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{ "answer": 1, "choices": [ "Southeast Asia", "West Asia.", "South America.", "Africa south of the Sahara." ], "question": "Farmers, especially in developing countries, are often criticized for cutting down forests. But a new study suggests that many farmers recognize the value of keeping trees. Researchers using satellite images found at least ten percent tree cover on more than one billion hectares of farmland. That is almost half the farmland in the world. Earlier estimates were much lower but incomplete. The authors of the new study say it may still underestimate the true extent worldwide. The study found the most tree cover in South America. Next comes Africa south of the Sahara, followed by Southeast Asia. North Africa and West Asia have the least. The study found that climate conditions alone could not explain the amount of tree cover in different areas. Nor could the size of nearby populations, meaning people and trees can live together. There are areas with few trees but also few people, and areas with many trees and many people. The findings suggest that things like land rights, markets or government policies can influence tree planting and protection. Dennis Garrity, who heads the World Agroforestry Center, says farmers are acting on their own to protect and plant trees. The problem, he says, is that policy makers and planners have been slow to recognize this and to support such efforts. The satellite images may not show what the farmers are using the trees for, but trees provide nuts, fruit, wood and other products. They also help prevent soil loss and protect water supplies. Even under drought conditions, trees can often provide food and a way to earn money until the next growing season. Some trees act as natural fertilizers. They take nitrogen out of the air and put it in the soil. Scientists at the Center say the use of fertilizer trees can re-duce the need for chemical nitrogen by up to three-fourths. Trees also capture carbon dioxide, a gas linked to climate change. Which of the following has the least tree cover?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "most farmers care about nothing but their own interests", "there are usually few people living in areas with few trees", "government plays a small role in tree planting and protection", "government should support farmers in planting and protecting trees" ], "question": "Farmers, especially in developing countries, are often criticized for cutting down forests. But a new study suggests that many farmers recognize the value of keeping trees. Researchers using satellite images found at least ten percent tree cover on more than one billion hectares of farmland. That is almost half the farmland in the world. Earlier estimates were much lower but incomplete. The authors of the new study say it may still underestimate the true extent worldwide. The study found the most tree cover in South America. Next comes Africa south of the Sahara, followed by Southeast Asia. North Africa and West Asia have the least. The study found that climate conditions alone could not explain the amount of tree cover in different areas. Nor could the size of nearby populations, meaning people and trees can live together. There are areas with few trees but also few people, and areas with many trees and many people. The findings suggest that things like land rights, markets or government policies can influence tree planting and protection. Dennis Garrity, who heads the World Agroforestry Center, says farmers are acting on their own to protect and plant trees. The problem, he says, is that policy makers and planners have been slow to recognize this and to support such efforts. The satellite images may not show what the farmers are using the trees for, but trees provide nuts, fruit, wood and other products. They also help prevent soil loss and protect water supplies. Even under drought conditions, trees can often provide food and a way to earn money until the next growing season. Some trees act as natural fertilizers. They take nitrogen out of the air and put it in the soil. Scientists at the Center say the use of fertilizer trees can re-duce the need for chemical nitrogen by up to three-fourths. Trees also capture carbon dioxide, a gas linked to climate change. In Dennis Garrity's opinion, _", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 1, "choices": [ "people's music preference is a universal phenomenon", "Chinese and Japanese have different music preferences", "the way people respond to music is biologically decided", "parents have nothing to do with children's music preference" ], "question": "Some people like to listen to the Beatles.while others prefer Gregorian chants.When it comes to music , scientists find that nurture can overpower nature. A study shows musical preferences seem to be mainly shaped by a person's cultural upbringing and experiences rather than biological factors.\"Our results show that there is a profound cultural difference in the way people respond to consonant and dissonant sounds,and this suggests that other cultures hear the world differently,\" says Josh McDermott.a scientist in Cambridge. Some scientists believe that the way people respond to music has a biological basis and that this would overpower any cultural shaping of musical preferences , effectively making them a universal phenomenon.Some musicians.by contrast , think that such preferences are more a product of one's culture.If a person's upbringing shapes their preferences,then they are not a universal phenomenon. The trick to working out where musical preferences come from was to find and test people who hadn't had much contact with Western music.McDermott and his team travelled by aeroplane,car and canoe to reach the remote villages of the Tsimane' people,who are largely isolated from Western culture. In their experiments,McDermott and his colleagues investigated responses to Western music by playing combinations of notes to three groups of people:the Tsimane' and two other groups of Bolivians that had experienced increasing levels of exposure to Western music.The researchers recorded whether each group regarded the notes as pleasant or unpleasant. The Tsimane' are just as good at making acoustic distinctions as the groups with more experience of other types of music,the scientists find.Most people prefer consonant tones,but the Tsimane' have no preference between them.\"This pretty convincingly rules out that the preferences are things we're born with,'' McDermott argues. \"Culture plays a role.We like the music we grew up with,\"agrees Dale Purves,a scientist at Duke University.\"Nature versus nurture is always _ .''It's almost always a combination,he adds. McDermott would most probably agree that _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "They prefer consonant tones.", "They are born with excellent music talent.", "They do well in telling acoustic distinctions.", "They have never had contact with Western music." ], "question": "Some people like to listen to the Beatles.while others prefer Gregorian chants.When it comes to music , scientists find that nurture can overpower nature. A study shows musical preferences seem to be mainly shaped by a person's cultural upbringing and experiences rather than biological factors.\"Our results show that there is a profound cultural difference in the way people respond to consonant and dissonant sounds,and this suggests that other cultures hear the world differently,\" says Josh McDermott.a scientist in Cambridge. Some scientists believe that the way people respond to music has a biological basis and that this would overpower any cultural shaping of musical preferences , effectively making them a universal phenomenon.Some musicians.by contrast , think that such preferences are more a product of one's culture.If a person's upbringing shapes their preferences,then they are not a universal phenomenon. The trick to working out where musical preferences come from was to find and test people who hadn't had much contact with Western music.McDermott and his team travelled by aeroplane,car and canoe to reach the remote villages of the Tsimane' people,who are largely isolated from Western culture. In their experiments,McDermott and his colleagues investigated responses to Western music by playing combinations of notes to three groups of people:the Tsimane' and two other groups of Bolivians that had experienced increasing levels of exposure to Western music.The researchers recorded whether each group regarded the notes as pleasant or unpleasant. The Tsimane' are just as good at making acoustic distinctions as the groups with more experience of other types of music,the scientists find.Most people prefer consonant tones,but the Tsimane' have no preference between them.\"This pretty convincingly rules out that the preferences are things we're born with,'' McDermott argues. \"Culture plays a role.We like the music we grew up with,\"agrees Dale Purves,a scientist at Duke University.\"Nature versus nurture is always _ .''It's almost always a combination,he adds. What do we know about the Tsimane' in the experiment?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "Financial trouble in the family.", "Women's liberation movement.", "Different attitudes towards children's education.", "Lack of democratic atmosphere in the household." ], "question": "In many homes, divorce is caused by the \"battle between the sexes.\" To understand the problem, one must remember that the modern American woman is freed. During childhood and adolescence , the American girl is given freedom and education which is equal to a boy's. After completing school, she is able to get a job and support herself. She doesn't have to marry for financial security. She considers herself an independent, self-sufficient person. She wants a husband whom she can respect, but she doesn't want to be dominated by him. She wants a democratic household in which she has a voice in making decisions. When a husband and wife are able to share decisionmaking, their marriage is probably closer, stronger, and more satisfying. Otherwise, the couple is likely to wind up in the divorce court. When a couple gets divorced, the court usually requires the man to pay his former wife a monthly sum of money. If the couple has children, they usually remain with the mother, and the father is expected to pay for their support. Although divorce is quite common in the United States, 80 percent of those who get divorced remarry. The remarriages allow thousands of people, especially children, to enjoy family life again, but at the same time many troubles have arisen. A well-known American joke tells of a wife calling to her second husband, \"Quick, John! Come here and help me! Your children are beating up our chidlren!\" What causes most of the divorce cases in the U.S.A.?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "They are overbearing and hardworking.", "They are more independent than ever.", "They do not have much say in the household.", "They respect their husbands, but do not rely on them." ], "question": "In many homes, divorce is caused by the \"battle between the sexes.\" To understand the problem, one must remember that the modern American woman is freed. During childhood and adolescence , the American girl is given freedom and education which is equal to a boy's. After completing school, she is able to get a job and support herself. She doesn't have to marry for financial security. She considers herself an independent, self-sufficient person. She wants a husband whom she can respect, but she doesn't want to be dominated by him. She wants a democratic household in which she has a voice in making decisions. When a husband and wife are able to share decisionmaking, their marriage is probably closer, stronger, and more satisfying. Otherwise, the couple is likely to wind up in the divorce court. When a couple gets divorced, the court usually requires the man to pay his former wife a monthly sum of money. If the couple has children, they usually remain with the mother, and the father is expected to pay for their support. Although divorce is quite common in the United States, 80 percent of those who get divorced remarry. The remarriages allow thousands of people, especially children, to enjoy family life again, but at the same time many troubles have arisen. A well-known American joke tells of a wife calling to her second husband, \"Quick, John! Come here and help me! Your children are beating up our chidlren!\" What do you know of modern American women, according to the passage?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "Both the man and woman are financially secure.", "Husband and wife share housework.", "Both the man and woman are well-educated.", "Decisions are made by the man and woman together." ], "question": "In many homes, divorce is caused by the \"battle between the sexes.\" To understand the problem, one must remember that the modern American woman is freed. During childhood and adolescence , the American girl is given freedom and education which is equal to a boy's. After completing school, she is able to get a job and support herself. She doesn't have to marry for financial security. She considers herself an independent, self-sufficient person. She wants a husband whom she can respect, but she doesn't want to be dominated by him. She wants a democratic household in which she has a voice in making decisions. When a husband and wife are able to share decisionmaking, their marriage is probably closer, stronger, and more satisfying. Otherwise, the couple is likely to wind up in the divorce court. When a couple gets divorced, the court usually requires the man to pay his former wife a monthly sum of money. If the couple has children, they usually remain with the mother, and the father is expected to pay for their support. Although divorce is quite common in the United States, 80 percent of those who get divorced remarry. The remarriages allow thousands of people, especially children, to enjoy family life again, but at the same time many troubles have arisen. A well-known American joke tells of a wife calling to her second husband, \"Quick, John! Come here and help me! Your children are beating up our chidlren!\" What kind of marriage can be successful?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "The children become homeless.", "The man is still responsible for the welfare of his children.", "Life becomes difficult for the woman and her children.", "The man, rather than the woman, remarries soon." ], "question": "In many homes, divorce is caused by the \"battle between the sexes.\" To understand the problem, one must remember that the modern American woman is freed. During childhood and adolescence , the American girl is given freedom and education which is equal to a boy's. After completing school, she is able to get a job and support herself. She doesn't have to marry for financial security. She considers herself an independent, self-sufficient person. She wants a husband whom she can respect, but she doesn't want to be dominated by him. She wants a democratic household in which she has a voice in making decisions. When a husband and wife are able to share decisionmaking, their marriage is probably closer, stronger, and more satisfying. Otherwise, the couple is likely to wind up in the divorce court. When a couple gets divorced, the court usually requires the man to pay his former wife a monthly sum of money. If the couple has children, they usually remain with the mother, and the father is expected to pay for their support. Although divorce is quite common in the United States, 80 percent of those who get divorced remarry. The remarriages allow thousands of people, especially children, to enjoy family life again, but at the same time many troubles have arisen. A well-known American joke tells of a wife calling to her second husband, \"Quick, John! Come here and help me! Your children are beating up our chidlren!\" What happens when a couple is divorced, according to the passage?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "Emma Daniels stayed in Israel in 1974 for half a year.", "The book \"Markings\" was completed by Lord Benedik in a very short time.", "Emma Daniels once stayed in Montreal for some time.", "Emma Daniels and the Californian kept in touch with each other by writing letters." ], "question": "Call it what you will--coincidence,fortune,luck or even fate--sometimes events combine together to show us that this is indeed a very small world.We've probably all had at least one experience where we've said \"What a coincidence!\" because there's no logical explanation for what has happened.Take the following stories from writer Lorri Benedik as examples: My friend,Emma Daniels,spent the summer of 1974 travelling in Israel.During her month-long stay in Jerusalem she frequented a cafe called Chocolate Soup.It was run by two men,one of whom,Alex,was a former Montrealer .One morning when Emma went in for coffee,while chatting with her new friend Alex,she mentioned that she had just finished the book she was reading and had nothing else to read.Alex said he had a fabulous book she might like,and that he'd be happy to lend it to her.As he lived just above the cafe,he quickly ran up to get it.The book he handed to Emma just minutes later was Markings,a book of spiritual writings by former Secretary-General of the United Nations Dag Hammarskjld. Emma had never read it,nor had she ever purchased a copy.But when she opened it up,she was _ to see her own name and address inside the cover,in her own handwriting.It turned out that the summer before,at a concert back in Montreal,Emma had met a Californian who was in town visiting friends.They decided to exchange addresses,but neither of them had any paper.The man had opened up a book he was carrying in his backpack and asked Emma to write her name and address inside.When he returned to California,he left the book behind in Montreal,and his friend Alex kept it.When Alex later relocated to Jerusalem,he took the now-treasured book along. Then there was the time that my husband voluntarily answered the phone at my parents' house,something he has never done in more than a dozen years of visiting them almost every weekend.But this time he got up from the dinner table,without being asked,when the phone rang.He was gone for quite a while and was quite pale when he returned to the dining room.It was a wrong number,he told us,but he had recognized the voice.It was his estranged sister,with whom he hadn't spoken in years. Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 0, "choices": [ "Russia", "Australia", "South China", "Canada" ], "question": "HARBIN - A wild Siberian tiger was spotted on a forestry farm in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Sunday, forestry officials said Tuesday. The tiger, believed to have been hunting for a wild boar at the time, came face to face with several workers late in the afternoon on a forestry farm administered by the Dongfanghong Forestry Bureau (DFB) in the eastern part of the province, said an official with the provincial Forestry Industry Bureau. The farm is located on the scarcely populated Wandashan Mountain, where wild Siberian tigers have been spotted many times, but it was the first time for such an animal to come so close to human beings. \"We had just finished work in the forest when the tiger appeared.\" said Shi Chun, one of the workers who saw the tiger. Upon seeing the animal, the workers rushed to their tractor to avoid possible attacks. The tiger followed the tractor for several hundred meters before going away. The tiger remained mild throughout the encounter, and the workers even managed to snap a few photos of it. The pictures, though blurry due to the darkened sky, show a Siberian tiger with white hair in its face. Local authorities on Monday checked the site where the big cat was spotted and found plum-shaped paw prints, which they believe belong to a grown wild Siberian tiger. Yang Lijuan, a wild animal protection official with the DFB, said the forestry farm is a good site for wild animal reproduction. \"The farm is in a zone where coniferous and broad-leaved trees grow, which provides much food for the tigers' prey, such as a boar and deer.\" she said. Siberian tigers, otherwise known as Amur or Manchurian tigers, mainly live in eastern Russia, northeast China and the northern part of the Korean Peninsula. It is estimated that only about 500 currently live in the wild, with about twelve in Heilongjiang Province and eight to ten in neighboring Jilin Province. The DFB has stepped efforts to increase food for wild boar, roe deer and red deer in its forestry farms where Siberian tigers have been spotted to ensure enough prey for the endangered species. Where can you find a wild Siberian tiger probably?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "The DFB has stepped efforts to protect the tiger.", "Farmers took photos of a Siberian Tiger.", "Wild Siberian Tiger spotted in Northeast China.", "The Forestry farm is home to Siberian tigers." ], "question": "HARBIN - A wild Siberian tiger was spotted on a forestry farm in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Sunday, forestry officials said Tuesday. The tiger, believed to have been hunting for a wild boar at the time, came face to face with several workers late in the afternoon on a forestry farm administered by the Dongfanghong Forestry Bureau (DFB) in the eastern part of the province, said an official with the provincial Forestry Industry Bureau. The farm is located on the scarcely populated Wandashan Mountain, where wild Siberian tigers have been spotted many times, but it was the first time for such an animal to come so close to human beings. \"We had just finished work in the forest when the tiger appeared.\" said Shi Chun, one of the workers who saw the tiger. Upon seeing the animal, the workers rushed to their tractor to avoid possible attacks. The tiger followed the tractor for several hundred meters before going away. The tiger remained mild throughout the encounter, and the workers even managed to snap a few photos of it. The pictures, though blurry due to the darkened sky, show a Siberian tiger with white hair in its face. Local authorities on Monday checked the site where the big cat was spotted and found plum-shaped paw prints, which they believe belong to a grown wild Siberian tiger. Yang Lijuan, a wild animal protection official with the DFB, said the forestry farm is a good site for wild animal reproduction. \"The farm is in a zone where coniferous and broad-leaved trees grow, which provides much food for the tigers' prey, such as a boar and deer.\" she said. Siberian tigers, otherwise known as Amur or Manchurian tigers, mainly live in eastern Russia, northeast China and the northern part of the Korean Peninsula. It is estimated that only about 500 currently live in the wild, with about twelve in Heilongjiang Province and eight to ten in neighboring Jilin Province. The DFB has stepped efforts to increase food for wild boar, roe deer and red deer in its forestry farms where Siberian tigers have been spotted to ensure enough prey for the endangered species. What does the passage mainly talk about?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "people have all become kind-hearted", "small animals have no places to live in", "people's living conditions are improving", "more and more people are out of work" ], "question": "Raising pets is not a new thing in China , but recently it has taken on a new meaning . As a famous Chinese saying goes, pursuit of petty (,) pleasures weakens one's will to make progress . The saying has been so popular that even today many people still consider raising pets as a hobby of the idle . Things have changed much recently and now raising pets has become a popular pastime , resulting in a successful pet care industry . Pet food is sold in almost all supermarkets and many special stores for pet needs have been set up . Animal hospitals provide various medical services for sick dogs and cats , and pet exchange fairs are held regularly . At the China International Pet Show which took place recently in Beijing , more than 100 factories from across the country exhibited their products . Thousands of dealers and pet owners went to the show. \"People's swollen pockets make it possible for many to raise pets , a hobby that used to be enjoyed only by the wealthy ,\" said Wang Wei , who works with the National Kennel Association of China . Wang Yuyan , vice president of the Small Animals Protection Association , agreed , \" In many films and novels , having a pet is used as a symbol of wealth . That's not a complete picture . \" Wang added that pets are friends in a real sense of the word , not just playthings . \" Anyone with a loving nature can raise pets . \" Still the high cost of keeping a pet is something many people have to think about . \"I like dogs and cats , but I have neither time nor money to raise them , \"said Li Jun , in her 40's , a civil servant from Beijing . The cost of raising a dog is high in Beijing , where registration is a must for all dogs and costs 5,000 yuan for each animal . In addition , pet owners must pay for regular injection of vaccines . Most of all , dog food is quite expensive . Unlike his mother , Li Jun's 10-year-old son, Li Qiyu, dreams of the day he will have his own pet . \"I hope I can have a dog in my house , \" he said . Things have changed much recently , because _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "has changed people's life", "has destroyed some families", "has met much difficulty", "has brought much business for some people" ], "question": "Raising pets is not a new thing in China , but recently it has taken on a new meaning . As a famous Chinese saying goes, pursuit of petty (,) pleasures weakens one's will to make progress . The saying has been so popular that even today many people still consider raising pets as a hobby of the idle . Things have changed much recently and now raising pets has become a popular pastime , resulting in a successful pet care industry . Pet food is sold in almost all supermarkets and many special stores for pet needs have been set up . Animal hospitals provide various medical services for sick dogs and cats , and pet exchange fairs are held regularly . At the China International Pet Show which took place recently in Beijing , more than 100 factories from across the country exhibited their products . Thousands of dealers and pet owners went to the show. \"People's swollen pockets make it possible for many to raise pets , a hobby that used to be enjoyed only by the wealthy ,\" said Wang Wei , who works with the National Kennel Association of China . Wang Yuyan , vice president of the Small Animals Protection Association , agreed , \" In many films and novels , having a pet is used as a symbol of wealth . That's not a complete picture . \" Wang added that pets are friends in a real sense of the word , not just playthings . \" Anyone with a loving nature can raise pets . \" Still the high cost of keeping a pet is something many people have to think about . \"I like dogs and cats , but I have neither time nor money to raise them , \"said Li Jun , in her 40's , a civil servant from Beijing . The cost of raising a dog is high in Beijing , where registration is a must for all dogs and costs 5,000 yuan for each animal . In addition , pet owners must pay for regular injection of vaccines . Most of all , dog food is quite expensive . Unlike his mother , Li Jun's 10-year-old son, Li Qiyu, dreams of the day he will have his own pet . \"I hope I can have a dog in my house , \" he said . In big cities in China today , raising pets _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 1, "choices": [ "is a necessary job for us all", "is harmless for most people", "should be a hobby of the rich", "will make the poor happy" ], "question": "Raising pets is not a new thing in China , but recently it has taken on a new meaning . As a famous Chinese saying goes, pursuit of petty (,) pleasures weakens one's will to make progress . The saying has been so popular that even today many people still consider raising pets as a hobby of the idle . Things have changed much recently and now raising pets has become a popular pastime , resulting in a successful pet care industry . Pet food is sold in almost all supermarkets and many special stores for pet needs have been set up . Animal hospitals provide various medical services for sick dogs and cats , and pet exchange fairs are held regularly . At the China International Pet Show which took place recently in Beijing , more than 100 factories from across the country exhibited their products . Thousands of dealers and pet owners went to the show. \"People's swollen pockets make it possible for many to raise pets , a hobby that used to be enjoyed only by the wealthy ,\" said Wang Wei , who works with the National Kennel Association of China . Wang Yuyan , vice president of the Small Animals Protection Association , agreed , \" In many films and novels , having a pet is used as a symbol of wealth . That's not a complete picture . \" Wang added that pets are friends in a real sense of the word , not just playthings . \" Anyone with a loving nature can raise pets . \" Still the high cost of keeping a pet is something many people have to think about . \"I like dogs and cats , but I have neither time nor money to raise them , \"said Li Jun , in her 40's , a civil servant from Beijing . The cost of raising a dog is high in Beijing , where registration is a must for all dogs and costs 5,000 yuan for each animal . In addition , pet owners must pay for regular injection of vaccines . Most of all , dog food is quite expensive . Unlike his mother , Li Jun's 10-year-old son, Li Qiyu, dreams of the day he will have his own pet . \"I hope I can have a dog in my house , \" he said . According to Wang Yuyan's opinion , raising pets _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "he thought it would bring him good luck", "he noticed the postcard inside immediately", "he decided to uncover the secret of the bottle", "he wanted to throw it back into the sea at first" ], "question": "In April 2014,the world's oldest known message in a bottle was discovered floating in the Baltic Sea. It had spent 101 years lost in the ocean!The message was finally sent to the author's granddaughter. A German fisherman named Konrad Fischer found the brown bottle near Kiel,Germany. He said he nearly threw the bottle back into the water after pulling it out of a fishing net. Then he noticed something inside. The bottle in good condition contained a Danish postcard with two German stamps,dated May 17,1913. Although dampness had made most of the writing illegible ,the readable part of the message asked whoever found it to return it to an address in Berlin. It even contained two stamps to pay for postage. From the address,researchers found that the postcard was written by a man named Richard Platz,who was 20 years old when he wrote the message. While he was hiking on the Baltic coast with a nature appreciation group,he threw the bottle into the sea. Then the researchers began a search for any living relatives of his. Sure enough,they were able to find his 62-year-old granddaughter,Angela Erdmann,who still lives in Berlin. \"It was almost unbelievable,\"Erdmann said upon being presented with her grandfather's bottle and message.\"That was a pretty moving moment. Tears rolled down my face.\" Erdmann never knew her grandfather,who died in 1946,but says that the discovery of the bottle has made her want to learn more about him. The bottle remained on display at the International Maritime Museum in Hamburg until May 1.After that,the researchers examined the postcard and tried to figure out the meaning of the rest of the message. Previously,the oldest message found in a bottle spent nearly 98 years at sea and was discovered in April 2012,according to Guinness World Records. When Konrad Fischer picked up the bottle from the sea, _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 1, "choices": [ "He expected his granddaughter could find the postcard.", "He wished the finder would send the postcard to his home.", "He believed his postcard would be kept secret at sea forever.", "He thought he could make friends with the finder of the bottle." ], "question": "In April 2014,the world's oldest known message in a bottle was discovered floating in the Baltic Sea. It had spent 101 years lost in the ocean!The message was finally sent to the author's granddaughter. A German fisherman named Konrad Fischer found the brown bottle near Kiel,Germany. He said he nearly threw the bottle back into the water after pulling it out of a fishing net. Then he noticed something inside. The bottle in good condition contained a Danish postcard with two German stamps,dated May 17,1913. Although dampness had made most of the writing illegible ,the readable part of the message asked whoever found it to return it to an address in Berlin. It even contained two stamps to pay for postage. From the address,researchers found that the postcard was written by a man named Richard Platz,who was 20 years old when he wrote the message. While he was hiking on the Baltic coast with a nature appreciation group,he threw the bottle into the sea. Then the researchers began a search for any living relatives of his. Sure enough,they were able to find his 62-year-old granddaughter,Angela Erdmann,who still lives in Berlin. \"It was almost unbelievable,\"Erdmann said upon being presented with her grandfather's bottle and message.\"That was a pretty moving moment. Tears rolled down my face.\" Erdmann never knew her grandfather,who died in 1946,but says that the discovery of the bottle has made her want to learn more about him. The bottle remained on display at the International Maritime Museum in Hamburg until May 1.After that,the researchers examined the postcard and tried to figure out the meaning of the rest of the message. Previously,the oldest message found in a bottle spent nearly 98 years at sea and was discovered in April 2012,according to Guinness World Records. Why did Richard Platz throw the bottle with the message into the sea?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "The finding of a floating bottle at the sea", "A one-century-old letter to a granddaughter", "The world's oldest message in a floating bottle", "The oldest Danish postcard in a floating bottle" ], "question": "In April 2014,the world's oldest known message in a bottle was discovered floating in the Baltic Sea. It had spent 101 years lost in the ocean!The message was finally sent to the author's granddaughter. A German fisherman named Konrad Fischer found the brown bottle near Kiel,Germany. He said he nearly threw the bottle back into the water after pulling it out of a fishing net. Then he noticed something inside. The bottle in good condition contained a Danish postcard with two German stamps,dated May 17,1913. Although dampness had made most of the writing illegible ,the readable part of the message asked whoever found it to return it to an address in Berlin. It even contained two stamps to pay for postage. From the address,researchers found that the postcard was written by a man named Richard Platz,who was 20 years old when he wrote the message. While he was hiking on the Baltic coast with a nature appreciation group,he threw the bottle into the sea. Then the researchers began a search for any living relatives of his. Sure enough,they were able to find his 62-year-old granddaughter,Angela Erdmann,who still lives in Berlin. \"It was almost unbelievable,\"Erdmann said upon being presented with her grandfather's bottle and message.\"That was a pretty moving moment. Tears rolled down my face.\" Erdmann never knew her grandfather,who died in 1946,but says that the discovery of the bottle has made her want to learn more about him. The bottle remained on display at the International Maritime Museum in Hamburg until May 1.After that,the researchers examined the postcard and tried to figure out the meaning of the rest of the message. Previously,the oldest message found in a bottle spent nearly 98 years at sea and was discovered in April 2012,according to Guinness World Records. What can be the best title for this passage?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "a small ribbon can mean a lot to teenagers", "parents should spend more time with their children", "a simple encouragement can sometimes change one's life", "a small action sometimes can lead to unexpected result" ], "question": "A teacher honored her students by telling them how they each had made a difference to her and the class. She also presented each of them with a blue ribbon , which read, \"Who I Am Makes a Difference.\" Afterwards the teacher decided to do a class project to see what _ will do to people in general. She gave each student three more ribbons and instructed them to do the same to more people. One of the boys went to a junior executive in a nearby company and honored him for helping him with his career planning. Later that day the junior executive told his boss he deeply admired him for being a creative genius and asked if he would accept the gift of the blue ribbon. The surprised boss accepted the gift delightedly. That night the boss came home to his 14-year-old son and told him about his day. \"One of the junior executives gave me an extra ribbon and asked me to find somebody to honor,\" he said. \"I thought about you. My days are busy and when I come home I don't pay much attention to you. Sometimes I scream at you for not getting good grades in school and for your bedroom being a mess, but somehow tonight, I just-wanted to sit here and well, just let you know that you do make a difference to me. You're a great kid and I love you!\" The _ boy couldn't help crying. His whole body shook. He looked up at his father and said through his tears, \"I was planning on killing myself tomorrow, Dad, because I didn't think you loved me. Now I don't need to.\" It can be inferred from this story that _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 0, "choices": [ "So many people gave a hand.", "Many bystanders did nothing.", "It spread on social media.", "It didn't catch people's attention." ], "question": "How much empathy do you feel towards other people? If you saw someone fall off their bike in traffic,would you stop and help--or just walk away? Many people would give in to coldness,go about their business and just do nothing.So it was a big surprise when about 100 bystanders got together recently to move a bus in east London to help a cyclist trapped under it.A video of the incident went viral on social media. According to Zoheb,a driver who stopped his car to take part in the rescue,about five people gathered to move the bus.He says:\"There was no chance we could do it,it was more an invitation for other people to help,really.\" The initiative paid off.Diners from nearby restaurants joined in.There wasn't much coordination but it didn't take long to develop a collective understanding of what the objective was. Spontaneous cooperation among strangers doesn't happen often.People in a crowd are not sure what to do--they don't have a plan.It's one of the reasons bystanders often do nothing,according to Dr Mark Levine,professor of social psychology at Exeter University in Britain.\"The presence of others can prevent you from helping\",he says. The key to positive group behaviour,Levine explains,\"is building a sense of shared identity\".Action has to be decided quickly,Levine says.\"The longer you leave it,the harder it is to make a decision.If you don't immediately act then you kind of think'Well,actually I probably couldn't have done anything anyway'.\" But the people who took the initiative like Zoheb might make a difference.The cyclist ended up in hospital and the images of the collective effort might inspire others to more acts of unity. Why did the author say it was a big surprise when the rescue was made?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 1, "choices": [ "Generous.", "Kind-hearted.", "Optimistic.", "Easy-going." ], "question": "How much empathy do you feel towards other people? If you saw someone fall off their bike in traffic,would you stop and help--or just walk away? Many people would give in to coldness,go about their business and just do nothing.So it was a big surprise when about 100 bystanders got together recently to move a bus in east London to help a cyclist trapped under it.A video of the incident went viral on social media. According to Zoheb,a driver who stopped his car to take part in the rescue,about five people gathered to move the bus.He says:\"There was no chance we could do it,it was more an invitation for other people to help,really.\" The initiative paid off.Diners from nearby restaurants joined in.There wasn't much coordination but it didn't take long to develop a collective understanding of what the objective was. Spontaneous cooperation among strangers doesn't happen often.People in a crowd are not sure what to do--they don't have a plan.It's one of the reasons bystanders often do nothing,according to Dr Mark Levine,professor of social psychology at Exeter University in Britain.\"The presence of others can prevent you from helping\",he says. The key to positive group behaviour,Levine explains,\"is building a sense of shared identity\".Action has to be decided quickly,Levine says.\"The longer you leave it,the harder it is to make a decision.If you don't immediately act then you kind of think'Well,actually I probably couldn't have done anything anyway'.\" But the people who took the initiative like Zoheb might make a difference.The cyclist ended up in hospital and the images of the collective effort might inspire others to more acts of unity. Which of the following best describes the driver Zoheb according to the text?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "They don't know how to give first aid.", "Nobody wants to be the first to offer help.", "Strangers seldom cooperate with each other.", "They are forbidden from helping." ], "question": "How much empathy do you feel towards other people? If you saw someone fall off their bike in traffic,would you stop and help--or just walk away? Many people would give in to coldness,go about their business and just do nothing.So it was a big surprise when about 100 bystanders got together recently to move a bus in east London to help a cyclist trapped under it.A video of the incident went viral on social media. According to Zoheb,a driver who stopped his car to take part in the rescue,about five people gathered to move the bus.He says:\"There was no chance we could do it,it was more an invitation for other people to help,really.\" The initiative paid off.Diners from nearby restaurants joined in.There wasn't much coordination but it didn't take long to develop a collective understanding of what the objective was. Spontaneous cooperation among strangers doesn't happen often.People in a crowd are not sure what to do--they don't have a plan.It's one of the reasons bystanders often do nothing,according to Dr Mark Levine,professor of social psychology at Exeter University in Britain.\"The presence of others can prevent you from helping\",he says. The key to positive group behaviour,Levine explains,\"is building a sense of shared identity\".Action has to be decided quickly,Levine says.\"The longer you leave it,the harder it is to make a decision.If you don't immediately act then you kind of think'Well,actually I probably couldn't have done anything anyway'.\" But the people who took the initiative like Zoheb might make a difference.The cyclist ended up in hospital and the images of the collective effort might inspire others to more acts of unity. Why do people give in to coldness when they should be helping according to Levine?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "The sense of shared identity makes no difference.", "It's not necessary to make a quick decision.", "It's impossible for strangers to cooperate.", "Collective effort is inspiring." ], "question": "How much empathy do you feel towards other people? If you saw someone fall off their bike in traffic,would you stop and help--or just walk away? Many people would give in to coldness,go about their business and just do nothing.So it was a big surprise when about 100 bystanders got together recently to move a bus in east London to help a cyclist trapped under it.A video of the incident went viral on social media. According to Zoheb,a driver who stopped his car to take part in the rescue,about five people gathered to move the bus.He says:\"There was no chance we could do it,it was more an invitation for other people to help,really.\" The initiative paid off.Diners from nearby restaurants joined in.There wasn't much coordination but it didn't take long to develop a collective understanding of what the objective was. Spontaneous cooperation among strangers doesn't happen often.People in a crowd are not sure what to do--they don't have a plan.It's one of the reasons bystanders often do nothing,according to Dr Mark Levine,professor of social psychology at Exeter University in Britain.\"The presence of others can prevent you from helping\",he says. The key to positive group behaviour,Levine explains,\"is building a sense of shared identity\".Action has to be decided quickly,Levine says.\"The longer you leave it,the harder it is to make a decision.If you don't immediately act then you kind of think'Well,actually I probably couldn't have done anything anyway'.\" But the people who took the initiative like Zoheb might make a difference.The cyclist ended up in hospital and the images of the collective effort might inspire others to more acts of unity. What can we learn from the text?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "those creating music, art and literature", "novelists", "those not receiving financial reward for their work", "engineers and inventors" ], "question": "Intellectual property (IP) is a product of the mind that has commercial value. The concept dates back to 1623, when the first patent law to protect IP rights was passed. IP rights protect an artist from having his/her creative ideas copied by another. For example, if somebody generated an idea for a novel, that idea is protected by IP rights. If someone else wishes to represent the idea or develop it further, he/she must consult the original artists, who will normally be rewarded financially for its use. Back in the 17thcentury, IP rights were primarily carried out to protect newly developed manufacturing processes against stealing, but today intellectual property rights are also enjoyed by those who create music, art and literature. In recent years, IP rights have been the focus of a great deal of discussion because of a technology which looks set to weaken them altogether: the Internet. Many years ago, if you wanted a recoding of a song, you would have to purchase it from a music store; if a novel, from a book store. In those days, IP rights were easily protected since it was very difficult to obtain intellectual property without paying for it. However, a lot of IP, including songs, films, books and artwork, can be downloaded today free of charge using the internet. This practice has now taken the world by storm, dramatically affecting the way in which we view IP rights. According to the writer, in the beginning, IP rights were mainly of use to _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "It does not affect the way we understand IP rights.", "It sells songs and films.", "It makes IP rights harder to protect.", "It prevents the production of artwork." ], "question": "Intellectual property (IP) is a product of the mind that has commercial value. The concept dates back to 1623, when the first patent law to protect IP rights was passed. IP rights protect an artist from having his/her creative ideas copied by another. For example, if somebody generated an idea for a novel, that idea is protected by IP rights. If someone else wishes to represent the idea or develop it further, he/she must consult the original artists, who will normally be rewarded financially for its use. Back in the 17thcentury, IP rights were primarily carried out to protect newly developed manufacturing processes against stealing, but today intellectual property rights are also enjoyed by those who create music, art and literature. In recent years, IP rights have been the focus of a great deal of discussion because of a technology which looks set to weaken them altogether: the Internet. Many years ago, if you wanted a recoding of a song, you would have to purchase it from a music store; if a novel, from a book store. In those days, IP rights were easily protected since it was very difficult to obtain intellectual property without paying for it. However, a lot of IP, including songs, films, books and artwork, can be downloaded today free of charge using the internet. This practice has now taken the world by storm, dramatically affecting the way in which we view IP rights. What do we know about the Internet according to the passage?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 0, "choices": [ "IP Rights and Our Attitudes", "Ways to Protect Your IP Rights", "The Present and the Future of IP rights", "A History of IP Rights" ], "question": "Intellectual property (IP) is a product of the mind that has commercial value. The concept dates back to 1623, when the first patent law to protect IP rights was passed. IP rights protect an artist from having his/her creative ideas copied by another. For example, if somebody generated an idea for a novel, that idea is protected by IP rights. If someone else wishes to represent the idea or develop it further, he/she must consult the original artists, who will normally be rewarded financially for its use. Back in the 17thcentury, IP rights were primarily carried out to protect newly developed manufacturing processes against stealing, but today intellectual property rights are also enjoyed by those who create music, art and literature. In recent years, IP rights have been the focus of a great deal of discussion because of a technology which looks set to weaken them altogether: the Internet. Many years ago, if you wanted a recoding of a song, you would have to purchase it from a music store; if a novel, from a book store. In those days, IP rights were easily protected since it was very difficult to obtain intellectual property without paying for it. However, a lot of IP, including songs, films, books and artwork, can be downloaded today free of charge using the internet. This practice has now taken the world by storm, dramatically affecting the way in which we view IP rights. A possible title for this passage could be _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "American.", "British.", "Spanish.", "German." ], "question": "A university graduate described as a \"respectable and intelligent\" woman is seeking professional help after being convicted of (......)shoplifting for the second time in six months. Ana Luz, recently studying for her Phd, has been told she could end up behind bars unless she can control the desire to steal from shops . Luz ,who lives with her partner in Fitzwilliam Road ,Cambridge ,admitted stealing clothes worth PS9.95 from John Lewis in Oxford Street ,London ,on March 9. Phillip Lemoyne ,prosecuting ,said Luz selected some clothes from a display and took them to the ladies' toilet in the store .When she came out again she was wearing one of the skirts she had selected ,having taken off the anti-theft security alarms . She was stopped and caught after leaving the store without paying , Mr. Lemoyne said. He added that she was upset on her arrest and apologized for her actions. Luz,28, was said to have been convicted of shoplifting by Cambridge judges last October ,but Morag Duff, defending ,said she had never been in trouble with the police before that . \"She is ashamed and embarrassed but doesn't really have any explanation why she did this ,\" Miss Duff said . \"She didn't intend to steal when she went into the store . _ She is otherwise a very respectable and intelligent young lady .She went to her doctor and asked for advice because she wants to know if there is anything in particular that caused her to do this.\" Judge David Azan fined Luz PS 50, and warned : \"You've got a criminal record .If you carry on like this ,you will end up in prison ,which will ruin your bright future you may have.\" Luz achieved a degree in design at university in her native Spain ,went on to a famous university in Berlin , Germany for her master's degree and is now studying for a PhD at Cambridge University ,UK. What is Ana Luz's nationality?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "Carrying goods in a lift for a shop.", "Taking goods to the ladies' toilet .", "Selecting some goods from a display.", "Taking goods from a shop without paying." ], "question": "A university graduate described as a \"respectable and intelligent\" woman is seeking professional help after being convicted of (......)shoplifting for the second time in six months. Ana Luz, recently studying for her Phd, has been told she could end up behind bars unless she can control the desire to steal from shops . Luz ,who lives with her partner in Fitzwilliam Road ,Cambridge ,admitted stealing clothes worth PS9.95 from John Lewis in Oxford Street ,London ,on March 9. Phillip Lemoyne ,prosecuting ,said Luz selected some clothes from a display and took them to the ladies' toilet in the store .When she came out again she was wearing one of the skirts she had selected ,having taken off the anti-theft security alarms . She was stopped and caught after leaving the store without paying , Mr. Lemoyne said. He added that she was upset on her arrest and apologized for her actions. Luz,28, was said to have been convicted of shoplifting by Cambridge judges last October ,but Morag Duff, defending ,said she had never been in trouble with the police before that . \"She is ashamed and embarrassed but doesn't really have any explanation why she did this ,\" Miss Duff said . \"She didn't intend to steal when she went into the store . _ She is otherwise a very respectable and intelligent young lady .She went to her doctor and asked for advice because she wants to know if there is anything in particular that caused her to do this.\" Judge David Azan fined Luz PS 50, and warned : \"You've got a criminal record .If you carry on like this ,you will end up in prison ,which will ruin your bright future you may have.\" Luz achieved a degree in design at university in her native Spain ,went on to a famous university in Berlin , Germany for her master's degree and is now studying for a PhD at Cambridge University ,UK. Which of the following best explains the meaning of the word \"shoplifting\" used in the passage?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "Ana Luz is already got her PhD at Cambridge University ,UK", "Ana Luz is ashamed and embarrassed and knows why she often did so", "the university graduate will be put in prison if she steals in shops once more", "Phillip Lemoyne is the \"respectable and intelligent\" woman's defense lawyer" ], "question": "A university graduate described as a \"respectable and intelligent\" woman is seeking professional help after being convicted of (......)shoplifting for the second time in six months. Ana Luz, recently studying for her Phd, has been told she could end up behind bars unless she can control the desire to steal from shops . Luz ,who lives with her partner in Fitzwilliam Road ,Cambridge ,admitted stealing clothes worth PS9.95 from John Lewis in Oxford Street ,London ,on March 9. Phillip Lemoyne ,prosecuting ,said Luz selected some clothes from a display and took them to the ladies' toilet in the store .When she came out again she was wearing one of the skirts she had selected ,having taken off the anti-theft security alarms . She was stopped and caught after leaving the store without paying , Mr. Lemoyne said. He added that she was upset on her arrest and apologized for her actions. Luz,28, was said to have been convicted of shoplifting by Cambridge judges last October ,but Morag Duff, defending ,said she had never been in trouble with the police before that . \"She is ashamed and embarrassed but doesn't really have any explanation why she did this ,\" Miss Duff said . \"She didn't intend to steal when she went into the store . _ She is otherwise a very respectable and intelligent young lady .She went to her doctor and asked for advice because she wants to know if there is anything in particular that caused her to do this.\" Judge David Azan fined Luz PS 50, and warned : \"You've got a criminal record .If you carry on like this ,you will end up in prison ,which will ruin your bright future you may have.\" Luz achieved a degree in design at university in her native Spain ,went on to a famous university in Berlin , Germany for her master's degree and is now studying for a PhD at Cambridge University ,UK. From the passage we can learn that _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 0, "choices": [ "Judging cleverness", "Choosing a book", "A speechless young man", "Putting up a good front" ], "question": "\"Have you ever heard the old saying, \"Never judge a book by its cover\"? This is a good rule to follow when you try to judge the cleverness of others by their looks and performance. Some people have minds that shine only in certain situations. A young man with an unusual gift in novel writing may find himself speechless before a pretty girl. But don't make the mistake of thinking he might not be that clever. With a pen and paper, he can tell what he thought very well. Other people may fool you into mistakenly thinking they are clever by putting up a good front. A student who listens carefully and takes notes in class is sure to make a good impression on his teachers. But when it comes to exams, he may get scores much lower than his classmates. We may conclude that:you can't judge someone by appearances. The only way to tell whether a person is clever or not is to get to know him by observing how he reacts to different situations. The more situations you observe, the more accurate your judgement is likely to be. So take your time. Don't judge the book by its cover. The best title for this passage is _", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 1, "choices": [ "don't judge a book by its cover", "don't judge a person's cleverness by appearance", "people may fool you by putting up a good front", "make sure you know someone well before observing him" ], "question": "\"Have you ever heard the old saying, \"Never judge a book by its cover\"? This is a good rule to follow when you try to judge the cleverness of others by their looks and performance. Some people have minds that shine only in certain situations. A young man with an unusual gift in novel writing may find himself speechless before a pretty girl. But don't make the mistake of thinking he might not be that clever. With a pen and paper, he can tell what he thought very well. Other people may fool you into mistakenly thinking they are clever by putting up a good front. A student who listens carefully and takes notes in class is sure to make a good impression on his teachers. But when it comes to exams, he may get scores much lower than his classmates. We may conclude that:you can't judge someone by appearances. The only way to tell whether a person is clever or not is to get to know him by observing how he reacts to different situations. The more situations you observe, the more accurate your judgement is likely to be. So take your time. Don't judge the book by its cover. The main idea of the passage is _", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "is stupid", "is a good student", "is a good writer", "is successful with girls" ], "question": "\"Have you ever heard the old saying, \"Never judge a book by its cover\"? This is a good rule to follow when you try to judge the cleverness of others by their looks and performance. Some people have minds that shine only in certain situations. A young man with an unusual gift in novel writing may find himself speechless before a pretty girl. But don't make the mistake of thinking he might not be that clever. With a pen and paper, he can tell what he thought very well. Other people may fool you into mistakenly thinking they are clever by putting up a good front. A student who listens carefully and takes notes in class is sure to make a good impression on his teachers. But when it comes to exams, he may get scores much lower than his classmates. We may conclude that:you can't judge someone by appearances. The only way to tell whether a person is clever or not is to get to know him by observing how he reacts to different situations. The more situations you observe, the more accurate your judgement is likely to be. So take your time. Don't judge the book by its cover. The young man mentioned in the passage _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "the grades he gets in school", "his manners at parties", "his outward appearanc", "how he behaves in different situations" ], "question": "\"Have you ever heard the old saying, \"Never judge a book by its cover\"? This is a good rule to follow when you try to judge the cleverness of others by their looks and performance. Some people have minds that shine only in certain situations. A young man with an unusual gift in novel writing may find himself speechless before a pretty girl. But don't make the mistake of thinking he might not be that clever. With a pen and paper, he can tell what he thought very well. Other people may fool you into mistakenly thinking they are clever by putting up a good front. A student who listens carefully and takes notes in class is sure to make a good impression on his teachers. But when it comes to exams, he may get scores much lower than his classmates. We may conclude that:you can't judge someone by appearances. The only way to tell whether a person is clever or not is to get to know him by observing how he reacts to different situations. The more situations you observe, the more accurate your judgement is likely to be. So take your time. Don't judge the book by its cover. According to the passage, true knowledge of a person's cleverness comes from _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "make quick judgements", "be creative", "have patience and be careful", "give him a test" ], "question": "\"Have you ever heard the old saying, \"Never judge a book by its cover\"? This is a good rule to follow when you try to judge the cleverness of others by their looks and performance. Some people have minds that shine only in certain situations. A young man with an unusual gift in novel writing may find himself speechless before a pretty girl. But don't make the mistake of thinking he might not be that clever. With a pen and paper, he can tell what he thought very well. Other people may fool you into mistakenly thinking they are clever by putting up a good front. A student who listens carefully and takes notes in class is sure to make a good impression on his teachers. But when it comes to exams, he may get scores much lower than his classmates. We may conclude that:you can't judge someone by appearances. The only way to tell whether a person is clever or not is to get to know him by observing how he reacts to different situations. The more situations you observe, the more accurate your judgement is likely to be. So take your time. Don't judge the book by its cover. Thepassage suggests that in judging a person's intelligence we should _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 1, "choices": [ "replacing the blood in the body.", "eating a lot of water mixed with sugar and salt and using antibiotics.", "eating a large amount of sugar and salt", "drinking a lot of water and eating a large amount of food." ], "question": "Cholera is a water-borne disease that is spread through polluted water and food. Cholera is an illness caused by the bacterium. It produces a poison that causes a painless , watery diarrhea( ) that can quickly lead to severe dehydration and death if treatment is not given. Most persons infected with cholera do not become ill, although the bacterium is present in their waste for 7-14 days. When this illness does strike, more than 90% of the time is not severe and is difficult to tell from other types of diarrhea. Less than 10% of sick persons develop cholera with signs of moderate or severe dehydration. A person may get cholera by drinking water or eating food polluted with the cholera bacterium. The disease can spread rapidly in areas without the proper treatment of drinking water. The cholera bacterium may also live in the environment in dirty rivers and coastal waters. Shellfish eaten raw have been a source of cholera. Therefore, the disease is not likely to spread directly from one person to another. Cholera can be simply and successfully treated by immediate replacement of the fluid and salts lost through diarrhea. Patients can be treated by being given a mixture of sugar and salt to be mixed with water and drunk in large amount. Antibiotics shorten the course and decrease the severity of the illness. To avoid cholera, we should eat well-cooked food instead of raw food. Cholera can be treated by _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 0, "choices": [ "The Sendai meeting was held one day after a cyclone hit Vanuatu", "Vanuatu was terribly destroyed by an earthquake", "The president of Vanuatu begged his country to prevent the disaster", "Vanuatu is a small island in Japan" ], "question": "Terrible disasters in the last 50 or 100 years have become increasingly common. Over the last 30 years, the number of weather-related disasters has increased quickly, and the disasters have also affected more people and caused more economic loss. However, much of this could be avoided through disaster risk reduction(DRR). A meeting, held in Sendai, Japan last month, opened one day after Cyclone Pam(Pam)hit Vanuatu, which struck the islands with winds of up to 340km/h and destroyed the island nation. The speech by the President of Vanuatu was given shortly after that. He begged the international community for support and stronger commitment to helping them manage climate and disaster risks. In the face of disasters, it is always the developing countries that suffer most. Damage in these countries is often worse and unluckily, there is limited money and technique to prevent these disasters. In fact, we have seen Asian countries-especially those that have suffered a lot in disasters can't pay the price. Great loss Asia has suffered comes to a total of almost $ 53 billon yearly over the past 20 years. At the same time, studies have shown once again that proper prevention saves lives and damage. With this in mind, people at the Sendai meeting were able to come up with new agreements that effective ways of disaster risk reduction will be carried out in the coming years for those who easily get damaged in disasters. We can know from the passage that _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "Proper ways that save lives and damage have come up.", "The Sendai meeting has made new commitments.", "Natural disasters have become more common.", "Some natural disasters can be reduced and avoided." ], "question": "Terrible disasters in the last 50 or 100 years have become increasingly common. Over the last 30 years, the number of weather-related disasters has increased quickly, and the disasters have also affected more people and caused more economic loss. However, much of this could be avoided through disaster risk reduction(DRR). A meeting, held in Sendai, Japan last month, opened one day after Cyclone Pam(Pam)hit Vanuatu, which struck the islands with winds of up to 340km/h and destroyed the island nation. The speech by the President of Vanuatu was given shortly after that. He begged the international community for support and stronger commitment to helping them manage climate and disaster risks. In the face of disasters, it is always the developing countries that suffer most. Damage in these countries is often worse and unluckily, there is limited money and technique to prevent these disasters. In fact, we have seen Asian countries-especially those that have suffered a lot in disasters can't pay the price. Great loss Asia has suffered comes to a total of almost $ 53 billon yearly over the past 20 years. At the same time, studies have shown once again that proper prevention saves lives and damage. With this in mind, people at the Sendai meeting were able to come up with new agreements that effective ways of disaster risk reduction will be carried out in the coming years for those who easily get damaged in disasters. Which of the following can be the title of this news report?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 0, "choices": [ "Drinking water: bottled or from the tap?", "How to save more energy?", "Why is it good to drink water out of the tap?", "Stop drinking bottled water from now on." ], "question": "If your family is like many in the United States, keeping a lot of bottled water at home, it's easy to get a cold one right out of the fridge on your way to a soccer game or activity, right? But all those plastic bottles use a lot of fossil fuels and pollute the environment. In fact, Americans buy more bottled water than any other nation in the world, and add 29 billion water bottles a year to the problem. In order to make all these bottles, manufacturers use 17 million barrels of crude oil . That's enough oil to keep a million cars going for twelve months. So why don't more people drink water straight from the kitchen faucet? Some people drink bottled water because they think it is better for them than water out of the tap, but that's not true. In the US, local governments make sure water from the faucet is safe. People love the convenience of bottled water. But maybe if they realized the problems it causes, they would try drinking from a glass at home or carrying water in a refillable steel container instead of plastic. Unfortunately, for every six water bottles we use, only one makes it to the recycling bin. The rest are sent to landfills. Or, even worse, they end up as trash on the land and in rivers, lakes and the ocean. Plastic bottles take many hundreds of years to break down. Water is good for you, so keep drinking it. But think about how often you use water bottles, and see if you can make a change. And yes, you can make a difference. Remember this: recycling one plastic bottle can save enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for six hours. No matter who you are, you can do something for the environment. Join us and protect the environment. What's the best title for this passage?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 0, "choices": [ "Because they think bottled water is healthier than water out of the tap.", "Because local governments don't make sure that water from the faucet is safe.", "Because bottled water is much cheaper than water out of the kitchen faucet.", "Because water out of the kitchen faucet is not provided anywhere." ], "question": "If your family is like many in the United States, keeping a lot of bottled water at home, it's easy to get a cold one right out of the fridge on your way to a soccer game or activity, right? But all those plastic bottles use a lot of fossil fuels and pollute the environment. In fact, Americans buy more bottled water than any other nation in the world, and add 29 billion water bottles a year to the problem. In order to make all these bottles, manufacturers use 17 million barrels of crude oil . That's enough oil to keep a million cars going for twelve months. So why don't more people drink water straight from the kitchen faucet? Some people drink bottled water because they think it is better for them than water out of the tap, but that's not true. In the US, local governments make sure water from the faucet is safe. People love the convenience of bottled water. But maybe if they realized the problems it causes, they would try drinking from a glass at home or carrying water in a refillable steel container instead of plastic. Unfortunately, for every six water bottles we use, only one makes it to the recycling bin. The rest are sent to landfills. Or, even worse, they end up as trash on the land and in rivers, lakes and the ocean. Plastic bottles take many hundreds of years to break down. Water is good for you, so keep drinking it. But think about how often you use water bottles, and see if you can make a change. And yes, you can make a difference. Remember this: recycling one plastic bottle can save enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for six hours. No matter who you are, you can do something for the environment. Join us and protect the environment. According to the passage, why don't some people drink water straight from the kitchen faucet?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "it is very hard for plastic bottles to break down", "if we used one bottle less, more oil would be saved", "bottled water is very convenient to drink", "plastic bottles have been causing less and less pollution" ], "question": "If your family is like many in the United States, keeping a lot of bottled water at home, it's easy to get a cold one right out of the fridge on your way to a soccer game or activity, right? But all those plastic bottles use a lot of fossil fuels and pollute the environment. In fact, Americans buy more bottled water than any other nation in the world, and add 29 billion water bottles a year to the problem. In order to make all these bottles, manufacturers use 17 million barrels of crude oil . That's enough oil to keep a million cars going for twelve months. So why don't more people drink water straight from the kitchen faucet? Some people drink bottled water because they think it is better for them than water out of the tap, but that's not true. In the US, local governments make sure water from the faucet is safe. People love the convenience of bottled water. But maybe if they realized the problems it causes, they would try drinking from a glass at home or carrying water in a refillable steel container instead of plastic. Unfortunately, for every six water bottles we use, only one makes it to the recycling bin. The rest are sent to landfills. Or, even worse, they end up as trash on the land and in rivers, lakes and the ocean. Plastic bottles take many hundreds of years to break down. Water is good for you, so keep drinking it. But think about how often you use water bottles, and see if you can make a change. And yes, you can make a difference. Remember this: recycling one plastic bottle can save enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for six hours. No matter who you are, you can do something for the environment. Join us and protect the environment. The author may disagree that _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 1, "choices": [ "To describe all the traditional courses.", "To introduce the happiness course.", "To develop the readers' interest in happiness.", "To help students struggle against being sad." ], "question": "Teenagers at one German school are learning how to achieve happiness alongside other traditional subjects such as math and languages. The class sit in a circle with their eyes shut and they count from one to ten: someone starts, the next voice comes from the far right, a third from the other side. The aim of the game is to listen for an opportunity to shout out the number without clashing with another voice or leaving a pause. On the first try, most of the young Germans try to be first, while a few are too shy to join in, but by the fifth time round, they develop a rhythm .The message: give other people space but also confidently claim your own. This is a requirement for social well-being. The Willy Hellpach School in Heidelberg is the first in the nation to develop a happiness course. It is intended for students preparing for university entrance exams. \"The course isn't there to make you happy,\" Ernst Fritz-Schubert, the school principal, warned pupils, \"but rather to help you discover the ways to become happy.\" Cooking a meal together is one of the class exercises. Improving body language under the guidance of two professional actresses is another. The course is taught for three periods a week. Although it's the happy subject, the pupils themselves insist it is no laughing matter. \"In the first period, we had to each say something positive about another member of the class and about ourselves. No laughing at people,\" said Fanny, 17. Research by the school shows it is not the first to start happiness classes: they also exist at some US universities, mainly based on positive thinking, using findings from studies of depression. What's the writing purpose of this passage?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "created by the Willy Hellpach School", "to make all the students happy all the time", "required to be taken by the first year students", "to help students discover the way to happiness" ], "question": "Teenagers at one German school are learning how to achieve happiness alongside other traditional subjects such as math and languages. The class sit in a circle with their eyes shut and they count from one to ten: someone starts, the next voice comes from the far right, a third from the other side. The aim of the game is to listen for an opportunity to shout out the number without clashing with another voice or leaving a pause. On the first try, most of the young Germans try to be first, while a few are too shy to join in, but by the fifth time round, they develop a rhythm .The message: give other people space but also confidently claim your own. This is a requirement for social well-being. The Willy Hellpach School in Heidelberg is the first in the nation to develop a happiness course. It is intended for students preparing for university entrance exams. \"The course isn't there to make you happy,\" Ernst Fritz-Schubert, the school principal, warned pupils, \"but rather to help you discover the ways to become happy.\" Cooking a meal together is one of the class exercises. Improving body language under the guidance of two professional actresses is another. The course is taught for three periods a week. Although it's the happy subject, the pupils themselves insist it is no laughing matter. \"In the first period, we had to each say something positive about another member of the class and about ourselves. No laughing at people,\" said Fanny, 17. Research by the school shows it is not the first to start happiness classes: they also exist at some US universities, mainly based on positive thinking, using findings from studies of depression. According to the passage, the happiness course is _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 0, "choices": [ "the students' self-respect can also improve happiness", "the students just took the course as a laughing matter", "the students can certainly become happy after the course", "the students waste time learning something without value" ], "question": "Teenagers at one German school are learning how to achieve happiness alongside other traditional subjects such as math and languages. The class sit in a circle with their eyes shut and they count from one to ten: someone starts, the next voice comes from the far right, a third from the other side. The aim of the game is to listen for an opportunity to shout out the number without clashing with another voice or leaving a pause. On the first try, most of the young Germans try to be first, while a few are too shy to join in, but by the fifth time round, they develop a rhythm .The message: give other people space but also confidently claim your own. This is a requirement for social well-being. The Willy Hellpach School in Heidelberg is the first in the nation to develop a happiness course. It is intended for students preparing for university entrance exams. \"The course isn't there to make you happy,\" Ernst Fritz-Schubert, the school principal, warned pupils, \"but rather to help you discover the ways to become happy.\" Cooking a meal together is one of the class exercises. Improving body language under the guidance of two professional actresses is another. The course is taught for three periods a week. Although it's the happy subject, the pupils themselves insist it is no laughing matter. \"In the first period, we had to each say something positive about another member of the class and about ourselves. No laughing at people,\" said Fanny, 17. Research by the school shows it is not the first to start happiness classes: they also exist at some US universities, mainly based on positive thinking, using findings from studies of depression. It can be inferred from the passage that _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "current scientific knowledge about faults", "the San Andreas and the New Madrid faults", "the causes of faults", "the New Madrid fault in Missouri" ], "question": "Everyone has heard of the San Andreas fault , which constantly threatens California and the West Coast with earthquakes. But how many people know about the equally serious New Madrid fault in Missouri? Between December of 1811 and February of 1812, three major earthquakes occurred, all centered around the town of New Madrid, Missouri, on the Mississippi River. Property damage was severe. Buildings in the area were almost destroyed. Whole forests fell at once, and huge cracks opened in the ground, releasing some strong smell chemicals. The Mississippi River itself completely changed character, developing sudden rapids and whirlpools . Several times it changed its course, and once, according to some observers, it actually appeared to run backwards. Few people were killed in the New Marid earthquakes, probably simply because few people lived in the area in 1811; but the severity of the earthquakes are shown by the fact that the shock waves rang bells in church towers in Charleston, South Carolina, on the coast. Buildings shook in New York City, and clocks were stopped in Washington, D.C. Scientists now know that America's two major faults are essentially different. The San Andreas is a horizontal boundary between two major land masses that are slowly moving in opposite directions. California earthquakes result when the two masses make a sudden move. The New Madrid fault, on the other hand, is a vertical fault; at some points, possibly hundreds of millions of years ago, rock was pushed up toward the surface, probably by volcanoes under the surface. Suddenly, the volcanoes cooled and the rock collapsed, leaving huge cracks. Even now, the rock continues to settle downwards, and sudden sinking motions cause earthquakes in the region. The fault itself, a large crack in this layer of rock, with dozens of other cracks that split off from it, extends from northeast Arkansas through Missouri and into southern Illinois. Scientists who have studied the New Madrid fault say there have been numerous smaller quakes in the area since 1811; these smaller quakes indicate that larger ones are probably coming, but the scientists say they have no method of predicting when a large earthquake will occur. This passage is mainly about _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 0, "choices": [ "a vertical fault", "a horizontal fault", "a more serious fault than the San Andreas fault", "responsible for forming the Mississippi River" ], "question": "Everyone has heard of the San Andreas fault , which constantly threatens California and the West Coast with earthquakes. But how many people know about the equally serious New Madrid fault in Missouri? Between December of 1811 and February of 1812, three major earthquakes occurred, all centered around the town of New Madrid, Missouri, on the Mississippi River. Property damage was severe. Buildings in the area were almost destroyed. Whole forests fell at once, and huge cracks opened in the ground, releasing some strong smell chemicals. The Mississippi River itself completely changed character, developing sudden rapids and whirlpools . Several times it changed its course, and once, according to some observers, it actually appeared to run backwards. Few people were killed in the New Marid earthquakes, probably simply because few people lived in the area in 1811; but the severity of the earthquakes are shown by the fact that the shock waves rang bells in church towers in Charleston, South Carolina, on the coast. Buildings shook in New York City, and clocks were stopped in Washington, D.C. Scientists now know that America's two major faults are essentially different. The San Andreas is a horizontal boundary between two major land masses that are slowly moving in opposite directions. California earthquakes result when the two masses make a sudden move. The New Madrid fault, on the other hand, is a vertical fault; at some points, possibly hundreds of millions of years ago, rock was pushed up toward the surface, probably by volcanoes under the surface. Suddenly, the volcanoes cooled and the rock collapsed, leaving huge cracks. Even now, the rock continues to settle downwards, and sudden sinking motions cause earthquakes in the region. The fault itself, a large crack in this layer of rock, with dozens of other cracks that split off from it, extends from northeast Arkansas through Missouri and into southern Illinois. Scientists who have studied the New Madrid fault say there have been numerous smaller quakes in the area since 1811; these smaller quakes indicate that larger ones are probably coming, but the scientists say they have no method of predicting when a large earthquake will occur. The New Madrid fault is _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "horizontal faults are more dangerous than vertical faults", "Vertical faults are more dangerous than horizontal faults", "The volcanoes that caused the New Madrid fault are still alive", "A lot of people would die if the 1811 New Madrid earthquakes happened today" ], "question": "Everyone has heard of the San Andreas fault , which constantly threatens California and the West Coast with earthquakes. But how many people know about the equally serious New Madrid fault in Missouri? Between December of 1811 and February of 1812, three major earthquakes occurred, all centered around the town of New Madrid, Missouri, on the Mississippi River. Property damage was severe. Buildings in the area were almost destroyed. Whole forests fell at once, and huge cracks opened in the ground, releasing some strong smell chemicals. The Mississippi River itself completely changed character, developing sudden rapids and whirlpools . Several times it changed its course, and once, according to some observers, it actually appeared to run backwards. Few people were killed in the New Marid earthquakes, probably simply because few people lived in the area in 1811; but the severity of the earthquakes are shown by the fact that the shock waves rang bells in church towers in Charleston, South Carolina, on the coast. Buildings shook in New York City, and clocks were stopped in Washington, D.C. Scientists now know that America's two major faults are essentially different. The San Andreas is a horizontal boundary between two major land masses that are slowly moving in opposite directions. California earthquakes result when the two masses make a sudden move. The New Madrid fault, on the other hand, is a vertical fault; at some points, possibly hundreds of millions of years ago, rock was pushed up toward the surface, probably by volcanoes under the surface. Suddenly, the volcanoes cooled and the rock collapsed, leaving huge cracks. Even now, the rock continues to settle downwards, and sudden sinking motions cause earthquakes in the region. The fault itself, a large crack in this layer of rock, with dozens of other cracks that split off from it, extends from northeast Arkansas through Missouri and into southern Illinois. Scientists who have studied the New Madrid fault say there have been numerous smaller quakes in the area since 1811; these smaller quakes indicate that larger ones are probably coming, but the scientists say they have no method of predicting when a large earthquake will occur. This passage implies that _ . .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "the problems of Chinese elderly population", "the advantages of the Robot caregivers", "robot caregivers for the elderly to lilt market", "the government's attention to the elderly" ], "question": "A 1. 6-meter tall robot may soon become the best friend for lonely elderly people,as Chinese scientists are making the final sprint toward its market launch ,said a senior researcher on the robot project on Saturday. \"We are working on testing the exact functions and ways to reduce the cost in preparations for an expected market launch of the robot in two to three years,\"said Li Ruifeng,a member of the project. He said the team hoped to reduce the cost so that the robot can be priced at 30,000 to 50,000 yuan,which is expected to be an affordable price for most of China's better-off families. The robot has been developed with the functions of fetching food,medicine,sounding alarms in case of water or gas leakage,sending texts or video images via wireless communications,and even singing a song or playing chess to entertain its masters. Li said that the robot,developed independently in China, has technology at the same level as those in western labs. China set about the research of the robot in 2007,when it was listed as a national key project. It is _ by government funding . China has the world's largest elderly population with 159 million people over 60,accounting for 12 percent of its total population. According to a survey by the Ministry of Civil Affairs,more than 10 million caregivers and nurses are needed to attend the elderly population,as most of Chinese elderly prefer to live their retired lives at home. The passage mainly talked about_.", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 0, "choices": [ "Robot caregivers will appear in the market in 2 or 3 years.", "Robot caregivers can help elderly people do everything.", "The robot needs some technology from western labs.", "The robot is expected to be bought by every people." ], "question": "A 1. 6-meter tall robot may soon become the best friend for lonely elderly people,as Chinese scientists are making the final sprint toward its market launch ,said a senior researcher on the robot project on Saturday. \"We are working on testing the exact functions and ways to reduce the cost in preparations for an expected market launch of the robot in two to three years,\"said Li Ruifeng,a member of the project. He said the team hoped to reduce the cost so that the robot can be priced at 30,000 to 50,000 yuan,which is expected to be an affordable price for most of China's better-off families. The robot has been developed with the functions of fetching food,medicine,sounding alarms in case of water or gas leakage,sending texts or video images via wireless communications,and even singing a song or playing chess to entertain its masters. Li said that the robot,developed independently in China, has technology at the same level as those in western labs. China set about the research of the robot in 2007,when it was listed as a national key project. It is _ by government funding . China has the world's largest elderly population with 159 million people over 60,accounting for 12 percent of its total population. According to a survey by the Ministry of Civil Affairs,more than 10 million caregivers and nurses are needed to attend the elderly population,as most of Chinese elderly prefer to live their retired lives at home. Which of the following is true according to the passage?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "advertise a robot caregiver to the elderly", "tellprefix = st1 /Chinaelderly not to worry about their life", "explain how robot caregivers work in the future", "introduce a newly-developed robot caregiver" ], "question": "A 1. 6-meter tall robot may soon become the best friend for lonely elderly people,as Chinese scientists are making the final sprint toward its market launch ,said a senior researcher on the robot project on Saturday. \"We are working on testing the exact functions and ways to reduce the cost in preparations for an expected market launch of the robot in two to three years,\"said Li Ruifeng,a member of the project. He said the team hoped to reduce the cost so that the robot can be priced at 30,000 to 50,000 yuan,which is expected to be an affordable price for most of China's better-off families. The robot has been developed with the functions of fetching food,medicine,sounding alarms in case of water or gas leakage,sending texts or video images via wireless communications,and even singing a song or playing chess to entertain its masters. Li said that the robot,developed independently in China, has technology at the same level as those in western labs. China set about the research of the robot in 2007,when it was listed as a national key project. It is _ by government funding . China has the world's largest elderly population with 159 million people over 60,accounting for 12 percent of its total population. According to a survey by the Ministry of Civil Affairs,more than 10 million caregivers and nurses are needed to attend the elderly population,as most of Chinese elderly prefer to live their retired lives at home. The author wrote the passage to_.", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "he is embarrassed that he is afraid of robots", "he doesn't think machines are intelligent", "machines should be fully employed", "machines'super intelligence should be a concern" ], "question": "Robots make me nervous-especially the ones which seem to think for themselves.I was embarrassed to admit this till I heard that Bill Gates,the founder of Microsoft,felt the same way.Gates said in an interview with the website Reddit:\"I am in the camp that is concerned about super intelligence.First the machines will do a lot of jobs for us and not be super intelligent.That should be positive if we manage well.A few decades after that though the intelligence is strong enough to be a concern.\" Well,maybe I don't have to worry about my laptop and kitchen appliances yet.After I use them I can always pull the plug.But in the future,machines might find a way to prevent us from switching them off.There's a scary thought! Professor Stephen Hawking warned a few months ago about the possibility that artificial intelligence could evolve and end up beyond human contro1.He suggested that machines could\" _ the end of the human race\". Maybe the problem with computers too clever for us is not that they are evil or rebellious.What could put us in danger is that they might be too efficient.That's what philosopher Nick Bostrom from the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University believes.He says that machines are indifferent to humans and in pursuit of their own goals,the destruction of people might be just collateral damage.A machine would not take pity on you. I'm glad my machines at home are\"dumb\".All my vacuum cleaner wants to take over is the carpet in my living room.Let's hope they don't create an appliance which wants to take over the world! We can conclude from Gates'statements that _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "They are too evil and rebellious.", "They are indifferent to humans.", "They show pity on humans.", "They are too clever and efficient." ], "question": "Robots make me nervous-especially the ones which seem to think for themselves.I was embarrassed to admit this till I heard that Bill Gates,the founder of Microsoft,felt the same way.Gates said in an interview with the website Reddit:\"I am in the camp that is concerned about super intelligence.First the machines will do a lot of jobs for us and not be super intelligent.That should be positive if we manage well.A few decades after that though the intelligence is strong enough to be a concern.\" Well,maybe I don't have to worry about my laptop and kitchen appliances yet.After I use them I can always pull the plug.But in the future,machines might find a way to prevent us from switching them off.There's a scary thought! Professor Stephen Hawking warned a few months ago about the possibility that artificial intelligence could evolve and end up beyond human contro1.He suggested that machines could\" _ the end of the human race\". Maybe the problem with computers too clever for us is not that they are evil or rebellious.What could put us in danger is that they might be too efficient.That's what philosopher Nick Bostrom from the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University believes.He says that machines are indifferent to humans and in pursuit of their own goals,the destruction of people might be just collateral damage.A machine would not take pity on you. I'm glad my machines at home are\"dumb\".All my vacuum cleaner wants to take over is the carpet in my living room.Let's hope they don't create an appliance which wants to take over the world! Why are computers dangerous according to Nick Bostrom?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "He doesn't agree with Bill Gates.", "He is not content with the present kitchen appliances.", "He is scared about the super intelligence of machines.", "He expects that machines will take place of humans." ], "question": "Robots make me nervous-especially the ones which seem to think for themselves.I was embarrassed to admit this till I heard that Bill Gates,the founder of Microsoft,felt the same way.Gates said in an interview with the website Reddit:\"I am in the camp that is concerned about super intelligence.First the machines will do a lot of jobs for us and not be super intelligent.That should be positive if we manage well.A few decades after that though the intelligence is strong enough to be a concern.\" Well,maybe I don't have to worry about my laptop and kitchen appliances yet.After I use them I can always pull the plug.But in the future,machines might find a way to prevent us from switching them off.There's a scary thought! Professor Stephen Hawking warned a few months ago about the possibility that artificial intelligence could evolve and end up beyond human contro1.He suggested that machines could\" _ the end of the human race\". Maybe the problem with computers too clever for us is not that they are evil or rebellious.What could put us in danger is that they might be too efficient.That's what philosopher Nick Bostrom from the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University believes.He says that machines are indifferent to humans and in pursuit of their own goals,the destruction of people might be just collateral damage.A machine would not take pity on you. I'm glad my machines at home are\"dumb\".All my vacuum cleaner wants to take over is the carpet in my living room.Let's hope they don't create an appliance which wants to take over the world! What can be inferred about the author?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "Kaldi's story.", "The monk's story.", "Omar's story.", "Baba Budan's story." ], "question": "Legends about the development of coffee are varied and interesting, involving chance occurrences, political tricks, and the pursuit of wealth and power. According to one story, a sheepherder named Kaldi, as he tended his sheep, noticed the effect of coffee beans. He noticed that the sheep became excited after eating the red \"cherries\" from a certain plant when they changed pastures . He tried it himself, and was soon as overactive as his sheep. Another story relates that a monk happened to discover that this fruit from the shiny green plant could help him stay awake. Another legend gives us the name for coffee, \"mocha\". Omar, an Arabian was thrown to the desert with his followers to die of starvation. In desperation, Omar had his friends boil and eat the fruit from an unknown plant. Not only did the soup save the group, but the residents of the nearest town, Mocha, took their survival as a religious sign. The plant and its beverage were named Mocha to honor this event. Coffee was introduced much later to countries beyond Arabia, whose inhabitants believed it to be a tasty thing and guarded its secret as if they were top secret military plans. The government forbade transportation of the plant out of the Moslem nations. The actual spread of coffee was started illegally. One Arab named Baba Budan smuggled beans to some mountains near Mysore, India, and started a farm there. Early in this century, some of those original plants were found still growing fruitfully in the region. Coffee today is grown and enjoyed worldwide, and is one of the few crops that small farmers in third-world countries can profitably export. Which of the following involves political tricks?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 0, "choices": [ "a town", "an Arabian", "a kind of coffee", "a sheepherder" ], "question": "Legends about the development of coffee are varied and interesting, involving chance occurrences, political tricks, and the pursuit of wealth and power. According to one story, a sheepherder named Kaldi, as he tended his sheep, noticed the effect of coffee beans. He noticed that the sheep became excited after eating the red \"cherries\" from a certain plant when they changed pastures . He tried it himself, and was soon as overactive as his sheep. Another story relates that a monk happened to discover that this fruit from the shiny green plant could help him stay awake. Another legend gives us the name for coffee, \"mocha\". Omar, an Arabian was thrown to the desert with his followers to die of starvation. In desperation, Omar had his friends boil and eat the fruit from an unknown plant. Not only did the soup save the group, but the residents of the nearest town, Mocha, took their survival as a religious sign. The plant and its beverage were named Mocha to honor this event. Coffee was introduced much later to countries beyond Arabia, whose inhabitants believed it to be a tasty thing and guarded its secret as if they were top secret military plans. The government forbade transportation of the plant out of the Moslem nations. The actual spread of coffee was started illegally. One Arab named Baba Budan smuggled beans to some mountains near Mysore, India, and started a farm there. Early in this century, some of those original plants were found still growing fruitfully in the region. Coffee today is grown and enjoyed worldwide, and is one of the few crops that small farmers in third-world countries can profitably export. Mocha is originally the name of _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 1, "choices": [ "The Secret of Coffee", "The Tales of Coffee", "People's Love for Coffee", "The Function of Coffee" ], "question": "Legends about the development of coffee are varied and interesting, involving chance occurrences, political tricks, and the pursuit of wealth and power. According to one story, a sheepherder named Kaldi, as he tended his sheep, noticed the effect of coffee beans. He noticed that the sheep became excited after eating the red \"cherries\" from a certain plant when they changed pastures . He tried it himself, and was soon as overactive as his sheep. Another story relates that a monk happened to discover that this fruit from the shiny green plant could help him stay awake. Another legend gives us the name for coffee, \"mocha\". Omar, an Arabian was thrown to the desert with his followers to die of starvation. In desperation, Omar had his friends boil and eat the fruit from an unknown plant. Not only did the soup save the group, but the residents of the nearest town, Mocha, took their survival as a religious sign. The plant and its beverage were named Mocha to honor this event. Coffee was introduced much later to countries beyond Arabia, whose inhabitants believed it to be a tasty thing and guarded its secret as if they were top secret military plans. The government forbade transportation of the plant out of the Moslem nations. The actual spread of coffee was started illegally. One Arab named Baba Budan smuggled beans to some mountains near Mysore, India, and started a farm there. Early in this century, some of those original plants were found still growing fruitfully in the region. Coffee today is grown and enjoyed worldwide, and is one of the few crops that small farmers in third-world countries can profitably export. What can be the best title for the text?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "Bernice is a baseball fan", "Bernice is the last person to purchase the rare-baseball card", "Bernice unexpectedly became the owner of the rare-baseball card", "Bernice didn't realize the value of the card until she put it up for auction" ], "question": "Bernice Gallego sat down one day this summer, as she does pretty much every day,and began listing items on eBay. She dug into a box and pulled out a baseball card. She stopped for a moment and admired the picture. \"Red Stocking B. B. Club of Cincinnatti,\" the card read, under the reddish brown color photo of ten men with their socks pulled up to their knees. As a collector and seller, it's her job to spot old items that might have value today. It's what Bernice,72, and her husband, Al Gallego, 80, have been doing since 1974 at their California antique store. This card, she figured, was worth selling on eBay. She took a picture, wrote a description and put it up for auction.She put a $10 price tag on it, deciding against $15 because it would have cost her an extra 20 cents. Later that night she got a few odd inquiries---someone wanting to know whether the card was real, someone wanting her to end the caution and sell him the card immediately. The card is actually 139 years old. Sports card collectors call the find \"extremely rare\" and estimate the card could five, or perhaps, six figures at caution. Just like that, Bernice is the least likely character ever for a rare-baseball card story. \"I didn't even know baseball existed that far back,\" Gallego says, \"I don't think that I've ever been to a baseball game.\" The theory is that the card came out of a storage space they bought a few years back. It is not uncommon in their line of work to buy the entire contents of storage units for around $200. When she met with card trader Rick Mirigian, she found out what the card was-----an 1869 advertisement with a picture of the first professional baseball team, the Cincinnatti Red Stocking. \"When I came to meet her and she took it out of a sandwich bag and she was smoking a cigarette, I almost fainted,\" Mirigian says. \" They've uncovered a piece of history that few people will ever be able to imagine. That card is history. It's like unearthing a Mona Lisa or a Picasso.\" 69. From the passage we may learn that _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 0, "choices": [ "A Surprisingly Valuable Discovery", "The History of the Baseball Card", "Bernice Gallego---A lucky collector", "Sports Card Collectors" ], "question": "Bernice Gallego sat down one day this summer, as she does pretty much every day,and began listing items on eBay. She dug into a box and pulled out a baseball card. She stopped for a moment and admired the picture. \"Red Stocking B. B. Club of Cincinnatti,\" the card read, under the reddish brown color photo of ten men with their socks pulled up to their knees. As a collector and seller, it's her job to spot old items that might have value today. It's what Bernice,72, and her husband, Al Gallego, 80, have been doing since 1974 at their California antique store. This card, she figured, was worth selling on eBay. She took a picture, wrote a description and put it up for auction.She put a $10 price tag on it, deciding against $15 because it would have cost her an extra 20 cents. Later that night she got a few odd inquiries---someone wanting to know whether the card was real, someone wanting her to end the caution and sell him the card immediately. The card is actually 139 years old. Sports card collectors call the find \"extremely rare\" and estimate the card could five, or perhaps, six figures at caution. Just like that, Bernice is the least likely character ever for a rare-baseball card story. \"I didn't even know baseball existed that far back,\" Gallego says, \"I don't think that I've ever been to a baseball game.\" The theory is that the card came out of a storage space they bought a few years back. It is not uncommon in their line of work to buy the entire contents of storage units for around $200. When she met with card trader Rick Mirigian, she found out what the card was-----an 1869 advertisement with a picture of the first professional baseball team, the Cincinnatti Red Stocking. \"When I came to meet her and she took it out of a sandwich bag and she was smoking a cigarette, I almost fainted,\" Mirigian says. \" They've uncovered a piece of history that few people will ever be able to imagine. That card is history. It's like unearthing a Mona Lisa or a Picasso.\" 70. What would be the best title for the passage?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "scientists who study earthquakes", "the way of measuring earthquakes", "a usual natural disaster", "what people should do in the earthquake" ], "question": "Every year there are hundreds of earthquakes in different parts of the world. In September, 1923, Tokyo and Yokohama were both destroyed by an earthquake and the fires that followed it. They had to be completely rebuilt. One of the most serious earthquakes was in China's Shanxi province in 1556. It killed almost one million people. We measure an earthquake's strength on the Richter Scale. The Richter Scale was introduced in 1935 in Southern California in the USA. It measures earthquakes on a scale of one to ten. Any earthquake measuring five or more is usually serious. The Earth's crust is made up of rock called plates. As these plates move, they sometimes crash against each other, causing the crust to quake. In cities such as Tokyo, where small quakes happen quite often, many modern buildings are designed to be flexible so when the Earth moves, they move with it. Earthquakes can also break up gas and oil pipes. This can cause fires to break out, which can do as much damage as the earthquake itself. Another effect of earthquakes is _ These are huge waves created by earthquakes beneath the sea. They can be many meters high and cause great damage to coastal towns and cities, China, Japan, Russia and the USA have the highest occurrence of earthquakes in the world. The passage is mainly about _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "happened in 1556", "killed one million people", "caused a lot of damage", "was the only earthquake in China" ], "question": "Every year there are hundreds of earthquakes in different parts of the world. In September, 1923, Tokyo and Yokohama were both destroyed by an earthquake and the fires that followed it. They had to be completely rebuilt. One of the most serious earthquakes was in China's Shanxi province in 1556. It killed almost one million people. We measure an earthquake's strength on the Richter Scale. The Richter Scale was introduced in 1935 in Southern California in the USA. It measures earthquakes on a scale of one to ten. Any earthquake measuring five or more is usually serious. The Earth's crust is made up of rock called plates. As these plates move, they sometimes crash against each other, causing the crust to quake. In cities such as Tokyo, where small quakes happen quite often, many modern buildings are designed to be flexible so when the Earth moves, they move with it. Earthquakes can also break up gas and oil pipes. This can cause fires to break out, which can do as much damage as the earthquake itself. Another effect of earthquakes is _ These are huge waves created by earthquakes beneath the sea. They can be many meters high and cause great damage to coastal towns and cities, China, Japan, Russia and the USA have the highest occurrence of earthquakes in the world. The earthquake in Shanxi Province _ , which in NOT true?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "don't cause much damage", "are not serious", "most possibly happen in Japan", "happen all over the world" ], "question": "Every year there are hundreds of earthquakes in different parts of the world. In September, 1923, Tokyo and Yokohama were both destroyed by an earthquake and the fires that followed it. They had to be completely rebuilt. One of the most serious earthquakes was in China's Shanxi province in 1556. It killed almost one million people. We measure an earthquake's strength on the Richter Scale. The Richter Scale was introduced in 1935 in Southern California in the USA. It measures earthquakes on a scale of one to ten. Any earthquake measuring five or more is usually serious. The Earth's crust is made up of rock called plates. As these plates move, they sometimes crash against each other, causing the crust to quake. In cities such as Tokyo, where small quakes happen quite often, many modern buildings are designed to be flexible so when the Earth moves, they move with it. Earthquakes can also break up gas and oil pipes. This can cause fires to break out, which can do as much damage as the earthquake itself. Another effect of earthquakes is _ These are huge waves created by earthquakes beneath the sea. They can be many meters high and cause great damage to coastal towns and cities, China, Japan, Russia and the USA have the highest occurrence of earthquakes in the world. Earthquakes _", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 1, "choices": [ "can cause earthquakes", "are caused by earthquakes", "only happen on land", "are a way of measuring earthquakes" ], "question": "Every year there are hundreds of earthquakes in different parts of the world. In September, 1923, Tokyo and Yokohama were both destroyed by an earthquake and the fires that followed it. They had to be completely rebuilt. One of the most serious earthquakes was in China's Shanxi province in 1556. It killed almost one million people. We measure an earthquake's strength on the Richter Scale. The Richter Scale was introduced in 1935 in Southern California in the USA. It measures earthquakes on a scale of one to ten. Any earthquake measuring five or more is usually serious. The Earth's crust is made up of rock called plates. As these plates move, they sometimes crash against each other, causing the crust to quake. In cities such as Tokyo, where small quakes happen quite often, many modern buildings are designed to be flexible so when the Earth moves, they move with it. Earthquakes can also break up gas and oil pipes. This can cause fires to break out, which can do as much damage as the earthquake itself. Another effect of earthquakes is _ These are huge waves created by earthquakes beneath the sea. They can be many meters high and cause great damage to coastal towns and cities, China, Japan, Russia and the USA have the highest occurrence of earthquakes in the world. According to the passage we know that tsunamis _", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 1, "choices": [ "telling an interesting story", "showing the process in different stages", "introducing a practical method", "describing many different activities" ], "question": "We grew up with the familiar toy bricks that gave us the imagination to build towers and castles. Generations have been attracted by this toy that lets children and adults alike create anything and everything. But with over 200 millions sets being sold a year in over 100 countries, the question remains -- where did Lego actually come from? Lego was born from the creative mind of Danish carpenter , Ole Kirk Christiansen, back in the early 1930s. He established a small business in Denmark. He and his team built a variety of household goods like ironing boards along with wooden toys. The Lego name was adopted in 1934, formed from the Danish words \"Leg Godt\" or \"play well\", which means \"I study\" or \"I put together\" in Latin. Christiansen's company continued to make wooden toys until 1942 when fire struck -- the entire Lego factory burned to the ground. Unwilling to give in, the factory was rebuilt and the production line restarted soon after. By 1954, Christiansen's son, Godtfred, had become the junior managing director of the Lego Group. It was during his conversation with an overseas buyer that he was struck by the idea of a toy system. For over 30 years, the Lego Company made only toys and related goods. Then, in 1968, the company opened its first Legoland in Denmark. Combining the Lego building bricks with a computer, the Robotics Invention System 1.5 is now the most advanced toy in the Lego Company, which is targeted at users aged twelve and above, and that includes any parents or grandparents that want to join in. Now the Lego Company is expanding its production lines to include lights, cameras and so on. Lego Company has done a lot to entertain many children around the world. The author presents the text by _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "It is the most advanced toy in the Lego Company.", "It combines the Lego building bricks with a computer.", "It is intended for users aged twelve and above.", "It is the most expensive toy invented since 1968." ], "question": "We grew up with the familiar toy bricks that gave us the imagination to build towers and castles. Generations have been attracted by this toy that lets children and adults alike create anything and everything. But with over 200 millions sets being sold a year in over 100 countries, the question remains -- where did Lego actually come from? Lego was born from the creative mind of Danish carpenter , Ole Kirk Christiansen, back in the early 1930s. He established a small business in Denmark. He and his team built a variety of household goods like ironing boards along with wooden toys. The Lego name was adopted in 1934, formed from the Danish words \"Leg Godt\" or \"play well\", which means \"I study\" or \"I put together\" in Latin. Christiansen's company continued to make wooden toys until 1942 when fire struck -- the entire Lego factory burned to the ground. Unwilling to give in, the factory was rebuilt and the production line restarted soon after. By 1954, Christiansen's son, Godtfred, had become the junior managing director of the Lego Group. It was during his conversation with an overseas buyer that he was struck by the idea of a toy system. For over 30 years, the Lego Company made only toys and related goods. Then, in 1968, the company opened its first Legoland in Denmark. Combining the Lego building bricks with a computer, the Robotics Invention System 1.5 is now the most advanced toy in the Lego Company, which is targeted at users aged twelve and above, and that includes any parents or grandparents that want to join in. Now the Lego Company is expanding its production lines to include lights, cameras and so on. Lego Company has done a lot to entertain many children around the world. Which of the following is NOT true about the Robotics Invention System 1.5?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 1, "choices": [ "The Lego Company expands its production lines with computers.", "The author thinks highly of Lego, which entertains many children.", "The name Lego means \"I put together\" in the Danish language.", "Lego enjoys the greatest popularity among children of 12." ], "question": "We grew up with the familiar toy bricks that gave us the imagination to build towers and castles. Generations have been attracted by this toy that lets children and adults alike create anything and everything. But with over 200 millions sets being sold a year in over 100 countries, the question remains -- where did Lego actually come from? Lego was born from the creative mind of Danish carpenter , Ole Kirk Christiansen, back in the early 1930s. He established a small business in Denmark. He and his team built a variety of household goods like ironing boards along with wooden toys. The Lego name was adopted in 1934, formed from the Danish words \"Leg Godt\" or \"play well\", which means \"I study\" or \"I put together\" in Latin. Christiansen's company continued to make wooden toys until 1942 when fire struck -- the entire Lego factory burned to the ground. Unwilling to give in, the factory was rebuilt and the production line restarted soon after. By 1954, Christiansen's son, Godtfred, had become the junior managing director of the Lego Group. It was during his conversation with an overseas buyer that he was struck by the idea of a toy system. For over 30 years, the Lego Company made only toys and related goods. Then, in 1968, the company opened its first Legoland in Denmark. Combining the Lego building bricks with a computer, the Robotics Invention System 1.5 is now the most advanced toy in the Lego Company, which is targeted at users aged twelve and above, and that includes any parents or grandparents that want to join in. Now the Lego Company is expanding its production lines to include lights, cameras and so on. Lego Company has done a lot to entertain many children around the world. What can we learn from the text?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 1, "choices": [ "Information from Lisa Williams", "Miraculous Messages from Heaven", "Strange Things in the Party.", "Unforgettable memories" ], "question": "Since I was a child, I called my father my Kong, after King Kong. I believed that he was just as strong as the giant ape . As he faced death, _ . Two months after he passed away, my sister called to ask if I would like to go see Lisa Williams, a well-known witch . I was familiar with Lisa from her show on Lifetime, and since I was eager to get a sign from my father, I agreed to go. I took my father's gold watch and listened as Lisa helped audience members communicate with their loved ones. \"I have a grandfather-like figure with me and he is speaking about his granddaughter Jilly,\" she announced. The audience was quiet; no one raised a hand. I nudged my sister and whispered to her that this was Dad ,for my third child and my father had a deep bond(,) and he called her Jilly. Although I sensed his presence, I wasn't confident enough to raise my hand. I needed something a bit more concrete, something undoubted. \"This man is letting me know he had cancer,\" she continued. I nudged my sister harder and assured her this was our father. Lisa went on to say that this person died in June (my father had died June 8th). There was swelling of the legs. \"Important information,\" she called out. My heart beat fast . I jumped up when she asked, \"Who is holding his watch?\" I waved the watch in the air. \"He wishes you congratulations.\" My fourth child was born three weeks after my father died. I was in shock and could not believe I was getting a chance to hear from him, yet I knew our bond was strong enough that he could come to the world. She banged on her chest like an ape and apologized, saying, \"I don't know why but he wants me to do this like Tarzan.\" It didn't resonate with me until my sister called out \"King Kong!\" I was convinced. No way could this woman have ever known a detail unless Dad was communicating through her. Each bit of information she gave us was just as meaningful. She ended our session by informing us that he would send us coins. The very next day I found six coins in various places; they seemed to have come out of nowhere. Even in death he is my Kong, and he remains important in my life. What's the best title of the passage?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 1, "choices": [ "She may be a learned teacher.", "She may be a woman knowing witchcraft", "She may be is a scientist researching Lifetime.", "She may be a fairy." ], "question": "Since I was a child, I called my father my Kong, after King Kong. I believed that he was just as strong as the giant ape . As he faced death, _ . Two months after he passed away, my sister called to ask if I would like to go see Lisa Williams, a well-known witch . I was familiar with Lisa from her show on Lifetime, and since I was eager to get a sign from my father, I agreed to go. I took my father's gold watch and listened as Lisa helped audience members communicate with their loved ones. \"I have a grandfather-like figure with me and he is speaking about his granddaughter Jilly,\" she announced. The audience was quiet; no one raised a hand. I nudged my sister and whispered to her that this was Dad ,for my third child and my father had a deep bond(,) and he called her Jilly. Although I sensed his presence, I wasn't confident enough to raise my hand. I needed something a bit more concrete, something undoubted. \"This man is letting me know he had cancer,\" she continued. I nudged my sister harder and assured her this was our father. Lisa went on to say that this person died in June (my father had died June 8th). There was swelling of the legs. \"Important information,\" she called out. My heart beat fast . I jumped up when she asked, \"Who is holding his watch?\" I waved the watch in the air. \"He wishes you congratulations.\" My fourth child was born three weeks after my father died. I was in shock and could not believe I was getting a chance to hear from him, yet I knew our bond was strong enough that he could come to the world. She banged on her chest like an ape and apologized, saying, \"I don't know why but he wants me to do this like Tarzan.\" It didn't resonate with me until my sister called out \"King Kong!\" I was convinced. No way could this woman have ever known a detail unless Dad was communicating through her. Each bit of information she gave us was just as meaningful. She ended our session by informing us that he would send us coins. The very next day I found six coins in various places; they seemed to have come out of nowhere. Even in death he is my Kong, and he remains important in my life. What do we know about Lisa Williams?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "cared little about our life", "withdrew from the society and lived alone", "liked to live with giant ape", "was still concerned about my family after his death ." ], "question": "Since I was a child, I called my father my Kong, after King Kong. I believed that he was just as strong as the giant ape . As he faced death, _ . Two months after he passed away, my sister called to ask if I would like to go see Lisa Williams, a well-known witch . I was familiar with Lisa from her show on Lifetime, and since I was eager to get a sign from my father, I agreed to go. I took my father's gold watch and listened as Lisa helped audience members communicate with their loved ones. \"I have a grandfather-like figure with me and he is speaking about his granddaughter Jilly,\" she announced. The audience was quiet; no one raised a hand. I nudged my sister and whispered to her that this was Dad ,for my third child and my father had a deep bond(,) and he called her Jilly. Although I sensed his presence, I wasn't confident enough to raise my hand. I needed something a bit more concrete, something undoubted. \"This man is letting me know he had cancer,\" she continued. I nudged my sister harder and assured her this was our father. Lisa went on to say that this person died in June (my father had died June 8th). There was swelling of the legs. \"Important information,\" she called out. My heart beat fast . I jumped up when she asked, \"Who is holding his watch?\" I waved the watch in the air. \"He wishes you congratulations.\" My fourth child was born three weeks after my father died. I was in shock and could not believe I was getting a chance to hear from him, yet I knew our bond was strong enough that he could come to the world. She banged on her chest like an ape and apologized, saying, \"I don't know why but he wants me to do this like Tarzan.\" It didn't resonate with me until my sister called out \"King Kong!\" I was convinced. No way could this woman have ever known a detail unless Dad was communicating through her. Each bit of information she gave us was just as meaningful. She ended our session by informing us that he would send us coins. The very next day I found six coins in various places; they seemed to have come out of nowhere. Even in death he is my Kong, and he remains important in my life. From the passage we know that father _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 0, "choices": [ "Narration", "Illustration", "Discussion", "Description" ], "question": "Since I was a child, I called my father my Kong, after King Kong. I believed that he was just as strong as the giant ape . As he faced death, _ . Two months after he passed away, my sister called to ask if I would like to go see Lisa Williams, a well-known witch . I was familiar with Lisa from her show on Lifetime, and since I was eager to get a sign from my father, I agreed to go. I took my father's gold watch and listened as Lisa helped audience members communicate with their loved ones. \"I have a grandfather-like figure with me and he is speaking about his granddaughter Jilly,\" she announced. The audience was quiet; no one raised a hand. I nudged my sister and whispered to her that this was Dad ,for my third child and my father had a deep bond(,) and he called her Jilly. Although I sensed his presence, I wasn't confident enough to raise my hand. I needed something a bit more concrete, something undoubted. \"This man is letting me know he had cancer,\" she continued. I nudged my sister harder and assured her this was our father. Lisa went on to say that this person died in June (my father had died June 8th). There was swelling of the legs. \"Important information,\" she called out. My heart beat fast . I jumped up when she asked, \"Who is holding his watch?\" I waved the watch in the air. \"He wishes you congratulations.\" My fourth child was born three weeks after my father died. I was in shock and could not believe I was getting a chance to hear from him, yet I knew our bond was strong enough that he could come to the world. She banged on her chest like an ape and apologized, saying, \"I don't know why but he wants me to do this like Tarzan.\" It didn't resonate with me until my sister called out \"King Kong!\" I was convinced. No way could this woman have ever known a detail unless Dad was communicating through her. Each bit of information she gave us was just as meaningful. She ended our session by informing us that he would send us coins. The very next day I found six coins in various places; they seemed to have come out of nowhere. Even in death he is my Kong, and he remains important in my life. What kind of writing style did the author use in the passage?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "should have a false tooth fixed in its place", "have to put it under your pillow at once", "will gain a permanent tooth in future", "can exchange it for some money" ], "question": "Losing a baby tooth can be fun for a kid. You can put it under your pillow and look forward to finding some money there in the morning. And then you can watch your new permanent tooth grow in its place. But if a permanent tooth falls out, that's a problem. There isn't another one under the gum that can replace it. Unfortunately, this happens to some older people. And if permanent teeth fall out-or need to be pulled-an older person might need dentures. Dentures, known as false teeth, are a set of replacement teeth for any teeth that are missing. There are partial dentures, which take the place of only a few teeth and prevent the others from changing position. If all the teeth are gone, the person would need complete dentures, which replace every tooth in the mouth. Dentures can cause pains at first and take little time to get adjusted to. They also need special care. They should be brushed daily with a special denture brush and cleanser and soaked in denture solution when not in the mouth. Dentures are important for older folks because, without teeth, it's hard to smile, talk, and eat properly. But it can be a little _ if you see someone take out his or her dentures. It can also be strange to see someone, like a grandparent, without dentures in because he or she won't have any teeth. Try not to make fun of the person because this could cause hurt feelings. People usually lose their permanent teeth due to periodontal disease, or gum disease, which is caused by bacteria that attacks the gums. Diseased gums aren't strong and healthy, so teeth can get loose and fall out. Older people often have many cavities that have been filled over the years, and these fillings can weaken over time, leading to more tooth decay. If one of your baby teeth falls out, you_.", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "should brush them with a special denture brush every few days", "will take a very long time to adjust himself or herself to them", "will experience unpleasant feelings at the beginning of fixing them", "should use denture solution to soak them in his or her mouth" ], "question": "Losing a baby tooth can be fun for a kid. You can put it under your pillow and look forward to finding some money there in the morning. And then you can watch your new permanent tooth grow in its place. But if a permanent tooth falls out, that's a problem. There isn't another one under the gum that can replace it. Unfortunately, this happens to some older people. And if permanent teeth fall out-or need to be pulled-an older person might need dentures. Dentures, known as false teeth, are a set of replacement teeth for any teeth that are missing. There are partial dentures, which take the place of only a few teeth and prevent the others from changing position. If all the teeth are gone, the person would need complete dentures, which replace every tooth in the mouth. Dentures can cause pains at first and take little time to get adjusted to. They also need special care. They should be brushed daily with a special denture brush and cleanser and soaked in denture solution when not in the mouth. Dentures are important for older folks because, without teeth, it's hard to smile, talk, and eat properly. But it can be a little _ if you see someone take out his or her dentures. It can also be strange to see someone, like a grandparent, without dentures in because he or she won't have any teeth. Try not to make fun of the person because this could cause hurt feelings. People usually lose their permanent teeth due to periodontal disease, or gum disease, which is caused by bacteria that attacks the gums. Diseased gums aren't strong and healthy, so teeth can get loose and fall out. Older people often have many cavities that have been filled over the years, and these fillings can weaken over time, leading to more tooth decay. A person wearing dentures_.", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "Partial dentures can prevent the remaining teeth from changing position.", "Old people will find it hard to smile, talk, and eat properly without teeth.", "A person's teeth will possibly get loose if diseases strike his gums.", "It is hard for a person to wear dentures if all his teeth have fallen out." ], "question": "Losing a baby tooth can be fun for a kid. You can put it under your pillow and look forward to finding some money there in the morning. And then you can watch your new permanent tooth grow in its place. But if a permanent tooth falls out, that's a problem. There isn't another one under the gum that can replace it. Unfortunately, this happens to some older people. And if permanent teeth fall out-or need to be pulled-an older person might need dentures. Dentures, known as false teeth, are a set of replacement teeth for any teeth that are missing. There are partial dentures, which take the place of only a few teeth and prevent the others from changing position. If all the teeth are gone, the person would need complete dentures, which replace every tooth in the mouth. Dentures can cause pains at first and take little time to get adjusted to. They also need special care. They should be brushed daily with a special denture brush and cleanser and soaked in denture solution when not in the mouth. Dentures are important for older folks because, without teeth, it's hard to smile, talk, and eat properly. But it can be a little _ if you see someone take out his or her dentures. It can also be strange to see someone, like a grandparent, without dentures in because he or she won't have any teeth. Try not to make fun of the person because this could cause hurt feelings. People usually lose their permanent teeth due to periodontal disease, or gum disease, which is caused by bacteria that attacks the gums. Diseased gums aren't strong and healthy, so teeth can get loose and fall out. Older people often have many cavities that have been filled over the years, and these fillings can weaken over time, leading to more tooth decay. Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "was built with the money from the government", "sold its tickets at a high price", "was a great success once it was opened", "mainly got income from the ticket prices and donations" ], "question": "Ocean Park Hong Kong is a theme park in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island. The park was built with donations from the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club (now Hong Kong Jockey Club) and opened on 10 January 1977. Today it offers affordable marine animal education and entertainment and is a private organization for commercial purpose. In the early operation of the park, the main sources of income for the park were the ticket prices and the funding from the Jockey Club. Since the ticket price was low, most of the time Ocean Park was operating under deficit . In July 1987, the government established a 200 million trust from the funding of Jockey Club, under the Ocean Park Corporation Ordinance. This separated Ocean Park from Jockey Club and became a non-profit organization; it needs to be responsible for its own income and was allowed to use commercial means to operate the park. Since it was permitted to use commercial means to operate, it gradually raised its ticket price and the deficit turned into profit. In 1992, 3 million visitors visited the park. Since 1998, the East Asian financial crisis , aging attractions, and the passing away of the killer whale, the park recorded a deficit for a couple years. Although it was allowed to host 2 pandas in 1999, the number of visitors did not go up and Ocean Park was forced to close its water attractions and the \"Old Village\" attraction and turned to bring in more rides in an attempt to capture the youth demand. Together with the opening up of mainland visitors under the Individual Visit Scheme, Ocean Park recorded an astonishing 4 million visitors in the year 2004-2005, the highest since the park opened. In March 2005, Ocean Park made its redevelopment plan. On 23 November 2006, Ocean Park held a groundbreaking ceremony for its redevelopment. At the beginning, Ocean Park Hong Kong _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "belongs to Hong Kong Jockey Club", "is an official organization", "operates successfully partly because the opening up of mainland visitors", "can not use commercial means to operate" ], "question": "Ocean Park Hong Kong is a theme park in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island. The park was built with donations from the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club (now Hong Kong Jockey Club) and opened on 10 January 1977. Today it offers affordable marine animal education and entertainment and is a private organization for commercial purpose. In the early operation of the park, the main sources of income for the park were the ticket prices and the funding from the Jockey Club. Since the ticket price was low, most of the time Ocean Park was operating under deficit . In July 1987, the government established a 200 million trust from the funding of Jockey Club, under the Ocean Park Corporation Ordinance. This separated Ocean Park from Jockey Club and became a non-profit organization; it needs to be responsible for its own income and was allowed to use commercial means to operate the park. Since it was permitted to use commercial means to operate, it gradually raised its ticket price and the deficit turned into profit. In 1992, 3 million visitors visited the park. Since 1998, the East Asian financial crisis , aging attractions, and the passing away of the killer whale, the park recorded a deficit for a couple years. Although it was allowed to host 2 pandas in 1999, the number of visitors did not go up and Ocean Park was forced to close its water attractions and the \"Old Village\" attraction and turned to bring in more rides in an attempt to capture the youth demand. Together with the opening up of mainland visitors under the Individual Visit Scheme, Ocean Park recorded an astonishing 4 million visitors in the year 2004-2005, the highest since the park opened. In March 2005, Ocean Park made its redevelopment plan. On 23 November 2006, Ocean Park held a groundbreaking ceremony for its redevelopment. According to the passage, Ocean Park Corporation _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 1, "choices": [ "raise ticket price", "close some attractions", "try to attract young customers", "host 2 pandas" ], "question": "Ocean Park Hong Kong is a theme park in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island. The park was built with donations from the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club (now Hong Kong Jockey Club) and opened on 10 January 1977. Today it offers affordable marine animal education and entertainment and is a private organization for commercial purpose. In the early operation of the park, the main sources of income for the park were the ticket prices and the funding from the Jockey Club. Since the ticket price was low, most of the time Ocean Park was operating under deficit . In July 1987, the government established a 200 million trust from the funding of Jockey Club, under the Ocean Park Corporation Ordinance. This separated Ocean Park from Jockey Club and became a non-profit organization; it needs to be responsible for its own income and was allowed to use commercial means to operate the park. Since it was permitted to use commercial means to operate, it gradually raised its ticket price and the deficit turned into profit. In 1992, 3 million visitors visited the park. Since 1998, the East Asian financial crisis , aging attractions, and the passing away of the killer whale, the park recorded a deficit for a couple years. Although it was allowed to host 2 pandas in 1999, the number of visitors did not go up and Ocean Park was forced to close its water attractions and the \"Old Village\" attraction and turned to bring in more rides in an attempt to capture the youth demand. Together with the opening up of mainland visitors under the Individual Visit Scheme, Ocean Park recorded an astonishing 4 million visitors in the year 2004-2005, the highest since the park opened. In March 2005, Ocean Park made its redevelopment plan. On 23 November 2006, Ocean Park held a groundbreaking ceremony for its redevelopment. Ocean Park Corporation took all of the measures to overcome the deficits except _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "Ocean Park Hong Kong is a theme park.", "Ocean Park Hong Kong has taken on a new look since 2006.", "The East Asian financial crisis didn't have any influence on Ocean Park.", "At present, Ocean Park Hong Kong also attracts many mainland customers." ], "question": "Ocean Park Hong Kong is a theme park in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island. The park was built with donations from the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club (now Hong Kong Jockey Club) and opened on 10 January 1977. Today it offers affordable marine animal education and entertainment and is a private organization for commercial purpose. In the early operation of the park, the main sources of income for the park were the ticket prices and the funding from the Jockey Club. Since the ticket price was low, most of the time Ocean Park was operating under deficit . In July 1987, the government established a 200 million trust from the funding of Jockey Club, under the Ocean Park Corporation Ordinance. This separated Ocean Park from Jockey Club and became a non-profit organization; it needs to be responsible for its own income and was allowed to use commercial means to operate the park. Since it was permitted to use commercial means to operate, it gradually raised its ticket price and the deficit turned into profit. In 1992, 3 million visitors visited the park. Since 1998, the East Asian financial crisis , aging attractions, and the passing away of the killer whale, the park recorded a deficit for a couple years. Although it was allowed to host 2 pandas in 1999, the number of visitors did not go up and Ocean Park was forced to close its water attractions and the \"Old Village\" attraction and turned to bring in more rides in an attempt to capture the youth demand. Together with the opening up of mainland visitors under the Individual Visit Scheme, Ocean Park recorded an astonishing 4 million visitors in the year 2004-2005, the highest since the park opened. In March 2005, Ocean Park made its redevelopment plan. On 23 November 2006, Ocean Park held a groundbreaking ceremony for its redevelopment. Which of the following statements is Wrong?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "In the morning.", "In the afternoon.", "At lunch time.", "In the evening." ], "question": "Teenagers in England do much the same as children in America do. They enjoy sending messages by their mobile phones and they also like swimming, listening to the latest music, watching TV and surfing the Internet. How do teenagers in England spend their free time and holidays? Let's follow Sally, a British teenager, and spend five days with her during her school holiday. Day One After breakfast, Sally's mother went out and left her alone at home. She checked her mobile phone during lunch --one of her friends sent her a message early in the morning. Dinner was at 6:30 p.m. After that, she finished her English home-work. Then she surfed the Internet. Day Two Sally and her mother paid a visit to their friends and went swimming together. Later, they went shopping for clothes and books, and had dinner in a restaurant. Day Three She went to the supermarket with her mother to buy fish and chips for lunch as well as some pens. After she got back home, she spent the next few hours surfing the Internet and watching TV. Day Four She surfed the Internet. Her mother took her out for lunch before she went to work. She then read stories after lunch. Day Five She woke up at 2 p.m., and so did her mother. They went to a park. Her mother met some friends there. When they got home, it was already time for dinner. Afterwards, she did her homework until 10 p.m. When did Sally do her homework?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 0, "choices": [ "food for lunch and pens", "some books and pens", "some fish and clothes", "food and books" ], "question": "Teenagers in England do much the same as children in America do. They enjoy sending messages by their mobile phones and they also like swimming, listening to the latest music, watching TV and surfing the Internet. How do teenagers in England spend their free time and holidays? Let's follow Sally, a British teenager, and spend five days with her during her school holiday. Day One After breakfast, Sally's mother went out and left her alone at home. She checked her mobile phone during lunch --one of her friends sent her a message early in the morning. Dinner was at 6:30 p.m. After that, she finished her English home-work. Then she surfed the Internet. Day Two Sally and her mother paid a visit to their friends and went swimming together. Later, they went shopping for clothes and books, and had dinner in a restaurant. Day Three She went to the supermarket with her mother to buy fish and chips for lunch as well as some pens. After she got back home, she spent the next few hours surfing the Internet and watching TV. Day Four She surfed the Internet. Her mother took her out for lunch before she went to work. She then read stories after lunch. Day Five She woke up at 2 p.m., and so did her mother. They went to a park. Her mother met some friends there. When they got home, it was already time for dinner. Afterwards, she did her homework until 10 p.m. Sally and her mother went shopping for the second time to buy _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "She went swimming.", "She went out for breakfast.", "She read books.", "She went shopping." ], "question": "Teenagers in England do much the same as children in America do. They enjoy sending messages by their mobile phones and they also like swimming, listening to the latest music, watching TV and surfing the Internet. How do teenagers in England spend their free time and holidays? Let's follow Sally, a British teenager, and spend five days with her during her school holiday. Day One After breakfast, Sally's mother went out and left her alone at home. She checked her mobile phone during lunch --one of her friends sent her a message early in the morning. Dinner was at 6:30 p.m. After that, she finished her English home-work. Then she surfed the Internet. Day Two Sally and her mother paid a visit to their friends and went swimming together. Later, they went shopping for clothes and books, and had dinner in a restaurant. Day Three She went to the supermarket with her mother to buy fish and chips for lunch as well as some pens. After she got back home, she spent the next few hours surfing the Internet and watching TV. Day Four She surfed the Internet. Her mother took her out for lunch before she went to work. She then read stories after lunch. Day Five She woke up at 2 p.m., and so did her mother. They went to a park. Her mother met some friends there. When they got home, it was already time for dinner. Afterwards, she did her homework until 10 p.m. Which of the following things did Sally do on Day Four?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 0, "choices": [ "surfing the Internet has become an important part of teenagers' lives", "parents shouldn't leave teenagers alone at home", "teenagers don't usually do their homework during their school holidays", "a park is the best place to meet a friend" ], "question": "Teenagers in England do much the same as children in America do. They enjoy sending messages by their mobile phones and they also like swimming, listening to the latest music, watching TV and surfing the Internet. How do teenagers in England spend their free time and holidays? Let's follow Sally, a British teenager, and spend five days with her during her school holiday. Day One After breakfast, Sally's mother went out and left her alone at home. She checked her mobile phone during lunch --one of her friends sent her a message early in the morning. Dinner was at 6:30 p.m. After that, she finished her English home-work. Then she surfed the Internet. Day Two Sally and her mother paid a visit to their friends and went swimming together. Later, they went shopping for clothes and books, and had dinner in a restaurant. Day Three She went to the supermarket with her mother to buy fish and chips for lunch as well as some pens. After she got back home, she spent the next few hours surfing the Internet and watching TV. Day Four She surfed the Internet. Her mother took her out for lunch before she went to work. She then read stories after lunch. Day Five She woke up at 2 p.m., and so did her mother. They went to a park. Her mother met some friends there. When they got home, it was already time for dinner. Afterwards, she did her homework until 10 p.m. According to the passage, it can be inferred that _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 1, "choices": [ "He fell in love with reading when he was a child.", "One of his books enjoyed a lot of success.", "He began to love music recently.", "He is good at Chinese." ], "question": "When I was a kid, I was just like every other kid. As usual, I liked being with friends and having fun. But I didn't like school much. I didn't like the rule of learning, studying, memorizing, etc. Too much work. As I got into high school, things changed for me. I started reading a lot of books. Books taught me about life and helped me learn about the world. I read around 30 books during each senior year. I learned to love reading then. Little did I know at that time that I would write books by myself. I've written 7 books since then. One book I wrote, Powerful Attitudes, was a huge success within a network marketing company in the USA. When I was 17 years old, I took about a dozen guitar lessons. I fell in love with guitar music no matter if it is blues, rock, flamenco or classical. I've attended concerts and have heard some great guitarists through the years. Recently, I bought myself a piano and began to learn to play it. I've made great progress. My knowledge of music and playing guitar has helped me a lot in learning the piano. Last week, I employed a Chinese teacher to teach me Chinese. I've learned about 200 words in my first week. I'm inspired and motivated to learn. In fact, I feel a bit _ , thinking of learning Chinese. It's like a mountain I want to climb and conquer. I'm 56 years old and my love to learn it runs deep in my heart, mind and soul. What I certainly learned while growing up is to love learning. I never want to stop learning. I never want to stop studying people, life, processes and new things. I think the openness of admitting what you don't know, makes you a good learner. You never lie to yourself or to others about your knowledge and experience. I have the attitude that if I don't know something, I will learn to know it. What can we learn about the author from the passage?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "Learning skills.", "Learning methods.", "Learning attitudes.", "Learning experience." ], "question": "When I was a kid, I was just like every other kid. As usual, I liked being with friends and having fun. But I didn't like school much. I didn't like the rule of learning, studying, memorizing, etc. Too much work. As I got into high school, things changed for me. I started reading a lot of books. Books taught me about life and helped me learn about the world. I read around 30 books during each senior year. I learned to love reading then. Little did I know at that time that I would write books by myself. I've written 7 books since then. One book I wrote, Powerful Attitudes, was a huge success within a network marketing company in the USA. When I was 17 years old, I took about a dozen guitar lessons. I fell in love with guitar music no matter if it is blues, rock, flamenco or classical. I've attended concerts and have heard some great guitarists through the years. Recently, I bought myself a piano and began to learn to play it. I've made great progress. My knowledge of music and playing guitar has helped me a lot in learning the piano. Last week, I employed a Chinese teacher to teach me Chinese. I've learned about 200 words in my first week. I'm inspired and motivated to learn. In fact, I feel a bit _ , thinking of learning Chinese. It's like a mountain I want to climb and conquer. I'm 56 years old and my love to learn it runs deep in my heart, mind and soul. What I certainly learned while growing up is to love learning. I never want to stop learning. I never want to stop studying people, life, processes and new things. I think the openness of admitting what you don't know, makes you a good learner. You never lie to yourself or to others about your knowledge and experience. I have the attitude that if I don't know something, I will learn to know it. What is the main idea of the passage?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 0, "choices": [ "both are enjoyable", "both are hard to learn", "both are necessary to life", "both take a long time to prepare" ], "question": "Like fine food, good writing is something we approach with pleasure and enjoy from the first taste to the last. And good writers, like good cooks, do not suddenly appear full-blown. Quite the opposite, just as the cook has to undergo a particular training, mastering the skills of his trade, the writer must sit at his desk and devote long hours to achieving a style in his writing, whatever its purpose is--schoolwork, matters of business, or purely social communication. You may be sure that the more painstaking the effort, the more effective the writing, and the more rewarding. There are still some faraway places in the world where you might find a public scribe to do your business or social writing for you, for money. There are a few managers who are lucky enough to have the service of that rare kind of secretary who can take care of all sorts of letter writing with no more than a quick note to work from. But for most of us, if there is any writing to be done, we have to do it ourselves. We have to write school papers, business papers or home papers. We are constantly called on to put words to papers. It would be difficult to count the number of such words, messages, letters, and reports put into mails or delivered by hand, but the daily figures must be extremely large. What is more, everyone who writes expects, or at least hopes whatever he writes will be read, from first word to last, not just thrown into some \"letters-to-be-read\" files or into a wastepaper basket. This is the reason we bend our efforts toward learning and practicing the skills of interesting, effective writing. In this passage, good writing is compared to fine food because _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 1, "choices": [ "Writing skills are less important than experience.", "A good writer should have his own way of writing.", "A good writer should learn to write all kinds of articles.", "The more efforts one makes, the more money one can earn." ], "question": "Like fine food, good writing is something we approach with pleasure and enjoy from the first taste to the last. And good writers, like good cooks, do not suddenly appear full-blown. Quite the opposite, just as the cook has to undergo a particular training, mastering the skills of his trade, the writer must sit at his desk and devote long hours to achieving a style in his writing, whatever its purpose is--schoolwork, matters of business, or purely social communication. You may be sure that the more painstaking the effort, the more effective the writing, and the more rewarding. There are still some faraway places in the world where you might find a public scribe to do your business or social writing for you, for money. There are a few managers who are lucky enough to have the service of that rare kind of secretary who can take care of all sorts of letter writing with no more than a quick note to work from. But for most of us, if there is any writing to be done, we have to do it ourselves. We have to write school papers, business papers or home papers. We are constantly called on to put words to papers. It would be difficult to count the number of such words, messages, letters, and reports put into mails or delivered by hand, but the daily figures must be extremely large. What is more, everyone who writes expects, or at least hopes whatever he writes will be read, from first word to last, not just thrown into some \"letters-to-be-read\" files or into a wastepaper basket. This is the reason we bend our efforts toward learning and practicing the skills of interesting, effective writing. according to the passage, which of the following statements is true?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 1, "choices": [ "to earn our living", "to attract others to read", "to do daily reports easily", "to become good secretaries" ], "question": "Like fine food, good writing is something we approach with pleasure and enjoy from the first taste to the last. And good writers, like good cooks, do not suddenly appear full-blown. Quite the opposite, just as the cook has to undergo a particular training, mastering the skills of his trade, the writer must sit at his desk and devote long hours to achieving a style in his writing, whatever its purpose is--schoolwork, matters of business, or purely social communication. You may be sure that the more painstaking the effort, the more effective the writing, and the more rewarding. There are still some faraway places in the world where you might find a public scribe to do your business or social writing for you, for money. There are a few managers who are lucky enough to have the service of that rare kind of secretary who can take care of all sorts of letter writing with no more than a quick note to work from. But for most of us, if there is any writing to be done, we have to do it ourselves. We have to write school papers, business papers or home papers. We are constantly called on to put words to papers. It would be difficult to count the number of such words, messages, letters, and reports put into mails or delivered by hand, but the daily figures must be extremely large. What is more, everyone who writes expects, or at least hopes whatever he writes will be read, from first word to last, not just thrown into some \"letters-to-be-read\" files or into a wastepaper basket. This is the reason we bend our efforts toward learning and practicing the skills of interesting, effective writing. The author thinks that the most important reason for us to practice writing skills is _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "comment and blame", "introduce and describe", "explain and persuade", "interest and inform" ], "question": "Like fine food, good writing is something we approach with pleasure and enjoy from the first taste to the last. And good writers, like good cooks, do not suddenly appear full-blown. Quite the opposite, just as the cook has to undergo a particular training, mastering the skills of his trade, the writer must sit at his desk and devote long hours to achieving a style in his writing, whatever its purpose is--schoolwork, matters of business, or purely social communication. You may be sure that the more painstaking the effort, the more effective the writing, and the more rewarding. There are still some faraway places in the world where you might find a public scribe to do your business or social writing for you, for money. There are a few managers who are lucky enough to have the service of that rare kind of secretary who can take care of all sorts of letter writing with no more than a quick note to work from. But for most of us, if there is any writing to be done, we have to do it ourselves. We have to write school papers, business papers or home papers. We are constantly called on to put words to papers. It would be difficult to count the number of such words, messages, letters, and reports put into mails or delivered by hand, but the daily figures must be extremely large. What is more, everyone who writes expects, or at least hopes whatever he writes will be read, from first word to last, not just thrown into some \"letters-to-be-read\" files or into a wastepaper basket. This is the reason we bend our efforts toward learning and practicing the skills of interesting, effective writing. The purpose of the author in writing this passage is to _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "a place to sell food to the poor", "a store to sell farm produce", "a bank for people to save and draw money", "an organization to help the poor by offering food" ], "question": "Junelle Lynch knocked on more than 200 doors in the Gayln Manor neighborhood of Brunswick in recent weeks. Her aim is to collect hundreds of pounds of food for the Brunswick Food Bank. \"I like helping people a lot,\"said Junelle,who celebrated her 11th birthday in June. With the support of her parents Isabella and Robert,Junelle walked along the streets with an orange grocery bag .Isabella always accompanies her daughter. Isabella helps her daughter by car,so Junelle can empty her grocery bag when it becomes heavy. Junelle's friend,Destiny Williams,helped the first night,but he didn't turn up the rest of the time. Neighbor Lynda Mallory donated food to Junelle. Mallory dropped noodles,canned soup,vegetables and fruits into Junelle's bag. After visiting the last house and looking at what she collected,Junelle said she felt good about what she achieved with the help of her neighbors. Working an hour a night three times per week,she has collected more than 400 pounds of canned and boxed food. This isn't the first year she's collected food. Junelle started nearly three years ago when,at 8 years old,she saw a collection box at a grocery store and decided to become involved. In her first year,she collected 80 pounds of food in the mostly undeveloped neighborhood,and 214 pounds the next year. The food helped feed many families. When she isn't helping,Junelle is a straightA student who snowboards,plays the trumpet,sings with the Brunswick Chorus,plays basketball and writes poems. She plans on spending her summer vacation attending a basketball camp. According to the passage,Brunswick Food Bank is probably _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "Destiny Williams.", "Lynda Mallory.", "Isabella Lynch.", "Robert Lynch" ], "question": "Junelle Lynch knocked on more than 200 doors in the Gayln Manor neighborhood of Brunswick in recent weeks. Her aim is to collect hundreds of pounds of food for the Brunswick Food Bank. \"I like helping people a lot,\"said Junelle,who celebrated her 11th birthday in June. With the support of her parents Isabella and Robert,Junelle walked along the streets with an orange grocery bag .Isabella always accompanies her daughter. Isabella helps her daughter by car,so Junelle can empty her grocery bag when it becomes heavy. Junelle's friend,Destiny Williams,helped the first night,but he didn't turn up the rest of the time. Neighbor Lynda Mallory donated food to Junelle. Mallory dropped noodles,canned soup,vegetables and fruits into Junelle's bag. After visiting the last house and looking at what she collected,Junelle said she felt good about what she achieved with the help of her neighbors. Working an hour a night three times per week,she has collected more than 400 pounds of canned and boxed food. This isn't the first year she's collected food. Junelle started nearly three years ago when,at 8 years old,she saw a collection box at a grocery store and decided to become involved. In her first year,she collected 80 pounds of food in the mostly undeveloped neighborhood,and 214 pounds the next year. The food helped feed many families. When she isn't helping,Junelle is a straightA student who snowboards,plays the trumpet,sings with the Brunswick Chorus,plays basketball and writes poems. She plans on spending her summer vacation attending a basketball camp. Who helped Junelle the most when she was collecting food?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 0, "choices": [ "She spent several hours on it each week.", "She did it following her father's advice.", "She started the activity to support her family.", "The food to be collected will increase year by year." ], "question": "Junelle Lynch knocked on more than 200 doors in the Gayln Manor neighborhood of Brunswick in recent weeks. Her aim is to collect hundreds of pounds of food for the Brunswick Food Bank. \"I like helping people a lot,\"said Junelle,who celebrated her 11th birthday in June. With the support of her parents Isabella and Robert,Junelle walked along the streets with an orange grocery bag .Isabella always accompanies her daughter. Isabella helps her daughter by car,so Junelle can empty her grocery bag when it becomes heavy. Junelle's friend,Destiny Williams,helped the first night,but he didn't turn up the rest of the time. Neighbor Lynda Mallory donated food to Junelle. Mallory dropped noodles,canned soup,vegetables and fruits into Junelle's bag. After visiting the last house and looking at what she collected,Junelle said she felt good about what she achieved with the help of her neighbors. Working an hour a night three times per week,she has collected more than 400 pounds of canned and boxed food. This isn't the first year she's collected food. Junelle started nearly three years ago when,at 8 years old,she saw a collection box at a grocery store and decided to become involved. In her first year,she collected 80 pounds of food in the mostly undeveloped neighborhood,and 214 pounds the next year. The food helped feed many families. When she isn't helping,Junelle is a straightA student who snowboards,plays the trumpet,sings with the Brunswick Chorus,plays basketball and writes poems. She plans on spending her summer vacation attending a basketball camp. Which of the following statements is TRUE about Junelle's food collecting?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "always helps her neighbors", "is too busy to do well in her study", "is worried about her parents' health", "has many hobbies in school life" ], "question": "Junelle Lynch knocked on more than 200 doors in the Gayln Manor neighborhood of Brunswick in recent weeks. Her aim is to collect hundreds of pounds of food for the Brunswick Food Bank. \"I like helping people a lot,\"said Junelle,who celebrated her 11th birthday in June. With the support of her parents Isabella and Robert,Junelle walked along the streets with an orange grocery bag .Isabella always accompanies her daughter. Isabella helps her daughter by car,so Junelle can empty her grocery bag when it becomes heavy. Junelle's friend,Destiny Williams,helped the first night,but he didn't turn up the rest of the time. Neighbor Lynda Mallory donated food to Junelle. Mallory dropped noodles,canned soup,vegetables and fruits into Junelle's bag. After visiting the last house and looking at what she collected,Junelle said she felt good about what she achieved with the help of her neighbors. Working an hour a night three times per week,she has collected more than 400 pounds of canned and boxed food. This isn't the first year she's collected food. Junelle started nearly three years ago when,at 8 years old,she saw a collection box at a grocery store and decided to become involved. In her first year,she collected 80 pounds of food in the mostly undeveloped neighborhood,and 214 pounds the next year. The food helped feed many families. When she isn't helping,Junelle is a straightA student who snowboards,plays the trumpet,sings with the Brunswick Chorus,plays basketball and writes poems. She plans on spending her summer vacation attending a basketball camp. According to the passage,we know Junelle Lynch _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "This year's sales figures were quite excellent.", "I couldn't figure out what the teacher was talking about.", "She was the leading figure in British politics in the 1980s.", "He was about to speak but she put a figure on his lips to stop him." ], "question": "Below is adapted from an English dictionary. Use the dictionary to answer the following questions. figure / fig@ / noun, verb * noun 1. a number representing a particular amount, especially one given in official information: the trade / sales figures 2. a symbol rather than a word representing one of the numbers between 0 and 9: a six-figure salary 3. (informal) the area of mathematics that deals with adding, multiplying, etc. numbers 4. a person of the type mentioned: Gandhi was both a political and a religious figure in Indian history. 5. the shape of a person seen from a distance or not clearly 6. a person or an animal as shown in art or a story: a wall with five carved figures in it 7. the human shape, considered from the point of view of being attractively thin: doing exercise to improve one's figure 8. a pattern or series of movements performed on ice: figure-skating * be / become a figure of fun: be / become sb. that others laugh at * cut a...figure: sb with a particular appearance: He cut a striking figure in his dinner jacket. * put a figure on sth: to say the exact price or number of sth. * a fine figure of man / woman: a tall, strong-looking and well-shaped person * figure of speech: a word or phrase used in a different way from its usual meanings in order to create a particular mental image or effect * figurehead: someone who is the head or chief in name only (with no real power or authority) * verb 1. to think or decide that sth. will happen or is true: I figured that if I took the night train, I could be in Scotland by morning. 2. to be part of a process, situation, etc. especially an important part: My opinion of the matter didn't seem to figure at all. 3. to calculate an amount or the cost of sth: We figured that attendance at 150,000. * figure in: to include (in a sum): Have you figured in the cost of hotel? * figure on: to plan on; to expect sth. to happen: I haven't figured on his getting home so late. * figure out: to work out; understand by thinking: Have you figured out how much the trip will cost? * It / That figures!: That seems reasonable. According to the information above, which of the following sentence is not right?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "add the numbers", "have sports", "try not to get fat", "watch games" ], "question": "Below is adapted from an English dictionary. Use the dictionary to answer the following questions. figure / fig@ / noun, verb * noun 1. a number representing a particular amount, especially one given in official information: the trade / sales figures 2. a symbol rather than a word representing one of the numbers between 0 and 9: a six-figure salary 3. (informal) the area of mathematics that deals with adding, multiplying, etc. numbers 4. a person of the type mentioned: Gandhi was both a political and a religious figure in Indian history. 5. the shape of a person seen from a distance or not clearly 6. a person or an animal as shown in art or a story: a wall with five carved figures in it 7. the human shape, considered from the point of view of being attractively thin: doing exercise to improve one's figure 8. a pattern or series of movements performed on ice: figure-skating * be / become a figure of fun: be / become sb. that others laugh at * cut a...figure: sb with a particular appearance: He cut a striking figure in his dinner jacket. * put a figure on sth: to say the exact price or number of sth. * a fine figure of man / woman: a tall, strong-looking and well-shaped person * figure of speech: a word or phrase used in a different way from its usual meanings in order to create a particular mental image or effect * figurehead: someone who is the head or chief in name only (with no real power or authority) * verb 1. to think or decide that sth. will happen or is true: I figured that if I took the night train, I could be in Scotland by morning. 2. to be part of a process, situation, etc. especially an important part: My opinion of the matter didn't seem to figure at all. 3. to calculate an amount or the cost of sth: We figured that attendance at 150,000. * figure in: to include (in a sum): Have you figured in the cost of hotel? * figure on: to plan on; to expect sth. to happen: I haven't figured on his getting home so late. * figure out: to work out; understand by thinking: Have you figured out how much the trip will cost? * It / That figures!: That seems reasonable. The phrase \"watch my figure\" in the sentence \"Don't tempt me with chocolate; I am watching my figure.\" means \" _ \".", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "John is fond of animals and raises a rabbit as a pet.", "In some countries, bamboo can be used to build houses.", "We all regard Mr. Smith as an important figure in our company.", "I didn't really mean my partner was a snake." ], "question": "Below is adapted from an English dictionary. Use the dictionary to answer the following questions. figure / fig@ / noun, verb * noun 1. a number representing a particular amount, especially one given in official information: the trade / sales figures 2. a symbol rather than a word representing one of the numbers between 0 and 9: a six-figure salary 3. (informal) the area of mathematics that deals with adding, multiplying, etc. numbers 4. a person of the type mentioned: Gandhi was both a political and a religious figure in Indian history. 5. the shape of a person seen from a distance or not clearly 6. a person or an animal as shown in art or a story: a wall with five carved figures in it 7. the human shape, considered from the point of view of being attractively thin: doing exercise to improve one's figure 8. a pattern or series of movements performed on ice: figure-skating * be / become a figure of fun: be / become sb. that others laugh at * cut a...figure: sb with a particular appearance: He cut a striking figure in his dinner jacket. * put a figure on sth: to say the exact price or number of sth. * a fine figure of man / woman: a tall, strong-looking and well-shaped person * figure of speech: a word or phrase used in a different way from its usual meanings in order to create a particular mental image or effect * figurehead: someone who is the head or chief in name only (with no real power or authority) * verb 1. to think or decide that sth. will happen or is true: I figured that if I took the night train, I could be in Scotland by morning. 2. to be part of a process, situation, etc. especially an important part: My opinion of the matter didn't seem to figure at all. 3. to calculate an amount or the cost of sth: We figured that attendance at 150,000. * figure in: to include (in a sum): Have you figured in the cost of hotel? * figure on: to plan on; to expect sth. to happen: I haven't figured on his getting home so late. * figure out: to work out; understand by thinking: Have you figured out how much the trip will cost? * It / That figures!: That seems reasonable. Which sentence is used as figure of speech?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 0, "choices": [ "with his wife", "alone", "with his friend", "with an Italian" ], "question": "A Frenchman went to a small Italian town and was staying with his wife at the best hotel there. One night, he went out for a walk alone. It was late and the small street was dark and quiet. Suddenly he felt someone behind him. He turned his head and saw an Italian young man who quickly walked past him. The man was nearly out of sight when the Frenchman suddenly found that his watch was gone. He thought that it must be the Italian who had taken his watch. He decided to follow him and get back the watch. Soon the Frenchman caught up with the Italian. Neither of them understood the other's language. The Frenchman frightened the Italian with his fist and pointed at the Italian's watch. In the end the Italian gave up his watch to the Frenchman. When he returned to the hotel, the Frenchman told his wife what had happened. He was greatly surprised when his wife pointed to the watch on the table. Now he realized that by mistake he had robbed the watch and it was the Italian's. The Frenchman went to a small Italian town _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 1, "choices": [ "a ride", "a walk", "a drink", "rest" ], "question": "A Frenchman went to a small Italian town and was staying with his wife at the best hotel there. One night, he went out for a walk alone. It was late and the small street was dark and quiet. Suddenly he felt someone behind him. He turned his head and saw an Italian young man who quickly walked past him. The man was nearly out of sight when the Frenchman suddenly found that his watch was gone. He thought that it must be the Italian who had taken his watch. He decided to follow him and get back the watch. Soon the Frenchman caught up with the Italian. Neither of them understood the other's language. The Frenchman frightened the Italian with his fist and pointed at the Italian's watch. In the end the Italian gave up his watch to the Frenchman. When he returned to the hotel, the Frenchman told his wife what had happened. He was greatly surprised when his wife pointed to the watch on the table. Now he realized that by mistake he had robbed the watch and it was the Italian's. One night he went out for _ alone.", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 0, "choices": [ "watch", "money", "book", "ring" ], "question": "A Frenchman went to a small Italian town and was staying with his wife at the best hotel there. One night, he went out for a walk alone. It was late and the small street was dark and quiet. Suddenly he felt someone behind him. He turned his head and saw an Italian young man who quickly walked past him. The man was nearly out of sight when the Frenchman suddenly found that his watch was gone. He thought that it must be the Italian who had taken his watch. He decided to follow him and get back the watch. Soon the Frenchman caught up with the Italian. Neither of them understood the other's language. The Frenchman frightened the Italian with his fist and pointed at the Italian's watch. In the end the Italian gave up his watch to the Frenchman. When he returned to the hotel, the Frenchman told his wife what had happened. He was greatly surprised when his wife pointed to the watch on the table. Now he realized that by mistake he had robbed the watch and it was the Italian's. Suddenly he found his _ was gone.", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "he had stolen the watch from the Frenchman.", "he understood what the Frenchman wanted", "he had picked up the watch on his w ay from work", "he was afraid of the Frenchman" ], "question": "A Frenchman went to a small Italian town and was staying with his wife at the best hotel there. One night, he went out for a walk alone. It was late and the small street was dark and quiet. Suddenly he felt someone behind him. He turned his head and saw an Italian young man who quickly walked past him. The man was nearly out of sight when the Frenchman suddenly found that his watch was gone. He thought that it must be the Italian who had taken his watch. He decided to follow him and get back the watch. Soon the Frenchman caught up with the Italian. Neither of them understood the other's language. The Frenchman frightened the Italian with his fist and pointed at the Italian's watch. In the end the Italian gave up his watch to the Frenchman. When he returned to the hotel, the Frenchman told his wife what had happened. He was greatly surprised when his wife pointed to the watch on the table. Now he realized that by mistake he had robbed the watch and it was the Italian's. The Italian gave up his watch to him at last because _ .", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 1, "choices": [ "The Frenchman was.", "The Italian was.", "Both of them was.", "Neither of them was." ], "question": "A Frenchman went to a small Italian town and was staying with his wife at the best hotel there. One night, he went out for a walk alone. It was late and the small street was dark and quiet. Suddenly he felt someone behind him. He turned his head and saw an Italian young man who quickly walked past him. The man was nearly out of sight when the Frenchman suddenly found that his watch was gone. He thought that it must be the Italian who had taken his watch. He decided to follow him and get back the watch. Soon the Frenchman caught up with the Italian. Neither of them understood the other's language. The Frenchman frightened the Italian with his fist and pointed at the Italian's watch. In the end the Italian gave up his watch to the Frenchman. When he returned to the hotel, the Frenchman told his wife what had happened. He was greatly surprised when his wife pointed to the watch on the table. Now he realized that by mistake he had robbed the watch and it was the Italian's. Who was robbed of the watch on earth?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 0, "choices": [ "Because the two roads are more or less similar in the poet's view.", "Because Americans believe they can decide their future themselves.", "Because Americans can find their way easily in a forest just with a map.", "Because Americans surely know which road to take without consideration." ], "question": "There's a case to be made, from things like Google search figures, that Robert Frost's poem The Road Not Taken - you know, the one about two paths diverging in a wood - is the most popular in modern history. Yet people still can't agree what it means. On the surface, it's a fridge-magnet cliche on the importance of taking risks and choosing the road less travelled. But many argue it slyly mocks that American belief in the individual's power to determine his or her future. After all, the poet admits that both paths look roughly similarly well-travelled. And how could he be sure he took the right one? He'll never know where the other leads. Looking back at our life histories, we tell ourselves we faced important dilemmas and chose wisely. But maybe only because it's too awful to admit we're stumbling mapless among the trees, or that our choices don't make much difference. Two psychologists, Karalyn Enz and Jennifer Talarico, throw light on these matters in a new study with a title that nods to Frost: Forks In The Road. They sought to clarify how people think about \"turning points\" versus \"transitions\" in life. A turning point, by their definition, is a moment that changes your future - deciding to leave a job or marriage, say - but often isn't visible from the outside, at least at first. \"Transitions\" involve big external changes: going to university, marrying, emigrating . Sometimes the two go together, as when you move to a new place and realize it's where you belong. (\"New Yorkers are born all over the country,\" Delia Ephron said, \"and then they come to New York and it hits them: oh, that's who I am.\") But it's turning points we remember as most significant, Enz and Talarico conclude, whether or not they also involve transitions. The distinction is useful: it underlines how the most outwardly obvious life changes aren't always those with the biggest impact. Hence the famous \"focusing illusion\", which describes how we exaggerate the importance of a single factor on happiness: you switch jobs, or spouses, only to discover you brought the same troublesome old you to the new situation. Before it became a joke, \"midlife crisis\" referred to a turning point that happens because your circumstances don't change, when your old life stops feeling meaningful. Turning points can be caused by mundane things - the offhand remark that makes you realize you're in the wrong life - or by nothing at all. Why do some people think the poem makes fun of the American belief?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 3, "choices": [ "Your experience of midlife crisis.", "Your choice of the road to take.", "Your decision to travel abroad.", "Your move into a new flat." ], "question": "There's a case to be made, from things like Google search figures, that Robert Frost's poem The Road Not Taken - you know, the one about two paths diverging in a wood - is the most popular in modern history. Yet people still can't agree what it means. On the surface, it's a fridge-magnet cliche on the importance of taking risks and choosing the road less travelled. But many argue it slyly mocks that American belief in the individual's power to determine his or her future. After all, the poet admits that both paths look roughly similarly well-travelled. And how could he be sure he took the right one? He'll never know where the other leads. Looking back at our life histories, we tell ourselves we faced important dilemmas and chose wisely. But maybe only because it's too awful to admit we're stumbling mapless among the trees, or that our choices don't make much difference. Two psychologists, Karalyn Enz and Jennifer Talarico, throw light on these matters in a new study with a title that nods to Frost: Forks In The Road. They sought to clarify how people think about \"turning points\" versus \"transitions\" in life. A turning point, by their definition, is a moment that changes your future - deciding to leave a job or marriage, say - but often isn't visible from the outside, at least at first. \"Transitions\" involve big external changes: going to university, marrying, emigrating . Sometimes the two go together, as when you move to a new place and realize it's where you belong. (\"New Yorkers are born all over the country,\" Delia Ephron said, \"and then they come to New York and it hits them: oh, that's who I am.\") But it's turning points we remember as most significant, Enz and Talarico conclude, whether or not they also involve transitions. The distinction is useful: it underlines how the most outwardly obvious life changes aren't always those with the biggest impact. Hence the famous \"focusing illusion\", which describes how we exaggerate the importance of a single factor on happiness: you switch jobs, or spouses, only to discover you brought the same troublesome old you to the new situation. Before it became a joke, \"midlife crisis\" referred to a turning point that happens because your circumstances don't change, when your old life stops feeling meaningful. Turning points can be caused by mundane things - the offhand remark that makes you realize you're in the wrong life - or by nothing at all. Which of the following can be considered as a transition?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 2, "choices": [ "Turning points involving transitions are often remembered as most significant.", "The biggest impact is often characterized with obvious outside changes.", "A fundamental change is often affected by more than one single factor.", "We can rid ourselves of the unpleasant past with the change of a job." ], "question": "There's a case to be made, from things like Google search figures, that Robert Frost's poem The Road Not Taken - you know, the one about two paths diverging in a wood - is the most popular in modern history. Yet people still can't agree what it means. On the surface, it's a fridge-magnet cliche on the importance of taking risks and choosing the road less travelled. But many argue it slyly mocks that American belief in the individual's power to determine his or her future. After all, the poet admits that both paths look roughly similarly well-travelled. And how could he be sure he took the right one? He'll never know where the other leads. Looking back at our life histories, we tell ourselves we faced important dilemmas and chose wisely. But maybe only because it's too awful to admit we're stumbling mapless among the trees, or that our choices don't make much difference. Two psychologists, Karalyn Enz and Jennifer Talarico, throw light on these matters in a new study with a title that nods to Frost: Forks In The Road. They sought to clarify how people think about \"turning points\" versus \"transitions\" in life. A turning point, by their definition, is a moment that changes your future - deciding to leave a job or marriage, say - but often isn't visible from the outside, at least at first. \"Transitions\" involve big external changes: going to university, marrying, emigrating . Sometimes the two go together, as when you move to a new place and realize it's where you belong. (\"New Yorkers are born all over the country,\" Delia Ephron said, \"and then they come to New York and it hits them: oh, that's who I am.\") But it's turning points we remember as most significant, Enz and Talarico conclude, whether or not they also involve transitions. The distinction is useful: it underlines how the most outwardly obvious life changes aren't always those with the biggest impact. Hence the famous \"focusing illusion\", which describes how we exaggerate the importance of a single factor on happiness: you switch jobs, or spouses, only to discover you brought the same troublesome old you to the new situation. Before it became a joke, \"midlife crisis\" referred to a turning point that happens because your circumstances don't change, when your old life stops feeling meaningful. Turning points can be caused by mundane things - the offhand remark that makes you realize you're in the wrong life - or by nothing at all. What can we infer from this passage?", "subject": "" }
{ "answer": 0, "choices": [ "Is our fate in our own hands?", "Must people make changes in life?", "Should we choose the road less travelled?", "Are turning points connected with transitions?" ], "question": "There's a case to be made, from things like Google search figures, that Robert Frost's poem The Road Not Taken - you know, the one about two paths diverging in a wood - is the most popular in modern history. Yet people still can't agree what it means. On the surface, it's a fridge-magnet cliche on the importance of taking risks and choosing the road less travelled. But many argue it slyly mocks that American belief in the individual's power to determine his or her future. After all, the poet admits that both paths look roughly similarly well-travelled. And how could he be sure he took the right one? He'll never know where the other leads. Looking back at our life histories, we tell ourselves we faced important dilemmas and chose wisely. But maybe only because it's too awful to admit we're stumbling mapless among the trees, or that our choices don't make much difference. Two psychologists, Karalyn Enz and Jennifer Talarico, throw light on these matters in a new study with a title that nods to Frost: Forks In The Road. They sought to clarify how people think about \"turning points\" versus \"transitions\" in life. A turning point, by their definition, is a moment that changes your future - deciding to leave a job or marriage, say - but often isn't visible from the outside, at least at first. \"Transitions\" involve big external changes: going to university, marrying, emigrating . Sometimes the two go together, as when you move to a new place and realize it's where you belong. (\"New Yorkers are born all over the country,\" Delia Ephron said, \"and then they come to New York and it hits them: oh, that's who I am.\") But it's turning points we remember as most significant, Enz and Talarico conclude, whether or not they also involve transitions. The distinction is useful: it underlines how the most outwardly obvious life changes aren't always those with the biggest impact. Hence the famous \"focusing illusion\", which describes how we exaggerate the importance of a single factor on happiness: you switch jobs, or spouses, only to discover you brought the same troublesome old you to the new situation. Before it became a joke, \"midlife crisis\" referred to a turning point that happens because your circumstances don't change, when your old life stops feeling meaningful. Turning points can be caused by mundane things - the offhand remark that makes you realize you're in the wrong life - or by nothing at all. What's the best title of the passage?", "subject": "" }

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