he was a middle school student. He liked running and jumping and won some medals at the sports meetings. So he was tall and strong. Suddenly war broke out and the young man joined the army. He was sent to the front and killed several enemy soldiers. Two years later he raturned to his home town and found a job at the police station. People had known about his bravery by then and they all liked the polite young man. One day a few young men had drunk too much before they came in a cinema. They danced and sang there and the film couldn't be shown. Paul was ill that day and went to the hospital. When he was passing there, the young men were beating an old man. He went to stop them and they began to fight. He caught them all and sent them to the police station. Since then all the bad men in the town were afraid of the brave policeman. It was a summer evening. The weather was hot and few people could stay indoors. Paul was on duty and sat by the telephone. Suddenly in rushed a beautiful girl with a book in her hand. She stood there, shaking in her shoes. "What's the matter, madam? "asked Paul. "I wish you could protect me sir, "answered the girl. "Protect? "Paul said in surprise. "For what? " The girl showed the book to Paul. The young man understood at once: it was a book about Ghosts ! Paul sent the young men to the police station because _ . [ ] Choices: A. they made some trouble at the cinema B. they drank much in the restaurant C. they wouldn't see the filin D. they wanted to fight with him
A
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Question: In elementary school, Guadalupe Quintanilla was often referred to as a "slow learner" by her teachers. But she really wasn't slow at all. She just didn't understand the language used in the classroom. Her problem was that she didn't speak English. So she left school after the fourth grade. When Guadalupe grew up, married, and had children of her own, she knew that her children were clever. But some of their teachers didn't think so. The children were having trouble in school because they didn't speak English. Mrs Quintanilla was angry. She didn't want people to think that her children were slow learners. So she decided to learn English herself as a way of helping them. She practiced English. She looked up words in the dictionary. She asked the school headmaster to let her sit in on classes. It wasn't easy, but she passed all her exams. She said that many of the other students helped her. Mrs Quintanilla has helped her children with their lessons. Her two sons have won success. One is a teacher, and the other is a doctor. Her youngest child, a daughter, is studying in a university. Guadalupe was called as low learner _ . Choices: A. to make her study harder B. because she wasn't clever C. because she stayed at home D. because she didn't speak English
D
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Question: The summer I was ten, my mother decided to bring us to the world of art. My brother and I were not very excited when we realized what my mother meant. What she meant was not that we could take drawing classes or painting classes but that we would have to spend one afternoon a week with her at the Fine Arts Museum. Before each visit to the museum, she made us read about artists and painting styles. It was almost as bad as being in school. Who wants to spend the summer thinking about artists when you could be with your friends at the swimming pool? First we had to read about ancient Egyptians and their strange way of painting faces and then go to look at them at the museum. My 12-year-old brother thought this was so funny, but I was not interested. Later we had to learn about artists in the Middle Ages who painted people wearing strange long clothing. We had to look at pictures of fat babies with wings and curly hair and with no clothes on flying around the edges of paintings. I certainly couldn't see what was so great about art. On our last visit to the museum, something happened when I saw a painting by a woman called Mary. In it, a woman was reading to a child. The colors were soft and gentle, and you could tell by the mother's expression how happy she was just to be with the child. I couldn't stop looking at this painting! I wanted to see every painting Mary had ever made! It was really worth looking at so many paintings to find a painter who could interest me so much. What was the writer's experience in the museum before the last visit? Choices: A. She came to feel her mother's love. B. She liked many paintings. C. She hardly enjoyed herself. D. She could understand the pictures of fat babies.
C
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Question: Is there a magic cutoff period when children become responsible for their own actions? Is there a wonderful moment when parents can become lookers-on in the lives of their children and shrug , "It's their life," and feel nothing? When I was in my twenties, I stood in a hospital passage waiting for doctors to put a few stitches in my son's head. I asked, "When do you stop worry?" The nurse said, "When they get out of the accident stage. " My mother just smiled gently and said nothing. When I was in my thirties, I sat on a little chair in a classroom and heard how one of my children talked continually and disturbed the class. As if to read my mind, a teacher said. "Don't worry, they all go through this stage and then you can sit back, relax and enjoy them" My mother just smiled gently and said nothing. When I was in my forties, I spent a lifetime waiting for the phone to ring, the cars to come home, the front door to open. A friend said, " They're trying to find themselves, Don't worry, in a few years, you can stop worrying. They'll be adults. " My mother just smiled gently and said nothing. By the time I was 50, I was sick and tired of being weak. I was still worrying over my children, but there was a new wrinkle, there was nothing I could do about it. My mother just smiled gently and said nothing. I continued to suffer from their failures, and be absorbed in their disappointments. My friends said that when my kids got married I could stop worrying and lead my own life. I wanted to believe that, but I was haunted by my mother's warm smile and her occasional "You look pale. Are you all right?" Call me minute you get home. Are you depressed about something ?" Can it be that parents are sentenced to a lifetime of worry? One of my children became quite anxious about me recently, saying, "Where were you ? I've been calling for three days, and no one answered. I was worried. " I smiled a warm smile . The torch has been passed. According to the passage, which concern will last forever? Choices: A. The concern shown to their children by their parents. B. The concern for children handed down by their parents. C. The concern shared between parents and children. D. The concern children show to their parents.
C
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Question: Interest in searching for international careers has increased to a high level in recent years, improved by lasting personnel shortages that are causing companies to search beyond their home borders for talent. Professionals seek career experience outside of their home countries for a variety of reasons. They may feel the need to recharge their batteries with a new challenge. They may want a position with more responsibility that encourages creativity and initiative . Or they may wish to expose their children to another culture, and the opportunity to learn a second language. When applying for a job, one usually has to hand in a resume or curriculum vitae (CV). The two terms generally mean the same thing: one or two pages describing one's educational qualifications and professional experience. However, guidelines for preparing a resume are constantly changing. The best advice is to find out what is suitable regarding the corporation culture, the country culture, and the culture of the person making the hiring decision. The challenge will be to include two or more cultures in one page. The following list is a good place to start. * Educational requirements differ from country to country. In almost every case of 'crossborder' job hunting, just stating the title of your degree will not be an adequate description. Provide the reader with details about your studies and any related experience. * Pay attention to the resume way you use: chronological or reversechronological order. Chronological order means listing your 'oldest' work experience first. Reversechronological order means listing your current or most recent experience first. Most countries have preferences about which way is most acceptable. If you find no specific guidelines, the general preference is for the reversechronological way. * If you hand in your resume in English, find out if the recipient uses British English or American English because there are differences between the two versions. For example, university education is often referred to as 'tertiary education' in the United Kingdom, but this term is almost never used in the United States. A reader who is unfamiliar with these differences may think that your resume contains errors. When it comes to resume writing, it is best to _ . Choices: A. take cultural factors into consideration B. learn about the company's hiring process C. follow the guidelines for working D. know the employer's personal likes and dislikes
A
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Question: It was the summer of 1965. Deluca, then 17, visited Peter Buck, a family friend. Buck asked Deluca about his plan for the future. "I'm going to college, but I need a way to pay for it," Deluca recalls saying. "Buck said, 'you should open a sandwich shop.'" That afternoon, they agreed to be partners. And they set a goal: to open 32 stores in ten years. After doing some research, Buck wrote a check for $1,000. Deluca rented a storefront in Connecticut, and when they couldn't cover their startup costs, Buck kicked in another $1,000. But business didn't go smoothly as they expected. Deluca says, "After six months, we were doing poorly, but we didn't know how badly, because we didn't have any financial controls." All he and Buck knew was that their sales were lower than their costs. Deluca was managing the store and to the University of Bridgeport at the same time. Buck was working at his day job as a nuclear physicist in New York. They'd meet Monday evenings and brainstorm ideas for keeping the business running. "We convinced ourselves to open a second store. We figured we could tell the public, 'We are so successful; we are opening a second store.'" And they did--in the spring of 1966. Still, it was a lot of learning by trial and error. But the partners' learnasyougo approach turned out to be their greatest strength. Every Friday, Deluca would drive around and handdeliver the checks to pay their supplies. "It probably took me two and a half hours and it wasn't necessary but as a result, the suppliers got to know me very well, and the personal relationships established really helped out," Deluca says. And having a goal was also important. "There are so many problems that can get you down. You just have to keep working toward your goal," Deluca adds. Deluca ended up founding Subways Sandwich, the multimilliondollar restaurant chain. Which of the following is true of Buck? Choices: A. He put money into the sandwich business. B. He was a professor of business administration. C. He was studying at the University of Bridgeport. D. He rented a storefront for Deluca.
A
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Question: Should every teenager be given a vaccine against the effects of nicotine, and so prevent them becoming addicted to cigarettes? This controversial possibility seems likely to happen in the future, thanks to the development of a new vaccine for nicotine addiction. The vaccine was designed for people who want to quit smoking but who repeatedly relapse .But since most countries are failing to cut the number of children taking up smoking, many people will want to know whether the vaccine should be used far more widely if it proves to be effective. "The vaccine will be tested first on relapsing smokers, then on those who plan to quit, then on those who are not yet completely addicted," says Frank Vocci of the National Institute of Drug Abuse. "The final step would be vaccinating young people before they even try smoking, but that's a long way down the road." John Roberts, medical director of British drug company Xenova, is very enthusiastic. "I think prevention is a huge opportunity," he says. "If you can take away the pleasure nicotine gives, then teenagers who start smoking are more likely to stop before it becomes a habit." 80% of smokers start in their teens, with 360,000 teenagers and children in the US taking up the habit per year. But would the vaccine be given to all teenagers or only a selected few? "It's hard to decide which children are most at risk of becoming smokers," says Amanda Sandford of Action on Smoking and Health. Instead she favors education as a way of discouraging children from smoking. Nabi Biopharmaceuticals is also cautious, "It is very difficult to know what is the right age to give the vaccine to children." There are also worries about giving the vaccine to long-term adult smokers. Will addicted smokers simply try to beat the vaccine's antibodies by smoking more? Gary Norwith, Nabi's clinical director, says this would be almost impossible. "You'd have to stick an entire pack of cigarettes in your mouth and smoke for hours to beat the antibodies," he says. What may Sanford agree with? Choices: A. Older children have the right to decide. B. Children are most at risk of becoming smokers. C. Every child should be given the vaccine. D. It's important to educate children on the danger of smoking.
D
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Question: My family makes the best chicken salad.Dad prepares all of the ingredients and Mom makes the relish.There are a few things that make this chicken salad different from the other chicken salads.First,we use fruit jam in the relish.You can buy any fruit jam,like banana jam or orange jam.But we have bottles of strawberry jam that my mother made,so we use the strawberry jam.Second,we put some green olives .Green olives give the salad an interesting taste and make a big difference.Now let me tell you how my family makes the salad. First,mix up all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl.The ingredients are chicken,tomatoes,green olives,onions and apples.If you like lettuce,you can also put some.Next,make the relish.Please mix the jam,the juice and the salt.Finally,mix the relish with the salad ingredients. Do you have a favorite chicken salad recipe?Please tell us about it.You can write to greensalad@yahoo.com. What kind of jam does the writer's family use? Choices: A. Strawberry jam. B. Banana jam. C. Orange jam. D. All kinds of fruit jam.
D
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Question: Our English teacher, Tom Jackson, has some good neighbors. They are Carl, Ann, Joe and Mary. Here's some information about them. Carl is a train conductor. He works on the railway for 28 years. It is always a good job for him because he likes meeting people. Carl is very helpful and tries to make the passengers comfortable. He often stops to talk with the passengers. He likes his work because he can travel to many different places. Ann is a kind woman in a small town. In a hospital, she works as a nurse for four years. She likes her work very much. This month she is helping mothers with their new babies. Joe is a taxi driver. He drives a taxi for 22 years. Most of the time Joe likes his work. He takes many film stars to the airport. He is cheerful and smiles a lot and his passengers like him. He makes a good living and _ a family of four. Mary is a teacher in a high school. She teaches French. She has 33 students in her class, 15 boys and 18 girls. She likes her students, and her students like her. She is very kind and helps them a lot. She is always happy to be a teacher. Which of the following is true? Choices: A. Ann helps mothers with their new babies for four years. B. Ann works as a nurse for four years. C. There are eighteen students in Mary's class. D. With Joe's help, the passengers can feel comfortable on the train.
B
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Question: India now leads the world in smartphone growth. It saw a 55% increase in the number of smartphones in 2014. The number of Web users increased by 37%. Smartphones were the source of 65 % of its Internet traffic and 41 % of its e-commerce, according to a report by the analyst Mary Meeker, titled "Internet Trends 2015". India's Internet boom has started. Within three or four years, almost every adult in India will own a smartphone. They will be used to order goods, read news, monitor crop growth and so on. Indian adults will be very interested in these devices just as young Americans are. 87% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 who own smartphones say they never separate from these: "My smartphone never leaves my side." Four out of five say that the first thing they do on waking is to reach for their smartphones. And three fifths believe that in the next five years everything will be done on mobile devices. In the business world, the rise of mobile platforms is dramatically transforming many industries all over the world. What Indian software developers have to do is to start thinking about solutions to old problems by using all the features of these new devices. They need to take advantage of the unique properties of smartphones and tablets. As Indian software developers and enterprises master the smartphone, they will be able to export their solutions to the rest of the world. This will make possible a new tech revolution that is greater than what created India's IT industry in the 1980s and 1990s. We can expect the rapid transformation of India when a billion people become connected and have equal access to information and services. Which can be the best title of the text? Choices: A. More people,more smartphones B. No dream, every Indian owns a smartphone C. At hand, India's next tech revolution D. A small smartphone, a big use
C
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Question: Travis is the manager of G&G where he is responsible for forty employees and profits of over $2 million per year. He's never late to work. He does not get upset on the job. When one of his employees started crying after a customer screamed at her, Travis took her away. "Your working uniform is your shelter," he told her. "Nothing anyone says will ever hurt you. You will always be as strong as you want to be." Travis picked up that lecture in one of his G&G training courses, an education program that began on his first day and continues throughout an employee's occupation. The training has, Travis says, changed his life. G&G has taught him how to live, how to focus, how to get to work on time, and how to master his emotions . Most importantly, it taught him willpower. At the center of that education is an extreme focus on an all-important habit; willpower. Dozens of cases show that willpower is the single most important habit for a person's success. And the best way to strengthen willpower is to make it into a habit. "Sometimes it looks like people with great self-control aren't working hard--but that's because they've made it automatic," Angela Duckworth, one of the University of Pennsylvania researchers said. "Their willpower occurs without them having to think about it." The company spent millions of dollars developing programs of study to train employees on self-control. Managers wrote workbooks that serve as guides to how to make willpower a habit in workers' lives. Those courses arc, in part, why G&G has grown from a sleepy company into a large one with more than seventeen thousand stores and profits of more than $10 billion a year. What can we infer from the passage? Choices: A. G&G has grown into a large company. B. G&G will spend half its profits training employees. C. G&G may become more successful in the future. D. G&G has to produce more workbooks for managers.
C
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Question: Have you eaten too much over the holidays? You should try fidgeting for a while. Those around you might not like it, but scratching (moving your nails against a part of your body) and twitching (moving suddenly and quickly when you don't want to) is an important way of burning up calories . American researchers have found that some people's squirming (continuously turn your body when nervous) and wigging (move in small movements, especially from side to side) equals several miles of slow running each day. The scientists, based at the National Institute of Health's laboratory in Phenix, Arizona, are studying why some people get fat and other stay slim. In one study 177 people each spent 24 hours in a room in the institute where the amount of energy is measured by their oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. By the end of the day, some people had burned up 800 calories in toe-tapping, (moving the front part of your foot up and down) finger-drumming (hitting your fingers continuously and lightly against something hard) and other nervous habits. However, others had burned up only 100 calories. The researchers found that slim women fidget more than fat women, but there was no significant difference in men. Heavy people burn up more energy when they fidget than thin people do. Which of the following can be used to explain the meaning of "fidgeting"? Choices: A. scratching and twitching B. squirming and wigging C. slow running D. moving one's body nervously
D
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Question: Israel was happy, very happy. The news of a deal to bring home the kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit , a young man held prisoner by Hamas for five years,spread. But the happiness was hardened by the reality of the price Israelis had paid to set him free. The 1,027 Palestinian prisoners to be exchanged for the single Israeli corporal turned out to include men and women convicted of some of the worst terrorist attacks in the country. "Ambivalent," says Aya Ilouz, of her feelings on the matter. Strolling in downtown Jerusalem with her husband Liron and their 5-month-old daughter Yael, the couple is so in sync on the question of the day that they finish each other's thoughts. "Yes," says Liron, "we are very happy and excited to see Gilad meet his family. And on the other hand--" "We are very concerned," says Aya. "About what happens next," Liron explains. "When the next terrorist blows himself up, someone will have to answer." Just around the corner, on King George Street, Alan Bauer had been walking home with his son on March 21, 2002, when a Palestinian man named Mohammad Hashaika exploded a suicide vest packed with metal scraps. Eighty-four people were wounded that day. Of the three killed, one was a woman pregnant with twins. Though the bomber of course died, Israeli courts convicted the two women who drove him to the site of the bombing, easing his way past the Israeli checkpoint by buying flowers to carry in the Mother's Day crowd. "These women, as I speak, are being released," Bauer says. Specifics have a way of weakening the joy of Shalit's release. Among the 477 prisoners released on Tuesday, in the first phase of the exchange, are an organizer of the 2002 Passover bombing that killed 30 people; a woman who developed an online relationship with a lovesick Israeli youth she then had murdered when he came to meet her; and the man who proudly displayed his bloody hands to the mob gathered outside the Ramallah building where two Israeli soldiers were beaten to death after making a wrong turn on Oct. 12, 2000. When the list became public, s of terrorism victims appealed, without success, to Israel's supreme court to prevent the prisoner exchange. The court hearing was interrupted repeatedly by upset survivors, including Shvuel Schijveschuurder, who lost five of his family members in a 2001 attack at a Jerusalem Sbarro. To protest the release of the woman who drove the suicide bomber to the pizza restaurant, Schijveschuurder poured paint on a memorial to Yitzhak Rabin, the Prime Minister slain by an Israeli extremist for signing the Oslo Accords. "When we say 1,027 prisoners will be released, it's abstract, it doesn't mean anything," says Eliad Moreh Rosenberg, who was wounded in the 2002 terrorism bombing at the Hebrew University cafeteria. "But for victims of terror, it's a reality." Israeli officials calculate that 60% of those released resume terrorism attacks. To help prevent that resumption this time around, Israel insisted that most of the prisoners liberated be sent either to the Gaza Strip -- which is sealed off from Israel and under the control of Hamas, which says it continues to observe a cease-fire -- or into exile in Turkey, Qatar or Syria. About 100 arrived in the West Bank, where the government led by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas works diligently to suppress terrorism, cooperating with Israeli intelligence and military. With the future uncertain, on Tuesday, Jewish Israelis stopped and stared at televisions wherever they came upon them. On the sidewalk at midmorning outside the 24-hour Hillel Market, 50 people were gathered under a flat screen to catch the first images of Shalit, looking painfully thin . "It was moving. It was very exciting," says Anat Rubin, 42. "I just saw photos of him getting out of the car. It gave me chills." But she says she heard Hamas say that, learning from success, it was keen to kidnap more Israelis in order to win freedom for the 6,000 Palestinians still in Israeli prisons. "I don't want to see the photos of them doing the V for victory," she says. "Like they won. They are really releasing murderers. I'm happy and sad all together." What's the main idea of the passage? Choices: A. Israeli people's attitudes to the prisoner exchange. B. How the kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit managed to return home. C. The stories of many terrorist attack victims. D. Life of every single Israeli is highly valued.
A
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Question: As We Speak by Peter Meyers, Shann Nix The world is full of brilliant people whose ideas are never heard. This book is designed to make sure that you're not one of them. Whether you are speaking to a large audience or in a one-on-one conversation, the way in which you communicate ideas, as much as the ideas themselves, can determine success or failure. In this invaluable guide, you'll learn to master principles that you can apply in a wide variety of situations. Triple Your Reading Speed by Wade E.Cutler This fourth edition of the book does just that--with tests that make it fun and simple to acquire the skills that will give you an advantage in school and on the job. The method helps you to break old habits that may be slowing you down, and develop strategies for increased comprehension in less time. The Memory Book by Harry Lorayne, Jerry Lucas Unlock the hidden power of your mind through Harry Lorayne and Jerry Lucas's simple memory system, and you can become more effective and more powerful. Discover how easy it is to remember things; learn foreign words with ease; read with speed and greater understanding; shine in the classroom and shorten study hours. How to Become a Straight-A student by Cal Newport Most college students believe that straight A's can be achieved only through cramming and painful all-nighters at the library. But Cal Newport knows that real straight-A students don't study harder--they study smarter. A breakthrough approach to completing academic tasks very well, How to Become a Straight-A student reveals for the first time the proven study secrets of real straight-A students across the country and turns them into a simple, practical system that anyone can master. What do Triple Your Reading Speed and The Memory Book have in common? Choices: A. They help to improve your memory. B. They help you to read much faster. C. They offer you the latest ideas. D. They include many tests.
B
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Question: First aid is the aid or the help which can be given to an injured person first, that is, before any other help comes. Nowadays there is usually a telephone not far away and the first we should do, if a serious accident happens, call the phone for an ambulance. Sometimes our quick action may save someone's life. Shock. People often suffer from shock after receiving an injury, sometimes even when the injury is very tiny. The face turns grey, and the skin becomes damp and cold. They breathe quickly. They should be kept warm. Cover them with a blanket and give them a warm drink. Broken bones. Do not move the patient. Send for an ambulance at once. Bleeding. A little bleeding doesn't harm. It washes dirt from the wound. But if the bleeding continues, try to stop it by placing a clean cloth firmly over the wound until the bleeding stops or helps arrive. Poison. A person who has taken poison should be taken to a hospital at once. With some poisons, sleeping pills, for example, it is a good thing to make the patient throw up by pressing your fingers down his throat. Remember: When an accident happens, send someone to telephone for an ambulance at once. Keep the injured person warm and quiet. Give him plenty of air. Do not let other people crowd around him. If someone goes into shock after receiving an injury, you'll find that _ . Choices: A. the face turns grey B. the skin becomes damp and cold C. he patient breathes quickly D. all of the above
D
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Question: It is in autumn . A young man comes to a forest . He's walking beside the forest. On his right is a river. On his left is the forest. Suddenly he sees two green eyes looking at him from the trees. A tiger is getting ready to jump on him. What does he do? He must jump into the river. But in the river there is a big crocodile . Its mouth is very big. The young man closes his eyes. The tiger jumps over him. And the young man opens his eyes. The tiger jumps over him. And the young man opens his eyes. The tiger is now in the mouth of the crocodile. When does the story take place ? _ . Choices: A. In winter B. In spring C. In summer D. In autumn
D
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Question: Let's do some sleep math.You lost two hours of sleep every night last week because of a big project due on Friday.On Saturday and Sunday,you slept in,getting four extra hours.On Monday morning, you were feeling so bright-eyed that you only had one cup of coffee, instead of your usual two.But don't be cheated by your energy.You're still carrying around a heavy load of sleepiness, or what experts call"sleep debt"----in this case something like six hours,almost a full nights' sleep. Sleep debt is the difference between the amount of sleep you should be getting and the amount you actually get.It's a deficit that grows every time we skim some extra minutes off our nightly sleep."People accumulate sleep debt gradually without being noticed,"says William C.Dement,founder of the Stanford University Sleep Clinic.Studies show that such short--term sleep deprivation leads to a foggy brain,worsened vision,and trouble remembering. Long-term effects include obesity,insulin resistance, and heart disease. A survey by the National Sleep Foundation reports that we're losing one hour of sleep each night----more than two full weeks of sleep every year. The good news is that,like all debt, with some work,sleep debt can be repaid. Adding an extra hour or two of sleep a night is the way to catch up.For the long--term lack of sleep,take it easy for a few months to get back into a natural sleep pattern. Go to bed when you are tired,and allow your body to wake you in the morning(no alarm clock allowed).You may find yourself catatonic in the beginning of the recovery cycle:expect to have ten hours shut-eye per night. As the days pass, however,the amount of sleeping time will gradually decrease. So earn back that lost sleep----and follow the dictates of your innate sleep needs. You'll feel better."When you put away sleep debt, you become a superman,"says Stanford's Dement, talking about the improved mental and physical capabilities that come with being well rested. The example of sleep math is used to show_. Choices: A. in what case you build up a sleep debt B. why you need six hours' sleep every night C. why you are full of energy even when you don't have enough sleep D. you should drink coffee to keep energetic when you don't have enough sleep
A
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Question: Children all over the world like to celebrate their birthdays. American children are the same. They usually celebrate with a party .They ask their friends to their parties. They don't have the party on the right date of their birthday if it comes on a school day. They may hold it at the weekend then. Today many children like two kinds of parties. One is at home. Parents decorate the house with balloons and coloured paper. They make a special birthday dinner. The children play games. The other kind is away from home. Some are at a special restaurant. The children eat pizza and ice cream. The waiters also sing and say "happy birthday" to the children. Other parties are at a park, or at a cinema, or in some other places. There is a cake with candles at every birthday party. There is one candle for each year of a birthday boy's or girl's age. When the candles are lighted , everyone sings the special birthday song: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU. Birthday parties change. Many people don't have them when they are not young. They say they would like to forget how old they are. But they do like to keep the happy birthday parties of their childhood in mind. What is the best title of the passage? Choices: A. Birthday parties in China B. Birthday parties in the world C. Birthday parties in America D. Birthday presents for children
C
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Question: After an earthquake or any similar disaster, parents and teachers need to help children overcome the effects of this frightening and sometimes devastating ( ) experience. Psychologists say that if children go through a disturbing event before the age of ten, they are three times as likely to suffer psychological problems as teenagers. After a disaster children may become easily upset, shy, aggressive , or afraid of wind, rain, noises, or darkness. They may have trouble letting go of their parents and resist going to school or daycare. Some children may even feel guilty thinking that they somehow caused the disaster through their bad behavior. Because of such common reactions, parents and others should begin as soon after the event as possible helping these children. Some suggestions include talking to the children about what happened, letting the children express their own feelings, spending extra time with them doing activities together and reassuring them that you love them and won't leave them. For some children expressing themselves through drawing pictures or writing can be useful. Do everything possible to help children get back to a normal routine; however, don't be afraid to "spoil" these children for a while after the disaster. Let them have extra privileges and more attention than usual. Encourage the children to grieve after a loss. It should be OK for them to cry. Caring families and friends can do much to heal children victims of disasters. According to the passage, a child who has just experienced a devastating disaster may become _ . Choices: A. more mature B. less dependent C. willing to help D. ready to attack
D
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Question: In New York, Ma witnessed the Alibaba Group opening on the New York stock exchange with the largest initial public offering (IPO,) in American history. "Alibaba, the world's largest Internet commerce company makes China equal to the US in the rapidly increasing global competition for technological innovation and economic transformation " commented the South China Morning Post. It has also made Ma China's richest man with a fortune of around $25 billion (153 billion yuan), reported Reuters. It's reported that Ma's rags-to-riches journey is just as spectacular as his Internet empire. Ma failed the national college entrance exams twice before he was finally in Hangzhou Normal University on his third attempt and failed in finding a suitable job several times. Aslo, Mr Ma is a big believer in perseverance, which was proved in his English study experience. However, it was his vision and goals that launched his career. During a short trip to the US as an interpreter in 1995, Ma first experienced the Internet. He believed in the Internet's business potential when few other Chinese people did. He started Alibaba in his Hangzhou apartment, with 17 friends and $60,000 of funds. At the time, when e-commerce was unheard of in China, _ he once said, according to The Guardian. His unusual ideas earned him the nickname "Crazy Jack Ma" . Indeed, Ma is different. Although he is very thin and about 160cm tall, "Ma is yet animated and forceful, said The Guardian. "He is funny, creative, and a compelling speaker. Ma told Time magazine that he was "old for the Internet". He started to slow down and looked around. According to The Wall Street Journal, Ma "plans to open a tai chi club with the actor Jet Li, build an entrepreneur university in Hangzhou and continue to work on several environmental projects." What's the best title of the passage? Choices: A. The Development of Alibaba Group B. Ma Yun's Personal Life C. Ma Yun's Crazy Success D. E-commerce in China
C
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Question: What is the process in which a liquid changes to a solid? Choices: A. condensation B. boiling C. melting D. freezing
D
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Question: A couple had two little boys aged 8 and 10 who were very naughty. They were always getting into trouble and their parents knew that if any trouble occurred in their town their sons were probably involved. The boys' mother heard that a clergyman in the town had been successful in educating children so she asked if he would speak with his boys. The clergyman agreed but asked to see them individually. So the mother sent her 8-year-old first in the morning with the elder boy to see the clergyman in the afternoon. The clergyman, a huge man with a booming voice, sat the younger boy down and asked him strictly, "where is God?" The boy's mouth dropped open but he made no answer, sitting there with his mouth hanging open, wide-eyed. So the clergyman repeated the question in an even stricter tone "where is God?" Again the boy made no attempt to answer. So the clergyman raised his voice even more and shook his finger in the boy's face and shouted "where is God?" The boy screamed and escaped from the room, ran directly home and dove into his closet, _ the door behind him. When his elder brother found him in the closet, he asked "what happened?" The younger brother replied out of breath, "We are in big trouble this time. God is missing, and they think we did it." What did their parents plan to do? Choices: A. They give up their children. B. They liked their children very much. C. They wanted the clergyman to persuade their children. D. They helped their children to make trouble.
C
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Question: A 50-year-old American officer came back to his school. The teacher asked him to give a talk to the small boys and girls there. The talk was about the love of their great country. All the little ones were sitting in a large meeting-room. The old officer went up and began speaking. He said , " Boys and girls . I studied in this school forty years ago. When I was your age, we were not as happy as you are today. Think about it and answer me, why are you so happy now?" No sound came from the children. The old man waited for a long time. Then a short boy in the front put up his small dirty hand. "Good boy! Please answer me, dear." said the officer. With a big smile on his face, the boy stood up and said, "If you speak long enough, we won't have Maths and biology lessons this morning." The officer studied in this school when he was _ . Choices: A. fifty B. ten C. twenty D. thirty
B
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Question: Shopping online is easier than actually going to a store and saves your time. However, it's not always that easy. Sometimes, you may have a few problems. Xu Zijiao, 21, a student at Sichuan University, often buys clothes on Taobao. "The colors might be different. And since you can't feel the clothes, the quality might be bad," Xu said. Many people had similar experiences to Xu - buying something that isn't as good as the advertisements suggest, or going into a store for a special offer but still paying a lot. What would you do if your consumer rights were broken? Guangzhou Daily reported that according to a research, 60 percent consumers would give up without fighting for their rights. March 15 is World Consumer Rights Day. According to consumer protection laws in China, consumers have nine rights, including the right to guaranteed safety, truthful information, free choice and respect. How can we fight for our consumer rights? Here are some tips: 1. Learn some of the differences between real and false goods. 2. Check the label and read the information carefully before you buy something. 3. Get a receipt for all your goods and services. 4. If you find there's any problem with your goods, talk to the seller first, and try to get your money back or get an exchange. If you can't reach an agreement, call 12315 or go to your local consumers association for help. According to the law, consumers have the following rights EXCEPT _ . Choices: A. guaranteed safety B. truthful information C. cheap prices D. free choice and respect
C
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Question: What is undesirable in a vegetable garden? Choices: A. tomatoes B. green peppers C. corn D. dandelions
D
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Question: "Angie, I know you like to sing," her father, a worker, told Angela Brown, "but you must have something to fall back on ." Brown took her father's advice. She got a degree in secretarial science before entering Oakwood College, in Huntsville, Alabama. However, her aim was to become a singer at religious meetings. So after graduation she headed for Indiana University to study with the famous soprano Virginia Zeani. Once, when Brown was troubled by self-doubt, Zeani said to her, "If you want to be the next Aretha Franklin, you need no more lessons," Brown remembers her saying. "But if you want to be the best Verdian soprano this world has ever seen, you must work." Work she did. Three times she competed in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions . Three times she failed to make the final round in New York. Then, in 1997 at age 33, the age limit for sopranos to audition, she gave it one more try. She signed up at the last minute and didn't even practice, thinking, "All they could do was to tell me no, and that didn't hurt my feelings anymore." She had the strength she needed to fall back on if she failed. She won. But making it in New York was just the beginning. It took her three more years to become an understudy at the Met. But waiting in the wings was fine with her. Finally, her time came. When the featured singer fell ill, Brown earned the chance to sing the lead role in Aida. And The New York Times described her performance as a great success. Angela Brown, who had prepared for 20 years, was an "overnight" successful singer at age 40. Which of the following sayings can best express the message of the passage? Choices: A. No pains, no gains. B. The early bird catches the worm. C. Never too old to learn, never too late to turn D. Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.
C
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Question: Which primate group generally lives alone? Choices: A. chimpanzee B. orangutan C. gorilla D. human
B
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Question: Chicken soup has long been a comfort food for people with cold symptoms. Whether the remedy comes from the warmth and comfort of the soup or from actual cold-fighting ingredients in the meal, it is still up for debate. Chicken Soup: Just the Evidence _ The heat, salt, and hydration provided by chicken soup may actually fight the cold virus. Laboratory studies have shown that ingredients of chicken soup with vegetables could kill viral cells and prevent the growth of new ones. The soup may also provide an anti-inflammatory effect that helps reduce cold symptoms. Unfortunately, the benefits of chicken soup appear to be limited by how quickly the soup leaves the body. There is no indication that chicken soup would help in the prevention of colds, but its use as a remedy for symptoms is common. It is largely a safe remedy with no ill side effects, and scientific evidence points more in favor of its cold-fighting properties than against it. The Downside of Chicken Soup Evidence in support of chicken soup's antiviral properties is not yet solid enough to prove true, reliable medicinal effects. Although the evidence based on personal experiences and existing research seem to support a good effect of chicken soup, a clinical trial would be very difficult to perform. In addition, some people with food allergies or sensitivities to salt may experience ill side effects from chicken soup. Unbroken bones may also lead to a chocking risk, particularly for children. However, the potential benefits of chicken soup seem to far outweigh the possible risks. Which of the following is true about chicken soup? Choices: A. It is particularly good for children. B. It can prevent people from colds. C. It is an amazing comfort food for people with colds. D. It surely has medicinal effects on colds.
C
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Question: Australian sleep researchers have developed a set of hi-tech "sunglasses", described as the world's first "time control" glasses, which can imitate sunlight patterns. The team, from Flinders University, in Adelaide, says the glasses send out a soft green glow that helps a traveller adapt to changing sleep patterns and time zones in "small steps". It targets a part of the brain that regulates the human body-clock, by sending signals to the rest of the body that help it slowly realise it is in a different area of the world. It has been suggested the device, called the "Re-Timer", is currently the only wearable body clock adjustment system commercially available. Scientists say the device, officially launched in South Australia, can help ridf the negative effects of long-timel travel and bring new relief to insomnia sufferers, shift workers and even teenagers. "The light from Re-Timer stimulates the part of the brain responsible for regulating the 24-hour body clock," said Prof Leon Lack, its chief inventor. Extensive research has shown that green light is one of the most effective wavelengths for influencing the body clock. The battery-powered device, which retail for PS162 in Britain, then sends signals that cause the production of hormones and daily cycles known as circadian rhythms . Those people who want to sleep peacefully, but wake earlier, should wear it for 50 minutes in the morning for three days. Those who want a lie- in, should wear it for the same time before bed to delay the body clock. The device, which is powered by an inbuilt rechargeable battery, can also be worn as sunglasses during daily tasks such as reading or using a computer. "The glasses have been designed to be user friendly and comfortable to wear so people can go about their normal activities wearing them at work or at home," he said, adding they had been designed based on 25 years of university research. It is estimated that up to 94 per cent of long-time travellers suffer from jet lag because the body becomes confused to travelling through different time zones. So the glasses are good news to them. It uses the outside world as indicators as to whether it should be awake or asleep including factors such as light, silence or noise. Airlines are said to be seeking a "silver bullet" for the tiredness and confusion that often follow a long-timel flight and are in discussions to buy the device. What can we learn about the "Re-Timer" from the passage? Choices: A. It is a new way to cure insomnia B. It can only be powered by battery C. It can be used by several groups of people D. It is specially designed for flight passengers.
C
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Question: When I decided to write the story of my early years growing up in poverty, many of my friends and family members were shocked. They were more interested in my story of success, such as how I was able to create the nation's largest firm for millions of dollars. That's the story everyone wanted me to write, but it's not the story I wanted to tell. Looking back, I see so clearly how often, throughout my boyhood, I was touched by random acts of kindness that helped shape me into the man I am today. And random acts of violence and ignorance played just a powerful lawyer involves hard work, bur escaping generational poverty is the hardest thing I ever done. I chose to write the story of my childhood years in poverty, with the hope that a child somewhere in the world will read my story and be inspired to break the cycle of poverty. My publisher was quick to point out that the market would be small for a memoir written by a ly unknown author. To everyone's surprise, the book received over 1,000 pre-publication orders one month before the scheduled launch date. The book launch scheduled for October 1, was moved up to September 14. Less than four months later, the first print run of 5,000 copies were sold out. Today, the memoir is being used by universities, high schools and middle schools, as a case study of the behavior patterns of the culture of poverty as well as valuable lessons on how to succeed in life. Here is a quote from the principal of a middle school in Texas on October 27, who is using my memoir for students 5th through 8th grades; "We are halfway through your story. It is changing the lives of our students and the perspectives of our teachers. In the author's opinion, he wrote his memoir mainly for _ . Choices: A. children living in poverty. B. students all over the world. C. employees in law firms and banks. D. successful people in all circles.
A
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Question: My passage into eighties a few weeks ago gave me a moment's reflection and the thought that I should watch how others in this situation have been affected. After a while it seemed to me that the first 80 years are the hardest. Once you reach 80, everyone wants to carry your baggage and help you up steps. If you forget your name or anybody else's name, or an appointment or your own telephone number, or promise to be three places at the same time, or you can't remember how many grandchildren you have, you need only explain that you are 80. Being 80 is a lot better than being 70. At 70 people are mad at you for everything. At 80, you have a perfect excuse no matter what you do. If you act foolishly, it's your second childhood. Everybody is looking for symptoms of your failure of the brain. Being 70 is not fun at all. At that age they expect you to retire to a house in Florida and complain about your arthritis and you ask everybody to stop mumbling because you can' understand them. (Actually your hearing is about 50% gone.) If you survive until you are 80, everybody is surprised that you are still alive. They treat you with respect just for having lived so long. Actually they seem surprised that you can walk and talk sensibly. So please, folks, try to make it to 80. It's the best time of life. People forgive you for anything. In response to the question of what years were the most difficult, an 80-year-old responded "those between 10 and 70". The author wrote this passage in a_way. Choices: A. humorous B. serious C. negative D. passive
A
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Question: There are many people who say Thomas Edison invented the twentieth century. Although there are those who may disagree, yet Edison was one of the greatest inventors in America. Born in 1847 in Ohio, Thomas Edison attended school for only three months. After his teacher said that he could not learn, Edison's mother decided to teach him at home. There he was allowed to study the subjects that most interested him. By age ten, Edison had built a science laboratory of his own. Edison got his first job at age twelve on the railway selling candy and newspapers. There he once saved a boy whose father was the boss of the railway station. In return the boss helped him a lot. In his late twenties, Edison built an "invention factory" where he and his business partners could devote all their time to inventing. After improving upon the telephone, Edison created the phonograph . Although Edison did not actually invent the light bulb, he did create an electric lighting system which led to its widespread use. Edison set up the first central electric power station in 1882, so New York became the first city in the world to have electric lights. This was the beginning of the modern world in which electricity became a way of life. The following year, one of Edison's engineers discovered electrons , which at last led to electronics. Without electronics, we might not have radio, TV, computers, or space travel. The rest of Edison's life was spent making and improving inventions. Thomas Edison died at the age of eighty-four in 1931. Three days later, much of America dimmed its lights in honor of the inventor--a man who had more impact on the development of present-day civilization than anyone else in history. Why did many Americans dim their lights when Edison died? _ . Choices: A. Americans wanted to save more energy. B. Americans were used to dimming their lights. C. Americans dimmed their lights in memory of the great inventor. D. Americans were made to dim their lights.
C
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Question: A plant has yellow flowers. What best explains why the flowers are yellow? Choices: A. The sunshine colored the flowers yellow. B. The flowers of the parent plants were yellow. C. It was very warm when they flowered. D. It rained every day.
B
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Question: What happens when an increase in temperature of a gas in a rigid container happens? Choices: A. gas explodes B. pressure increases C. pressure decreases D. container shrinks
B
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Question: I am Greek,and my family go to Greece every summer.Uncle Spyro and my God-mother Aunt Aspa lived about 45 minutes outside of Athens.Every summer when we traveled to Greece.we would spend a couple of days with them. I remember all then things we would do there..We would shake almonds off the branches of Uncle Spyro's almond tree.Using his strong hands,he would break the shells off.and present us with the shiny white nut.With Aunt Aspa we would pick lemons off her lemon trees and carry them inside the small house with the help of Uncle Spyro.Drinking the fresh lemonade and eating the delicious almonds,we would sit on the porch and talk.Uncle Spyro and Aunt Aspa didn't speak English,and my Greek wasn't and still isn't perfect.But those peacefully quiet times on the porch were the times that I miss the most. Uncle Spyro developed cancer from smoking for most of his life and he became very sick. We didn't go to Greece in 2000,but we planned on going again in 2001.We found out that Uncle Spyro was in the hospital shortly before we left for Greece.My mother,Alethea,and I wanted to see him.But we waited until the day after we arrived.Now,I wish that we had gone the first daywe had arrived and that we had seen him for the last time. But my uncle didn't wait for us to go. We still Visit Aunt Aspa,and we still pick almonds and lemons.We still drink the fresh lemonade and eat the delicious almonds on the porch.But somehow the lemonade isn't as fresh and the almonds aren't as delicious as before. I thank God that I'm still here to comfort Aunt Aspa and that I'm still here to finish my life.I'm not afraid of death anymore like some people.And I know that when I do die,I'll just be going up to Uncle Spyro,and we'll eat almonds and drink lemonade,just like before. The author did some fun things Except_. Choices: A. picking lemons off the lemon trees B. shaking almonds off the almond tree C. breaking the shells of the almonds with hands D. drinking fresh lemonade and eating the delicious almonds
C
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Question: Women who own cats are more likely to have mental health problems and kill themselves because they can be infected by a common parasite that can be caught from cat litter, a study has found. Researchers found women infected with the Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) parasite , which is spread through contact with cat waste or eating undercooked meat or unwashed vegetables, are at increased risk of attempting suicide. The study involved more than 45,000 women in Denmark. About a third of the world's population is infected with the parasite, which hides in cells in the brain and muscles, often without producing symptoms. The infection, which is called toxoplasmosis , has been linked to mental illness, such as schizophrenia , and changes in behavior. The study's senior author Doctor Teodor Postolache, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in the United States, said, "We can't say with certainty that T. gondii caused the women to try to kill themselves, but we did find a predictive association between the infection and suicide attempts later in life that deserves additional studies." Doctor Albert Reece, vice president of medical affairs at the University of Maryland, said, "T. gondii infection is a major public health problem around the world, and many people don't realize they're infected. "Dr Postolache is a leading expert on suicide neuroimmunology . Suicide is a critically important mental health issue. About one million people commit suicide and another 10 million attempt suicide worldwide each year. We hope that this type of research will one day help us find ways to save many lives that now end too early in suicide." Dr. Postolache's research team at the University of Maryland was the first to report a connection between T. gondii and suicidal behavior in 2009. He is cooperating with researchers in Denmark, Germany and Sweden to confirm and investigate the way leading to this association. The T. gondii parasite thrives in the intestines of cats, and it is spread through their waste. All warm-blooded animals can become infected through contact with it. Humans can become infected by changing their infected cats' litter boxes, eating unwashed vegetables, drinking water from a polluted source, or by eating undercooked or raw meat. Not washing kitchen knives after preparing raw meat before handling another food item also can lead to infection. Pregnant women can pass the parasite directly to their unborn babies and are advised not to change cat litter boxes to avoid possible infection. Babies don't produce antibodies to T. gondii for three months after they are born, so the antibodies present in their blood represented infection in the mothers. The scientists studied Danish health patients to determine if any of these women later attempted suicide, including cases of violent suicide attempts which may have involved guns, sharp instruments and jumping from high places. The study found that women infected with T. gondii were one and a half times more likely to attempt suicide compared to those who were not infected, and the risk seemed to rise with increasing levels of the T. gondii antibodies. Dr Postolache noted limitations to the study, such as the inability to determine the cause of the suicidal behavior. The findings were published online in the Archives of General Psychiatry. Which of the following statements would probably be the best title of the passage? Choices: A. Why are women more likely to commit suicide? B. Women should keep away from cats. C. Ways found to deal with women's mental problems. D. Are women who own cats at a suicide risk?
D
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Question: Winnie-the-Pooh By A. A. Milne Winnie-the-Pooh has been introduced and reintroduced to generation after generation as a model of a child's best friend. However, not everyone has found Pooh is lovely. This classic has been banned in a variety of countries at one point. So why would anyone ever want to keep children from the joy of Milne's classic? In the case of Russia, Winnie-the-Pooh was banned in 2009 because of alleged Nazi ties. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz By Frank Baum Originally published in the year 1900, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is one of the foundations of the fairytale genre. Who, then, would seek to ban a book that has become so important to the American experience? America is that who. The Detroit Library banned The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in 1957 for having no value for children. Charlotte's Web By E. B. White White's tale of the relationship between two unexpected creatures, a spider and a pig, has been drawing children in for over half a century. Published in 1952, this classic has been readily available on most library shelves for children to read. However, some people would like to make this book never see the light of day. In one extreme case, a school in England banned Charlotte's Web for fear that the pig Wilbur might be offensive to Muslim students. Fortunately, the Muslim Council of Britain saw the foolishness of this ban, so the book was quickly restored to its right place on the shelves. Where the Wild Things Are By Maurice Sendak Though its first copy was published fifty years ago, this book hasn't always been readily available in libraries and in stores. After its release, Where the Wild Things Are was banned in libraries all across the U.S. for its dark tone and unruly leading characters. Nowadays, you'll find far fewer libraries that still hold this ban. Wilbur is the character of the book _ . Choices: A. Charlotte's Web. B. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. C. Winnie-the-Pooh. D. Where the Wild Things Are.
A
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Question: Living next to next is the principle of a neighbor. Good neighborliness is the ideal to be aimed at. As the saying goes, no man is an island; he has to live with his neighbors. To make life easy and pleasant, he must cooperate with his neighbors. Whether one likes it or not, one cannot do without neighbors. Normally one may think he can do without neighbors because he can manage all comforts and services, so the services or the need for a friend may not happen. However, the sympathy , admiration and appreciation which a neighbor may offer will have a great humanizing influence. To share one's view and sometimes even sadness, one needs some neighbors. But all neighbors are not always keeping the friendly relationship. Stresses and tension develop because of misunderstanding. Very often children may be the cause for tense feelings. The neighbor's son may pick a flower or a fruit from your garden and an argument may follow. Again he may throw his ball at your window breaking it. These are common cases so far as the younger one is concerned but it is for the elders to view them with calmness and make up for it. This may read easy on paper but not so in real life. But being broad minded, one must be able to tolerate . Another reason for tension may be the animals. Your neighbor's dog may be a real trouble or his chickens would come into your garden and eat away your plants. In all these cases to keep up good neighborliness, some understanding between the neighbors is important. _ Try to be friendly and the problem will not be difficult to solve. Care can at times play a good part and help the neighbors in a small or big way. Nobody is perfect and it is better not to speak ill of your neighbors. A cheerful word, a nod or a small talk will strengthen the feeling of good neighborliness. Neighborliness is not only for people but it is also largely important between neighboring countries. History has got a lot to teach on this. Unless countries learn to live as good neighbors, there cannot be peace on earth. So children must be taught at home and in the school to cooperate with the neighbors and be friendly with them. The basic rule is to give and take and to develop a sense that the other man has as much right as you do, and some degree of tolerance is very necessary. In the passage, the writer tries to _ . Choices: A. show the important of getting on with neighbors B. teach the basic rules of behaving well at home C. explain the reasons of learning teamwork D. introduce ways of being a better person
A
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Question: According to a new survey, students' safety has become a big problem. Nearly 50% of students say they are worried about robbery on the way to and from school. Now in main big cities in China, some schools have taught an unusual lesson: self-protection. Students like this lesson because there are no exams or boring classes. And they can learn how to save lives and know how to get away from danger before it really happens. Chen Haoyu, a teacher at Beijing No. 25 Middle School, gives young students advice on how to deal with danger. If you are robbed Keep calm if you can not cry for help or run away. Give the robber your money. Try to remember what the robber looks like and tell the police later. If you are in a traffic accident If a car hits you, you should remember the car number. If it is a bicycle, try to call your parents before you let the rider go. This is because you don't know how seriously you are hurt. If it is raining hard and there is lighting Don't stay in high places and stay away from trees. If there is a fire Get away as fast as yon can. Put wet things on your body and try to find an exit . Do not take the lift. If someone is drowning If you can't swim, don't get into the water. Cry out for help. Remember that danger is never as far away as you think. Take care of yourself at all time! If your house is on fire, you must _ . Choices: A. put dry things on your body B. run quickly and take the lift C. run away and find an exit as quickly as you can D. take everything you have and then run away
C
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Question: People who smoke could lose around one third of their everyday memory, researchers say. A study by a team at the University of Northumbria has shown that smokers lose more of their memory when compared to non-smokers. And the research also found that those who _ saw their ability to recollect information restored to almost the same level as non-smokers. The study involved more than seventy 18-to 25-year-old volunteers and included a tour of the university's campus. Those who took part were asked to recall(;)small details, such as music acts listed to play at the students' union and tasks completed at various points---known as a real-world memory test. Smokers performed badly, remembering just 59 percent of tasks. But those who had given up smoking remembered 74 percent and those who had never smoked recalled 81 percent of tasks. Dr. Tom Heffernan, who leads Northumbria University's Collaboration for Drug and Alcohol Research Group, said the findings would be useful in anti-smoking campaigns. He said, "Given that there are up to 10 million smokers in the UK and as many as 45 million in America, it's important to understand the effects that smoking has on everyday cognitive function." This is the first time that a study has set out to examine whether giving up smoking has an effect on memory. We already know that giving up smoking has huge health benefits to the body, but this study also shows how stopping smoking can bring a series of benefits to cognitive function. The research will now investigate the effects of second-hand smoking on memory, while Dr. Heffernan will look into third-hand smoking, such as toxins left on curtains and furniture. What was the real-world memory test like? Choices: A. It needed young volunteers to complete some tasks. B. It was about making a tour of the university's campus. C. It needed volunteers to act at the students' union. D. It involved a tour and a process of recalling some details.
D
sciq
Question: The cell membrane consists of two adjacent layers of what? Choices: A. membranes B. phospholipids C. lecithin D. eukaryotes
B
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Question: Nicky Haywood, from Nottingham, was found guilty of travelling on an East Midlands train from Nottingham to Newstead without a ticket. The 27-year-old, who did not appear for his hearing at Nottingham Magistrates Court , is now being made to pay the price --- which is almost 200 times the original price ---- for the 20 minute journey. According to the Nottingham Post, Magistrates have ordered Haywood to pay a $ 220 fine, $ 302 in costs, a $ 22 government surcharge and the $ 2.80 fare. Senior conductor, Yvonne Clay was working on the day of the incident, according to the Nottingham Post. The newspaper reported that she said Haywood had got on the train without a ticket, though he had the chance to buy one from both vending machines and booking offices on the platform. She said:"He offered a Solo Electron card but we could not take that on the train. I informed him with a notice to pay. He gave his name and address and had 21 days to pay the fare." Even though he was given three weeks to pay the $ 2.80, a payment from Haywood was not received. Nicky Haywood can buy a ticket from _ . Choices: A. convenience shops B. booking offices C. the conductor D. the court
B
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Question: FOR many young people, having to attend school with a parent would be their worst nightmare. However, Senior 1 student Li Qinmei is happy taking her father with her as long as she can go to classes. He is disabled and unable to take care of himself. The 16-year-old country girl in Zhucheng, Shandong Province has experienced one disaster after another in her short life. Li lost her mother at three. Four years later, her father became paralyzed after a tractor accident. At 12, her misfortune returned with the death of her grandma. Since then she has been forced to shoulder all the responsibility for her broken family. Li learnt to cook and managed to live a life with an allowance of only 24 yuan per month. The most difficult thing she had to deal with was helping her father bathe, dress and use the toilet as he could hardly move. "I felt embarrassed, and so did my dad. It was really hard at the beginning," she recalled. During most of her junior school years, Li went to classes only once a month as her father was seriously ill at the time. "I taught myself at home and asked teachers for help on my school days," she explained. Li's hard work paid off this fall. She was admitted by Zhucheng No 1 High School, a local key school, based on her good performance in the entrance exams. The school offered Li and her father a room on campus to live in so she could look after him during breaks. Once in a while, Li felt sad when she saw her classmates going shopping or _ with friends. "I envy them sometimes because they have both mum and dad to look after them. However, I soon feel relieved as I still have my dad with me," she said. Li admitted that the difficulties in life had taught her to be strong. "I believe I will go on and continue my studies at a good university," she said, in a confident tone. Her teacher Mr. Wang has the same belief. Li made great progress in the recent monthly exams. "She works hard and is always eager to excel . It's not easy for her never to be late for school, but she has managed to make it work," Wang said. According to the passage, which statement is Not True? _ . Choices: A. Li Qinmei was admitted to a local key school because of his good scores in the exams B. Li Qinmei is not very embarrassed when she helps her father bathe C. Li Qinmei often goes to attend her father after class D. Li Qinmei is able to go to class on time though she has to attend her father
B
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Question: Billions of what inside the human digestive tract help us digest food, make vitamins and play other important roles? Choices: A. neurons B. viruses C. bacteria D. red blood cells
C
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Question: One spring,when 1 was 1 0,during one of my father's layoffs,I could tell my mother was unhappy.I decided to cheer her up by buying her a special Mother's Day gift. One day after school I rode my bike to the Agins,which,I learned years later,was known for its high-end fashions and style.I introduced myself to Sylvia Agins,telling her I was looking for a Mother's Day present. "Do you think she'd like a purse ?"she asked."I think she might."I told her. She took out an Italian purse made of leather.She asked me what I thought,and I told her that my mom would like it. "How much money do you have?''she asked. "Twelve dollars,"I said. "You're in luck,"she told me."It's only $11.You have a dollar left over for the card." She wrapped the purse and thanked me for my business,and I rode off home with the package under my arm. When my mother opened the gift the next Sunday morning,she asked in an accusing tone,"Where did you get this?" "I bought it at the Agins.It cost me$1 1.''I said. My mother was shocked into silence. It wasn't until many years 1ater,when I learned that the purse was worth several hundred dollars,that I appreciated just how wonderful Sylvia Agins had been to me.I always felt regretful that I never had a chance to properly thank her. ''You know,my son,what really amazes me to this day,"my mother said.''Letting you have the purse for just a few dollars was unbelievable enough.But the fact that she let you leave the store with a dollar for the card was a touch of kindness that 9 11 never forget." Sylvia Agins'behavior shows that _ Choices: A. she is critical and mean B. she is kind and thoughtful C. she is good at making money D. she knows how to choose presents
B
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Question: Many people love going on a trip by plane, because planes are fast. But an airport is usually far away from the city, and it usually takes hours to get out of the airport and into the city. You have to get there and wait for the plane to _ for hours. You can not open the window, and you can not have delicious food. I like travelling by train. I think trains are the safest . Train stations are usually in cities. When you are late for a train, you can catch another one. You can walk around in the train and look out of the window. You can see many interesting things on your way. I know it takes some time. I also like cars. You can start your trip when you want to, and you don't need to get to a station. You can carry many things with you, too. But sometimes there are many cars on the road. Many people like travelling by plane because _ . Choices: A. it is interesting B. it is fast C. it is cheap D. it is expensive
B
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Question: As we know, the earth's climate has changed over time.The present rate of climate change depends, in large part, on human activities.Today, people all over the world are making everyday choices that help the environment.Small actions matter.In other words, climate change is your business. A woman in Nicaragua buys fluorescent light bulbs that are 80 percent more energysaving than traditional ones. Many governments are now _ energysaving lights to encourage people to turn to them.Consumers are discovering that the newgeneration bulbs help them save money in the long run. Agriculture accounts for about 14 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions , and transporting the food around adds to the environmental cost.There is a team of young vegetable growers in the United Kingdom who want to encourage kids to start planting their own fruit and vegetables. A young lawyer wearing business clothes rides her bicycle to work in a large U.S.city.She's been biking to work every day for the past two years and says it's a lot easier than many people think.A recent study shows that more Americans bike or walk to work today than before. A university student from southeastern China carries a reusable shopping bag to cut back on disposable plastics.Some large shopkeepers have removed paper and plastic bags, and consumers are responding. In Canberra, Australia, summers are hot and winters cold.To save electricity, Adam Wilson in Canberra uses an energysaving heating system, and he keeps the temperature lower than he did in years past.He still makes it through the summer without air conditioning. The passage mainly tells us that _ . Choices: A. climate change is concerned with everyone B. the global warming is getting worse C. saving energy is of great necessity D. human is to destroy the environment
A
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Question: Environments which are covered in snow are often white as a result of said snow and what other factor? Choices: A. conditions which allow little if any heat to be produced or stored B. temperatures that are colder than a tropical environment C. cool air that flows in a circular pattern D. wind chill that meets warm fronts on occasion
A
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Question: What device is used to study charge? Choices: A. microscope B. microtome C. electroscope D. nannostomus
C
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Question: What are used to balance chemical equations? Choices: A. densities B. coefficients C. fractions D. velocities
B
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Question: dead organisms are the source of what for decomposers? Choices: A. place to sleep B. art C. friendship D. sustenance
D
arc_challenge
Question: Which sequence of energy transformations occurs after a battery-operated flashlight is turned on? Choices: A. electrical -> light -> chemical B. electrical -> chemical -> light C. chemical -> light -> electrical D. chemical -> electrical -> light
4
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Question: A Natural Snake-Bite Antidote? Snake bites and bee stings can be either painful or downright deadly, depending on which species is doing the biting, and sometimes whether the person being bitten is allergic to the venom. New research in mice suggests that these bites and stings would be even more dangerous if not for a special defensive trick that the mouse's immune system can pull off. Dr. Stephen Galli of Stanford University and his colleagues studied mast cells, which are immune cells that contribute to the inflammation that's part of asthma, allergies and even the extreme, anaphylactic shock that can happen to some people with severe allergies to things like peanuts. In these cases, the immune system gets mixed up and thinks it's being attacked by something harmful. But, mast cells also do beneficial things in the body. The scientists discovered that the cells also play a helpful role against certain snake and honeybee venoms. In their study they showed that the cells protected mice, making the venom's effects less harmful. The cells released an enzyme that broke down dangerous components of the venom of a snake called the Israeli mole viper. Dr. Galli said that it might someday be possible to make better snake bite or bee sting treatments that are based on this type of enzyme. More research will be necessary to see if this is possible. Dr. Galli thinks that this feature of the mast-cell defense system may have evolved, in animals that are prey to snakes or get stung by bees, partly as a way to help to protect against venom. This defense isn't foolproof or perfect, but it gives the prey animals a better chance of survival, especially if they get less than a "full dose" of venom in the bite of a poisonous snake. The mast cells of the human body are responsible for Choices: A. defense B. reproduction C. removing waste D. providing energy
A
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Question: Most of the volume of the universe is found in the space between galaxies. Objects found in the regions between galaxies are most likely to be closest in size to which of these? Choices: A. a dust particle B. an asteroid C. a planet D. a star
A
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Question: My life began similarly to most children but I grew up without knowing what a father or mother was. No one was there to teach me how to tell right from wrong. Because of this, I got into some bad habits and spent seven years as a boy on the street. When I was 20, I was taken in a rehab clinic . Inside I met Bill, my counselor . He taught me a lot of things. The main thing was the gift of giving. It was the night before an important test and I was very nervous. Bill invited me to go out for a walk to relax me. As we walked and talked, Bill suggested we should go for a coffee. I told him I had no money when I got paid, and I offered to pay him back. He stopped then and looked at me in a serious, but loving way and said he was doing this because he wanted to. Then he said, "One day when you'll be around someone who will need a coffee, you'll be able to buy it for them. That's how you can pay me back." I'm a primary school teacher now. My job is simple and I can buy young people coffee now. Bill taught me how to offer help to others. The author got into some bad habits because _ . Choices: A. he didn't have parents to teach him B. he couldn't get a good school education C. he didn't listen to his teacher, Bill D. he was living on the street
A
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Question: The adolescent girl from Tennessee was standing on the stage of a drama summer camp in New York.But the girl didn't feel joyful.She was not the leggy,attractive Hollywood type.In fact,she described herself as stupid. This girl was Reese Witherspoon,who had wanted to be a country singer and admired and respected Dolly Patton very much. That day at the end of the camp her coaches told her to forget about singing.They suggested she think about another career.She took their words to heart.After all,why shouldn't she believe the professionals? But back at home in Nashville,her mother--a funny,happy,optimistic woman--wouldn't let her feel depressed.Her father,a physician,encouraged her to achieve in schoo1.So she worked hard at everything and was accepted at Stanford University. And at 1 9,she got a part in a low-budget movie called Freeway, which prepared for her role in the movie Pleasantville.But her big break came with Legally Blonde. "If you can't sing and you aren't charming,play to your strengths.If you're going to make it in this business,better focus on what you're good at,"she told the interviewer later. And then came the offer that took her back to her Nashville--playing the wife of a country star Johnny Cash,a singing role. All of a sudden the old fears learned on that summer stage were back.She was so nervous on the stage.But she didn't give up on the movie or herself.She spent 6 months taking singing lessons again.She learned to play the Autoharp.And the hard work built up her confidence. Last March,Reese Witherspoon walked up on another stage,the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood,and accepted the Oscar as Best Actress for her heartbreaking,heartwarming singing role as June Carter Cash in Walk the Line. How did Reese succeed in playing the singing role? Choices: A. She did her best to make herself leggy and attractive. B. She tried hard to forget about that summer stage. C. She practised Autoharp lessons for more than 6 months. D. She regained her confidence through hard work.
D
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Question: There are many commonly held beliefs about eyeglasses and eyesight that are not proved facts. For example, some people believe that wearing glasses too soon weaken the eyes. But there is nothing to show that the structure of eyes is changed by wearing galsses at a young age. Wearing the wrong galsses, however, can prove harmful. Studies show that only children can develop loss of sihgt if they have the wrong glasses. We have all heard some of the common myths about how eyesight get bad. Too little light makes the eyes work harder, so they do get tired and strained . Eyestrain also resulsts from reading a lot, reading in bed, and watching too much television. But, although eyestrain may cause some pain or headaches, it does not harm eyesight all the time. Another myth about eyes is that they can be replaced from one person to another . It is quite difficult to connect aneyeball to a new brain.And it is impossible to replace a whole eyeball to a new person. Only certain parts of the eye can be replaced now. But if we keep clearing up the myths and learning more about the eyes, some day it may be possible to replace a full eyeball. This passage mainly tells us that _ . Choices: A. people have many wrong beliefs about eyes and sight. B. there are many things about the body that are not completely understood C. there are several cuases of eyestrain D. eyes are very important to people
A
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Question: You may know your mother, but how well do you really know Mothers' Day? Cards, flowers, sales, TV specials, and a day off for someone who really deserves it -- those are what probably come to mind for many people when they think of Mothers' Day. But there's more to the story. The earliest Mothers' Day celebrations were held during spring in ancient Greece. The celebrations honored Rhea, the mother of the gods. During the 1600's, England celebrated a day called Mothering Sunday. On this day even servants were given the day off to spend with their families. A mothering cake was even served with the family meal. In the US, Mothers' Day began in 1872 when Julia Ward Howe, who wrote the words to the famous song The Battle Hymn of the Republic, suggested it as a day devoted to peace. But it didn't really become popular until 1907 when Anna Jarvis started a campaign to honor mothers. She believed that mothers could help people get over the pain they experienced during the Civil War. The US isn't alone in devoting a day to mothers. Many other countries including Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, Japan, and Belgium also honor their mothers in May. Other countries honor their mothers at different times of the year. Learning more about Mothers' Day and celebrating Mothers' Day are important, but probably not as important as understanding what your own mother, or grandmother, or aunt has really done for you. And that will certainly be appreciated more than one day in year. What is the passage mainly about? Choices: A. The reason why people celebrate Mothers' Day. B. The ways people honor mothers. C. The history of Mothers' Day. D. The great contribution of mothers.
C
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Question: My father and I were very close. I loved pleasing him, and he was always proud of my success. If I won a spelling contest at school, he was on top of the world. Later in life whenever I got a promotion , I'd call my father right away and he'd rush out to tell all his friends. In 1970,when I was named president of the Ford Motor Company, I don't know which of us was more excited. Like many native Italians, my parents were very open with their feelings and their loves not only at home, but also in public. Most of my friends would never hug their fathers. But I hugged and kissed my dad at every opportunity for nothing could have felt more natural. He was a curious man who was always trying new things. He was the first person in Allentown to buy a motorcycle. Unfortunately, my father and his motorcycle didn't get along too well. He fell off it so often that he got rid of it just a month after buying it. As a result, he never again trusted any vehicle with less than four wheels. Because of that motorcycle, I wasn't allowed to have a bicycle when I was growing up. Whenever I wanted to ride a bike, I had to borrow one from a friend. On the other hand, my father let me drive a car as soon as I turned sixteen. Which of the following statements shows that my father was a curious man? Choices: A. I wasn't allowed to have a car when I was growing up. B. He was the first person in town to buy a motorcycle. C. He was always proud of my success. D. He was very open with his feelings and his love.
B
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Question: Hello, I'm Tommy Smith. This is my room. Look! My schoolbag is on the desk. My Chinese book is on the bed. My baseball is under the sofa. And my CDs are in the bookcase. My name is Sally Hand. I'm a schoolgirl. English is my favorite subject. I like it because it's interesting. Anna is our English teacher. We all like her very much. I'm a schoolboy. I'm Dave Clark. I like basketball. My friends and I play basketball after school. It's relaxing. Hi, my name is Bill Hall. Where is my jacket? Please call me if you find it. My phone number is 5283595. Thanks. What's Sally's favorite subject? Choices: A. English B. Math C. History D. Chinese
A
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Question: Most recently, it's very common in students who need a parent present for job interviews. Naturally, it's easy to blame the students in these situations, but the bigger problem is us. We--as parents--are so eager to protect our kids that we fail to realize that this in itself is harming them. As the mother of two young sons, I have to remind myself all the time that the biggest responsibility I have as a parent is to help them develop the skills needed to live in, to live without me. So, I'll let them fail. I'll let them fail because as long as they are safe and warm inside their comfort zones, they will never grow. And failure--along with loss, heartbreak, disappointment, etc.--will be part of growth for them. Call me the anti-tiger mom, but leaving them alone is my way of helping them become equipped to fit in this world as we know it today. From terrorism and seemingly endless natural disasters, to our national debt and beyond, if we expect the next generation to stand up to the very real problems of our time, we need to stop feeding them and start teaching them how to fish. My children are faced with hard situations in their own life almost each day, but they try to negotiate everything now. It's a small price to help them learn a skill they'll use for the rest of their lives, including when I don't come with them on job interviews. Which of the following might be the best title of the text? Choices: A. Never help your kids B. Let your kids fail C. Go to the interview with your kids D. Live without parents
B
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Question: If you're a male and you're reading this, congratulations! You're a survivor. According to statistics,you're more than twice as likely to die of skin cancer than a woman,and nine times more likely to die of AIDS. Assuming you make it to the end of your natural term,about 78 years for men in Australia,you'll die on average five years before a woman. There're many reasons for this--typically,men take more risks than women and are more likely to drink and smoke but perhaps more importantly, men don't go to the doctor. "Men aren't seeing doctors as often as they should," says Dr. Gullotta."This is particularly so for the over-40s, when diseases tend to strike. According to a recent survey, 95%of women aged between 15 and early 49s see a doctor once a year, compared to 70%of men in the same age group. "A lot of men think they're unbeatable,"Gullotta says."They only come in when a friend drops dead on the golf course and they think, Geez, if it could happen to him ..." Then there's the ostrich approach."Some men are scared of what might be there and would rather not know," says Dr. Ross Cartmill. "Most men get their cars serviced more regularly than they service their bodies," Cartmill says. He believes most diseases that commonly affect men could be addressed by preventive check-ups. "Prevention is cheaper in the long run than having to treat the diseases.Besides, the final cost is far greater,it's called premature death." Which of the author's statements is the most important reason that men die five years earlier on average than women according to the passage? Choices: A. Men drink and smoke much more than women. B. Men don't seek medical care as often as women. C. Men are more likely to suffer from deadly diseases. D. Men aren't as cautious as women in face of danger.
B
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Question: Dear Emma, Thanks for sending me the photo of your room. Here is a photo of my room. Look! A bed, a desk, a chair and a bookcase are in my room. My bed is blue and it is near the window . My desk is near the bed and it's black. My books and computer are on _ . An English dictionary is on the bookcase. Where is my pencil box? It is in the desk. My two pens and three rulers are in the pencil box. My school bag is on the chair. My brother's white baseball is under my bed. And you can see a dog in the photo. Its name is Sam. My room is tidy, isn't? Yours, Jack . Jack's desk is _ . Choices: A. red B. black C. blue D. white
B
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Question: E-- The environmental Magazine If you are concerned about your health , your family's health and the future of our planet , and want to know " What can I do ? " to make a difference , you'll love reading E --The Environmental Magazine . A 12-time Independent Press Awards winner and nominee ,E is full of everything environmental --from recycling to rainforests and from the global village to our own backyards . 1 year (6 issues ) -- $24.95 2 years (12 issues ) -- $ 34.95 Add $ 10.00 /year for Canadian postage Add $ 40.00 / year for foreign postage Edinburgh Young Caregivers Project We work with young caregivers . We want to colour the lives of some of these young people by introducing them to someone who will try to understand them , listen , work towards agreed goals and have some FUN ! Is that person you ? Are you aged 18-25 ? Could you help and encourage a young person to recognize what they want and work towards getting it ? You can encourage and help someone and in return help yourself ! You will learn new skills and build on your own experience . Contact : Sue Mackay Email : sue.mackay @ yahoocarers .org.uk Belvedere Castle Exhibit Date (s ): February 16 ,2008--February 16 , 2018 Time(s) : 10:00a.m--5:00p.m Event scheduling : Sunday , Tuesday , Wednesday , Thursday , Friday , Saturday Event details : The exhibit covers two floors of the Castle , and currently features an informational panel on the importance of trees and display of common birds that can be found in surrounding areas . All Ages . Free . Reservations required for groups of 25 people or more . Call 212-772-0210 for information . ( click to show map ) Tennis Skills Camp August 2-6 , 2010 registration deadline : July 15, 2010 This camp , held on the Alfred University Tennis Courts,is for boys and girls entering grades 7-12. Training at the beginners through advanced levels will be provided . This camp is directed and coached by Dave Brady , tennis coach at Alfred-Almond Central School . Camp sessions will be held Monday through Friday , from 4:00-6:30 p.m Cost : $ 150 per person What do we know about Belvedere Castle Exhibit ? Choices: A. It mainly focuses on wildlife . B. A group of more than 25 visitors to it can get a discount . C. It lasts for more than eleven years . D. You can go to see the exhibit every day during the week .
A
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Question: We offer a full range of services to make your IKEA experience more complete: Old Kitchen Removing Service Are you going to buy a brand-new kitchen in IKEA? So how to do with your old kitchen at home? Don't worry! IKEA is now providing professional _ and removing service for old kitchen to you. By this service you can have your new kitchen at home easily. (For service detail and charge please go to the staff of kitchen department.) Transport Service Need a way to get your new home-furnishings home? You can rent a transport or hire us to deliver it for you. Just talk to our Customer Service department for details. Return Policy As long as the items are undamaged, unassembled and unused, you could return them in their original package within 60days (IKEA FAMILY member within 180days) together with your original receipt/invoice (bank card POS receipt is needed if you have paid this way), we will refund you the same way as you have paid. Sorry, we cannot accept exchange or return of food, plants, liquid bathing products, AS-IS products, customized products, kitchen electrical appliance and all products that have already been cut, sewed or painted. "The exchange and return policy above applies only to the products purchased from IKEA stores in mainland China." IKEA Restaurant/Cafe The restaurant/cafe serves both classic Swedish dishes and local favorites, and is one of the most popular areas of the whole IKEA store. Shopping at IKEA is fun and offers great value, but can also be hard work, so stop by and treat yourself to a refreshing drink and a bite to eat. The passage is probably taken from _ . Choices: A. a guide B. a travel book C. a newspaper D. a magazine
A
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Question: If you want to travel with a partner, you may ask for one on the Internet. There are some tips about how to choose a right partner on the Internet: Unluckily, you can't ask a person if he has a good feeling. If you ask, everyone will tell you that they do! It is important that you have to get to know your travel partner to find out what kind of feeling he really has. You can tell a lot about a person's feeling by the words he uses. Ask him about his worst trip. Is he laughing about it now, or still unhappy? Does his worst trip sound like an _ to you? If so, he doesn't match you. Having a good feeling is important for having a good time. Talk about the hotel you would like to stay in. See if you have the same habit of spending holidays. This is such a quick way to find a partner. What's more? Always keep in contact with your travelling partner when travelling. Don't simply hang out without telling them, and don't let them do it to you, either. The best title for the passage is _ . Choices: A. Have A Happy Holiday B. Find a Right Partner for Traveling C. Don't Hang Out Alone D. Make Sure if Has Good Feeling
B
mmlu
Question: When I heard the piano, I walked to Mrs. Windsor's house and waited outside as I always did. That meant she was working with another student, and I was not supposed to bother them by ringing the bell. I stood against the wall and daydreamed what I'd rather be doing. "Almost anything", I sighed _ . I had been tutored enough to read, understand, and even write some musical compositions, but I just didn't have a gift for it. It didn't come to me naturally. I thought back to happier times when I was writing stories and acting them out with my friends, cutting up old clothes to make dresses that performers wear in plays, and building scenery out of old things we found. But Mrs. Windsor had offered to give me the lessons for free, so I felt my duty to try. The door opened and Wendy Barton came out. I walked in, sat down on the piano bench and began to sort through my sheet music. "Hello," I heard a voice behind me say softly. I turned around to see a little girl standing behind me, eating an apple. But before I could make any response, Mrs. Windsor walked into the room in her usual urgent manner and announced,"Jennifer, this is my niece, Pasha. Pasha, this is Jennifer. Pasha will be giving you your lesson today. I'm up to my ears in something else!" she then exited to the kitchen. Pasha set her apple down on the side table and slid beside me on the piano bench. "What piece do you like best?"she asked. "What do you mean?" I asked. "They're all the same to me. I don't know. "You mean you don't have a favorite?" "No, not really." Pasha looked at me, rather puzzled, then opened my sheet music to the beginning page and asked me to play. I arranged my fingers on the keys and studied the notes on the page for a moment. Then I frowned and concentrated to make the notes on the page match the finger movements. I have to admit I was a rather mechanical pianist. After about a page or two, Pasha gently put her hand on top of mine as if to calm my fingers. There was a long pause. "What are you hearing in the music?" I looked at her rather strangely and admitted I didn't know what she meant. "Like a story. What story is being playing out within the music?" "I guess I've never thought about it before. I don't know." "Here, let me try and you listen," Pasha advised. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting her fingers dance lightly over the keys. Then, she began to play. "See, it begins here beside some kind of river. Hear the water flowing beside you?" Her fingers rose and fell gently on the keys."Now the princess appears and she's picking flowers from the water's edge."A carefree, happy piece of music filled the air in time to Pasha's dancing fingers. "Oh, but she slips!"The music changed. "And our princess is being carried off by the fast-flowing stream. Quickly, the princess's horse sees her plight ," Pasha continued, and races to the river's edge where he swims out to let her catch hold of him. They make it to the bank and she hugs her faithful horse and swears she will never again wear princess skirts that weigh her down. She will only wear jeans and T-shirt from now on." Pasha finished with a big smile and then looked at me. "Aren't you the girl who tells the stories?" she asked. "I guess. I do tell a lot of stories." "Oh, yes! All the kids talk about them. I've heard about you. Well, all you have to do is learn to hear the stories in the music. That's all there is to it." "I've never thought it that way." "Let's try another one, shall we?"Pasha smiled and together we played that afternoon, finding the stories in the music and learning that sometimes it takes a friend to pull you out of the river onto dry land again. 58. Which of the following can best describe Pasha? Choices: A. Creative B. Naughty C. Humorous D. Brave
A
mmlu
Question: In the hot jungles of Thailand, forest rangers came across a terrible sight one day in 2010. Two tiger cubs lay dead in a wildlife preserve . The rangers were too late to find the cubs' mother. All that remained of her was blood on the ground. Poachers had poisoned the tigers. Then they ran off with the mother's body. If the rangers had not arrived, the poachers would have taken the cubs too. Tigers in trouble One hundred years ago, there were about 100,000 tigers. Today, only about 3,200 remain in the wild. Poachers are a major problem. These killers sell tiger fur, teeth, claws, and other body parts in illegal markets. One tiger's parts can see for $50,000. Because they hunt in huge jungles thick with trees, poachers are hard to find. But they must be caught, says Elizabeth Bennett of the Wildlife Conservation Society. This group works to help endangered animals. Tiger "fingerprints" Finally, after many months, the rangers spotted the poachers again. After an exchange of gunfire, they arrested the criminals. Soon, the police found evidence that the poachers had killed again. The evidence came from a cell phone. On a poacher's phone, police found photos of the men posing with a dead male tiger. The poachers claimed that the photos were from a nearby country where tigers aren't protected. But another photo told a different story. Deep in the Thai forest, the rangers had set up camera traps, which take photos when they sense movement. A camera trap photo showed the same male tiger walking through a wildlife preserve before he was killed. That meant that the tiger came from a protected area. But how could police prove it was the same tiger? Tiger stripes are like fingerprints. No two patterns are the same. When police compared the photos, the stripes on the tiger's head matched. The poachers were given up to five years in prison. That might not seem like much for killing tigers. But since the poachers were caught in July 2011, no tigers have been killed in that wildlife preserve. Why didn't the poachers take the cubs? Choices: A. There wasn't enough time. B. The cubs' body parts sold badly. C. The cubs were protected by the rangers. D. They didn't bring enough tools to carry them.
A