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Which source of electricity would harm the environment the least?
| null |
Answer this science question and explain your reasoning.
|
Which source of electricity would harm the environment the least?
Choices:
A. solar power
B. diesel generator
C. hydroelectric dams
D. power lines
|
Correct answer: A
|
science
|
Mercury_7093188
|
{
"text": [
"solar power",
"diesel generator",
"hydroelectric dams",
"power lines"
],
"label": [
"A",
"B",
"C",
"D"
]
}
|
A
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
After seeing the irises sprouting, the author _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Mom's birthday present? It may be a difficult thing for some people, but for me, it is an easy thing. Mom loved flowers, so every year I sent her flowers. Actually she had a bed of irises in the backyard of her small, Indiana farm. They were beautiful. "Take some," she said, "Dig some up and plant them on the side of your own house."
But in my yard they became lacking in energy. A year passed, then two, but not one flower appeared. I cut back all their green leaves. I was tired of seeing them so lonely. Finally, I dug the irises up and threw them away.
About that time Mom died unexpectedly. My sister and I sold the farm. I never went back to see the irises. I just couldn't bear seeing another family living in our home--Mom's home. Autumn came, then winter. The following spring, as Mom's birthday approached, I struggled with the question of how to remember her. I stared out the window and saw a few stubborn irises in my side yard sprouting , --tall, thin but flowerless. Because of seeing them, I decided to order flowers as I always did on Mom's birthday, and send them to my sister. I wished so badly I could still send flowers to Mom. But that was impossible.
In the morning of Mom's birthday, I was in my car ready to work. Something in the yard caught my eye. The irises! One had bloomed with flowers, big, showy and purple, as lovely as they ever had been on Mom's farm. I smiled and turned my eyes upward. I could no longer send flowers to Mom. But somehow, she'd been able to send them to me.
Question:
After seeing the irises sprouting, the author _ .
Choices:
A. decided to send flowers to her sister on Mom's birthday
B. dug them out because they were flowerless
C. decided to send them to Mom after they bloom
D. ordered flowers for the people living in Mom's home
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high6550.txt
|
Mom's birthday present? It may be a difficult thing for some people, but for me, it is an easy thing. Mom loved flowers, so every year I sent her flowers. Actually she had a bed of irises in the backyard of her small, Indiana farm. They were beautiful. "Take some," she said, "Dig some up and plant them on the side of your own house."
But in my yard they became lacking in energy. A year passed, then two, but not one flower appeared. I cut back all their green leaves. I was tired of seeing them so lonely. Finally, I dug the irises up and threw them away.
About that time Mom died unexpectedly. My sister and I sold the farm. I never went back to see the irises. I just couldn't bear seeing another family living in our home--Mom's home. Autumn came, then winter. The following spring, as Mom's birthday approached, I struggled with the question of how to remember her. I stared out the window and saw a few stubborn irises in my side yard sprouting , --tall, thin but flowerless. Because of seeing them, I decided to order flowers as I always did on Mom's birthday, and send them to my sister. I wished so badly I could still send flowers to Mom. But that was impossible.
In the morning of Mom's birthday, I was in my car ready to work. Something in the yard caught my eye. The irises! One had bloomed with flowers, big, showy and purple, as lovely as they ever had been on Mom's farm. I smiled and turned my eyes upward. I could no longer send flowers to Mom. But somehow, she'd been able to send them to me.
|
[
"decided to send flowers to her sister on Mom's birthday",
"dug them out because they were flowerless",
"decided to send them to Mom after they bloom",
"ordered flowers for the people living in Mom's home"
] |
It is essential for a policeman to be trained in criminal law _ .
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Real policemen, both in Britain and the United States, hardly recognize any similarity between their lives and what they see on TV -- if they ever get home in time. There are similarities, of course, but the cops (policemen) don't think much of them.
The first difference is that a policeman's real life revolves round (......) the law. Most of his training is in criminal law. He has to know exactly what actions are crimes and what evidence can be used to prove them in court. He has to know nearly as much law as a professional lawyer, and what is more, he has to apply it on his feet, in the dark and rain, running down an alley after someone he wants to talk to.
Little of his time is spent in chatting to charming ladies or in dramatic confrontations with desperate criminals. He will spend most of his working life typing millions of words on thousands of forms about hundreds of sad, unimportant people who are guilty -- or not -- of stupid crimes of little importance.
Most television crime drama is about finding the criminal: as soon as he's arrested, the story is over. In real life, finding criminals is seldom much of a problem. Except in very serious cases like murders and terrorist attacks-- where failure to produce results reflects on the standing of the police -- little effort is spent on searching. The police have detailed machinery which eventually shows up most wanted men.
Having made an arrest, a detective really starts to work. He has to prove his case in court and to do that he often has to gather a lot of different evidence. Much of this has to be given by people who don't want to get involved in a court case. So, as well as being overworked, a detective has to be out at all hours of the day and night interviewing his witnesses and persuading them, usually against their own best interests, to help him.
A third big difference between the drama detective and the real detective is that the real detective lives in an unpleasant moral twilight . Detectives tend to have two opposing pressures: first, as members of a police force they always have to behave with legality; secondly, as expensive public servants they have to get results. They can hardly ever do both. Most of the time, some of them have to break the rules in small ways.
If the detective has to deceive the world, the world often deceives him. Hardly anyone he meets tells him the truth. And this separation the detective feels between himself and the rest of the world is deepened by the simplemindedness -- as he sees it -- of citizens, social workers, doctors, law-makers, and judges, who, instead of putting a complete end to crime punish the criminals less strictly in the hope that this will make them reform. The result, detectives feel, is that nine-tenths of their work is re-catching people who should have stayed behind bars. This makes them rather cynical .
Question:
It is essential for a policeman to be trained in criminal law _ .
Choices:
A. so that he can catch criminals in the streets easily
B. because many of the criminals he has to catch are very dangerous
C. because he has to know nearly as much about law as a professional lawyer
D. so that he can give a good reason for his arrests in court
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high17508.txt
|
Real policemen, both in Britain and the United States, hardly recognize any similarity between their lives and what they see on TV -- if they ever get home in time. There are similarities, of course, but the cops (policemen) don't think much of them.
The first difference is that a policeman's real life revolves round (......) the law. Most of his training is in criminal law. He has to know exactly what actions are crimes and what evidence can be used to prove them in court. He has to know nearly as much law as a professional lawyer, and what is more, he has to apply it on his feet, in the dark and rain, running down an alley after someone he wants to talk to.
Little of his time is spent in chatting to charming ladies or in dramatic confrontations with desperate criminals. He will spend most of his working life typing millions of words on thousands of forms about hundreds of sad, unimportant people who are guilty -- or not -- of stupid crimes of little importance.
Most television crime drama is about finding the criminal: as soon as he's arrested, the story is over. In real life, finding criminals is seldom much of a problem. Except in very serious cases like murders and terrorist attacks-- where failure to produce results reflects on the standing of the police -- little effort is spent on searching. The police have detailed machinery which eventually shows up most wanted men.
Having made an arrest, a detective really starts to work. He has to prove his case in court and to do that he often has to gather a lot of different evidence. Much of this has to be given by people who don't want to get involved in a court case. So, as well as being overworked, a detective has to be out at all hours of the day and night interviewing his witnesses and persuading them, usually against their own best interests, to help him.
A third big difference between the drama detective and the real detective is that the real detective lives in an unpleasant moral twilight . Detectives tend to have two opposing pressures: first, as members of a police force they always have to behave with legality; secondly, as expensive public servants they have to get results. They can hardly ever do both. Most of the time, some of them have to break the rules in small ways.
If the detective has to deceive the world, the world often deceives him. Hardly anyone he meets tells him the truth. And this separation the detective feels between himself and the rest of the world is deepened by the simplemindedness -- as he sees it -- of citizens, social workers, doctors, law-makers, and judges, who, instead of putting a complete end to crime punish the criminals less strictly in the hope that this will make them reform. The result, detectives feel, is that nine-tenths of their work is re-catching people who should have stayed behind bars. This makes them rather cynical .
|
[
"so that he can catch criminals in the streets easily",
"because many of the criminals he has to catch are very dangerous",
"because he has to know nearly as much about law as a professional lawyer",
"so that he can give a good reason for his arrests in court"
] |
What can we know about IELTS results?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Some students who took the International English Language Testing System(IELTS) exam in August and September, 2015 have had their results"withheld permanently", sending a strong signal that the examiners intend to stamp out cheating, some senior language tutors said.
Yang Yuting, chief language training tutor at Amber Education, an overseas education consulting agency, said there have been a few cases in which candidates' IELTS results were canceled in recent years, leaving the students with no qualification but this is the first time he has heard that results, including those of some of his students, were"withheld permanently", meaning IELTS will not give the students their results, nor will they give them to others.
Wang Xin, a senior student at the Communication University of China in Beijing, took an IELTS test on August 1 and the results were due within 10 working days. But she was then informed that her results were undergoing routine checks. Soon after that, she received an e-mail telling her that"a decision has been made to withhold this result permanently"and stating that Wang had"breached IELTS test rules and regulations".
A number of students who took the test during the past two months in cities including Nanjing, Changsha and Guangzhou, have had the same experience. Many test takers said they were confused because they didn't know how they had breached the rules and regulations.
IELTS authorities said in an e-mail toChinaDailythat IELTS takes the responsibility of providing test results very seriously. Results are only withheld in cases where there is strong evidence to suggest that the candidates have not observed IELTS regulations."In these cases, we are unable to guarantee that their result is a true reflection of their English language skills,"they said in the e-mail, although they gave no figures of how many students were involved."We regret any inconvenience this may cause, but these measures are essential to protect the value of the results for more than 2.5 million test takers every year. Hundreds of thousands of people take IELTS in China every year and the number of results which are permanently withheld is a tiny proportion ,"they said.
Hu Min, president ofNew Channel International Education Group, an English-language tutorial agency in China, said a major cause of results being withheld might be an extreme imbalance in performance levels in the four sections of the test."For example, if a student scores very high in the reading and listening sections while performing poorly in writing and speaking, IELTS authorities may suspect that the test taker has memorized the reading and listening questions -- a practice that is very popular among Chinese test takers,"he said."IELTS authorities discourage such a practice and would determine that the scores can't reflect the real English level if test takers do so."
Question:
What can we know about IELTS results?
Choices:
A. They are announced through an e-mail.
B. All results will be rechecked by examiners.
C. They are announced in at least ten days.
D. The results include scores of four different parts.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high19530.txt
|
Some students who took the International English Language Testing System(IELTS) exam in August and September, 2015 have had their results"withheld permanently", sending a strong signal that the examiners intend to stamp out cheating, some senior language tutors said.
Yang Yuting, chief language training tutor at Amber Education, an overseas education consulting agency, said there have been a few cases in which candidates' IELTS results were canceled in recent years, leaving the students with no qualification but this is the first time he has heard that results, including those of some of his students, were"withheld permanently", meaning IELTS will not give the students their results, nor will they give them to others.
Wang Xin, a senior student at the Communication University of China in Beijing, took an IELTS test on August 1 and the results were due within 10 working days. But she was then informed that her results were undergoing routine checks. Soon after that, she received an e-mail telling her that"a decision has been made to withhold this result permanently"and stating that Wang had"breached IELTS test rules and regulations".
A number of students who took the test during the past two months in cities including Nanjing, Changsha and Guangzhou, have had the same experience. Many test takers said they were confused because they didn't know how they had breached the rules and regulations.
IELTS authorities said in an e-mail toChinaDailythat IELTS takes the responsibility of providing test results very seriously. Results are only withheld in cases where there is strong evidence to suggest that the candidates have not observed IELTS regulations."In these cases, we are unable to guarantee that their result is a true reflection of their English language skills,"they said in the e-mail, although they gave no figures of how many students were involved."We regret any inconvenience this may cause, but these measures are essential to protect the value of the results for more than 2.5 million test takers every year. Hundreds of thousands of people take IELTS in China every year and the number of results which are permanently withheld is a tiny proportion ,"they said.
Hu Min, president ofNew Channel International Education Group, an English-language tutorial agency in China, said a major cause of results being withheld might be an extreme imbalance in performance levels in the four sections of the test."For example, if a student scores very high in the reading and listening sections while performing poorly in writing and speaking, IELTS authorities may suspect that the test taker has memorized the reading and listening questions -- a practice that is very popular among Chinese test takers,"he said."IELTS authorities discourage such a practice and would determine that the scores can't reflect the real English level if test takers do so."
|
[
"They are announced through an e-mail.",
"All results will be rechecked by examiners.",
"They are announced in at least ten days.",
"The results include scores of four different parts."
] |
We can infer from the text that_.
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Procter and Gamble(P&G)has announced that it'll enlarge its household products empire by combining with Gillette. The deal is expected to close this autumn because it should get permission from US Antitrust Regulators ,P&G said in a statement.
P&G is to gain all of Gillette's business, including its producing and technical equipment. It will add a product variety popular with men. P&G said it expected the combination to bring in totaling US $14--16 billion. But it also said it was planning to cut the combined workforce of 140,000 by about 6,000 or four percent.
P&G is based inprefix = st1 /Cincinnati,Ohio,US. It has about 110,000 employees in almost 80 countries. Its brands include Tide laundry detergent and Head&Shoulders shampoo. Gillette is famous all over the world for its shaving products. It's based in Boston,Massachusetts,USand has 32 factories in 14 countries. P&G ranks No. 1 in the world in its household and personal furnishing parts and the company had US$ 5.8 billion in profits in 2004. Gillette ranks No.5 and has a market capitalization of US$ 45.5 billion.
This combination of two best of their class, at a time when they are both operating from a position of strength, is a special opportunity, and the combination is going to create the greatest consumer products company in the world. It's a dream deal.
Question:
We can infer from the text that_.
Choices:
A. The combination of big companies may possibly lead to trust.
B. All Gillette's thirty-two factories are in fourteen countries
C. P&G made less profits than Gillette in 2004
D. P&G's products are worse than Gillette's
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high17140.txt
|
Procter and Gamble(P&G)has announced that it'll enlarge its household products empire by combining with Gillette. The deal is expected to close this autumn because it should get permission from US Antitrust Regulators ,P&G said in a statement.
P&G is to gain all of Gillette's business, including its producing and technical equipment. It will add a product variety popular with men. P&G said it expected the combination to bring in totaling US $14--16 billion. But it also said it was planning to cut the combined workforce of 140,000 by about 6,000 or four percent.
P&G is based inprefix = st1 /Cincinnati,Ohio,US. It has about 110,000 employees in almost 80 countries. Its brands include Tide laundry detergent and Head&Shoulders shampoo. Gillette is famous all over the world for its shaving products. It's based in Boston,Massachusetts,USand has 32 factories in 14 countries. P&G ranks No. 1 in the world in its household and personal furnishing parts and the company had US$ 5.8 billion in profits in 2004. Gillette ranks No.5 and has a market capitalization of US$ 45.5 billion.
This combination of two best of their class, at a time when they are both operating from a position of strength, is a special opportunity, and the combination is going to create the greatest consumer products company in the world. It's a dream deal.
|
[
"The combination of big companies may possibly lead to trust.",
"All Gillette's thirty-two factories are in fourteen countries",
"P&G made less profits than Gillette in 2004",
"P&G's products are worse than Gillette's"
] |
The author mentions the sudden stop of the bus to _ .
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
In many sports, physical contact is part of the game. But when athletes hit their heads, the hit can cause concussions .
Concussions have long been a concern for professional athletes, but they've become more common among young players too. Between 2001 and 2009, the number of kids under 19 visiting doctors for concussions each year increased by 62 percent.
Engineers are developing new helmets , and new rules are limiting physical contact in some sports. But are these efforts enough to protect kids' brains?
Concussions can happen during many types of activities. But sports like football and soccer are especially risky. When you run or jump, your body is moving at an increased speed. A sudden hit causes you to move faster in a different direction.
"It's like when you're in a bus and it makes a sudden stop," says Dr. Kevin Crutchfield, an expert at a sports concussion center in Baltimore, Maryland. "You hit the inside of the bus."
This hit damages the brain. It affects the way the brain functions. So some sports require athletes to wear helmets. Helmets help reduce the force of a hit. The hard outer shell spreads the force of larger area. Inside a helmet, a plastic or air-filled lining also helps soften the blow.
Steve Rowson is an engineer at Virginia Tech. In his lab, he tests how helmets hold up against different types of hits. No helmet can prevent concussions completely, says Rowson. But he's found that when wearing a newer football helmet, the player's head doesn't gain speed as much after a hit. That lowers the risk of concussions.
Many youth sports teams have set limits on physical contact to reduce the risk of concussions. In soccer, most concussions happen as a result of headers--shots or passes made with the head. That's why many people think kids shouldn't head the ball until high school.
These efforts should help, says Crutchfield. But the best way to prevent long-term brain injuries, he says, is to stop playing immediately if you suffer concussion. "Protect yourself today so you can play again tomorrow."
Question:
The author mentions the sudden stop of the bus to _ .
Choices:
A. stress it's dangerous to ride buses
B. show human brains are easily damaged
C. give a better explanation of concussions
D. remind people to wear helmets while playing sports
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high11317.txt
|
In many sports, physical contact is part of the game. But when athletes hit their heads, the hit can cause concussions .
Concussions have long been a concern for professional athletes, but they've become more common among young players too. Between 2001 and 2009, the number of kids under 19 visiting doctors for concussions each year increased by 62 percent.
Engineers are developing new helmets , and new rules are limiting physical contact in some sports. But are these efforts enough to protect kids' brains?
Concussions can happen during many types of activities. But sports like football and soccer are especially risky. When you run or jump, your body is moving at an increased speed. A sudden hit causes you to move faster in a different direction.
"It's like when you're in a bus and it makes a sudden stop," says Dr. Kevin Crutchfield, an expert at a sports concussion center in Baltimore, Maryland. "You hit the inside of the bus."
This hit damages the brain. It affects the way the brain functions. So some sports require athletes to wear helmets. Helmets help reduce the force of a hit. The hard outer shell spreads the force of larger area. Inside a helmet, a plastic or air-filled lining also helps soften the blow.
Steve Rowson is an engineer at Virginia Tech. In his lab, he tests how helmets hold up against different types of hits. No helmet can prevent concussions completely, says Rowson. But he's found that when wearing a newer football helmet, the player's head doesn't gain speed as much after a hit. That lowers the risk of concussions.
Many youth sports teams have set limits on physical contact to reduce the risk of concussions. In soccer, most concussions happen as a result of headers--shots or passes made with the head. That's why many people think kids shouldn't head the ball until high school.
These efforts should help, says Crutchfield. But the best way to prevent long-term brain injuries, he says, is to stop playing immediately if you suffer concussion. "Protect yourself today so you can play again tomorrow."
|
[
"stress it's dangerous to ride buses",
"show human brains are easily damaged",
"give a better explanation of concussions",
"remind people to wear helmets while playing sports"
] |
If you go to London in December, you will not be able to _
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
London has more than nine million visitors every year. They come and visit some of the most famous places in England: Big Ben, the Tower of London and the River Thames.
You can see some of the most interesting places in London by getting on the tour buses. Or you can take a ride on the London Eye. This large wheel slowly takes you 135m above the River Thames.
The River Thames is London's main waterway. It has shaped the capital's _ history and geography. So one of the best ways of knowing more about the city is to take a trip along the river.
The clock tower of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, has become one of the main symbols of London. The sound of the bell, which you can hear at the beginning of many television and radio programmes, has become well-known throughout the nation.
No visit to London is complete without a look at the Tower of London, in the eastern part of the city. After Big Ben, the Tower may be London's most visited tourist spot. Directly south is Tower Bridge, which is more than100 years old.
Along all the palaces in London, Buckingham Palace is the most famous. It has been the main London home of the royal family since Queen Victoria moved there in 1873. You can visit some of the rooms in August and September. And most mornings of the year you can watch the soldiers
outside changing the guard.
About one hour by train out of London is the Tower of Windsor. Here you can visit another of the Queen's homes-Windsor Castle. There was a fire in 1992 and many of the rooms were badly burned. But now they are full of beautiful pictures, tables and chairs again.
Sightseeing in London is great, but it can get very tiring. So, the best way to start the day is to fill up with an English breakfast.
You can buy an English breakfast in nearly every hotel, and at many restaurants and cafes. An English pub is a good place to stop for lunch and a drink. You can get hot or cold food and try one of England's many ales . Fish and chips are also a traditional English meal. So look out for fish and chip shops in cities as well as by the sea.
Or you can sit outside one of the many roadside pubs and cafes in London, and simply watch the busy world go by.
Question:
If you go to London in December, you will not be able to _
Choices:
A. visit Windsor Castle
B. tour the Buckingham Palace
C. tour the city along the River Thames
D. watch the soldiers outside the Buckingham Palace changing guards.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high11296.txt
|
London has more than nine million visitors every year. They come and visit some of the most famous places in England: Big Ben, the Tower of London and the River Thames.
You can see some of the most interesting places in London by getting on the tour buses. Or you can take a ride on the London Eye. This large wheel slowly takes you 135m above the River Thames.
The River Thames is London's main waterway. It has shaped the capital's _ history and geography. So one of the best ways of knowing more about the city is to take a trip along the river.
The clock tower of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, has become one of the main symbols of London. The sound of the bell, which you can hear at the beginning of many television and radio programmes, has become well-known throughout the nation.
No visit to London is complete without a look at the Tower of London, in the eastern part of the city. After Big Ben, the Tower may be London's most visited tourist spot. Directly south is Tower Bridge, which is more than100 years old.
Along all the palaces in London, Buckingham Palace is the most famous. It has been the main London home of the royal family since Queen Victoria moved there in 1873. You can visit some of the rooms in August and September. And most mornings of the year you can watch the soldiers
outside changing the guard.
About one hour by train out of London is the Tower of Windsor. Here you can visit another of the Queen's homes-Windsor Castle. There was a fire in 1992 and many of the rooms were badly burned. But now they are full of beautiful pictures, tables and chairs again.
Sightseeing in London is great, but it can get very tiring. So, the best way to start the day is to fill up with an English breakfast.
You can buy an English breakfast in nearly every hotel, and at many restaurants and cafes. An English pub is a good place to stop for lunch and a drink. You can get hot or cold food and try one of England's many ales . Fish and chips are also a traditional English meal. So look out for fish and chip shops in cities as well as by the sea.
Or you can sit outside one of the many roadside pubs and cafes in London, and simply watch the busy world go by.
|
[
"visit Windsor Castle",
"tour the Buckingham Palace",
"tour the city along the River Thames",
"watch the soldiers outside the Buckingham Palace changing guards."
] |
What is the best title of the passage?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
People have different ways of greeting each other. They might shake hands , kiss or hug . But do you ever wonder how dogs say hello?
If you are a dog lover, you already know the answer to this question. When you arrive home, your dog jumps up into your lap . It wags its tail, and sometimes gives you wet kisses.
Like humans, dogs have five senses : smell, touch, sight, hearing and taste. Humans use sight as the main sense for recognizing one another. But dogs have poor eyesight. They use smell to recognize others. A dog's sense of smell is much better than a human's. It is through its sense of smell that tells the differences between different people.
Dogs use smell to recognize other dogs, too. They tell the differences by the smell of pee and pooh . When two dogs meet, they smell each other's noses. Then they go side to side, and smell each other's butts . By smelling its friend's behind, a dog knows who it is with.
That is also why dogs smell everything they can on the road. By smelling grass, trees and signposts , dogs know which other neighborhood dogs have been around.
Question:
What is the best title of the passage?
Choices:
A. Humans and dogs.
B. My favorite animal.
C. How do dogs say hello?
D. Cute dogs.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle1551.txt
|
People have different ways of greeting each other. They might shake hands , kiss or hug . But do you ever wonder how dogs say hello?
If you are a dog lover, you already know the answer to this question. When you arrive home, your dog jumps up into your lap . It wags its tail, and sometimes gives you wet kisses.
Like humans, dogs have five senses : smell, touch, sight, hearing and taste. Humans use sight as the main sense for recognizing one another. But dogs have poor eyesight. They use smell to recognize others. A dog's sense of smell is much better than a human's. It is through its sense of smell that tells the differences between different people.
Dogs use smell to recognize other dogs, too. They tell the differences by the smell of pee and pooh . When two dogs meet, they smell each other's noses. Then they go side to side, and smell each other's butts . By smelling its friend's behind, a dog knows who it is with.
That is also why dogs smell everything they can on the road. By smelling grass, trees and signposts , dogs know which other neighborhood dogs have been around.
|
[
"Humans and dogs.",
"My favorite animal.",
"How do dogs say hello?",
"Cute dogs."
] |
Ions can be formed when atoms lose what other particles?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
Ions can be formed when atoms lose what other particles?
|
electrons
|
science
| null | null | null |
shells
|
neutrons
|
protons
|
electrons
|
By losing an electron, the sodium atom becomes a sodium ion. It now has more protons than electrons and a charge of +1. Positive ions such as sodium are given the same name as the element. The chemical symbol has a plus sign to distinguish the ion from an atom of the element. The symbol for a sodium ion is Na + .
| null | null | null |
The passage mainly talks about _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Most people feel lonely sometimes, but it usually only lasts a few minutes or a few hours. This kind of loneliness is not serious. In fact, it is quite normal. For some people, though, loneliness can last for years. Now researchers say there are three different types of loneliness.
The first kind of loneliness is temporary. This is the most common type. It usually disappears quickly and does not require any special attention. The second kind, situational loneliness, is a natural result of a particular situation-for example, the death of a loved one, or moving to a new place. Although this kind of loneliness can cause physical problems, such as headaches and sleeplessness, it usually does not last for more than a year. Situational loneliness Is easy to understand and to predict.
The third kind of loneliness is the most severe. Unlike the second type,
loneliness usually lasts more than two years and has no specific cause. People who experience habitual loneliness have problem socializing and becoming close to others unfortunately, many chronically lonely people think there is little or nothing they can do to improve their condition.
Many researchers agree that the loneliest people are between the ages 18 and 25, so a group of psychologists decided to study a group of college students. They found that more than 50% of the students were situationally lonely at the beginning of the term as a result of their new circumstances, but had adjusted after a few months, 13% were still lonely after seven months due to shyness and fear. They felt very uncomfortable meeting strangers, even though they understood that their fear was not reasonable. The situationally lonely students overcame their loneliness by making new friends, but the chronically lonely remained unhappy because they were afraid to do so.
Psychologists are trying to find ways to help habitually lonely people for two reasons: First of all, they are unhappy and unable to socialize and there is a connection between chronic loneliness and serious illness such as heart disease. While temporary and situational loneliness can be a normal, healthy part of life, chronic loneliness can be a very sad, and sometimes dangerous condition.
Question:
The passage mainly talks about _ .
Choices:
A. the subjects of psychology
B. the study on loneliness
C. the interests of psychologists
D. the treatment of loneliness
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high16099.txt
|
Most people feel lonely sometimes, but it usually only lasts a few minutes or a few hours. This kind of loneliness is not serious. In fact, it is quite normal. For some people, though, loneliness can last for years. Now researchers say there are three different types of loneliness.
The first kind of loneliness is temporary. This is the most common type. It usually disappears quickly and does not require any special attention. The second kind, situational loneliness, is a natural result of a particular situation-for example, the death of a loved one, or moving to a new place. Although this kind of loneliness can cause physical problems, such as headaches and sleeplessness, it usually does not last for more than a year. Situational loneliness Is easy to understand and to predict.
The third kind of loneliness is the most severe. Unlike the second type,
loneliness usually lasts more than two years and has no specific cause. People who experience habitual loneliness have problem socializing and becoming close to others unfortunately, many chronically lonely people think there is little or nothing they can do to improve their condition.
Many researchers agree that the loneliest people are between the ages 18 and 25, so a group of psychologists decided to study a group of college students. They found that more than 50% of the students were situationally lonely at the beginning of the term as a result of their new circumstances, but had adjusted after a few months, 13% were still lonely after seven months due to shyness and fear. They felt very uncomfortable meeting strangers, even though they understood that their fear was not reasonable. The situationally lonely students overcame their loneliness by making new friends, but the chronically lonely remained unhappy because they were afraid to do so.
Psychologists are trying to find ways to help habitually lonely people for two reasons: First of all, they are unhappy and unable to socialize and there is a connection between chronic loneliness and serious illness such as heart disease. While temporary and situational loneliness can be a normal, healthy part of life, chronic loneliness can be a very sad, and sometimes dangerous condition.
|
[
"the subjects of psychology",
"the study on loneliness",
"the interests of psychologists",
"the treatment of loneliness"
] |
Hazel and Razel are twins who share everything they receive. If Hazel received 6 shirts, while Razel received twice the number of shirts as Hazel. How many shirts do they have in total?
|
Razel received 6 x 2 = <<6*2=12>>12 shirts.
Therefore, they have 12 + 6 = <<12+6=18>>18 shirts altogether.
#### 18
|
Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step.
|
Hazel and Razel are twins who share everything they receive. If Hazel received 6 shirts, while Razel received twice the number of shirts as Hazel. How many shirts do they have in total?
|
Razel received 6 x 2 = <<6*2=12>>12 shirts.
Therefore, they have 12 + 6 = <<12+6=18>>18 shirts altogether.
#### 18
|
math
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
What is the solid of water?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Water can be a liquid, a solid or a gas. When it is a solid, it can be as hard as stone. When it is a liquid, it can run through your fingers. When it is a gas, you may not see or feel it.
Water can change from a solid to a liquid or to a gas easily. This is why we always have fresh water. Now let us find out how it does. The heat of the sun turns liquid water into gas from the oceans, seas, rivers and lakes. The heat also turns liquid water into gas from the ground, the plants and the animals. Water in the gas rises and turns into clouds in the air.
When the clouds come near a mountain, they rise high. As the clouds rise, they get cooler. The higher they rise, the cooler they become. Then more and more water gas turn into water drops. In this way, the drops of water in the clouds get bigger and bigger. Then they fall to the earth as rain.
,
Question:
What is the solid of water?
Choices:
A. Rain
B. Gas
C. Stone
D. Ice
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle1587.txt
|
Water can be a liquid, a solid or a gas. When it is a solid, it can be as hard as stone. When it is a liquid, it can run through your fingers. When it is a gas, you may not see or feel it.
Water can change from a solid to a liquid or to a gas easily. This is why we always have fresh water. Now let us find out how it does. The heat of the sun turns liquid water into gas from the oceans, seas, rivers and lakes. The heat also turns liquid water into gas from the ground, the plants and the animals. Water in the gas rises and turns into clouds in the air.
When the clouds come near a mountain, they rise high. As the clouds rise, they get cooler. The higher they rise, the cooler they become. Then more and more water gas turn into water drops. In this way, the drops of water in the clouds get bigger and bigger. Then they fall to the earth as rain.
,
|
[
"Rain",
"Gas",
"Stone",
"Ice"
] |
To catch a unicorn, the unicorn-trappers had to try all of the following EXCEPT _ .
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Despite the fact that it has never been seen almost everyone is familiar with the legendary unicorn . Descriptions of unicorns have been found dating from ancient times. The great philosopher Aristotle theorized that there were two types of unicorn--- the so-called Indian Ass and the Oryx, a kind of antelope. Unicorns are often used in the logo of a noble family, town council or university as their special sign. Even Scotland is represented by a unicorn.
According to the legend, anyone attempting to catch a unicorn had to be extremely careful as it was very fierce and dangerous. A clever trick suggested by unicorn-trappers, in order to catch this amazing animal without being hurt by its horn, was for the hunter to stand in front of a tree and then to move quickly behind it as the unicorn dashed angrily. Hopefully, the creature could then be caught when its horn was stuck in the tree.
When hollowed out and used as a drinking-cup, the unicorn's horn was said to have the power to offer protection against person. It was believed that nobody could be harmed-by drinking the contents of a unicorn's horn. Right up until the French Revolution in 1789, the French court was said to have used cups made of "unicorn" horn in order to protect the king. In addition, the horn was said to have medicinal value, so much so that it could be sold for more than ten times the price of the same weight of gold. What, then, was "unicorn" horn? We know at times the rhino was confused with this legendary creature. A drinking-cup supposedly made of "unicorn" horn was discovered to be made of the horn of a rhino.
Question:
To catch a unicorn, the unicorn-trappers had to try all of the following EXCEPT _ .
Choices:
A. attracting the unicorn to attack
B. making use of the tree as a defense
C. hiding quickly behind the unicorn
D. having the unicorn horn stuck in the tree
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high3240.txt
|
Despite the fact that it has never been seen almost everyone is familiar with the legendary unicorn . Descriptions of unicorns have been found dating from ancient times. The great philosopher Aristotle theorized that there were two types of unicorn--- the so-called Indian Ass and the Oryx, a kind of antelope. Unicorns are often used in the logo of a noble family, town council or university as their special sign. Even Scotland is represented by a unicorn.
According to the legend, anyone attempting to catch a unicorn had to be extremely careful as it was very fierce and dangerous. A clever trick suggested by unicorn-trappers, in order to catch this amazing animal without being hurt by its horn, was for the hunter to stand in front of a tree and then to move quickly behind it as the unicorn dashed angrily. Hopefully, the creature could then be caught when its horn was stuck in the tree.
When hollowed out and used as a drinking-cup, the unicorn's horn was said to have the power to offer protection against person. It was believed that nobody could be harmed-by drinking the contents of a unicorn's horn. Right up until the French Revolution in 1789, the French court was said to have used cups made of "unicorn" horn in order to protect the king. In addition, the horn was said to have medicinal value, so much so that it could be sold for more than ten times the price of the same weight of gold. What, then, was "unicorn" horn? We know at times the rhino was confused with this legendary creature. A drinking-cup supposedly made of "unicorn" horn was discovered to be made of the horn of a rhino.
|
[
"attracting the unicorn to attack",
"making use of the tree as a defense",
"hiding quickly behind the unicorn",
"having the unicorn horn stuck in the tree"
] |
If you want to buy some old furniture, you may _ .
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
*Share flats happy valley big flat, 1 room ready for use immediately. quiet and convenient, fully furnished, park view. $6, 800 including bills with maid. female nonsmoker. no pet. sara 25720836 or 10077809.
* moving sale 2 armchairs, red/brown at $400 each; coffee table, black, wood, $800; oil painting, big, $900; tianjin carpet, green 3x7, $600; double bed, $500; mirror, big, square, $500; fridge, big, double-door, $1000; old pictures, $140, up, each; plants, big and small. tel: weekend, 2521-6011/weekday, 2524-5867.
* part-time laboratory assistant wanted required by busy electronics company to help with development of computer. should have an electronics degree and some practical experience of working in an electronics laboratory. hours 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. mon.-fri. fourteen days paid leave. salary Y=6598-Y=10230 dependent on experience. letter of application to: mrs. g chan, nova electronics, 45 gordon rd, hung hom kowloon.
Question:
If you want to buy some old furniture, you may _ .
Choices:
A. get in touch with nova electronics
B. call at 2524-5867 any day except Monday
C. do it before you move to another place
D. call at either 2524-5867 on Monday or 2521-6011 on Saturday
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high9569.txt
|
*Share flats happy valley big flat, 1 room ready for use immediately. quiet and convenient, fully furnished, park view. $6, 800 including bills with maid. female nonsmoker. no pet. sara 25720836 or 10077809.
* moving sale 2 armchairs, red/brown at $400 each; coffee table, black, wood, $800; oil painting, big, $900; tianjin carpet, green 3x7, $600; double bed, $500; mirror, big, square, $500; fridge, big, double-door, $1000; old pictures, $140, up, each; plants, big and small. tel: weekend, 2521-6011/weekday, 2524-5867.
* part-time laboratory assistant wanted required by busy electronics company to help with development of computer. should have an electronics degree and some practical experience of working in an electronics laboratory. hours 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. mon.-fri. fourteen days paid leave. salary Y=6598-Y=10230 dependent on experience. letter of application to: mrs. g chan, nova electronics, 45 gordon rd, hung hom kowloon.
|
[
"get in touch with nova electronics",
"call at 2524-5867 any day except Monday",
"do it before you move to another place",
"call at either 2524-5867 on Monday or 2521-6011 on Saturday"
] |
The best title for the passage should be _ .
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Franz Schubert was a well-known musician in the world. But he lived a very hard life and often went hungry. One day, being very hungry, he went into a small restaurant in Vienna, hoping he might meet some friends there. He looked around and saw nobody he could borrow any money from. Then his eyes fell on a paper on one of the tables. In it was a little poem. He took the paper with the poem. After he composed a piece of music for the poem, he took his work to the owner of the restaurant. He only received a dish of beef and potato for it. thirty years after his death, this manuscript by Schubert was sold for 40 00c francs. it was his famous berceuse .
Question:
The best title for the passage should be _ .
Choices:
A. the hard life of Schubert
B. Schubert and restaurant owner
C. Franz Schubert in a hotel
D. Franz Schubert and his berceuse
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high3201.txt
|
Franz Schubert was a well-known musician in the world. But he lived a very hard life and often went hungry. One day, being very hungry, he went into a small restaurant in Vienna, hoping he might meet some friends there. He looked around and saw nobody he could borrow any money from. Then his eyes fell on a paper on one of the tables. In it was a little poem. He took the paper with the poem. After he composed a piece of music for the poem, he took his work to the owner of the restaurant. He only received a dish of beef and potato for it. thirty years after his death, this manuscript by Schubert was sold for 40 00c francs. it was his famous berceuse .
|
[
"the hard life of Schubert",
"Schubert and restaurant owner",
"Franz Schubert in a hotel",
"Franz Schubert and his berceuse"
] |
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother is mainly about _ .
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Some American parents might think their children need better education to compete with China and other countries' children. But how much do the parents themselves need to change?
A new book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother written by Amy Chua has caused a debate about cultural differences in parenting. Ms. Chua is a professor at the Yale Law School in New Haven, Connecticut, and a mother of two daughters. She was raised in America by immigrant Chinese parents. In her book, Ms. Chua wrote about how she demanded excellence from her daughters. For example, she threatened to burn her daughter's dolls unless she played a piece of music perfectly. She would scold her daughters if they failed to meet her expectations.
Ms. Chua had a clear list of what her daughters, Sophia and Louisa, were not permitted to do: "Attend a sleepover, have a play date, watch TV or play computer games, be in a school play, get any grade less than an A." Many people criticize Amy Chua, saying her parenting methods were cruel and violent. She even admits that her husband, who is not Chinese, sometimes objected to her parenting style. But she says that is the way her parents raised her and her three sisters.
Ms. Chua says she eased some of the pressure after her younger daughter _ and shouted "I hate my life! I hate you!" But she also says American parents often have low expectations of their children's abilities. Amy Chua thinks one of the biggest differences between Western and Chinese parents is that Chinese parents take on strength rather than fragility."
Stacy DeBroff, who has written four books on parenting, says: "Parents should rethink, what does it mean to be a successful parent and what does it mean to be a successful child?" She says Amy Chua's parenting style is not limited to Chinese families. It represents a traditional way of parenting among immigrants seeking a better future for their children. But she also sees a risk. When children have no time to be social or to follow their own interests, they might not develop other skills that they need to succeed in life. Stacey DeBroff advises parents to develop their own style of parenting and not just repeat the way they were raised.
Question:
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother is mainly about _ .
Choices:
A. how to teach children to learn music
B. how to change the ways of parenting
C. Amy Chun's experience in parenting
D. Amy Chun's reflection of her family life
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high1709.txt
|
Some American parents might think their children need better education to compete with China and other countries' children. But how much do the parents themselves need to change?
A new book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother written by Amy Chua has caused a debate about cultural differences in parenting. Ms. Chua is a professor at the Yale Law School in New Haven, Connecticut, and a mother of two daughters. She was raised in America by immigrant Chinese parents. In her book, Ms. Chua wrote about how she demanded excellence from her daughters. For example, she threatened to burn her daughter's dolls unless she played a piece of music perfectly. She would scold her daughters if they failed to meet her expectations.
Ms. Chua had a clear list of what her daughters, Sophia and Louisa, were not permitted to do: "Attend a sleepover, have a play date, watch TV or play computer games, be in a school play, get any grade less than an A." Many people criticize Amy Chua, saying her parenting methods were cruel and violent. She even admits that her husband, who is not Chinese, sometimes objected to her parenting style. But she says that is the way her parents raised her and her three sisters.
Ms. Chua says she eased some of the pressure after her younger daughter _ and shouted "I hate my life! I hate you!" But she also says American parents often have low expectations of their children's abilities. Amy Chua thinks one of the biggest differences between Western and Chinese parents is that Chinese parents take on strength rather than fragility."
Stacy DeBroff, who has written four books on parenting, says: "Parents should rethink, what does it mean to be a successful parent and what does it mean to be a successful child?" She says Amy Chua's parenting style is not limited to Chinese families. It represents a traditional way of parenting among immigrants seeking a better future for their children. But she also sees a risk. When children have no time to be social or to follow their own interests, they might not develop other skills that they need to succeed in life. Stacey DeBroff advises parents to develop their own style of parenting and not just repeat the way they were raised.
|
[
"how to teach children to learn music",
"how to change the ways of parenting",
"Amy Chun's experience in parenting",
"Amy Chun's reflection of her family life"
] |
What can be concluded from Jonathan Smallwood's words?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Catch yourself daydreaming while washing the dishes again? If this happens often you probably have a pretty capable working memory and a sharper brain, new research suggests.
This mind wandering, it seems, actually gives your working memory a workout. Working memory is the mental work space that allows the brain to _ multiple thoughts at the same time. The more working memory a person has, the more daydreaming they can do without forgetting the task at hand.
Researchers studied groups of people from the University of Wisconsin-Madison community, ranging in age from 18 to 65. The volunteers were asked to perform simple tasks, like pressing a button every time they took a breath or clicking in response to a letter popping up on a computer screen; these tasks were so easy that their minds were likely to wander, the researchers figured.
The researchers checked in periodically, asking the participants if their minds were on task or wandering. When the task was over, they measured each participant's working memory capacity by having them remember letters while doing math questions. Though all participants performed well on the task, the researchers noticed that the individuals who indicated their minds had wandered more than others also scored higher on the working memory test.
"What this study seems to suggest is that, when circumstances for the task aren't very difficult, people who have additional working memory resources allocate them to think about things other than what they're doing," said Jonathan Smallwood, a study researcher of the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitve and Brain Science.
When our minds run out of working memory, these off-topic thoughts can take the main stage without us consciously meaning them to; for instance, arriving at home with no memory of the actual trip, or suddenly realizing that they've turned several pages in a book without understanding any of the words.
"It's almost like your attention was so absorbed in the mind wandering that there wasn't any left over to remember your goal to read," study researcher Daniel Levinson, said in a statement.
People with overall higher working memory were better able to stay focused when the task at hand required it. Those who had low working memory often had their thoughts drift away from the task, and did less well at it.
The findings add to past research suggesting these mind drifts can be positive moments. For instance, daydreaming has often been associated with creativity--researchers think that our most creative and inventive moments come when daydreaming. It's likely that the most intelligent among us also have high levels of working memory, Levinson noted.
Question:
What can be concluded from Jonathan Smallwood's words?
Choices:
A. People who often have daydreams probably own a pretty capable working memory.
B. On the working memory test, people with wandering minds will get high score.
C. Absorbed in the mind wandering, your attention left no space for your goal.
D. Dealing with some easy jobs, people with higher working memory will daydream.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high599.txt
|
Catch yourself daydreaming while washing the dishes again? If this happens often you probably have a pretty capable working memory and a sharper brain, new research suggests.
This mind wandering, it seems, actually gives your working memory a workout. Working memory is the mental work space that allows the brain to _ multiple thoughts at the same time. The more working memory a person has, the more daydreaming they can do without forgetting the task at hand.
Researchers studied groups of people from the University of Wisconsin-Madison community, ranging in age from 18 to 65. The volunteers were asked to perform simple tasks, like pressing a button every time they took a breath or clicking in response to a letter popping up on a computer screen; these tasks were so easy that their minds were likely to wander, the researchers figured.
The researchers checked in periodically, asking the participants if their minds were on task or wandering. When the task was over, they measured each participant's working memory capacity by having them remember letters while doing math questions. Though all participants performed well on the task, the researchers noticed that the individuals who indicated their minds had wandered more than others also scored higher on the working memory test.
"What this study seems to suggest is that, when circumstances for the task aren't very difficult, people who have additional working memory resources allocate them to think about things other than what they're doing," said Jonathan Smallwood, a study researcher of the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitve and Brain Science.
When our minds run out of working memory, these off-topic thoughts can take the main stage without us consciously meaning them to; for instance, arriving at home with no memory of the actual trip, or suddenly realizing that they've turned several pages in a book without understanding any of the words.
"It's almost like your attention was so absorbed in the mind wandering that there wasn't any left over to remember your goal to read," study researcher Daniel Levinson, said in a statement.
People with overall higher working memory were better able to stay focused when the task at hand required it. Those who had low working memory often had their thoughts drift away from the task, and did less well at it.
The findings add to past research suggesting these mind drifts can be positive moments. For instance, daydreaming has often been associated with creativity--researchers think that our most creative and inventive moments come when daydreaming. It's likely that the most intelligent among us also have high levels of working memory, Levinson noted.
|
[
"People who often have daydreams probably own a pretty capable working memory.",
"On the working memory test, people with wandering minds will get high score.",
"Absorbed in the mind wandering, your attention left no space for your goal.",
"Dealing with some easy jobs, people with higher working memory will daydream."
] |
What would happen when one computer in the network broke down after the new network system was set up?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
We are all busy talking about and using the Internet. But how many of us know the history of the Internet?
Many people are surprised when they find that the Internet was set up in the 1960s. At that time, computers were large and expensive. Computer networks didn't work well. If one computer in the network broke down, then the whole network stopped. So a new network system had to be set up. It should be good enough to be used by many different computers. If part of the network was not working, information could be sent through another part. In this way computer network system would keep on working all the time .
At first the Internet was only used by the government , but in the early 1970s; universities, hospitals and banks were allowed to use it, too. However, computers were still very expensive and yet Internet was difficult to use. By the start of the 1990s, computers became cheaper and easier to use. Scientists had also developed software that made "surfing" the Internet easier.
Today it is easy to get online and it is said that millions of people use the Internet every day. Sending e-mail is more and more popular among young people.
The Internet has become one of the most important parts of people s life.
Question:
What would happen when one computer in the network broke down after the new network system was set up?
Choices:
A. The other computers would wait.
B. The other computers would still work.
C. Some of the others still worked.
D. The other computers wouldn't work.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle2740.txt
|
We are all busy talking about and using the Internet. But how many of us know the history of the Internet?
Many people are surprised when they find that the Internet was set up in the 1960s. At that time, computers were large and expensive. Computer networks didn't work well. If one computer in the network broke down, then the whole network stopped. So a new network system had to be set up. It should be good enough to be used by many different computers. If part of the network was not working, information could be sent through another part. In this way computer network system would keep on working all the time .
At first the Internet was only used by the government , but in the early 1970s; universities, hospitals and banks were allowed to use it, too. However, computers were still very expensive and yet Internet was difficult to use. By the start of the 1990s, computers became cheaper and easier to use. Scientists had also developed software that made "surfing" the Internet easier.
Today it is easy to get online and it is said that millions of people use the Internet every day. Sending e-mail is more and more popular among young people.
The Internet has become one of the most important parts of people s life.
|
[
"The other computers would wait.",
"The other computers would still work.",
"Some of the others still worked.",
"The other computers wouldn't work."
] |
When describing hipsters, the author speaks _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
They can be seen more frequently than ever before on college campuses, wearing flannel and thickframed glasses while listening to music. One might find them playing unusual musical instruments, shopping at secondhand stores or expressing themselves in other unique ways.
They call themselves hipsters. Being "hip" used to mean following the latest fashion. But gradually the word has become a sign of "being cool, unique and unusual".
Hipsters value independent thinking, progressive politics, an appreciation of creativity and intelligence. Hipsters take pains and pride in not being mainstream. However, their culture has become quite trendy. This irony is central to their culture and offers an interesting conflict.
"I do take things in the mainstream with a positive attitude," says Ben Polson, a college student at Brown University. "But sometimes I also question what determines popularity, especially regarding music." Polson represents many hipsters.
When lessknown bands become popular, they often lose their former fan base in exchange for a new one. There is a famous hipster saying that goes, "I used to like that band before it got popular," Polson quoted.
According to Polson, bands' music changes when they go mainstream. They become less experimental, doing things just to save popularity and fans. The original elements that we were drawn to slowly disappear for the sake of popularity.
Many young adults have started to view hipsters' outlook as cool and they are adopting hipsters' antimainstream culture mind to themselves. This has led to specialized brands, stores and music for the hipster consumers. But on the other hand, some such stores, including clothing labels Urban Outfitters and American Apparel, have gained mainstream popularity. This has seemingly made the antimainstream culture become weaker.
"A lot of people that are selfdefined hipsters aren't really hipsters. They're just trying to act as hipsters to seem cooler," says Amanda Leopold, a college student from Oberlin College, US. Although Leopold has many unusual tastes and seems quite individualist, she refuses to classify herself as a hipster.
Question:
When describing hipsters, the author speaks _ .
Choices:
A. in an ironic voice
B. in an objective voice
C. in an angry voice
D. in a funny voice
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high5959.txt
|
They can be seen more frequently than ever before on college campuses, wearing flannel and thickframed glasses while listening to music. One might find them playing unusual musical instruments, shopping at secondhand stores or expressing themselves in other unique ways.
They call themselves hipsters. Being "hip" used to mean following the latest fashion. But gradually the word has become a sign of "being cool, unique and unusual".
Hipsters value independent thinking, progressive politics, an appreciation of creativity and intelligence. Hipsters take pains and pride in not being mainstream. However, their culture has become quite trendy. This irony is central to their culture and offers an interesting conflict.
"I do take things in the mainstream with a positive attitude," says Ben Polson, a college student at Brown University. "But sometimes I also question what determines popularity, especially regarding music." Polson represents many hipsters.
When lessknown bands become popular, they often lose their former fan base in exchange for a new one. There is a famous hipster saying that goes, "I used to like that band before it got popular," Polson quoted.
According to Polson, bands' music changes when they go mainstream. They become less experimental, doing things just to save popularity and fans. The original elements that we were drawn to slowly disappear for the sake of popularity.
Many young adults have started to view hipsters' outlook as cool and they are adopting hipsters' antimainstream culture mind to themselves. This has led to specialized brands, stores and music for the hipster consumers. But on the other hand, some such stores, including clothing labels Urban Outfitters and American Apparel, have gained mainstream popularity. This has seemingly made the antimainstream culture become weaker.
"A lot of people that are selfdefined hipsters aren't really hipsters. They're just trying to act as hipsters to seem cooler," says Amanda Leopold, a college student from Oberlin College, US. Although Leopold has many unusual tastes and seems quite individualist, she refuses to classify herself as a hipster.
|
[
"in an ironic voice",
"in an objective voice",
"in an angry voice",
"in a funny voice"
] |
John's father is _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
I'm John.My father is a factory manager.He comes from America.My mother is a teacher.She's English.She can speak some Chinese.She is an English teacher at schoo1.I'm a student in my mother's schoo1.At school I can play with my Chinese friends.We can play football,basketball and table tennis.My mother can play the piano and tennis.She can also sing well.
Question:
John's father is _ .
Choices:
A. in a school
B. in a factory
C. in a hotel
D. in a hospital
|
Answer: B
|
reading
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middle6060.txt
|
I'm John.My father is a factory manager.He comes from America.My mother is a teacher.She's English.She can speak some Chinese.She is an English teacher at schoo1.I'm a student in my mother's schoo1.At school I can play with my Chinese friends.We can play football,basketball and table tennis.My mother can play the piano and tennis.She can also sing well.
|
[
"in a school",
"in a factory",
"in a hotel",
"in a hospital"
] |
Mark Twain knew that he was a heavy sleeper, so_.
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Mark Twain, the famous American writer, was once traveling in France .He went by train to Dijon. He was very tired and wanted to sleep. He therefore asked the conductor to wake him up when the train came to Dijon
But first he explained he was a very heavy sleeper,"I may bossibly protest loudly when you try to wake me up,"he said to the conductor. "But don't take any notice of what I say. Just put me off the train anyway."
Then Mark Twain went to sleep. Later, when he woke up it was night time and the train had reached Paris already. He realized at once that the conductor had forgotten to wake him up at Dijon. He was so angry that he ran to the conductor and began to shout at him.
"I have never been so angry in my life,"Mark Twain said.
The conductor looked at him calmly ."You are not half so angry as the American whom I put off the train at Dijon,"he said.
Question:
Mark Twain knew that he was a heavy sleeper, so_.
Choices:
A. he protested loudly to the conductor
B. he did not sleep before he arrived at Dijon
C. he told the conductor to wake him up no matter how loudly he might protest
D. he slept lightly that time
|
Answer: C
|
reading
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high17510.txt
|
Mark Twain, the famous American writer, was once traveling in France .He went by train to Dijon. He was very tired and wanted to sleep. He therefore asked the conductor to wake him up when the train came to Dijon
But first he explained he was a very heavy sleeper,"I may bossibly protest loudly when you try to wake me up,"he said to the conductor. "But don't take any notice of what I say. Just put me off the train anyway."
Then Mark Twain went to sleep. Later, when he woke up it was night time and the train had reached Paris already. He realized at once that the conductor had forgotten to wake him up at Dijon. He was so angry that he ran to the conductor and began to shout at him.
"I have never been so angry in my life,"Mark Twain said.
The conductor looked at him calmly ."You are not half so angry as the American whom I put off the train at Dijon,"he said.
|
[
"he protested loudly to the conductor",
"he did not sleep before he arrived at Dijon",
"he told the conductor to wake him up no matter how loudly he might protest",
"he slept lightly that time"
] |
Where did the Clarkes enjoy themselves before they left for New York?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
It's Really a Miracle
Mr. Clarke works in New York and he brought his family to China last summer. They visited many places of interest and had a good time here. Before they left for New York, the Clarkes climbed the Great Wall. It was the greatest project over two thousand years ago. They took a lot of photos there and then they had a picnic under a big tree. Suddenly it began to rain and they hurried to the car. And when they returned to the hotel, they couldn't find the bag in which their expensive camera was. They were all sorry for it. They could buy another camera but had no time to go to the Great Wall again. They could not miss the plane!
That evening they didn't have supper. Mr. Clarke hoped to make them happy, so he said, "Well, let me tell you a story. An old man lived in a sixty-storey building. One day he fell down from it when he was cleaning the window. But he didn't hurt himself."
"It was a miracle!" called out his children, "Why?"
"Because he lived on the first floor!"
They all began to laugh while two policemen with a bag came in. They said a Chinese boy found it under a big tree and he asked them to find out who lost it.
"It's really a miracle!" the Clarkes said happily.
Question:
Where did the Clarkes enjoy themselves before they left for New York?
Choices:
A. In London.
B. In Beijing.
C. In Shanghai.
D. In Hong Kong.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle4761.txt
|
It's Really a Miracle
Mr. Clarke works in New York and he brought his family to China last summer. They visited many places of interest and had a good time here. Before they left for New York, the Clarkes climbed the Great Wall. It was the greatest project over two thousand years ago. They took a lot of photos there and then they had a picnic under a big tree. Suddenly it began to rain and they hurried to the car. And when they returned to the hotel, they couldn't find the bag in which their expensive camera was. They were all sorry for it. They could buy another camera but had no time to go to the Great Wall again. They could not miss the plane!
That evening they didn't have supper. Mr. Clarke hoped to make them happy, so he said, "Well, let me tell you a story. An old man lived in a sixty-storey building. One day he fell down from it when he was cleaning the window. But he didn't hurt himself."
"It was a miracle!" called out his children, "Why?"
"Because he lived on the first floor!"
They all began to laugh while two policemen with a bag came in. They said a Chinese boy found it under a big tree and he asked them to find out who lost it.
"It's really a miracle!" the Clarkes said happily.
|
[
"In London.",
"In Beijing.",
"In Shanghai.",
"In Hong Kong."
] |
The authors refer to work by Camerer and others in order to _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Every day, millions of shoppers hit the stores in full force--both online and on foot--searching for the perfect gift. Aside from purchasing holiday gifts, most people regularly buy presents for other occasions throughout the year, including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and baby showers. This frequent experience of gift-giving can cause _ feelings in gift-givers. Many enjoy the opportunity to buy presents because gift-giving offers a powerful means to build stronger bonds with one's closest persons. At the same time, many fear the thought of buying gifts; they worry that their purchases will disappoint rather than delight the intended receivers.
What is surprising is that gift-givers have considerable experience acting as both gift-givers and gift-recipients, but nevertheless tend to overspend each time they set out to purchase a meaningful gift. In the present research, we propose a unique psychological explanation for this overspending problem -- i.e., that gift-givers equate how much they spend with how much receivers will appreciate the gift (the more expensive the gift, the stronger a gift-recipient's feelings of appreciation). Although a link between gift price and feelings of appreciation might seem intuitive to gift-givers, such an assumption may be unfounded. Indeed, we propose that gift-receivers will seldom tend to base their feelings of appreciation on the significance weight of a gift than givers assume.
Why do gift-givers assume that gift price is closely linked to gift-recipients' feelings of appreciation? Perhaps givers believe that bigger (i.e., more expensive) gifts convey stronger signals of thoughtfulness and consideration. According to Camerer (1988) and others, gift-giving represents a symbolic ritual , by which gift-givers attempt to signal their positive attitudes toward the intended receiver and their willingness to invest resources in a future relationship. In this sense, gift-givers may be motivated to spend more money on a gift in order to send a "stronger signal" to their intended receiver. As for gift-receivers, they may not consider smaller and larger gifts as representing smaller and larger signals of thoughtfulness and consideration.
In practical terms, people spend hundreds of dollars each year on gifts, but somehow never learn to measure their gift expenses according to personal insight.
Question:
The authors refer to work by Camerer and others in order to _ .
Choices:
A. offer an explanation
B. introduce an argument
C. question an intension
D. support a conclusion
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high14805.txt
|
Every day, millions of shoppers hit the stores in full force--both online and on foot--searching for the perfect gift. Aside from purchasing holiday gifts, most people regularly buy presents for other occasions throughout the year, including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and baby showers. This frequent experience of gift-giving can cause _ feelings in gift-givers. Many enjoy the opportunity to buy presents because gift-giving offers a powerful means to build stronger bonds with one's closest persons. At the same time, many fear the thought of buying gifts; they worry that their purchases will disappoint rather than delight the intended receivers.
What is surprising is that gift-givers have considerable experience acting as both gift-givers and gift-recipients, but nevertheless tend to overspend each time they set out to purchase a meaningful gift. In the present research, we propose a unique psychological explanation for this overspending problem -- i.e., that gift-givers equate how much they spend with how much receivers will appreciate the gift (the more expensive the gift, the stronger a gift-recipient's feelings of appreciation). Although a link between gift price and feelings of appreciation might seem intuitive to gift-givers, such an assumption may be unfounded. Indeed, we propose that gift-receivers will seldom tend to base their feelings of appreciation on the significance weight of a gift than givers assume.
Why do gift-givers assume that gift price is closely linked to gift-recipients' feelings of appreciation? Perhaps givers believe that bigger (i.e., more expensive) gifts convey stronger signals of thoughtfulness and consideration. According to Camerer (1988) and others, gift-giving represents a symbolic ritual , by which gift-givers attempt to signal their positive attitudes toward the intended receiver and their willingness to invest resources in a future relationship. In this sense, gift-givers may be motivated to spend more money on a gift in order to send a "stronger signal" to their intended receiver. As for gift-receivers, they may not consider smaller and larger gifts as representing smaller and larger signals of thoughtfulness and consideration.
In practical terms, people spend hundreds of dollars each year on gifts, but somehow never learn to measure their gift expenses according to personal insight.
|
[
"offer an explanation",
"introduce an argument",
"question an intension",
"support a conclusion"
] |
Why is the prize named the Man Booker Prize?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
The Man Booker Prize for Fiction is awarded for a novel written by a writer from the Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland and it aims to represent the very best in contemporary fiction. The prize was originally called the Booker-McConnell Prize, which was the name of the company that sponsored it, though it was better-known as simply the 'Booker Prize'. In 2002, the Man Group became the sponsor and they chose the new name, keeping 'Booker'.
Publishers can submit books for consideration for the prize, but the judges can also ask for books to be submitted that they think should be included. Firstly, the Advisory Committee gives advice if there have been any changes to the rules for the prize and selects the people who will judge the books. The judging panel changes every year and usually a person is only a judge once.
Great efforts are made to ensure that the judging panel is balanced in terms of gender and professions within the industry, so that a writer, a critic, an editor and an academic are chosen along with a well-known person from wider society. However, when the panel of judges has been decided, they are left to make their own decisions. Meanwhile, the prize sponsor has no further right to take part in any more.
The Man Booker judges include critics, writers and academics to maintain the consistent quality of the prize and its influence is such that the winner will almost certainly see the sales increase considerably, in addition to thePS50,000 that comes with the prize.
Question:
Why is the prize named the Man Booker Prize?
Choices:
A. Because the prize is given to writers from the Commonwealth.
B. Because the prize was known as simply the 'Booker Prize'.
C. Because the prize is sponsored by the Man Group and they kept the name.
D. Because the prize is aimed to award the very best contemporary fiction.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
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high14955.txt
|
The Man Booker Prize for Fiction is awarded for a novel written by a writer from the Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland and it aims to represent the very best in contemporary fiction. The prize was originally called the Booker-McConnell Prize, which was the name of the company that sponsored it, though it was better-known as simply the 'Booker Prize'. In 2002, the Man Group became the sponsor and they chose the new name, keeping 'Booker'.
Publishers can submit books for consideration for the prize, but the judges can also ask for books to be submitted that they think should be included. Firstly, the Advisory Committee gives advice if there have been any changes to the rules for the prize and selects the people who will judge the books. The judging panel changes every year and usually a person is only a judge once.
Great efforts are made to ensure that the judging panel is balanced in terms of gender and professions within the industry, so that a writer, a critic, an editor and an academic are chosen along with a well-known person from wider society. However, when the panel of judges has been decided, they are left to make their own decisions. Meanwhile, the prize sponsor has no further right to take part in any more.
The Man Booker judges include critics, writers and academics to maintain the consistent quality of the prize and its influence is such that the winner will almost certainly see the sales increase considerably, in addition to thePS50,000 that comes with the prize.
|
[
"Because the prize is given to writers from the Commonwealth.",
"Because the prize was known as simply the 'Booker Prize'.",
"Because the prize is sponsored by the Man Group and they kept the name.",
"Because the prize is aimed to award the very best contemporary fiction."
] |
What feeling did the author's mother express in her reply?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
"I've changed my mind. I wanted to have a telescope, but now I want my daddy back." Lucien Lawrence's letter to Father Christmas written after his schoolteacher father had been knifed to death outside his school gate, must have touched every heart. Lucien went on to say that without his father he couldn't see the stars in the sky. When those whom we love depart from us, we cannot see the stars for a while.
But Lucien, the stars are still there, and one day, when you are older and your tears have gone, you will see them again. And, in a strange way, I expect that you will find your father is there too, in your mind and in your heart. I find that my parents, long dead now, still figure in many of my dreams and that I think of them perhaps more than I ever did when they were alive. I still live to please them and I' m still surprised by their reactions. I remember that when I became a professor, I was so proud, or rather so pleased with myself, that I couldn't wait to cable my parents. The reply was a long time in coming, but when it did, all Mother said was "I hope this means that now you will have more time for the children!" I haven' t forgotten. The values of my parents still live on.
It makes me pause and think about how I will live on in the hearts and minds of my children and of those for whom I care. Would I have been as ready as Philip Lawrence have been to face the aggressors ,and to lay down my life for those in my care? How many people would want me back for Christmas? It's a serious thought, one to give me pause.
I pray silently, sometimes, in the dead of night, that ancient cry of a poet "Deliver my soul from the sword , and my darling from the power of the dog." Yet I know the death comes to us all, and sometimes comes suddenly. We must therefore plan to live forever, but live as if we will die tomorrow. We live on, I'm sure, in the lives of those we loved, and therefore we ought to have a care for what they will remember and what they will treasure. If more parents knew this in their hearts to be true, there might be fewer knives on our streets today.
Question:
What feeling did the author's mother express in her reply?
Choices:
A. Proud.
B. Happy.
C. Disappointed.
D. Worried
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high1247.txt
|
"I've changed my mind. I wanted to have a telescope, but now I want my daddy back." Lucien Lawrence's letter to Father Christmas written after his schoolteacher father had been knifed to death outside his school gate, must have touched every heart. Lucien went on to say that without his father he couldn't see the stars in the sky. When those whom we love depart from us, we cannot see the stars for a while.
But Lucien, the stars are still there, and one day, when you are older and your tears have gone, you will see them again. And, in a strange way, I expect that you will find your father is there too, in your mind and in your heart. I find that my parents, long dead now, still figure in many of my dreams and that I think of them perhaps more than I ever did when they were alive. I still live to please them and I' m still surprised by their reactions. I remember that when I became a professor, I was so proud, or rather so pleased with myself, that I couldn't wait to cable my parents. The reply was a long time in coming, but when it did, all Mother said was "I hope this means that now you will have more time for the children!" I haven' t forgotten. The values of my parents still live on.
It makes me pause and think about how I will live on in the hearts and minds of my children and of those for whom I care. Would I have been as ready as Philip Lawrence have been to face the aggressors ,and to lay down my life for those in my care? How many people would want me back for Christmas? It's a serious thought, one to give me pause.
I pray silently, sometimes, in the dead of night, that ancient cry of a poet "Deliver my soul from the sword , and my darling from the power of the dog." Yet I know the death comes to us all, and sometimes comes suddenly. We must therefore plan to live forever, but live as if we will die tomorrow. We live on, I'm sure, in the lives of those we loved, and therefore we ought to have a care for what they will remember and what they will treasure. If more parents knew this in their hearts to be true, there might be fewer knives on our streets today.
|
[
"Proud.",
"Happy.",
"Disappointed.",
"Worried"
] |
How many students shared their ideas in the passage?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Time flies. Your time in junior high school will come to an end in a few months. Let's look back over the last three years. What were the highs and lows?
For Zhang Xiaomeng, a senior high school girl from Jiangsu, meeting her best friend Hua Xuan was the best part of her time at junior high school. They went to class together, had lunch together, and even went to the washroom together. Having one or two best friends is important, said Xu Zheng, a teacher from Jiangsu. "Students have secrets. They don't want to tell their parents,"Xu added. However, being too rebellious in junior high is the biggest _ for Liu Anqing, a senior high school student from Fujian. "I didn't listen to my parents. I quarreled with my mother every week," said Liu. "I wish I could go back to that time and get on well with them." Time also needs to be taken care of. Zhang Zihua, 15, from Shanxi, thought he had plenty of time to prepare for the big exam at the end of Junior 3. Then one day, he was told: "The exam is in 100 days." "We need a strong knowledge base to pass the exam. But I didn't care about it," said Zhang. Gu Xiaoli, a teacher from Jiangsu, said that it's never too late to catch up. "No matter your regrets about wasted time, you can always pick things up from now," said Gu.
Question:
How many students shared their ideas in the passage?
Choices:
A. Three.
B. Four.
C. Five.
D. Six.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle2847.txt
|
Time flies. Your time in junior high school will come to an end in a few months. Let's look back over the last three years. What were the highs and lows?
For Zhang Xiaomeng, a senior high school girl from Jiangsu, meeting her best friend Hua Xuan was the best part of her time at junior high school. They went to class together, had lunch together, and even went to the washroom together. Having one or two best friends is important, said Xu Zheng, a teacher from Jiangsu. "Students have secrets. They don't want to tell their parents,"Xu added. However, being too rebellious in junior high is the biggest _ for Liu Anqing, a senior high school student from Fujian. "I didn't listen to my parents. I quarreled with my mother every week," said Liu. "I wish I could go back to that time and get on well with them." Time also needs to be taken care of. Zhang Zihua, 15, from Shanxi, thought he had plenty of time to prepare for the big exam at the end of Junior 3. Then one day, he was told: "The exam is in 100 days." "We need a strong knowledge base to pass the exam. But I didn't care about it," said Zhang. Gu Xiaoli, a teacher from Jiangsu, said that it's never too late to catch up. "No matter your regrets about wasted time, you can always pick things up from now," said Gu.
|
[
"Three.",
"Four.",
"Five.",
"Six."
] |
Your value doesn't come from what you do but _ .
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
A famous teacher was speaking to the students at our school.He began his lesson by holding up a Y=100 bill.Then he said to the three hundred students,"Who would like this Y=100 bill?"The students began to put up their hands at once.
Then he said,"I am going to give this Y=100 to one of you,but first,let me do this."He then made the bill into a ball.Then he said,"Who wants it now?"The hands went back into the air.
"Well,"he said,"what if I do this?"and he dropped it on the floor and stepped on it.He picked up the dirty,crumpled bill and said,"Who still wants it?"Hands went back into the air.
"My friends,"he said,"you have learned a valuable lesson today.No matter what I did to the money,you still wanted it because it did not go down in value .It was still worth Y=100!"
Many times in our lives,we are dropped,crumpled,and stepped on by the chances we take and the things that happen to us.We feel as if we are worth nothing.But remember,no matter what has happened to you,you will never lose your value:you are always valuable to those people who love you.Your value doesn't come from what you do or whom you know,but who you are.
You are special and valuable.Don't ever forget it!
Question:
Your value doesn't come from what you do but _ .
Choices:
A. who you know
B. who made you
C. who you remember
D. who you are
|
Answer: D
|
reading
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middle5271.txt
|
A famous teacher was speaking to the students at our school.He began his lesson by holding up a Y=100 bill.Then he said to the three hundred students,"Who would like this Y=100 bill?"The students began to put up their hands at once.
Then he said,"I am going to give this Y=100 to one of you,but first,let me do this."He then made the bill into a ball.Then he said,"Who wants it now?"The hands went back into the air.
"Well,"he said,"what if I do this?"and he dropped it on the floor and stepped on it.He picked up the dirty,crumpled bill and said,"Who still wants it?"Hands went back into the air.
"My friends,"he said,"you have learned a valuable lesson today.No matter what I did to the money,you still wanted it because it did not go down in value .It was still worth Y=100!"
Many times in our lives,we are dropped,crumpled,and stepped on by the chances we take and the things that happen to us.We feel as if we are worth nothing.But remember,no matter what has happened to you,you will never lose your value:you are always valuable to those people who love you.Your value doesn't come from what you do or whom you know,but who you are.
You are special and valuable.Don't ever forget it!
|
[
"who you know",
"who made you",
"who you remember",
"who you are"
] |
What can we learn from the passage?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
(CNN)-China will sometimes say "no" and the world should get used to it.
That message came through when China joined Russia in blocking action on Syria.
"Do not mistakenly think that because China takes a careful and responsible position on the Syria issue, China will not use its veto power or will always abstain ," said Cui Tiankai, China's vice foreign minister, "When China must use its veto power to say no, it will surely use it."
On Saturday, Susan Rice, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, called the vetoes "disgusting and shameful."
He Wenping, director of African Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the veto shows China's confidence in foreign affairs. "A country expressing its true opinion - that's progress. China opposes the use of threat or force to achieve regime change in other countries. This agrees with China's long-standing diplomacy principle. It is also not acceptable for China to rush a U.N. vote without sufficient discussion."
So why did China use its veto this time?
China's critics say China's veto of the U.N. draft proposal was in part due to Beijing's fear that allowing a regime change in Syria could encourage the spread of the Arab revolution and eventually threaten China.
He Wenping disagrees, "China has a completely different political system and economic development path. If someone in the international community thinks that the Arab Spring will happen in China, then I think they misjudge the situation in China, exaggerate some problems in the Chinese society and underestimate the ability of the Chinese government to control the situation in China."
Question:
What can we learn from the passage?
Choices:
A. China has a firm stand on international issues.
B. The U.N. asks the whole world to get used to China saying no on international issues.
C. CNN believed that China helped Syria to fight against the U.N.
D. All the member countries of the U.N. supported Susan Rice.
|
Answer: A
|
reading
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high15546.txt
|
(CNN)-China will sometimes say "no" and the world should get used to it.
That message came through when China joined Russia in blocking action on Syria.
"Do not mistakenly think that because China takes a careful and responsible position on the Syria issue, China will not use its veto power or will always abstain ," said Cui Tiankai, China's vice foreign minister, "When China must use its veto power to say no, it will surely use it."
On Saturday, Susan Rice, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, called the vetoes "disgusting and shameful."
He Wenping, director of African Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the veto shows China's confidence in foreign affairs. "A country expressing its true opinion - that's progress. China opposes the use of threat or force to achieve regime change in other countries. This agrees with China's long-standing diplomacy principle. It is also not acceptable for China to rush a U.N. vote without sufficient discussion."
So why did China use its veto this time?
China's critics say China's veto of the U.N. draft proposal was in part due to Beijing's fear that allowing a regime change in Syria could encourage the spread of the Arab revolution and eventually threaten China.
He Wenping disagrees, "China has a completely different political system and economic development path. If someone in the international community thinks that the Arab Spring will happen in China, then I think they misjudge the situation in China, exaggerate some problems in the Chinese society and underestimate the ability of the Chinese government to control the situation in China."
|
[
"China has a firm stand on international issues.",
"The U.N. asks the whole world to get used to China saying no on international issues.",
"CNN believed that China helped Syria to fight against the U.N.",
"All the member countries of the U.N. supported Susan Rice."
] |
Which of the following is NOT the result of Japan's move to purchase the islands?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Taiwanese fishing boats that sailed to the Diaoyu Islands to protest Japan's "purchase" of part of the islands completed their voyage Tuesday morning and have set sail for home.
Local media reported that the boats finished their protest at 9:15 a.m. and are expected to return to a port in northeast Taiwan's Yilan county at noon Wednesday.
Although the boats originally numbered 75,they were joined at sea by other boats from different parts of Taiwan, raising the total number to about 100 vessels. Organizers said the voyage was made to protect Taiwanese fishing rights in nearby waters and to protest Japan's "purchase" of part of the Diaoyu Islands.
The Japanese government announced a plan to "purchase" part of the islands earlier this month despite repeated protests from the Chinese government. The action aroused demonstrations
across China as well as consumers' boycott of Japanese products in recent weeks. Local authorities in Taiwan have also protested the move.
"Japan's purchase and nationalization of China's Diaoyu Islands is putting China-Japan economic and trade ties at risk due to man-made factors." An official spokesman from Beijing warned .
China-Japan economic and trade relations was back on track in 1952 when the two countries signed their first non-governmental trade agreement. Currently, China has been Japan's largest trade partner since 2007 while Japan is China's fourth largest trade partner, after the EU, U.S. and the ASEAN. Meanwhile, China is the biggest destination for Japanese exports and biggest source of imports. In the first half of 2012, Japan's exports to China totaled 73.54 billion U.S. dollars, down 6.2 percent from the same period last year, while its import from China was 91.29 billion U.S. dollars, up 7 percent from the same period last year.
Now, China-Japan economic and trade relations are at a crossroads. Negotiation could be the way out of the rift.
Question:
Which of the following is NOT the result of Japan's move to purchase the islands?
Choices:
A. Opposition from Chinese government.
B. Nationwide demonstrations were carried out in China.
C. Fishing boats organized by Taiwan government sailed to the islands to protest.
D. Chinese consumers refused to buy products imported from Japan.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high17384.txt
|
Taiwanese fishing boats that sailed to the Diaoyu Islands to protest Japan's "purchase" of part of the islands completed their voyage Tuesday morning and have set sail for home.
Local media reported that the boats finished their protest at 9:15 a.m. and are expected to return to a port in northeast Taiwan's Yilan county at noon Wednesday.
Although the boats originally numbered 75,they were joined at sea by other boats from different parts of Taiwan, raising the total number to about 100 vessels. Organizers said the voyage was made to protect Taiwanese fishing rights in nearby waters and to protest Japan's "purchase" of part of the Diaoyu Islands.
The Japanese government announced a plan to "purchase" part of the islands earlier this month despite repeated protests from the Chinese government. The action aroused demonstrations
across China as well as consumers' boycott of Japanese products in recent weeks. Local authorities in Taiwan have also protested the move.
"Japan's purchase and nationalization of China's Diaoyu Islands is putting China-Japan economic and trade ties at risk due to man-made factors." An official spokesman from Beijing warned .
China-Japan economic and trade relations was back on track in 1952 when the two countries signed their first non-governmental trade agreement. Currently, China has been Japan's largest trade partner since 2007 while Japan is China's fourth largest trade partner, after the EU, U.S. and the ASEAN. Meanwhile, China is the biggest destination for Japanese exports and biggest source of imports. In the first half of 2012, Japan's exports to China totaled 73.54 billion U.S. dollars, down 6.2 percent from the same period last year, while its import from China was 91.29 billion U.S. dollars, up 7 percent from the same period last year.
Now, China-Japan economic and trade relations are at a crossroads. Negotiation could be the way out of the rift.
|
[
"Opposition from Chinese government.",
"Nationwide demonstrations were carried out in China.",
"Fishing boats organized by Taiwan government sailed to the islands to protest.",
"Chinese consumers refused to buy products imported from Japan."
] |
What's the purpose of the text?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
An ATM that spits out cupcakes instead of cash is now filling a popular demand in the American market:late-night desire for freshly baked sweets.
In six cities across the country, sugar addicts can now purchase a cupcake for $4.25 from an automatic machine 24 hours every day.The freshly baked goods are made by the California-based cupcake shop Sprinkles.
The idea came to the company's co-founders Candace and Charles Nelson when Candace was pregnant with their first child. Candace thought it was ridiculous that she owned cupcake bakeries aad couldn't get a freshly baked treat at an unusual hour.That desire inspired the company's first cupcake ATM in Beverly Hills,Calif.in 2012.
Charles said each ATM serves about l,000 cupcakes per day.The machine is so popular that when it appeared in Manhattan, customers were lined up around the block to use _
Yet,inventing the first cupcake ATM was not as easy as convincing customers to use it.When the Nelsons started defigning the machine,they quickly realized nothing existed that could give a fully unbroken cupcake to a customer.The company had to partner with a European firm to develop the technology that could deliver a cupcake without dropping it several feet like a typical machine.After going through a seeond development cycle with the product, the ATMs can now satisfy tlle demand of growing customers and even make as many as four cupcakes at a time.
In terms of the company, the-machine allows Sprinkles to do the impossible:increase hours of operation without raising costs.Now the company can sell cupcakes around the clock through the ATM without paying employees.
Now the company is partnering with a Middle Eastern company to open 34 new locations abroad.
Question:
What's the purpose of the text?
Choices:
A. To tell us a newtrend of the diet.
B. To advertisefor the cupcake ATM.
C. To introduce a newly-invented cupcake ATM.
D. To advise more customers to buy cupcakes on ATM.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high7166.txt
|
An ATM that spits out cupcakes instead of cash is now filling a popular demand in the American market:late-night desire for freshly baked sweets.
In six cities across the country, sugar addicts can now purchase a cupcake for $4.25 from an automatic machine 24 hours every day.The freshly baked goods are made by the California-based cupcake shop Sprinkles.
The idea came to the company's co-founders Candace and Charles Nelson when Candace was pregnant with their first child. Candace thought it was ridiculous that she owned cupcake bakeries aad couldn't get a freshly baked treat at an unusual hour.That desire inspired the company's first cupcake ATM in Beverly Hills,Calif.in 2012.
Charles said each ATM serves about l,000 cupcakes per day.The machine is so popular that when it appeared in Manhattan, customers were lined up around the block to use _
Yet,inventing the first cupcake ATM was not as easy as convincing customers to use it.When the Nelsons started defigning the machine,they quickly realized nothing existed that could give a fully unbroken cupcake to a customer.The company had to partner with a European firm to develop the technology that could deliver a cupcake without dropping it several feet like a typical machine.After going through a seeond development cycle with the product, the ATMs can now satisfy tlle demand of growing customers and even make as many as four cupcakes at a time.
In terms of the company, the-machine allows Sprinkles to do the impossible:increase hours of operation without raising costs.Now the company can sell cupcakes around the clock through the ATM without paying employees.
Now the company is partnering with a Middle Eastern company to open 34 new locations abroad.
|
[
"To tell us a newtrend of the diet.",
"To advertisefor the cupcake ATM.",
"To introduce a newly-invented cupcake ATM.",
"To advise more customers to buy cupcakes on ATM."
] |
What may eventually settle the "last mile" problem?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
In the computer age, most of us take a broadband Internet connection for granted. Whether cable or mobile broadband, today's connections are many times faster than those in the early days. Videos play smoothly, complex websites load quickly, and files download much faster than ten years ago. And the files are much bigger too.
There's _ , of course: You have to live near enough to a major city to get broadband Internet. If you don't, it's slow dial-up access for you. And for those living really far out, there may be no Internet access at all.
Technology experts often talk about the "last mile" problem, which refers to the difficulty of bringing Internet access to remote locations. In cities and suburbs, it's relatively easy to provide access for everyone. It is much more difficult to deliver access to those living far from cities, especially in developing countries. Internet service providers, for their part, have been reluctant to provide access to sparsely populated areas. The handful of Internet users they would reach wouldn't cover the expense.
But every year, technological advancements allow of more and more Internet users. Most broadband connections today run over existing cable TV and telephone lines although these technologies aren't available everywhere.
Some companies have delivered the Internet over standard power lines. Advancements in cheaper, more efficient fiber optics cables promise to bring extremely fast Internet connections to more users.
Still, the "last mile" problem remains hard to deal with. There will always be somewhere that doesn't have an affordable broadband connection. But someday that might not matter. If the rapid progress in cell phone technology is any indication , it may not be too long before an Internet connection simply follows you wherever you go.
Question:
What may eventually settle the "last mile" problem?
Choices:
A. The broadband connection's getting faster.
B. More and more Internet users.
C. more and more Internet connections.
D. The rapid progress in cell phone technology.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high2302.txt
|
In the computer age, most of us take a broadband Internet connection for granted. Whether cable or mobile broadband, today's connections are many times faster than those in the early days. Videos play smoothly, complex websites load quickly, and files download much faster than ten years ago. And the files are much bigger too.
There's _ , of course: You have to live near enough to a major city to get broadband Internet. If you don't, it's slow dial-up access for you. And for those living really far out, there may be no Internet access at all.
Technology experts often talk about the "last mile" problem, which refers to the difficulty of bringing Internet access to remote locations. In cities and suburbs, it's relatively easy to provide access for everyone. It is much more difficult to deliver access to those living far from cities, especially in developing countries. Internet service providers, for their part, have been reluctant to provide access to sparsely populated areas. The handful of Internet users they would reach wouldn't cover the expense.
But every year, technological advancements allow of more and more Internet users. Most broadband connections today run over existing cable TV and telephone lines although these technologies aren't available everywhere.
Some companies have delivered the Internet over standard power lines. Advancements in cheaper, more efficient fiber optics cables promise to bring extremely fast Internet connections to more users.
Still, the "last mile" problem remains hard to deal with. There will always be somewhere that doesn't have an affordable broadband connection. But someday that might not matter. If the rapid progress in cell phone technology is any indication , it may not be too long before an Internet connection simply follows you wherever you go.
|
[
"The broadband connection's getting faster.",
"More and more Internet users.",
"more and more Internet connections.",
"The rapid progress in cell phone technology."
] |
What makes the government decide to found studio schools?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Thousands of teenagers will be able to transfer to a new wave of "studio schools" at the age of 14 to improve their chances of finding a job in UK. A dozen new-style schools are designed to act as a bridge to the workplace and cut the number of NEETs--young people not in education, employment or training.
Under plans, schools will operate longer days and work outside standard academic terms.
Each pupil will be expected to spend between four hours and two days a week on work placements with businesses linked to the school and teenagers will be assigned a personal coach to act as an academic "line manager".
The reforms are put forward due to the fears that too many teenagers are now finishing full-time education lacking the skills needed to succeed in the workplace. According to a recent report, more than two-thirds of employers believe school and college leavers lack important "employability skills" such as customer awareness, while 55 per cent say they are unable to manage their time or daily tasks. And the number of NEETs has hit a record high, with almost one-in-five young people being left without a job or training place.
The Department for Education will announce the establishment of 12 studio schools -- meeting the need of around 3,600 teenagers -- in areas such as Liverpool, Stevenage, Stoke-on-Trent and Fulham, west London. Each one, opening in 2012, will be linked to a series of local employers. Under plans, pupils will be able to transfer out of ordinary schools to attend them between the age of 14 and 19.
The Government said all subjects would be taught "through projects, often designed with employers" -- with disciplines such as science being linked directly to local engineering firms or hospitals. Schools will operate a longer day to give pupils a better understanding of the demands of the workplace. Along with their studies, pupils will carry out work placements for four hours a week, rising to two days a week of paid work for those aged 16 to 19. They will also get the chance to take professional qualifications linked directly to the needs of local employers.
Question:
What makes the government decide to found studio schools?
Choices:
A. The determination to solve the problem of lacking workers.
B. The doubt about whether full-time education is perfect.
C. The worry about educated people lacking working skills.
D. The increasing number of teens who drop out early.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high16938.txt
|
Thousands of teenagers will be able to transfer to a new wave of "studio schools" at the age of 14 to improve their chances of finding a job in UK. A dozen new-style schools are designed to act as a bridge to the workplace and cut the number of NEETs--young people not in education, employment or training.
Under plans, schools will operate longer days and work outside standard academic terms.
Each pupil will be expected to spend between four hours and two days a week on work placements with businesses linked to the school and teenagers will be assigned a personal coach to act as an academic "line manager".
The reforms are put forward due to the fears that too many teenagers are now finishing full-time education lacking the skills needed to succeed in the workplace. According to a recent report, more than two-thirds of employers believe school and college leavers lack important "employability skills" such as customer awareness, while 55 per cent say they are unable to manage their time or daily tasks. And the number of NEETs has hit a record high, with almost one-in-five young people being left without a job or training place.
The Department for Education will announce the establishment of 12 studio schools -- meeting the need of around 3,600 teenagers -- in areas such as Liverpool, Stevenage, Stoke-on-Trent and Fulham, west London. Each one, opening in 2012, will be linked to a series of local employers. Under plans, pupils will be able to transfer out of ordinary schools to attend them between the age of 14 and 19.
The Government said all subjects would be taught "through projects, often designed with employers" -- with disciplines such as science being linked directly to local engineering firms or hospitals. Schools will operate a longer day to give pupils a better understanding of the demands of the workplace. Along with their studies, pupils will carry out work placements for four hours a week, rising to two days a week of paid work for those aged 16 to 19. They will also get the chance to take professional qualifications linked directly to the needs of local employers.
|
[
"The determination to solve the problem of lacking workers.",
"The doubt about whether full-time education is perfect.",
"The worry about educated people lacking working skills.",
"The increasing number of teens who drop out early."
] |
According to the passage, what was the popular image of Wal - Mart?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
April sales figures show a disappointing month for Wal-Mart. The world's largest retailer reported a big drop in sales last month--its worst decline in nearly 30 years. As VOA's Mil Arcega reports, Wal-Mart is not alone.
A three and a half percent drop in sales does not seem like much. But for a company that sells more than $300 billion worth of goods every year, analysts say it is significant.
Alan Murray, the managing editor of the Wall Street Journal, says the drop represents Wal-Mart's biggest decline since 1979. "There are a number of things going on. Part of it is early Easter, so some of those sales got moved into March. Part of it is bad weather."
But it may also signal a trend. Across the board, retailers from Target to JC Penny and the Gap, reported weaker sales in April. Analysts say the decline suggests high gasoline prices and the slowing prefix = st1 /U.S.housing market are finally catching up with consumers.Murraysays there may be other factors at play.
"Wal-Mart is not doing what it used to do very well. It made an attempt last year to sell clothes to high scale retailers. That didn't work. It had to back off. It's remodeling its stores. That's not working very well," says Murray.
To bring customers back, some say Wal-Mart needs to go back to its marketing basics. Retail analyst Dana Telsey says that means low priced goods in a friendly retail environment. "I think Wal-Mart is working to enhance its image. It could always be better. Going back to its roots is a way, that hopefully, customers will become familiar with it again."
Wal-Mart is one of the biggest economic indicators in the retail industry. As the world's largest profit making enterprise, Wal-Mart's yearly revenues represents about 2.5 percent of total economic activity in the U.S.
Question:
According to the passage, what was the popular image of Wal - Mart?
Choices:
A. It sold clothes to high scale retailers.
B. It often sold discounted goods.
C. It was one of the biggest retailer industries.
D. It sold low priced goods in a friendly atmosphere.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high17379.txt
|
April sales figures show a disappointing month for Wal-Mart. The world's largest retailer reported a big drop in sales last month--its worst decline in nearly 30 years. As VOA's Mil Arcega reports, Wal-Mart is not alone.
A three and a half percent drop in sales does not seem like much. But for a company that sells more than $300 billion worth of goods every year, analysts say it is significant.
Alan Murray, the managing editor of the Wall Street Journal, says the drop represents Wal-Mart's biggest decline since 1979. "There are a number of things going on. Part of it is early Easter, so some of those sales got moved into March. Part of it is bad weather."
But it may also signal a trend. Across the board, retailers from Target to JC Penny and the Gap, reported weaker sales in April. Analysts say the decline suggests high gasoline prices and the slowing prefix = st1 /U.S.housing market are finally catching up with consumers.Murraysays there may be other factors at play.
"Wal-Mart is not doing what it used to do very well. It made an attempt last year to sell clothes to high scale retailers. That didn't work. It had to back off. It's remodeling its stores. That's not working very well," says Murray.
To bring customers back, some say Wal-Mart needs to go back to its marketing basics. Retail analyst Dana Telsey says that means low priced goods in a friendly retail environment. "I think Wal-Mart is working to enhance its image. It could always be better. Going back to its roots is a way, that hopefully, customers will become familiar with it again."
Wal-Mart is one of the biggest economic indicators in the retail industry. As the world's largest profit making enterprise, Wal-Mart's yearly revenues represents about 2.5 percent of total economic activity in the U.S.
|
[
"It sold clothes to high scale retailers.",
"It often sold discounted goods.",
"It was one of the biggest retailer industries.",
"It sold low priced goods in a friendly atmosphere."
] |
If you get the job of delivering newspapers, how much can your earn every week?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Black wallet with some money.
Come to Room 502 in the evening, or call 9796788.
WANTED IMMEDIATELY
A boy or a girl to deliver newspapers
Pay: $ 10 per day
Hours: 3:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. from Mon. to Sat.
For more information
Call Mr. Jones on 8947659 Call Jeff on 3338651
SINGLES' CLUB
A club for single people looking for new friends.
Ages: 25-40
Activities: parties, swimming, concerts, dances, etc
We meet every Friday at 8:30 p.m.
28 Garden Street Tel: 7026449 E-mail: singleclub@yahoo.com
Question:
If you get the job of delivering newspapers, how much can your earn every week?
Choices:
A. $ 50
B. $ 60
C. $ 70
D. $ 80
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle2029.txt
|
Black wallet with some money.
Come to Room 502 in the evening, or call 9796788.
WANTED IMMEDIATELY
A boy or a girl to deliver newspapers
Pay: $ 10 per day
Hours: 3:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. from Mon. to Sat.
For more information
Call Mr. Jones on 8947659 Call Jeff on 3338651
SINGLES' CLUB
A club for single people looking for new friends.
Ages: 25-40
Activities: parties, swimming, concerts, dances, etc
We meet every Friday at 8:30 p.m.
28 Garden Street Tel: 7026449 E-mail: singleclub@yahoo.com
|
[
"$ 50",
"$ 60",
"$ 70",
"$ 80"
] |
What was the project the author completed in the passage ?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
I had worked long and hard on this project. Knowing it was finally completed gave me great satisfaction. "Perfect!"I said "Now, all I have to do is to keep the dogs off it."I went about setting . Up barriers using old fence, deck chairs, planters, and anything I could find so as to avoid footprints both on the oil paint and our carpet . It worked perfectly .
Just before returning to the house and to a much needed shower, I took one last look at this fine work of art. "What is that?"I said. "Where did that come from ?"
Clearly marked and evenly spaced across the entire area, the tiny marks ran in straight lines. .I carefully stepped to our flower garden. It was there I found several of the small markings. Now, almost frozen in place by this shocking discovery, I remained in position so as to prevent further damage to my work.. Just then, off to my left, it appeared. A chipmunk . He was as surprised as I was . We stood there face to face looking at each other, wondering who would make the first move .
The warm , humid air was now getting the best of me . Sweat now ran freely over my head, and in poor timing into my eyes . I reached up to rub them and when I opened my eyes he was gone .
My only satisfaction was in thinking that when he returned home he tracked oily footprints into his own home . And , hoping he was married , his wife would not let him live it down for the rest of his life . I stood up, shook my head, laughing about it and walking into my house.
Yes, I tracked oil on the carpet. I am married. My wife will not let me live it down for the rest of my life .
Question:
What was the project the author completed in the passage ?
Choices:
A. Painting
B. A carpet
C. A fence
D. A flower garden
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high14094.txt
|
I had worked long and hard on this project. Knowing it was finally completed gave me great satisfaction. "Perfect!"I said "Now, all I have to do is to keep the dogs off it."I went about setting . Up barriers using old fence, deck chairs, planters, and anything I could find so as to avoid footprints both on the oil paint and our carpet . It worked perfectly .
Just before returning to the house and to a much needed shower, I took one last look at this fine work of art. "What is that?"I said. "Where did that come from ?"
Clearly marked and evenly spaced across the entire area, the tiny marks ran in straight lines. .I carefully stepped to our flower garden. It was there I found several of the small markings. Now, almost frozen in place by this shocking discovery, I remained in position so as to prevent further damage to my work.. Just then, off to my left, it appeared. A chipmunk . He was as surprised as I was . We stood there face to face looking at each other, wondering who would make the first move .
The warm , humid air was now getting the best of me . Sweat now ran freely over my head, and in poor timing into my eyes . I reached up to rub them and when I opened my eyes he was gone .
My only satisfaction was in thinking that when he returned home he tracked oily footprints into his own home . And , hoping he was married , his wife would not let him live it down for the rest of his life . I stood up, shook my head, laughing about it and walking into my house.
Yes, I tracked oil on the carpet. I am married. My wife will not let me live it down for the rest of my life .
|
[
"Painting",
"A carpet",
"A fence",
"A flower garden"
] |
What does this passage mainly talk about?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Welcome to Language upon Thames. This brochure has been designed to give you an overview of our Language School and the courses we offer. If you have some additional questions please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.
At Language upon Thames, we feel it is important to be flexible, in order that students can decide what period of study suits them best.
Small Group General English Courses
These courses are aimed at students who wish to improve their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills and are offered at the following levels.
BEGINNERS
ELEMENTARY
PREINTERMEDIATE
UPPERINTERMEDIATE
Studying one of the above courses will enable you to use English more confidently and competently on a daily basis.
Try our free online test to see which level you are at--CLICK HERE.
Exam Courses
These courses are aimed at students who wish to gain academic qualifications in English and are offered at the following levels.
University of Cambridge exams:
ADVANCED 1--FCE (First certificate)
ADVANCED 2--CAE (Advanced)
ADVANCED 3--CPE (Proficiency)
Studying one of the above courses will enable you to continue your education or enter university in this country. (Students wishing to gain admission to a British university are normally required to have the Cambridge Proficiency Certificate.)
Speaking, Listening & Pronunciation
This course builds on communicative confidence and competence and is aimed at students who wish to develop the important skills of speaking and listening.
Emphasis is also placed on pronunciation, with activities designed to meet the needs of students of different nationalities, who need to focus on different areas.
CLICK HERE to register for a General English course.
Other Languages
At Language upon Thames we offer a wide range of cafeterias, restaurants, shops and bars. Most importantly, we have foreign language classes of French, Japanese, German, Spanish and Italian during the day, evening or on a onetoone basis.
Question:
What does this passage mainly talk about?
Choices:
A. English courses.
B. Ways to improve students' English.
C. The best way to improve your skills.
D. The importance of English.
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high20775.txt
|
Welcome to Language upon Thames. This brochure has been designed to give you an overview of our Language School and the courses we offer. If you have some additional questions please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.
At Language upon Thames, we feel it is important to be flexible, in order that students can decide what period of study suits them best.
Small Group General English Courses
These courses are aimed at students who wish to improve their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills and are offered at the following levels.
BEGINNERS
ELEMENTARY
PREINTERMEDIATE
UPPERINTERMEDIATE
Studying one of the above courses will enable you to use English more confidently and competently on a daily basis.
Try our free online test to see which level you are at--CLICK HERE.
Exam Courses
These courses are aimed at students who wish to gain academic qualifications in English and are offered at the following levels.
University of Cambridge exams:
ADVANCED 1--FCE (First certificate)
ADVANCED 2--CAE (Advanced)
ADVANCED 3--CPE (Proficiency)
Studying one of the above courses will enable you to continue your education or enter university in this country. (Students wishing to gain admission to a British university are normally required to have the Cambridge Proficiency Certificate.)
Speaking, Listening & Pronunciation
This course builds on communicative confidence and competence and is aimed at students who wish to develop the important skills of speaking and listening.
Emphasis is also placed on pronunciation, with activities designed to meet the needs of students of different nationalities, who need to focus on different areas.
CLICK HERE to register for a General English course.
Other Languages
At Language upon Thames we offer a wide range of cafeterias, restaurants, shops and bars. Most importantly, we have foreign language classes of French, Japanese, German, Spanish and Italian during the day, evening or on a onetoone basis.
|
[
"English courses.",
"Ways to improve students' English.",
"The best way to improve your skills.",
"The importance of English."
] |
Which of the following ideas is NOT included in the passage?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
If we are asked exactly what we were doing a year ago, we should probably have to say that we could not remember. But if we had kept a book and had written it in an account of what we did each day, we should be able to give an answer to the question.
It is the same in history. Many things have been forgotten because we don't have written account of them. Sometimes men did keep a record of the important happenings in their country, but it was often destroyed by fire or in a war. Sometimes there was never any written record at all because the people of that time and place did not know how to write. For example, we know a great deal about the people who lived in China 4,000 years ago, because they could write and leave written records for those who lived after them. But we know almost nothing about the people who lived even 200 years ago in central Africa because they had not learnt to write.
Sometimes, even if the people cannot write, they may know something of the past. They have heard about it from older people and often songs and dances and stories have been made about the most important happenings, and those have been sung and acted and told for many generations , for most people are proud to tell what their fathers did in the past. This we may call "remembered history". Some of it has been written history because words are much more easily changed when used again and again in speech than when copied in writing. But where there are no written records, such spoken stories are often helpful.
Question:
Which of the following ideas is NOT included in the passage?
Choices:
A. "Remembered history" is less reliable than written history.
B. Written records of the past play an important role in our learning of the human history.
C. A written account of our daily activities helps us to be able to answer many questions.
D. If there are no written records, there is no history.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle4964.txt
|
If we are asked exactly what we were doing a year ago, we should probably have to say that we could not remember. But if we had kept a book and had written it in an account of what we did each day, we should be able to give an answer to the question.
It is the same in history. Many things have been forgotten because we don't have written account of them. Sometimes men did keep a record of the important happenings in their country, but it was often destroyed by fire or in a war. Sometimes there was never any written record at all because the people of that time and place did not know how to write. For example, we know a great deal about the people who lived in China 4,000 years ago, because they could write and leave written records for those who lived after them. But we know almost nothing about the people who lived even 200 years ago in central Africa because they had not learnt to write.
Sometimes, even if the people cannot write, they may know something of the past. They have heard about it from older people and often songs and dances and stories have been made about the most important happenings, and those have been sung and acted and told for many generations , for most people are proud to tell what their fathers did in the past. This we may call "remembered history". Some of it has been written history because words are much more easily changed when used again and again in speech than when copied in writing. But where there are no written records, such spoken stories are often helpful.
|
[
"\"Remembered history\" is less reliable than written history.",
"Written records of the past play an important role in our learning of the human history.",
"A written account of our daily activities helps us to be able to answer many questions.",
"If there are no written records, there is no history."
] |
In the passage, the word "blue" and the word "blues" are related to _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
History, as we know, is filled with facts, with places, names, dates, and events.
History is also filled with feelings, with pain, joy, excitement, and fear.
Facts are set down in books, but what happens to feelings? How can you take the pain, for example, and write it into a history book? You can't. But you can put it to music. Take the blues for example.
The blues started when black musicians in the South began to sing about their hard times, those times which made them feel blue. The early blues was the beginning of other musical styles, from jazz to rock and roll.
Music, you might say, is a record of feelings.
Of course, facts are important: the civil rights movement, the race for space, the Vietnam War. But the feelings behind these events - the pride of being black, the excitement of a rocket blast , the pain of a war - are also an important part of history.
Question:
In the passage, the word "blue" and the word "blues" are related to _ .
Choices:
A. a feeling and a kind of music
B. a color
C. a kind of music and a person
D. people and their feelings
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle1264.txt
|
History, as we know, is filled with facts, with places, names, dates, and events.
History is also filled with feelings, with pain, joy, excitement, and fear.
Facts are set down in books, but what happens to feelings? How can you take the pain, for example, and write it into a history book? You can't. But you can put it to music. Take the blues for example.
The blues started when black musicians in the South began to sing about their hard times, those times which made them feel blue. The early blues was the beginning of other musical styles, from jazz to rock and roll.
Music, you might say, is a record of feelings.
Of course, facts are important: the civil rights movement, the race for space, the Vietnam War. But the feelings behind these events - the pride of being black, the excitement of a rocket blast , the pain of a war - are also an important part of history.
|
[
"a feeling and a kind of music",
"a color",
"a kind of music and a person",
"people and their feelings"
] |
We can probably read this passage in a _
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
What is the first thing you want to do when you see someone yawn ?You want to yawn, too! Yawning is _
Scientists have found that all people yawn. Babies start to yawn even before they are born. The earliest yawn takes place when a baby is still inside its mother. When young children are about one year old, they start to yawn when they see others yawning. That's why scientists seem to think yawning is contagious.
It's no secret that yawning is contagious, but why do we yawn? Well, scientists are not really sure.
Some think we yawn because we feel bored. Recently scientists studied two groups of students between the ages of 17 and 19. One group watched music videos, and the other watched a boring color test. Scientists compared the numbers of their yawns and found that the color test group yawned more times than the video group.
Another reason for yawning has to do with breathing. Some scientists believe that when we are bored or tired, we breathe more slowly. As our breathing slows down, we cannot get rid of enough carbon dioxide, our bodies will tell the brains to breathe deeply. The result is a big yawn.
In 2007, scientists suggested a new reason. They said that the reason why people yawned was to cool down their brains. These scientists found that people who were warmer than others yawned more often.
Scientists are still trying to find out why yawning happens and why it is so contagious. But they are only sure that when one person yawns, almost everyone else nearby wants to yawn, too.
Question:
We can probably read this passage in a _
Choices:
A. storybook
B. travel guidebook
C. movie poster
D. science magazine
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle2759.txt
|
What is the first thing you want to do when you see someone yawn ?You want to yawn, too! Yawning is _
Scientists have found that all people yawn. Babies start to yawn even before they are born. The earliest yawn takes place when a baby is still inside its mother. When young children are about one year old, they start to yawn when they see others yawning. That's why scientists seem to think yawning is contagious.
It's no secret that yawning is contagious, but why do we yawn? Well, scientists are not really sure.
Some think we yawn because we feel bored. Recently scientists studied two groups of students between the ages of 17 and 19. One group watched music videos, and the other watched a boring color test. Scientists compared the numbers of their yawns and found that the color test group yawned more times than the video group.
Another reason for yawning has to do with breathing. Some scientists believe that when we are bored or tired, we breathe more slowly. As our breathing slows down, we cannot get rid of enough carbon dioxide, our bodies will tell the brains to breathe deeply. The result is a big yawn.
In 2007, scientists suggested a new reason. They said that the reason why people yawned was to cool down their brains. These scientists found that people who were warmer than others yawned more often.
Scientists are still trying to find out why yawning happens and why it is so contagious. But they are only sure that when one person yawns, almost everyone else nearby wants to yawn, too.
|
[
"storybook",
"travel guidebook",
"movie poster",
"science magazine"
] |
When the other frogs shouted at Jack to stop the pain and just die, he _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
A group of frogs were travelling through the woods. Two of them, Nick and Jack, fell into a deep pit . All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told Nick and Jack that they were as good as dead.
Nick and Jack ignored what the other frogs said and tried to jump up out of the pit with all of their strength. The other frogs went on telling them to stop, and that they were as good as dead. Nick listened to them and gave up. Finally, he fell down and died.
Jack continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the frogs around the pit shouted at him to stop the pain and just die. Jack jumped even harder and finally got out. When he was out, the other frogs asked, "Did not you hear us?" Jack explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him all the time.
Question:
When the other frogs shouted at Jack to stop the pain and just die, he _ .
Choices:
A. stopped jumping
B. jumped harder
C. fell down and died
D. gave up trying
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle2185.txt
|
A group of frogs were travelling through the woods. Two of them, Nick and Jack, fell into a deep pit . All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told Nick and Jack that they were as good as dead.
Nick and Jack ignored what the other frogs said and tried to jump up out of the pit with all of their strength. The other frogs went on telling them to stop, and that they were as good as dead. Nick listened to them and gave up. Finally, he fell down and died.
Jack continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the frogs around the pit shouted at him to stop the pain and just die. Jack jumped even harder and finally got out. When he was out, the other frogs asked, "Did not you hear us?" Jack explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him all the time.
|
[
"stopped jumping",
"jumped harder",
"fell down and died",
"gave up trying"
] |
It appears that the writer tends to think highly of the person who sleeps on one side because he or she _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Everyone has got two personalities --the one that is shown to the world and the other that is secret and real . You don't show your secret personality when you're awake because you can control your behavior , but when you're asleep , your sleeping position shows the real you . In a normal night , of course , people frequently change their position . The important position is the one that you go to sleep in .
If you go to sleep in your back , you're a very open person ,. You normally trust people and you are easily influenced by fashion or new ideas . You don't like to upset people , so you never express your real feeling .
If you sleep on your stomach , you are a rather secretive person . You worry a lot and you're always easily upset . You're very stubborn , but you aren't very ambitious . You usually live for today not for tomorrow . This means that you enjoy having a good time .
If you sleep curled up , you are probably a very nervous person . You have a low opinion of yourself so you're often defensive . You're shy and you don't normally like meeting people. You prefer to be on your own . you're easily hurt .
If you sleep on your side , you have usually got a well-balanced personality . You know your strengths and weakness . You're usually careful . You have a confident personality . You sometimes feel anxious, but you don't often get depressed . You always say what you think even if it makes people angry .
Question:
It appears that the writer tends to think highly of the person who sleeps on one side because he or she _ .
Choices:
A. always shows sympathy for people
B. is confident, but not stubborn
C. is healthier than others
D. often thinks of making people angry
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high152.txt
|
Everyone has got two personalities --the one that is shown to the world and the other that is secret and real . You don't show your secret personality when you're awake because you can control your behavior , but when you're asleep , your sleeping position shows the real you . In a normal night , of course , people frequently change their position . The important position is the one that you go to sleep in .
If you go to sleep in your back , you're a very open person ,. You normally trust people and you are easily influenced by fashion or new ideas . You don't like to upset people , so you never express your real feeling .
If you sleep on your stomach , you are a rather secretive person . You worry a lot and you're always easily upset . You're very stubborn , but you aren't very ambitious . You usually live for today not for tomorrow . This means that you enjoy having a good time .
If you sleep curled up , you are probably a very nervous person . You have a low opinion of yourself so you're often defensive . You're shy and you don't normally like meeting people. You prefer to be on your own . you're easily hurt .
If you sleep on your side , you have usually got a well-balanced personality . You know your strengths and weakness . You're usually careful . You have a confident personality . You sometimes feel anxious, but you don't often get depressed . You always say what you think even if it makes people angry .
|
[
"always shows sympathy for people",
"is confident, but not stubborn",
"is healthier than others",
"often thinks of making people angry"
] |
This is a picture of _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
This is a picture .There is a lake in the middle of the picture .On the lake we can see a boat .In the boat, there is a boy and his father .The boy is fishing .His father is looking at him .We can see some fish swimming in the lake .On the right of the picture , we can see a big tree .A young woman is reading a book .Her name is Mary .We can see very nice flowers near her seat .A little yellow dog is beside her feet .There are some birds in the sky .On the other side of the lake ,we can see three children .They are laughing and flying kites .They are having fun.
Question:
This is a picture of _ .
Choices:
A. A park
B. Mary's family
C. a school
D. a restaurant
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle2699.txt
|
This is a picture .There is a lake in the middle of the picture .On the lake we can see a boat .In the boat, there is a boy and his father .The boy is fishing .His father is looking at him .We can see some fish swimming in the lake .On the right of the picture , we can see a big tree .A young woman is reading a book .Her name is Mary .We can see very nice flowers near her seat .A little yellow dog is beside her feet .There are some birds in the sky .On the other side of the lake ,we can see three children .They are laughing and flying kites .They are having fun.
|
[
"A park",
"Mary's family",
"a school",
"a restaurant"
] |
From the passage we know that Rico is good at _ .
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Rico is a dog who lives in Germany . His owners trained him from a young age to find his toys. When they say the name of a certain toy, Rico can find it. In fact, he seems to know the names of 200 toys!
Some researchers in Germany wanted to test Rico. They put his toys in a room and then told him to go in the room and find a certain toy. Since nobody was in the room with Rico, he had no help from anyone finding the right toy. The researchers did this test forty times. Rico found the right toy thirty-seven times!
Then the researchers tried something else. They put seven of Rico's toys in the room together with one new toy that Rico had never seen before. Then they told Rico to go into the room and get the new toy. This new toy had a name Rico had never heard before. Rico found the right toy seven out of ten times!
Researchers cannot really say that Rico knows words or language. However, these tests seem to show that Rico can think about what he hears and think about what he knows. In fact, Rico seems to think and remember things as well as a three-year-old child.
From these tests, animal researchers know one thing for sure. Rico has given them a lot to think about.
Question:
From the passage we know that Rico is good at _ .
Choices:
A. catching toys
B. counting toys
C. finding toys
D. putting toys in order
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle1961.txt
|
Rico is a dog who lives in Germany . His owners trained him from a young age to find his toys. When they say the name of a certain toy, Rico can find it. In fact, he seems to know the names of 200 toys!
Some researchers in Germany wanted to test Rico. They put his toys in a room and then told him to go in the room and find a certain toy. Since nobody was in the room with Rico, he had no help from anyone finding the right toy. The researchers did this test forty times. Rico found the right toy thirty-seven times!
Then the researchers tried something else. They put seven of Rico's toys in the room together with one new toy that Rico had never seen before. Then they told Rico to go into the room and get the new toy. This new toy had a name Rico had never heard before. Rico found the right toy seven out of ten times!
Researchers cannot really say that Rico knows words or language. However, these tests seem to show that Rico can think about what he hears and think about what he knows. In fact, Rico seems to think and remember things as well as a three-year-old child.
From these tests, animal researchers know one thing for sure. Rico has given them a lot to think about.
|
[
"catching toys",
"counting toys",
"finding toys",
"putting toys in order"
] |
Christopher's mother and father are _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
My name is Christopher. My family came to America before I was born . In two weeks I am going to be married , and my Fiance'e , Samantha, and expect to be very happy. We do not plan to have honeymoon because we want to spend two weeks setting up our own new business as real estate agents .
My mother , who is very traditional , says that our plans are unreasonable. She thinks that we should just spend two weeks on a holiday in the Caribbean . In her days , and in the old country , young couples didn't start business together. Instead the man went out to work , and the wife stayed home to raise a family.
Both Samantha and I want children in the future , and together we plan to raise them . Needless to say, our plans and my mother's views don't agree . I suppose it's hard for my mother and father to understand our point of view. They are used to another way of setting up a marriage and a life.
Another thing that worries my parents is the fact that Samantha and I are going to be spending seven days a week on our business until it is running smoothly. As my mother has pointed out to us, such a timetable will leave us little time for socializing or for a night in the town. My mother says a young couple should enjoy themselves and get to know each other under less exciting conditions.
Actually. Samantha and I know each other pretty well. We both work hard for our goals, and neither of us minds giving up weekends for a while. We are young and enthusiastic .
Question:
Christopher's mother and father are _ .
Choices:
A. against the couple's marriage
B. used to the old country customs
C. expecting to be very happy
D. becoming more used to American marriage
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high23581.txt
|
My name is Christopher. My family came to America before I was born . In two weeks I am going to be married , and my Fiance'e , Samantha, and expect to be very happy. We do not plan to have honeymoon because we want to spend two weeks setting up our own new business as real estate agents .
My mother , who is very traditional , says that our plans are unreasonable. She thinks that we should just spend two weeks on a holiday in the Caribbean . In her days , and in the old country , young couples didn't start business together. Instead the man went out to work , and the wife stayed home to raise a family.
Both Samantha and I want children in the future , and together we plan to raise them . Needless to say, our plans and my mother's views don't agree . I suppose it's hard for my mother and father to understand our point of view. They are used to another way of setting up a marriage and a life.
Another thing that worries my parents is the fact that Samantha and I are going to be spending seven days a week on our business until it is running smoothly. As my mother has pointed out to us, such a timetable will leave us little time for socializing or for a night in the town. My mother says a young couple should enjoy themselves and get to know each other under less exciting conditions.
Actually. Samantha and I know each other pretty well. We both work hard for our goals, and neither of us minds giving up weekends for a while. We are young and enthusiastic .
|
[
"against the couple's marriage",
"used to the old country customs",
"expecting to be very happy",
"becoming more used to American marriage"
] |
We can tell from the story that Bentley's father was _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Look at the light and beautiful snowflakes falling. Ever wanted to hold them in your hands? They are always lost when they meet your hands.
Well, this isn't just a problem for you. It was a problem for Wilson Bentley, too. In the 1870s, Wilson Bentley was just a teenager. His family lived in a small town in northeast America. Winters there were long and hard. Bentley's mother was once a school teacher. She taught him at home. Bentley didn't go to school until he was 14. He was a quiet boy, and loved reading his mother's books. But he was interested in his mother's microscope . When the other boys were playing with balls, little Bentley was studying things like drops of water, flowers and snowflakes.
Bentley loved watching snowflakes. For the next two years, young Bentley spent many winter days in a cold room watching these _ under his microscope. The boy thought they were beautiful enough for him to start to draw pictures of them. But there were so many snowflakes that he couldn't draw them all.
How could he keep their beauty all the time? Bentley thought of buying a camera.
The boy and his mother asked his father to buy one. But, his father didn't agree. He thought the whole thing was a bad idea. He thought the only thing a farmer should do was farming.
But finally Bentley did get a camera. For more than a year he tried to take pictures of snowflakes. On January 15, 1885, during a snowstorm, Bentley took the first ever photo of an ice crystal with his camera. "It was the greatest moment of my life," Bentley said later.
For 13 years, Bentley worked quietly and took thousands of photos of ice crystals. Later he became famous as "Snowflake" Bentley.
Question:
We can tell from the story that Bentley's father was _ .
Choices:
A. a farmer
B. a funny man
C. a writer
D. a school teacher
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle7762.txt
|
Look at the light and beautiful snowflakes falling. Ever wanted to hold them in your hands? They are always lost when they meet your hands.
Well, this isn't just a problem for you. It was a problem for Wilson Bentley, too. In the 1870s, Wilson Bentley was just a teenager. His family lived in a small town in northeast America. Winters there were long and hard. Bentley's mother was once a school teacher. She taught him at home. Bentley didn't go to school until he was 14. He was a quiet boy, and loved reading his mother's books. But he was interested in his mother's microscope . When the other boys were playing with balls, little Bentley was studying things like drops of water, flowers and snowflakes.
Bentley loved watching snowflakes. For the next two years, young Bentley spent many winter days in a cold room watching these _ under his microscope. The boy thought they were beautiful enough for him to start to draw pictures of them. But there were so many snowflakes that he couldn't draw them all.
How could he keep their beauty all the time? Bentley thought of buying a camera.
The boy and his mother asked his father to buy one. But, his father didn't agree. He thought the whole thing was a bad idea. He thought the only thing a farmer should do was farming.
But finally Bentley did get a camera. For more than a year he tried to take pictures of snowflakes. On January 15, 1885, during a snowstorm, Bentley took the first ever photo of an ice crystal with his camera. "It was the greatest moment of my life," Bentley said later.
For 13 years, Bentley worked quietly and took thousands of photos of ice crystals. Later he became famous as "Snowflake" Bentley.
|
[
"a farmer",
"a funny man",
"a writer",
"a school teacher"
] |
In South Korea, you should use _ when you give a gift.
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Now more and more people like to visit South Korea. People are interested in the tradition,clothes,songs,movies,TV series and presents.Do you want to know good manners about giving gifts?In South Korea,you should remember these things when you are giving a gift.
1.Wrap gift nicely. You can wrap gifts in red or yellow paper because these are lucky colors.In their minds,yellow or pink means happiness.Do not wrap gifts in green,white,or black paper.Learn to use the correct color when you wrap gifts.
2.Do not buy four gifts. In their minds,the number 4 is unlucky. So you should not prepare 4 things as a gift. The number 7 is lucky, so giving 7 small gifts is lucky.
3.Use both hands when you give a gift. If you use one hand to give a gift, people will think you are rude. Of course, people who receive a gift should use both hands, too.
Question:
In South Korea, you should use _ when you give a gift.
Choices:
A. the right hand
B. the left hand
C. both hands
D. one hand
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle4111.txt
|
Now more and more people like to visit South Korea. People are interested in the tradition,clothes,songs,movies,TV series and presents.Do you want to know good manners about giving gifts?In South Korea,you should remember these things when you are giving a gift.
1.Wrap gift nicely. You can wrap gifts in red or yellow paper because these are lucky colors.In their minds,yellow or pink means happiness.Do not wrap gifts in green,white,or black paper.Learn to use the correct color when you wrap gifts.
2.Do not buy four gifts. In their minds,the number 4 is unlucky. So you should not prepare 4 things as a gift. The number 7 is lucky, so giving 7 small gifts is lucky.
3.Use both hands when you give a gift. If you use one hand to give a gift, people will think you are rude. Of course, people who receive a gift should use both hands, too.
|
[
"the right hand",
"the left hand",
"both hands",
"one hand"
] |
How many times did the tiger come into the village?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Once there lived an old man in a mountain village. He was a famous hunter. He often went hunting alone in the mountains. He was not afraid of any wild animals, not even a tiger.
One night, someone saw a tiger come into the village, and stole two sheep away. The next night the tiger came again. The villagers were frightened. They asked the old hunter to catch it so that they could have a safe life.
When the old man heard about the tiger, he thought hard. He wondered why the tiger came at night twice but only stole the sheep. The next night he walked outside the village. Suddenly he saw the tiger coming. He quickly threw himself on the ground. To his surprise, the tiger did not come at him, but went away. He followed it quietly and found it was running on two of its feet just like a man. Then everything was clear.
On the fourth day, when it got dark, the hunter took some animal skins with him and hid himself behind a big tree near the village. He was waiting for the "tiger". As soon as the "tiger" came near the tree, the old hunter jumped out, caught the "tiger" by the "leg" and said, "Don't be afraid. I do not mean to hurt you. You know who I am, don't you?"
The "tiger" said "Yes" and took off the tiger's skin.
"You are poor. But you mustn't steal anything from others. Here are some animal skins for you. You may sell them at the market. With the money, you can buy food and clothes for your family. Work harder and try to make a living. " With tears in his eyes, the poor man thanked the kind-hearted old hunter and walked home.
Question:
How many times did the tiger come into the village?
Choices:
A. Only once.
B. Twice.
C. Three times.
D. Four times.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle2377.txt
|
Once there lived an old man in a mountain village. He was a famous hunter. He often went hunting alone in the mountains. He was not afraid of any wild animals, not even a tiger.
One night, someone saw a tiger come into the village, and stole two sheep away. The next night the tiger came again. The villagers were frightened. They asked the old hunter to catch it so that they could have a safe life.
When the old man heard about the tiger, he thought hard. He wondered why the tiger came at night twice but only stole the sheep. The next night he walked outside the village. Suddenly he saw the tiger coming. He quickly threw himself on the ground. To his surprise, the tiger did not come at him, but went away. He followed it quietly and found it was running on two of its feet just like a man. Then everything was clear.
On the fourth day, when it got dark, the hunter took some animal skins with him and hid himself behind a big tree near the village. He was waiting for the "tiger". As soon as the "tiger" came near the tree, the old hunter jumped out, caught the "tiger" by the "leg" and said, "Don't be afraid. I do not mean to hurt you. You know who I am, don't you?"
The "tiger" said "Yes" and took off the tiger's skin.
"You are poor. But you mustn't steal anything from others. Here are some animal skins for you. You may sell them at the market. With the money, you can buy food and clothes for your family. Work harder and try to make a living. " With tears in his eyes, the poor man thanked the kind-hearted old hunter and walked home.
|
[
"Only once.",
"Twice.",
"Three times.",
"Four times."
] |
Pitt met the customs officer _ , where the officer was employed to _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
The small unframed painting called "Fisherman" was signed by a little-known Italian artist, Maveleone (1669-1740). When it was sold recently in New York for $ 27000, the seller, Mr. Oliver Pitt, was asked to explain how the picture had come into his possession.
Pitt said, "I didn't know it was so valuable. I'm not an art expert. Photography is my hobby. I bought 'Fisherman' in Italy in 1970 for $140.the picture was dirty, and I couldn't see the artist's signature. But anyway it wasn't the picture that I like. I bought it because of the frame."
"It's most unusual frame, made of tiny, silvery sea-shells. They are set in such a way that they reflect perfect light onto the surface of a picture. I now have a photograph of my wife in that frame, and I'll never part with it."
"When I returned to New York I showed the painting in its frame to a customs officer. I told him that I had paid $140 for it but admitted I didn't know its actual worth. The customs man valued it at $ 140, and I was asked to pay duty on that value. I did so, there and then."
"Later, I took off the frame, and that uncovered Maveleone's signature. My wife suggested in fun that the painting might be a valuable one, so I cleaned it and put it up for sale."
As a result of his explanation, Oliver Pitt had to appear in court. He was accused of knowingly making a false statement of the value of a picture so as to cheat the Customs Department.
Pitt was not happy. "I told the truth as I knew it then," he said, "What else could I say?"
And then the judge agreed with him. "The Customs Department is to be responsible (blame)," he said, "for making a true valuation of goods bought into the country, so that the correct amount of duty may be charged. Mr Pitt did not cause or try to cause the mistake that was made. He paid the duty that was demanded. If now, the Customs Department finds that its valuation was not correct, it cannot be allowed to have another try. Pitt is not guilty.
Question:
Pitt met the customs officer _ , where the officer was employed to _ .
Choices:
A. at the railway station or airport; examine people's baggage
B. at the airport or port; examine people's baggage
C. at the bus-stop; help people enter the USA
D. at the airport or port; help people enter the USA
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high16342.txt
|
The small unframed painting called "Fisherman" was signed by a little-known Italian artist, Maveleone (1669-1740). When it was sold recently in New York for $ 27000, the seller, Mr. Oliver Pitt, was asked to explain how the picture had come into his possession.
Pitt said, "I didn't know it was so valuable. I'm not an art expert. Photography is my hobby. I bought 'Fisherman' in Italy in 1970 for $140.the picture was dirty, and I couldn't see the artist's signature. But anyway it wasn't the picture that I like. I bought it because of the frame."
"It's most unusual frame, made of tiny, silvery sea-shells. They are set in such a way that they reflect perfect light onto the surface of a picture. I now have a photograph of my wife in that frame, and I'll never part with it."
"When I returned to New York I showed the painting in its frame to a customs officer. I told him that I had paid $140 for it but admitted I didn't know its actual worth. The customs man valued it at $ 140, and I was asked to pay duty on that value. I did so, there and then."
"Later, I took off the frame, and that uncovered Maveleone's signature. My wife suggested in fun that the painting might be a valuable one, so I cleaned it and put it up for sale."
As a result of his explanation, Oliver Pitt had to appear in court. He was accused of knowingly making a false statement of the value of a picture so as to cheat the Customs Department.
Pitt was not happy. "I told the truth as I knew it then," he said, "What else could I say?"
And then the judge agreed with him. "The Customs Department is to be responsible (blame)," he said, "for making a true valuation of goods bought into the country, so that the correct amount of duty may be charged. Mr Pitt did not cause or try to cause the mistake that was made. He paid the duty that was demanded. If now, the Customs Department finds that its valuation was not correct, it cannot be allowed to have another try. Pitt is not guilty.
|
[
"at the railway station or airport; examine people's baggage",
"at the airport or port; examine people's baggage",
"at the bus-stop; help people enter the USA",
"at the airport or port; help people enter the USA"
] |
What happened in the locker room?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
"Whoosh!" The ball flew into the net and the game was finally over. This game had gone into overtime twice. Until the last goal was scored, no one had any idea which team would win.
Dave felt so bad because his team had lost. He liked playing soccer, but he liked winning even more. Now the two teams should have a picnic together. Dave did not want to eat lunch with the other team. The other team would probably brag by talking about how they won the game.
Dave went to the locker room to change out of his soccer clothes. There the coach talked to the team about what they had done well. They also talked about how they could improve. Then everybody walked outside towards the picnic table.
One of the players from the other team was standing near the picnic table. He handed Dave a paper plate. "Hi, I'm Miguel," he said.
"Hi," Dave replied, looking down at the ground.
"You played great," Miguel said. "I didn't think we were going to win."
Dave was surprised. Miguel was not bragging at all.
"Thanks," Dave said to Miguel. "You played great, too."
Dave felt happy. Dave promised himself that the next time his team won a game, he would not brag to the other team. It was wonderful to win, but it was even more important to be a good winner.
Question:
What happened in the locker room?
Choices:
A. Dave and Miguel talked.
B. Dave and his team ate lunch.
C. The coach talked to the team.
D. Dave put on his soccer clothes.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle3879.txt
|
"Whoosh!" The ball flew into the net and the game was finally over. This game had gone into overtime twice. Until the last goal was scored, no one had any idea which team would win.
Dave felt so bad because his team had lost. He liked playing soccer, but he liked winning even more. Now the two teams should have a picnic together. Dave did not want to eat lunch with the other team. The other team would probably brag by talking about how they won the game.
Dave went to the locker room to change out of his soccer clothes. There the coach talked to the team about what they had done well. They also talked about how they could improve. Then everybody walked outside towards the picnic table.
One of the players from the other team was standing near the picnic table. He handed Dave a paper plate. "Hi, I'm Miguel," he said.
"Hi," Dave replied, looking down at the ground.
"You played great," Miguel said. "I didn't think we were going to win."
Dave was surprised. Miguel was not bragging at all.
"Thanks," Dave said to Miguel. "You played great, too."
Dave felt happy. Dave promised himself that the next time his team won a game, he would not brag to the other team. It was wonderful to win, but it was even more important to be a good winner.
|
[
"Dave and Miguel talked.",
"Dave and his team ate lunch.",
"The coach talked to the team.",
"Dave put on his soccer clothes."
] |
A blind cave scorpion survives by catching millipedes. It needs to eat lots of millipedes to survive: a total of 800 body segments every day. If it's already eaten one millipede with 60 segments and 2 millipedes that are twice as long, how many 50-segment millipedes does it need to eat to reach its daily total?
|
First, the number of segments in the 2 millipedes that are twice as long is 60 segments * 2 = <<60*2=120>>120 segments.
Then one can multiply the segments by the 2 millipedes to find the total number of segments: 120 segments/millipede * 2 millipedes = <<120*2=240>>240 segments.
In total, we then find the scorpion has eaten one 60-segment millipede in addition to the 3 millipedes above for a total of 60 + 240 = <<60+240=300>>300 segments.
So, the number of segments it still needs to eat are : 800 segments - 300 segments = <<800-300=500>>500 segments
Thus, it needs to eat an additional 500 segments / 50 segments/millipede = <<500/50=10>>10 millipedes.
#### 10
|
Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step.
|
A blind cave scorpion survives by catching millipedes. It needs to eat lots of millipedes to survive: a total of 800 body segments every day. If it's already eaten one millipede with 60 segments and 2 millipedes that are twice as long, how many 50-segment millipedes does it need to eat to reach its daily total?
|
First, the number of segments in the 2 millipedes that are twice as long is 60 segments * 2 = <<60*2=120>>120 segments.
Then one can multiply the segments by the 2 millipedes to find the total number of segments: 120 segments/millipede * 2 millipedes = <<120*2=240>>240 segments.
In total, we then find the scorpion has eaten one 60-segment millipede in addition to the 3 millipedes above for a total of 60 + 240 = <<60+240=300>>300 segments.
So, the number of segments it still needs to eat are : 800 segments - 300 segments = <<800-300=500>>500 segments
Thus, it needs to eat an additional 500 segments / 50 segments/millipede = <<500/50=10>>10 millipedes.
#### 10
|
math
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
We can learn from the text that _ .
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Now we're always hearing about road accident, and when we're in a car we try to drive carefully, but how many of us take the same degree of care in our homes? Any large hospital will tell you the number of the accidents that happen in the home is almost the same as those on the road.
One of the commonest and most dangerous causes of home accidents is wrong and careless use of electrical equipment. People will continue to use a loose plug or pull out a plug without first turning off the power. In spite of warnings, one will carry an electric heater into the bathroom when he is going to have a bath. Sometimes one forgets to cut off the power before mending a lamp or something else. All this will cause accidents. So the rule about anything that work by electricity is:Switch off before you touch anything and don't pretend you know when you actually don't.
If you've got children in the house, it's always best to keep medicines of any kind out of their reach. Otherwise, they may be taken for candies or a new kind of drink. When there are older people living with you, you have to take particular care in a number of ways in order to make them safe and happy.
Fire, of course, is always a risk. So, remember not to dry clothes in front of fires, or leave stoves in the middle of rooms where they can easily be knocked over. And don't forget to keep the children away from fire. Smoking, too, may cause fire. So you'd better give it up. Safety first may mean a little more time and care, but it may save you a lot of trouble.
Question:
We can learn from the text that _ .
Choices:
A. people should never be allowed to carry an electric heater into the bathroom
B. the improper use of the electrical equipment is the most dangerous cause of home accidents
C. people should cut off the power first before using the electrical equipment
D. both the children and the older people should be taken special care of at home
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high1053.txt
|
Now we're always hearing about road accident, and when we're in a car we try to drive carefully, but how many of us take the same degree of care in our homes? Any large hospital will tell you the number of the accidents that happen in the home is almost the same as those on the road.
One of the commonest and most dangerous causes of home accidents is wrong and careless use of electrical equipment. People will continue to use a loose plug or pull out a plug without first turning off the power. In spite of warnings, one will carry an electric heater into the bathroom when he is going to have a bath. Sometimes one forgets to cut off the power before mending a lamp or something else. All this will cause accidents. So the rule about anything that work by electricity is:Switch off before you touch anything and don't pretend you know when you actually don't.
If you've got children in the house, it's always best to keep medicines of any kind out of their reach. Otherwise, they may be taken for candies or a new kind of drink. When there are older people living with you, you have to take particular care in a number of ways in order to make them safe and happy.
Fire, of course, is always a risk. So, remember not to dry clothes in front of fires, or leave stoves in the middle of rooms where they can easily be knocked over. And don't forget to keep the children away from fire. Smoking, too, may cause fire. So you'd better give it up. Safety first may mean a little more time and care, but it may save you a lot of trouble.
|
[
"people should never be allowed to carry an electric heater into the bathroom",
"the improper use of the electrical equipment is the most dangerous cause of home accidents",
"people should cut off the power first before using the electrical equipment",
"both the children and the older people should be taken special care of at home"
] |
Krista started raising chickens. She has 10 hens who lay eggs. She sells the eggs for $3 a dozen. In four weeks, she sold $120 worth of eggs. If she sold all the eggs her hens laid, how many eggs does each hen lay a week?
|
At $3 a dozen, Krista sold $120 / $3 = <<120/3=40>>40 dozen eggs.
If 10 hens laid 40 dozen eggs in 4 weeks, that means 40 dozen eggs / 10 hens = <<40/10=4>>4 dozen eggs were laid by each hen in four weeks.
To find out how many eggs each hen laid in a week, 4 dozen eggs / 4 weeks = <<4/4=1>>1 dozen eggs each week.
Since a dozen has 12 eggs, each hen lays 12*1 = <<12*1=12>>12 eggs each week.
#### 12
|
Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step.
|
Krista started raising chickens. She has 10 hens who lay eggs. She sells the eggs for $3 a dozen. In four weeks, she sold $120 worth of eggs. If she sold all the eggs her hens laid, how many eggs does each hen lay a week?
|
At $3 a dozen, Krista sold $120 / $3 = <<120/3=40>>40 dozen eggs.
If 10 hens laid 40 dozen eggs in 4 weeks, that means 40 dozen eggs / 10 hens = <<40/10=4>>4 dozen eggs were laid by each hen in four weeks.
To find out how many eggs each hen laid in a week, 4 dozen eggs / 4 weeks = <<4/4=1>>1 dozen eggs each week.
Since a dozen has 12 eggs, each hen lays 12*1 = <<12*1=12>>12 eggs each week.
#### 12
|
math
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
What would be the best title for the text?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
When I was 4, my parents decided they could no longer live together. That same year, my mom moved to Los Angeles (L.A.) and a therapist was hired to decide where I would live. Playing with a dollhouse in her office, I showed her the mother's room on one side and the father's room on the other. When she asked me about the little boy's room, I told her the little boy didn't know where to sleep.
The therapist finally decided I would stay with my dad during the school years and visit my mom on long holidays and for summers. I began flying between two cities and leading two different lives. I remember my last school day in Grade Six. My friends made plans to go to the beach together, but I couldn't join them because I had to fly to L.A. It wasn't that I didn't want to see my mom and stepdad; I just didn't want to leave my friends. It wasn't easy to put up a wall, and pretend I didn't hate saying goodbye to them. In the morning, my dad drove me to school with my packed bags, and after school, my friends went together, and I went to the airport.
What has come of this in the end is that I'm always missing somebody. When I'm in northern California, I miss my mom and stepdad, while in L.A. I miss going out with my friends, my dad, and my little brother and sister. But after so many flights, I've learned that it's also fun traveling between two cities and experiencing different lives. Other children may not have the opportunity to experience so much.
Question:
What would be the best title for the text?
Choices:
A. Always Miss Somebody
B. Travel on My Own
C. My Divorced Parents
D. My Lonely Life
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high13133.txt
|
When I was 4, my parents decided they could no longer live together. That same year, my mom moved to Los Angeles (L.A.) and a therapist was hired to decide where I would live. Playing with a dollhouse in her office, I showed her the mother's room on one side and the father's room on the other. When she asked me about the little boy's room, I told her the little boy didn't know where to sleep.
The therapist finally decided I would stay with my dad during the school years and visit my mom on long holidays and for summers. I began flying between two cities and leading two different lives. I remember my last school day in Grade Six. My friends made plans to go to the beach together, but I couldn't join them because I had to fly to L.A. It wasn't that I didn't want to see my mom and stepdad; I just didn't want to leave my friends. It wasn't easy to put up a wall, and pretend I didn't hate saying goodbye to them. In the morning, my dad drove me to school with my packed bags, and after school, my friends went together, and I went to the airport.
What has come of this in the end is that I'm always missing somebody. When I'm in northern California, I miss my mom and stepdad, while in L.A. I miss going out with my friends, my dad, and my little brother and sister. But after so many flights, I've learned that it's also fun traveling between two cities and experiencing different lives. Other children may not have the opportunity to experience so much.
|
[
"Always Miss Somebody",
"Travel on My Own",
"My Divorced Parents",
"My Lonely Life"
] |
In Father's eyes, _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
When I was just a kid of ten, my father said to me," Come here and take a lesson from the lovely lemon tree. Don't put your faith in love, my boy."
My father said to me, "I fear you'll find that love is like the lovely lemon tree." Lemon tree very pretty, and the lemon flower is sweet, but the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat. beneath the lemon tree One day my love and I did lie. A girl so sweet that when she smiled, the stars rose in the sky. We passed that summer lost in love beneath the lemon tree. The music of her laughter hid my father's words from me. Lemon tree very pretty, and the lemon flower is sweet, but the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat. One day she left without a word, she took away the sun. And in the dark she'd left behind, I knew what she had done. She left me for another; it's a common tale but true. A sadder man but wiser now, I sing these words to you.
Lemon tree very pretty, and the lemon flower is sweet, but the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat.
Lemon tree, Lemon tree, Lemon tree, Lemon tree
Question:
In Father's eyes, _ .
Choices:
A. the lemon tree looks ugly
B. the lemon flower has a pleasant smell
C. the lemon fruit tastes delicious
D. lemon tree is not lovely
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle7480.txt
|
When I was just a kid of ten, my father said to me," Come here and take a lesson from the lovely lemon tree. Don't put your faith in love, my boy."
My father said to me, "I fear you'll find that love is like the lovely lemon tree." Lemon tree very pretty, and the lemon flower is sweet, but the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat. beneath the lemon tree One day my love and I did lie. A girl so sweet that when she smiled, the stars rose in the sky. We passed that summer lost in love beneath the lemon tree. The music of her laughter hid my father's words from me. Lemon tree very pretty, and the lemon flower is sweet, but the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat. One day she left without a word, she took away the sun. And in the dark she'd left behind, I knew what she had done. She left me for another; it's a common tale but true. A sadder man but wiser now, I sing these words to you.
Lemon tree very pretty, and the lemon flower is sweet, but the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat.
Lemon tree, Lemon tree, Lemon tree, Lemon tree
|
[
"the lemon tree looks ugly",
"the lemon flower has a pleasant smell",
"the lemon fruit tastes delicious",
"lemon tree is not lovely"
] |
The story is about _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
A young father was visiting an old neighbor.They were standing in the old man's garden,and talking about children.The young man said,"How strict should parents be with their children?"
The old man pointed to a string between a big strong tree and a thin young one.
"Please untie that string,"he said.The young man untied it,and the young tree bent over to one side.
"Now tie it again, please."said the old man."But first pull the string tight so that the young tree is straight again.''
The young man did so.Then the old man said,"There,it is the same with children.You must be strict with them, but sometimes you must untie the string to see how they are getting on.If they are not yet able to stand alone,you must tie the string tight again.But when you find that they are ready to stand alone,you can take the string away.''
Question:
The story is about _ .
Choices:
A. How to take care of young trees
B. How strict parents should be with their children
C. How the young father should get on with his old neighbor
D. How to help children to study
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high23046.txt
|
A young father was visiting an old neighbor.They were standing in the old man's garden,and talking about children.The young man said,"How strict should parents be with their children?"
The old man pointed to a string between a big strong tree and a thin young one.
"Please untie that string,"he said.The young man untied it,and the young tree bent over to one side.
"Now tie it again, please."said the old man."But first pull the string tight so that the young tree is straight again.''
The young man did so.Then the old man said,"There,it is the same with children.You must be strict with them, but sometimes you must untie the string to see how they are getting on.If they are not yet able to stand alone,you must tie the string tight again.But when you find that they are ready to stand alone,you can take the string away.''
|
[
"How to take care of young trees",
"How strict parents should be with their children",
"How the young father should get on with his old neighbor",
"How to help children to study"
] |
The first person to use the name"flying saucers" was _ .
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
People have talked about whether aliens are real or not for thousands of years.Some ancient drawings over 50,000 years ago are thought to be the first pictures of spacecrafts.Alien spacecrafts are often called flying saucers .The first person to use this name was an Amerlean,Kenneth Arnold.On 24th June,1947,he was flying a small plane in Washington State in the USA when he saw something strange."I was looking out of the window,"Arnold said,"when I saw nine saucer-like things in front of me."
Two other Americans,Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker,said that aliens took them into a flying saucer! They were fishing on the Mississippi River in the USA on the night of 11th October,l973.It was a dark night.The two men were sitting in their fishing boat when they saw a bright light.It was hanging in the air over the water and it looked like a flying saucer and brought Hickson and Parker into their spacecraft.In the spacecraft the aliens looked at the two men very carefully and then took them back to their boat."The aliens were in a pale colour and had very small eyes." Hiekson said."But they didn't hurt us."
In l983,Pioneer 10,an American spacecraft,went into space.On the outside of the spacecraft are 13 pictures of men and women,and a map of space.If aliens find Pioneer 10,they will know how to get to the Earth!
Question:
The first person to use the name"flying saucers" was _ .
Choices:
A. traveling in a spacecraft
B. going to America
C. looking out of his house window
D. an American
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle7070.txt
|
People have talked about whether aliens are real or not for thousands of years.Some ancient drawings over 50,000 years ago are thought to be the first pictures of spacecrafts.Alien spacecrafts are often called flying saucers .The first person to use this name was an Amerlean,Kenneth Arnold.On 24th June,1947,he was flying a small plane in Washington State in the USA when he saw something strange."I was looking out of the window,"Arnold said,"when I saw nine saucer-like things in front of me."
Two other Americans,Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker,said that aliens took them into a flying saucer! They were fishing on the Mississippi River in the USA on the night of 11th October,l973.It was a dark night.The two men were sitting in their fishing boat when they saw a bright light.It was hanging in the air over the water and it looked like a flying saucer and brought Hickson and Parker into their spacecraft.In the spacecraft the aliens looked at the two men very carefully and then took them back to their boat."The aliens were in a pale colour and had very small eyes." Hiekson said."But they didn't hurt us."
In l983,Pioneer 10,an American spacecraft,went into space.On the outside of the spacecraft are 13 pictures of men and women,and a map of space.If aliens find Pioneer 10,they will know how to get to the Earth!
|
[
"traveling in a spacecraft",
"going to America",
"looking out of his house window",
"an American"
] |
Arguably the most important ingredient in saliva for digestion is a type of what, which initiates the breakdown of carbohydrates?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
Arguably the most important ingredient in saliva for digestion is a type of what, which initiates the breakdown of carbohydrates?
|
enzyme
|
science
| null | null | null |
fatty
|
amino
|
genes
|
enzyme
|
Saliva Saliva is essentially (95.5 percent) water. The remaining 4.5 percent is a complex mixture of ions, glycoproteins, enzymes, growth factors, and waste products. Perhaps the most important ingredient in salvia from the perspective of digestion is the enzyme salivary amylase, which initiates the breakdown of carbohydrates. Food does not spend enough time in the mouth to allow all the carbohydrates to break down, but salivary amylase continues acting until it is inactivated by stomach acids. Bicarbonate and phosphate ions function as chemical buffers, maintaining saliva at a pH between 6.35 and 6.85. Salivary mucus helps lubricate food, facilitating movement in the mouth, bolus formation, and swallowing. Saliva contains immunoglobulin A, which prevents microbes from penetrating the epithelium, and lysozyme, which makes saliva antimicrobial. Saliva also contains epidermal growth factor, which might have given rise to the adage “a mother’s kiss can heal a wound. ” Each of the major salivary glands secretes a unique formulation of saliva according to its cellular makeup. For example, the parotid glands secrete a watery solution that contains salivary amylase. The submandibular glands have cells similar to those of the parotid glands, as well as mucus-secreting cells. Therefore, saliva secreted by the submandibular glands also contains amylase but in a liquid thickened with mucus. The sublingual glands contain mostly mucous cells, and they secrete the thickest saliva with the least amount of salivary amylase.
| null | null | null |
This passage suggests that not getting enough sleep might make you _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
After a busy day of work and play, the body needs to rest. Sleep is necessary for good health. During this time, the body recovers from the activities of the previous day. The rest that you get while sleeping enables your body to prepare itself for the next day.
There are four levels of sleep, each being a little deeper than the one before. As you sleep, your muscles relax little by little. Your heart beats more slowly, and your brain slows down. After you reach the fourth level, your body shifts back and forth from one level of sleep to the other.
Although your mind slows down, from time to time you will dream. Scientists who study sleep state that when dreaming occurs, your eyeballs begin to move more quickly (Although your eyelids are closed). This stage of sleep is called REM, which stands for rapid eye movement.
If you have trouble falling asleep, some people recommend breathing very deeply. Other people believe that drinking warm milk will help make you _ There is also an old suggestion the counting sheep will put you to sleep!
Question:
This passage suggests that not getting enough sleep might make you _ .
Choices:
A. dream more often
B. have poor health
C. nervous
D. breathe quickly
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high5038.txt
|
After a busy day of work and play, the body needs to rest. Sleep is necessary for good health. During this time, the body recovers from the activities of the previous day. The rest that you get while sleeping enables your body to prepare itself for the next day.
There are four levels of sleep, each being a little deeper than the one before. As you sleep, your muscles relax little by little. Your heart beats more slowly, and your brain slows down. After you reach the fourth level, your body shifts back and forth from one level of sleep to the other.
Although your mind slows down, from time to time you will dream. Scientists who study sleep state that when dreaming occurs, your eyeballs begin to move more quickly (Although your eyelids are closed). This stage of sleep is called REM, which stands for rapid eye movement.
If you have trouble falling asleep, some people recommend breathing very deeply. Other people believe that drinking warm milk will help make you _ There is also an old suggestion the counting sheep will put you to sleep!
|
[
"dream more often",
"have poor health",
"nervous",
"breathe quickly"
] |
If you want to decide what courses for the school year you'd better _ .
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
We've organized the following information to help you prepare for your arrival at Boston College.Please feel free to contact our Admissions Office at any time over the coming months with any questions.
Your First Steps...
Please return the Acknowledgment Form sent with your acceptance letter to Dean Robert Howe, Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, McGuinn Hall 221,140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467.
#For Ph.D.Acceptances and Master's Acceptances with funding, we ask you to reply by April 25, 2008.
#For Master's Acceptances without funding and Non-degree Acceptances, we ask you to reply by May 31, 2008.
#You should also contact your department to receive any department information.
Over the Coming Months...
Get informed about services around campus.We have provided links for you to the following offices.
#Student Services
After you return your Acknowledgment Form, you should receive a letter containing your BC Username and Eagle ID number.With this information you can reach email and Agora.In Agora, BC's online community, you can update your student information, check your student account, and register for classes.
The Office of Student Services issues your BC Eagle One Card.This ID card acts as your campus library card and meal card.
Student Services' website offers a complete listing of courses for the school year, as well as student forms and other important student information.The Office of Student Services also handles billing.
#Housing ...
CLICK HERE for more information.
If we can be of any more help to you, just contact us.Congratulations again! We look forward to you joining our University!
Question:
If you want to decide what courses for the school year you'd better _ .
Choices:
A. call up the Office of Student Services
B. get in touch with the Admissions Office
C. read your acceptance letter
D. visit Student Services' website
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high3098.txt
|
We've organized the following information to help you prepare for your arrival at Boston College.Please feel free to contact our Admissions Office at any time over the coming months with any questions.
Your First Steps...
Please return the Acknowledgment Form sent with your acceptance letter to Dean Robert Howe, Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, McGuinn Hall 221,140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467.
#For Ph.D.Acceptances and Master's Acceptances with funding, we ask you to reply by April 25, 2008.
#For Master's Acceptances without funding and Non-degree Acceptances, we ask you to reply by May 31, 2008.
#You should also contact your department to receive any department information.
Over the Coming Months...
Get informed about services around campus.We have provided links for you to the following offices.
#Student Services
After you return your Acknowledgment Form, you should receive a letter containing your BC Username and Eagle ID number.With this information you can reach email and Agora.In Agora, BC's online community, you can update your student information, check your student account, and register for classes.
The Office of Student Services issues your BC Eagle One Card.This ID card acts as your campus library card and meal card.
Student Services' website offers a complete listing of courses for the school year, as well as student forms and other important student information.The Office of Student Services also handles billing.
#Housing ...
CLICK HERE for more information.
If we can be of any more help to you, just contact us.Congratulations again! We look forward to you joining our University!
|
[
"call up the Office of Student Services",
"get in touch with the Admissions Office",
"read your acceptance letter",
"visit Student Services' website"
] |
The passenger pigeon, the dodo bird, and the woolly mammoth represent individual cases of what fate?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
The passenger pigeon, the dodo bird, and the woolly mammoth represent individual cases of what fate?
|
extinction
|
science
| null | null | null |
accumulation
|
isolation
|
compression
|
extinction
|
47.2 | The Importance of Biodiversity to Human Life By the end of this section, you will be able to: • Identify chemical diversity benefits to humans • Identify biodiversity components that support human agriculture • Describe ecosystem services It may not be clear why biologists are concerned about biodiversity loss. When biodiversity loss is thought of as the extinction of the passenger pigeon, the dodo bird, and even the woolly mammoth, the loss may appear to be an emotional one. But is the loss practically important for the welfare of the human species? From the perspective of evolution and ecology, the loss of a particular individual species is unimportant (however, the loss of a keystone species can lead to ecological disaster). Extinction is a normal part of macroevolution. But the accelerated extinction rate means the loss of tens of thousands of species within our lifetimes, and it is likely to have dramatic effects on human welfare through the collapse of ecosystems and in added costs to maintain food production, clean air and water, and human health. Agriculture began after early hunter-gatherer societies first settled in one place and heavily modified their immediate environment. This cultural transition has made it difficult for humans to recognize their dependence on undomesticated living things on the planet. Biologists recognize the human species is embedded in ecosystems and is dependent on them,.
| null | null | null |
How many experiences are mentioned by the writer to return things to the losers?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
It was a beautiful Sunday morning, and Maggie and I were returning from our walk through the woods.We were only a couple of blocks from home when I spotted a cell phone and a credit card sitting on the road.We took them home.We always find amazing things on the street and she looks upon them as a movable feast-a chicken wing here or a barbecue rib there.
I found another cell phone a few years back, too, and called a number in its phone book.I explained the situation to the guy who answered.He said it was his sister's and that he'd come to pick it up, which he did.
And that was that.No verbal thank-you, no written thank-you, no "here's a box of chocolates" thank-you.
I didn't have time to call anyone on my latest found cell phone.I was pouring myself coffee when it started to shake and dance across the kitchen counter.
"Who's this?" someone asked when I picked up.
"Who's this?" I countered ."Sarah?"
She was surprised at my knowing her name until she realized her name was on the credit card."Could you send them to me?" she asked.
She lives in Arlington, which is 2 miles from my house.
"Hmm, no, "I replied, adding that I thought she could come to get them, and that if I wasn't at home, they would be in my mailbox.
A day later, when I was out for a run, someone got them back.There wasn't even a piece of paper put in the mailbox with "Thanks" on it.In this age of e-mail and cell phone, there's really no excuse.Years ago, I found something more precious than a $100 bill on the street:a driver's license.I saw that its owner lived a couple of blocks from me, so I called him up.He asked whether I could slip the license through his front door.
"I guess I could, "I replied.
And that was that.
Question:
How many experiences are mentioned by the writer to return things to the losers?
Choices:
A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high2381.txt
|
It was a beautiful Sunday morning, and Maggie and I were returning from our walk through the woods.We were only a couple of blocks from home when I spotted a cell phone and a credit card sitting on the road.We took them home.We always find amazing things on the street and she looks upon them as a movable feast-a chicken wing here or a barbecue rib there.
I found another cell phone a few years back, too, and called a number in its phone book.I explained the situation to the guy who answered.He said it was his sister's and that he'd come to pick it up, which he did.
And that was that.No verbal thank-you, no written thank-you, no "here's a box of chocolates" thank-you.
I didn't have time to call anyone on my latest found cell phone.I was pouring myself coffee when it started to shake and dance across the kitchen counter.
"Who's this?" someone asked when I picked up.
"Who's this?" I countered ."Sarah?"
She was surprised at my knowing her name until she realized her name was on the credit card."Could you send them to me?" she asked.
She lives in Arlington, which is 2 miles from my house.
"Hmm, no, "I replied, adding that I thought she could come to get them, and that if I wasn't at home, they would be in my mailbox.
A day later, when I was out for a run, someone got them back.There wasn't even a piece of paper put in the mailbox with "Thanks" on it.In this age of e-mail and cell phone, there's really no excuse.Years ago, I found something more precious than a $100 bill on the street:a driver's license.I saw that its owner lived a couple of blocks from me, so I called him up.He asked whether I could slip the license through his front door.
"I guess I could, "I replied.
And that was that.
|
[
"3",
"4",
"5",
"6"
] |
Which is right? _
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
In England, people don't often talk much. You can get on a bus or a train,and everyone sits looking out of the window.
Often they read books and papers, but they don't talk much. When you meet English people they often talk about one thing--weather . So when you meet somebody in England, you can say, "Nice weather for the time of year!" "But it is a little cold today," somebody may answer. "But it will be a little warmer later,"you can say. Talk like this, and the English people will think," How friendly you are !"
Question:
Which is right? _
Choices:
A. English people like to talk on a bus.
B. English people don't like to talk about weather.
C. English people are not friendly at all.
D. In England,the weather often changes .
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle2352.txt
|
In England, people don't often talk much. You can get on a bus or a train,and everyone sits looking out of the window.
Often they read books and papers, but they don't talk much. When you meet English people they often talk about one thing--weather . So when you meet somebody in England, you can say, "Nice weather for the time of year!" "But it is a little cold today," somebody may answer. "But it will be a little warmer later,"you can say. Talk like this, and the English people will think," How friendly you are !"
|
[
"English people like to talk on a bus.",
"English people don't like to talk about weather.",
"English people are not friendly at all.",
"In England,the weather often changes ."
] |
A church has 120 members. 40% are adults. The rest are children. How many children more children are there than adults?
|
There are 48 adults because 120 x .4 = <<120*.4=48>>48
60% of members are children because 100 - 40 = <<100-40=60>>60
There are 72 children because 120 x .6 = <<120*.6=72>>72
There are 24 more children than adults because 72 - 48 = <<72-48=24>>24
#### 24
|
Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step.
|
A church has 120 members. 40% are adults. The rest are children. How many children more children are there than adults?
|
There are 48 adults because 120 x .4 = <<120*.4=48>>48
60% of members are children because 100 - 40 = <<100-40=60>>60
There are 72 children because 120 x .6 = <<120*.6=72>>72
There are 24 more children than adults because 72 - 48 = <<72-48=24>>24
#### 24
|
math
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Which of the following best describes the rattlesnake?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
After sunset on our last day at the farm I walked out into the desert. In this, the first pleasant moment for a walk after long hot hours, I thought I was the only thing out of doors. Suddenly I stopped. Before me a rattlesnake lay fixed, its head not yet drawn back to strike but only turned a little to watch what I would do. Many snakes will run away at the sight of a man but this rattlesnake felt no necessity to get out of any-body's way. He held his ground in calm watch-fullness waiting for me to show my intentions. My first aim was to take no notice of him; I had never killed an animal if I was not forced to kill. But I remembered that there were children, dogs and horses at the farm as well as men and women with thin clothes on; my duty was to kill the snake. I went back to the farm and returned with a stick. The rattlesnake had not moved; he lay like a wire but more quickly than I could stride he shot into a bush and set up his rattling, warning me by this that I had made an unreasonable attack and attempted to take his life and that if I insisted he would have no choice but to take mine if he could. For a moment I listened to this terrifying sound and then I struck into the bush with my stick and, chop-ping about, dragged him out of the bush with his back broken.
He struck once more at the stick but a moment later his neck was broken and he was soon dead although when I picked him up by the tail his mouth opened, proving that a dead snake may still bite. There was blood in his mouth and poison was dropping; it was not only a dis-gusting sight but a pitiful one too. I dropped the body into a green bush and, as I did so, I saw him in my imagination, crawling over the sands as he might have done if I had let him go.
Question:
Which of the following best describes the rattlesnake?
Choices:
A. It attacked man without any reason.
B. It would not attack unless it was attacked.
C. It ran away at the sight of man.
D. It exposed itself to danger.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high7361.txt
|
After sunset on our last day at the farm I walked out into the desert. In this, the first pleasant moment for a walk after long hot hours, I thought I was the only thing out of doors. Suddenly I stopped. Before me a rattlesnake lay fixed, its head not yet drawn back to strike but only turned a little to watch what I would do. Many snakes will run away at the sight of a man but this rattlesnake felt no necessity to get out of any-body's way. He held his ground in calm watch-fullness waiting for me to show my intentions. My first aim was to take no notice of him; I had never killed an animal if I was not forced to kill. But I remembered that there were children, dogs and horses at the farm as well as men and women with thin clothes on; my duty was to kill the snake. I went back to the farm and returned with a stick. The rattlesnake had not moved; he lay like a wire but more quickly than I could stride he shot into a bush and set up his rattling, warning me by this that I had made an unreasonable attack and attempted to take his life and that if I insisted he would have no choice but to take mine if he could. For a moment I listened to this terrifying sound and then I struck into the bush with my stick and, chop-ping about, dragged him out of the bush with his back broken.
He struck once more at the stick but a moment later his neck was broken and he was soon dead although when I picked him up by the tail his mouth opened, proving that a dead snake may still bite. There was blood in his mouth and poison was dropping; it was not only a dis-gusting sight but a pitiful one too. I dropped the body into a green bush and, as I did so, I saw him in my imagination, crawling over the sands as he might have done if I had let him go.
|
[
"It attacked man without any reason.",
"It would not attack unless it was attacked.",
"It ran away at the sight of man.",
"It exposed itself to danger."
] |
It is implied in Paragraph 3 that graduates should _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Not so long ago almost any student who successfully completed a university degree could find a good career quite easily.Companies toured the academic institutions, competing with each other to select graduates.However, those days are gone, even in Hong Kong, and nowadays graduates often face strong competition in the search for jobs.
Most careers organizations highlight three stages for graduates to follow in the process of securing a suitable career:recognizing abilities, matching these to available jobs and presenting them well to possible employers.
Job seekers have to make a careful assessment of their own abilities.One area of assessment should be of their academic qualifications, which would include special skills within their subject area.Graduates should also consider their own personal values and attitudes.An honest assessment of personal interests and abilities such as creative skills, or skills acquired from work experience, should also be given careful thought.
The second stage is to study the opportunities available for employment and to think about how the general employment situation is likely to develop in the future.To do this, graduates can study job and position information in newspapers, or they can visit a careers office, write to possible employers for information or contact friends or relatives who may already be involved in a particular profession.After studying all the various options, they should be in a position to make informed comparisons between various careers.
Good personal presentation is essential in the search for a good career.Job application forms and letters should, of course, be filled in carefully and correctly, without grammar or spelling errors.Where additional information is asked for, job seekers should describe their abilities and work experience in more depth, with examples if possible.They should try to balance their own abilities with the employer's needs, explain why they are interested in a career with the particular company and try to show that they already know something about the company and its activities.
When graduates go to an interview, they should prepare properly by finding out all they can about the possible employer.Dressing suitably and arriving for the interview on time are also important.Interviewees should try to give positive and helpful answers and should not be afraid to ask questions about anything they are unsure about.This is much better than pretending to understand a question and giving an unsuitable answer.
Question:
It is implied in Paragraph 3 that graduates should _ .
Choices:
A. aim to give a balanced account of what the employer needs
B. consider careers which suit their values, interests and abilities
C. stress their personal attitudes and values in job applications
D. recognize their own abilities regardless of what the employer looks for
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high15967.txt
|
Not so long ago almost any student who successfully completed a university degree could find a good career quite easily.Companies toured the academic institutions, competing with each other to select graduates.However, those days are gone, even in Hong Kong, and nowadays graduates often face strong competition in the search for jobs.
Most careers organizations highlight three stages for graduates to follow in the process of securing a suitable career:recognizing abilities, matching these to available jobs and presenting them well to possible employers.
Job seekers have to make a careful assessment of their own abilities.One area of assessment should be of their academic qualifications, which would include special skills within their subject area.Graduates should also consider their own personal values and attitudes.An honest assessment of personal interests and abilities such as creative skills, or skills acquired from work experience, should also be given careful thought.
The second stage is to study the opportunities available for employment and to think about how the general employment situation is likely to develop in the future.To do this, graduates can study job and position information in newspapers, or they can visit a careers office, write to possible employers for information or contact friends or relatives who may already be involved in a particular profession.After studying all the various options, they should be in a position to make informed comparisons between various careers.
Good personal presentation is essential in the search for a good career.Job application forms and letters should, of course, be filled in carefully and correctly, without grammar or spelling errors.Where additional information is asked for, job seekers should describe their abilities and work experience in more depth, with examples if possible.They should try to balance their own abilities with the employer's needs, explain why they are interested in a career with the particular company and try to show that they already know something about the company and its activities.
When graduates go to an interview, they should prepare properly by finding out all they can about the possible employer.Dressing suitably and arriving for the interview on time are also important.Interviewees should try to give positive and helpful answers and should not be afraid to ask questions about anything they are unsure about.This is much better than pretending to understand a question and giving an unsuitable answer.
|
[
"aim to give a balanced account of what the employer needs",
"consider careers which suit their values, interests and abilities",
"stress their personal attitudes and values in job applications",
"recognize their own abilities regardless of what the employer looks for"
] |
According to the passage, you need to play if you _ .
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
For many years, scientists have known that laughing is good for the health of our minds and bodies. Now we are learning that it's not just laughter. Having fun and playing are also good for us! Researchers have found that play is good for people of all ages. Play actually leads to the growth of more nerve connections in the brain and gives us more brain power.
Play is necessary during childhood. As children play, they learn how to make friends and relate to others. They develop their imaginations and become more creative. Kids carry these qualities with them as they grow older.
Amy Whitcomb teaches maths at a school in San Francisco. For several years, she has used games to teach maths. In one class, students play a game with small bags of candy to _ how many pieces in the bags are red. When they get the correct answer, they can eat the candy! Amy says, "If it's not fun, they're not going to want to be there. They're not going to want to learn."
The spirit of playfulness continues through the teenage years into adulthood . The famous company Google, for example, keeps a lot of toys and games at different places in their offices and encourages people to use them. Their motto is "Work hard. Play hard." They know that people often get their best ideas when they are just "playing around " and let their imaginations go wild.
So next time you have to solve a difficult maths problem or can't think of a topic for an article, take a short play break. Do a little dance, or play a quick game. Then come back to it. Maybe you'll be surprised at what your brain can do.
Question:
According to the passage, you need to play if you _ .
Choices:
A. want to make friends with others
B. have to do some homework
C. fail to think of a topic for an article
D. find a job in a big company
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle7569.txt
|
For many years, scientists have known that laughing is good for the health of our minds and bodies. Now we are learning that it's not just laughter. Having fun and playing are also good for us! Researchers have found that play is good for people of all ages. Play actually leads to the growth of more nerve connections in the brain and gives us more brain power.
Play is necessary during childhood. As children play, they learn how to make friends and relate to others. They develop their imaginations and become more creative. Kids carry these qualities with them as they grow older.
Amy Whitcomb teaches maths at a school in San Francisco. For several years, she has used games to teach maths. In one class, students play a game with small bags of candy to _ how many pieces in the bags are red. When they get the correct answer, they can eat the candy! Amy says, "If it's not fun, they're not going to want to be there. They're not going to want to learn."
The spirit of playfulness continues through the teenage years into adulthood . The famous company Google, for example, keeps a lot of toys and games at different places in their offices and encourages people to use them. Their motto is "Work hard. Play hard." They know that people often get their best ideas when they are just "playing around " and let their imaginations go wild.
So next time you have to solve a difficult maths problem or can't think of a topic for an article, take a short play break. Do a little dance, or play a quick game. Then come back to it. Maybe you'll be surprised at what your brain can do.
|
[
"want to make friends with others",
"have to do some homework",
"fail to think of a topic for an article",
"find a job in a big company"
] |
What would be the result of playing violent video games?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Spending hours playing violent video games prevents teenagers from their moral growth,
a study has found.It is thought that regular touch to violence and lack of contact with the
outside world makes it harder for them to tell right from wrong.They also struggle to trust
other people,and see the world from their viewpoints.
Researchers from Brock University in Ontario found that those who spend more than three
hours each day in front of the screen are particularly unlikely to have developed the ability to
empathise .
The Canadian researchers surveyed 109 boys and girls,aged 13 and 14,about whether
they played video games,which games they liked,and how long they spent playing them.Their
findings found that 88 percent of teens said they played games,and more than half admitted to
playing games everyday.Violent games were among the most popular.
The teenagers also filled in a questionnaire designed to measure their moral development.For example,they were asked how important it is to save the life of a friend.
Previous studies have suggested that a person's moral judgement goes through four phases
as they grow from children and enter adulthood.By the age of 13 or 14,scientists claim young
people should be entering the third stage,and be able to empathise with others and take their
viewpoints into account.The research found that this stage appeared to be delayed in teenagers
who regularly played violent video games.
It is also thought that teenagers who play games regularly did not spend enough time in
the real world to learn to take other's thoughts into consideration.Researcher Mirjana Bajovic
said:"The present results indicate that some teenagers;who spent three or more hours a day
playing violent video games,are deprived of such opportnnities."Writing in the journal
Educational Media International.the researchers added:"Touch to violence in video games
may influence the development of moral reasoning because violence is not only presented as
acceptable but is also justified and rewarded."
They concluded that rather than trying to enforce an'unrealistic'ban on the games,
parents and teachers should encourage teenagers to do charity work and take up after-school
activities.
Question:
What would be the result of playing violent video games?
Choices:
A. Making teens easy to get along with.
B. Helping teens make more good friends.
C. Causing teens easier to tell right from wrong.
D. Getting teens hard to take others into consideration.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high17415.txt
|
Spending hours playing violent video games prevents teenagers from their moral growth,
a study has found.It is thought that regular touch to violence and lack of contact with the
outside world makes it harder for them to tell right from wrong.They also struggle to trust
other people,and see the world from their viewpoints.
Researchers from Brock University in Ontario found that those who spend more than three
hours each day in front of the screen are particularly unlikely to have developed the ability to
empathise .
The Canadian researchers surveyed 109 boys and girls,aged 13 and 14,about whether
they played video games,which games they liked,and how long they spent playing them.Their
findings found that 88 percent of teens said they played games,and more than half admitted to
playing games everyday.Violent games were among the most popular.
The teenagers also filled in a questionnaire designed to measure their moral development.For example,they were asked how important it is to save the life of a friend.
Previous studies have suggested that a person's moral judgement goes through four phases
as they grow from children and enter adulthood.By the age of 13 or 14,scientists claim young
people should be entering the third stage,and be able to empathise with others and take their
viewpoints into account.The research found that this stage appeared to be delayed in teenagers
who regularly played violent video games.
It is also thought that teenagers who play games regularly did not spend enough time in
the real world to learn to take other's thoughts into consideration.Researcher Mirjana Bajovic
said:"The present results indicate that some teenagers;who spent three or more hours a day
playing violent video games,are deprived of such opportnnities."Writing in the journal
Educational Media International.the researchers added:"Touch to violence in video games
may influence the development of moral reasoning because violence is not only presented as
acceptable but is also justified and rewarded."
They concluded that rather than trying to enforce an'unrealistic'ban on the games,
parents and teachers should encourage teenagers to do charity work and take up after-school
activities.
|
[
"Making teens easy to get along with.",
"Helping teens make more good friends.",
"Causing teens easier to tell right from wrong.",
"Getting teens hard to take others into consideration."
] |
Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
We live on the Earth. It's our home. But how much do you know about it?
The Earth is like a huge ball. Like the other seven planets, the Earth is running around the Sun. It's the third nearest planet to the Sun. It takes the Earth about 365 days to run around the Sun. At the same time, the Earth is going around itself. If you are in space, you can see lots of white clouds over the surface of the Earth. Through the clouds, you can see the blue color of the oceans and the brown color of the land. About 70% of the Earth is covered with water.
Why do we have day and night? When the half of the Earth is facing the Sun, it's daytime. As the Earth turns and this half is away from the Sun, night is coming. And it's daytime for the other half.
Question:
Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
Choices:
A. The Earth only runs around the Sun.
B. The Earth is the nearest planet to the Sun.
C. All the planets and stars run around the Sun.
D. It takes the Earth about 365 days to run around the Sun.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle5792.txt
|
We live on the Earth. It's our home. But how much do you know about it?
The Earth is like a huge ball. Like the other seven planets, the Earth is running around the Sun. It's the third nearest planet to the Sun. It takes the Earth about 365 days to run around the Sun. At the same time, the Earth is going around itself. If you are in space, you can see lots of white clouds over the surface of the Earth. Through the clouds, you can see the blue color of the oceans and the brown color of the land. About 70% of the Earth is covered with water.
Why do we have day and night? When the half of the Earth is facing the Sun, it's daytime. As the Earth turns and this half is away from the Sun, night is coming. And it's daytime for the other half.
|
[
"The Earth only runs around the Sun.",
"The Earth is the nearest planet to the Sun.",
"All the planets and stars run around the Sun.",
"It takes the Earth about 365 days to run around the Sun."
] |
Why is oil rubbed on the egg?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Greeks play a special game at Easter and it's good fun! The rules of the game are as follows: 1.Everyone picks out a hard-boiled Waster Egg.2.Each player finds a partner.One person will be a "holder", and the other will be a "tapper".Holders should hold the egg with either the pointy end or the round end facing up.Tappers should hold the egg with that same end facing down.Tapping must be done pointy-end-to-pointy-end or round-end-to-round-end.3.With one good tap, the tapper tries to crack the holder's egg.One player will end up with a cracked egg.4.Each player finds another partner and repeats steps 2 and 3.(After one end of the egg is cracked, players may continue to play using the uncracked end).5.A player loses when both ends of his egg have been cracked.The winner is the person who still has an uncracked egg.6.Enjoy eating the eggs!
Dye your Easter eggs.With an adult's help, dye hard-boiled eggs red using food coloring or egg dye.For a nice sheen, use a paper towel to rub some oil on each egg.But don't use too much oil---you wouldn't want your egg to slide out of your hand when you play the egg-cracking game!
Why dye eggs red? Eggs represent new life and the red dye symbolizes the pain and suffering in the past.
Why crack eggs? Some say that the cracking of the eggs symbolizes a wish to break away from human misery and enter the new life.
Question:
Why is oil rubbed on the egg?
Choices:
A. To give the egg a shiny appearance
B. To make the game more difficult to play
C. To protect the hand of the player
D. To symbolize the wealth of the Greeks
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high11343.txt
|
Greeks play a special game at Easter and it's good fun! The rules of the game are as follows: 1.Everyone picks out a hard-boiled Waster Egg.2.Each player finds a partner.One person will be a "holder", and the other will be a "tapper".Holders should hold the egg with either the pointy end or the round end facing up.Tappers should hold the egg with that same end facing down.Tapping must be done pointy-end-to-pointy-end or round-end-to-round-end.3.With one good tap, the tapper tries to crack the holder's egg.One player will end up with a cracked egg.4.Each player finds another partner and repeats steps 2 and 3.(After one end of the egg is cracked, players may continue to play using the uncracked end).5.A player loses when both ends of his egg have been cracked.The winner is the person who still has an uncracked egg.6.Enjoy eating the eggs!
Dye your Easter eggs.With an adult's help, dye hard-boiled eggs red using food coloring or egg dye.For a nice sheen, use a paper towel to rub some oil on each egg.But don't use too much oil---you wouldn't want your egg to slide out of your hand when you play the egg-cracking game!
Why dye eggs red? Eggs represent new life and the red dye symbolizes the pain and suffering in the past.
Why crack eggs? Some say that the cracking of the eggs symbolizes a wish to break away from human misery and enter the new life.
|
[
"To give the egg a shiny appearance",
"To make the game more difficult to play",
"To protect the hand of the player",
"To symbolize the wealth of the Greeks"
] |
Why did they choose a small path instead of the main trails?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Last July, my parents and I went to visit my aunt and uncle in Seattle, a city on the northwest American coast. Dad did some research and had no difficulty in finding us cheap tickets online.
On the day of our flight, we had to wake up very early. When we checked our bags in, we found that one bag weighed too much, so we had to pay a fine. After that, Dad insisted that we go and have some breakfast at the airport restaurant. We had a lot of fun watching many different people there. Then we realized it was getting late, so we rushed to the gate. It took one hour for everyone to get on the plane, but finally the door was shut and we were on our way!
I think my favorite experience during our trip was our visit to Mount Rainier, a volcano near Seattle. It was nothing like I had expected. Before we left, my aunt lent us hats to protect us from getting sunburned, so I supposed that it would be very hot. Imagine my surprise when we drove up the mountain and I discovered the top was covered in snow and ice!
My uncle led us to a small path beyond the main trails to increase our chances of seeing wildlife. We walked over a small hill, and suddenly before us there appeared a field of snow. Small wild flowers grew up through the snow; underneath the snow we could hear rushing water -- a small stream. Little animals stood still to avoid being noticed; tiny birds rose into the air. It was the most beautiful sight that I'd ever seen.
Question:
Why did they choose a small path instead of the main trails?
Choices:
A. To enjoy more of the wildlife.
B. To take a shortcut to save time.
C. To avoid the snowy road.
D. To avoid being attacked by animals.
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high24057.txt
|
Last July, my parents and I went to visit my aunt and uncle in Seattle, a city on the northwest American coast. Dad did some research and had no difficulty in finding us cheap tickets online.
On the day of our flight, we had to wake up very early. When we checked our bags in, we found that one bag weighed too much, so we had to pay a fine. After that, Dad insisted that we go and have some breakfast at the airport restaurant. We had a lot of fun watching many different people there. Then we realized it was getting late, so we rushed to the gate. It took one hour for everyone to get on the plane, but finally the door was shut and we were on our way!
I think my favorite experience during our trip was our visit to Mount Rainier, a volcano near Seattle. It was nothing like I had expected. Before we left, my aunt lent us hats to protect us from getting sunburned, so I supposed that it would be very hot. Imagine my surprise when we drove up the mountain and I discovered the top was covered in snow and ice!
My uncle led us to a small path beyond the main trails to increase our chances of seeing wildlife. We walked over a small hill, and suddenly before us there appeared a field of snow. Small wild flowers grew up through the snow; underneath the snow we could hear rushing water -- a small stream. Little animals stood still to avoid being noticed; tiny birds rose into the air. It was the most beautiful sight that I'd ever seen.
|
[
"To enjoy more of the wildlife.",
"To take a shortcut to save time.",
"To avoid the snowy road.",
"To avoid being attacked by animals."
] |
At the "tea party", _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
We drink tea every day. But more than three hundred years ago most of the people in Europe did not know anything about tea. Some people heard about it, but very few of them know what to do with it.
There is a story about an English sailor who went to countries in the east, the west and the south. He went to India and China. One day he came home and brought some tea as a present for his mother. She told her friends about the present and asked them to a "tea party". When her friends came to the "tea party", the old woman gave them brown tea-leaves. The old woman's friends began to eat them. Of course, nobody liked the tea-leaves.
At that time the sailor came in. He looked at the table and said, "Mother,what did you do with the tea?"
"I boiled it,as you said."
"And what did you do with the water?"
"I threw it away ,of course." answered the old woman.
"Now you may throw away the leaves,too," said her son.
Question:
At the "tea party", _ .
Choices:
A. all the woman's friends spoke highly of the tea.
B. nobody knew what to do with the tea
C. the woman didn't eat the tea-leaves
D. the woman gave her friends each a glass of tea water
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle623.txt
|
We drink tea every day. But more than three hundred years ago most of the people in Europe did not know anything about tea. Some people heard about it, but very few of them know what to do with it.
There is a story about an English sailor who went to countries in the east, the west and the south. He went to India and China. One day he came home and brought some tea as a present for his mother. She told her friends about the present and asked them to a "tea party". When her friends came to the "tea party", the old woman gave them brown tea-leaves. The old woman's friends began to eat them. Of course, nobody liked the tea-leaves.
At that time the sailor came in. He looked at the table and said, "Mother,what did you do with the tea?"
"I boiled it,as you said."
"And what did you do with the water?"
"I threw it away ,of course." answered the old woman.
"Now you may throw away the leaves,too," said her son.
|
[
"all the woman's friends spoke highly of the tea.",
"nobody knew what to do with the tea",
"the woman didn't eat the tea-leaves",
"the woman gave her friends each a glass of tea water"
] |
Why did Jeremy Lin have so many followers in Asia on Sina, China's version of Twitter?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
NBA commissioner David Stern was in Orlando on Thursday night, getting ready for Sunday's All-Star Game. Of course, all he could talk about was the only player anyone wants to talk about these days: New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin.
Hours before Lin took the court against the Heat, a few hundred miles South down I-95 in Miami, Stern told reporters that Lin's instant popularity hasn't ever been matched in sports history, not even by Sunday's biggest names, LeBron James or Kobe Bryant.
The Associated Press had the details.
"I haven't done a calculation, but it's fair to say that no player has created the interest and the craze in this short period of time, in any sport, that I'm aware of like Jeremy Lin has," Stern said Thursday.
Lin, an undrafted guard from Harvard, has become the NBA's biggest story since coming off the Knicks' bench earlier this month to lead them to nine wins in 11 games heading into their matchup with Miami on Thursday night.
With Lin's popularity in Asia as the league's first American-born player of Chinese or Taiwanese descent, and with the religious community because of his strong Christian faith, Stern says he's "never quite seen anything like" the attention on Lin.
"It's fascinating," Stern said after the All-Star Jam Session opening ceremonies.
The top five videos on NBA.com since Feb. 4, when Lin joined the circulation, are all Lin or Knicks related. Lin went from 190,000 followers on Sina, China's version of Twitter, on Feb. 2 to more than 1 million as of Feb. 16.
Indeed, Lin's popularity is so _ that the NBA made a late list switch to ensure his participation in the Rising Stars Challenge on All-Star Saturday, a game that includes the NBA's best rookies and sophomores. Lin is in such high demand that all of the game's other participants will meet with the media following a team practice on Friday while Lin will have his own, separate press conference later in the night.
This is Jeremy's world, folks. We're all just living in it. Even David Stern and the rest of the league's All-Stars, at least for the moment.
Question:
Why did Jeremy Lin have so many followers in Asia on Sina, China's version of Twitter?
Choices:
A. com since Feb. 4 are all Lin or Knicks related.
B. Maybe because he is the first player born in America but has Chinese descent.
C. Because Sina has a large group of surfing people, maybe more than 10 million.
D. Because the top five videos on NB
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high438.txt
|
NBA commissioner David Stern was in Orlando on Thursday night, getting ready for Sunday's All-Star Game. Of course, all he could talk about was the only player anyone wants to talk about these days: New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin.
Hours before Lin took the court against the Heat, a few hundred miles South down I-95 in Miami, Stern told reporters that Lin's instant popularity hasn't ever been matched in sports history, not even by Sunday's biggest names, LeBron James or Kobe Bryant.
The Associated Press had the details.
"I haven't done a calculation, but it's fair to say that no player has created the interest and the craze in this short period of time, in any sport, that I'm aware of like Jeremy Lin has," Stern said Thursday.
Lin, an undrafted guard from Harvard, has become the NBA's biggest story since coming off the Knicks' bench earlier this month to lead them to nine wins in 11 games heading into their matchup with Miami on Thursday night.
With Lin's popularity in Asia as the league's first American-born player of Chinese or Taiwanese descent, and with the religious community because of his strong Christian faith, Stern says he's "never quite seen anything like" the attention on Lin.
"It's fascinating," Stern said after the All-Star Jam Session opening ceremonies.
The top five videos on NBA.com since Feb. 4, when Lin joined the circulation, are all Lin or Knicks related. Lin went from 190,000 followers on Sina, China's version of Twitter, on Feb. 2 to more than 1 million as of Feb. 16.
Indeed, Lin's popularity is so _ that the NBA made a late list switch to ensure his participation in the Rising Stars Challenge on All-Star Saturday, a game that includes the NBA's best rookies and sophomores. Lin is in such high demand that all of the game's other participants will meet with the media following a team practice on Friday while Lin will have his own, separate press conference later in the night.
This is Jeremy's world, folks. We're all just living in it. Even David Stern and the rest of the league's All-Stars, at least for the moment.
|
[
"com since Feb. 4 are all Lin or Knicks related.",
"Maybe because he is the first player born in America but has Chinese descent.",
"Because Sina has a large group of surfing people, maybe more than 10 million.",
"Because the top five videos on NB"
] |
What does the author intend to tell us in the passage?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Developing healthy eating habits starts from childhood, therefore it is important for parents to teach and provide children with a healthy diet. DPHSS administrator of the Bureau of Nutrition Services, Charlie Morris told KUAM News, "A healthy diet for a child consists of a lot of fruits and vegetables in the diet limiting the amount of simple sugars in the diet and high fat food and highly processed food."
This means staying away as much as possible from food such as chips, cookies, candies and sugary drinks, as all children need to have meals which involve a well-balanced diet. Community nutritionist Thelma Romoso said, "The fruit, the vegetable, the grain, the protein, and also the milk, the diary product, so for the fruits it's easy for a mother to go into the two plus three concept of fruits and vegetables or five a day."
This concept means that there are at least two servings of fruits a day, three servings of vegetables a day which can be served for lunch and dinner. As for protein parents can make a variety of dishes from chicken, beef, fish or even dried beans to pledge the child gets three servings a day.
Morris said that the child's hunger level controls how much is eaten and the parent controls what and when the meal is offered, saying, "Mom needs to ensure that the food offered is good food for the child to eat and throughout the day depending on how active they are, snacks are not a bad thing, so the mom should offer good kinds of snacks."
When it comes to preparing your child's lunch and snacks for school, make sure to keep in mind that the food you provide should not only be a source of energy but also be nutritionally beneficial such as fresh fruits, and whole grain bread. But parents must be sure to remember that a good nutritional diet must be balanced with physical activity, namely it is important that children get outside and run around and play and get activity in addition to eating a good diet.
Question:
What does the author intend to tell us in the passage?
Choices:
A. Choose healthy food and snacks for your child.
B. Fruits and vegetables are good for your child.
C. Take steps to provide a good lunch for your child.
D. Make various and delicious dishes for your child.
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high13691.txt
|
Developing healthy eating habits starts from childhood, therefore it is important for parents to teach and provide children with a healthy diet. DPHSS administrator of the Bureau of Nutrition Services, Charlie Morris told KUAM News, "A healthy diet for a child consists of a lot of fruits and vegetables in the diet limiting the amount of simple sugars in the diet and high fat food and highly processed food."
This means staying away as much as possible from food such as chips, cookies, candies and sugary drinks, as all children need to have meals which involve a well-balanced diet. Community nutritionist Thelma Romoso said, "The fruit, the vegetable, the grain, the protein, and also the milk, the diary product, so for the fruits it's easy for a mother to go into the two plus three concept of fruits and vegetables or five a day."
This concept means that there are at least two servings of fruits a day, three servings of vegetables a day which can be served for lunch and dinner. As for protein parents can make a variety of dishes from chicken, beef, fish or even dried beans to pledge the child gets three servings a day.
Morris said that the child's hunger level controls how much is eaten and the parent controls what and when the meal is offered, saying, "Mom needs to ensure that the food offered is good food for the child to eat and throughout the day depending on how active they are, snacks are not a bad thing, so the mom should offer good kinds of snacks."
When it comes to preparing your child's lunch and snacks for school, make sure to keep in mind that the food you provide should not only be a source of energy but also be nutritionally beneficial such as fresh fruits, and whole grain bread. But parents must be sure to remember that a good nutritional diet must be balanced with physical activity, namely it is important that children get outside and run around and play and get activity in addition to eating a good diet.
|
[
"Choose healthy food and snacks for your child.",
"Fruits and vegetables are good for your child.",
"Take steps to provide a good lunch for your child.",
"Make various and delicious dishes for your child."
] |
When did One Piece come out in Japan?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
In Japan,Luffy is more popular than Harry Potter.Luffy is the main _ of One Piece <<>> ). The book came out in 1997.
One Piece tells the adventures of Monkey D.Luffy,a 17-year-old boy.He got supernatural abilities by eating magical fruit.Luffy's dream is to find the world's biggest treasure , One piece. Then he wants to become the next Pirate King.
To make his dream come true,Luffy has to reach the end of the most dangerous ocean:the Grand Line .Luffy travels with a group of brave pirates called the Straw Hats.On his way,more people join the group.They even have a cook,a soldier and a musician.They also fight with other pirates on their way.
Many Chinese teenagers are One Piece fans.Yang Peiqi,14,from Shenzhen says he thinks reading One Piece is great fun and he also likes the theme of the story,- dreams and friends.
Question:
When did One Piece come out in Japan?
Choices:
A. In 1997
B. In 2000.
C. In 1996.
D. In 1998.
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle5416.txt
|
In Japan,Luffy is more popular than Harry Potter.Luffy is the main _ of One Piece <<>> ). The book came out in 1997.
One Piece tells the adventures of Monkey D.Luffy,a 17-year-old boy.He got supernatural abilities by eating magical fruit.Luffy's dream is to find the world's biggest treasure , One piece. Then he wants to become the next Pirate King.
To make his dream come true,Luffy has to reach the end of the most dangerous ocean:the Grand Line .Luffy travels with a group of brave pirates called the Straw Hats.On his way,more people join the group.They even have a cook,a soldier and a musician.They also fight with other pirates on their way.
Many Chinese teenagers are One Piece fans.Yang Peiqi,14,from Shenzhen says he thinks reading One Piece is great fun and he also likes the theme of the story,- dreams and friends.
|
[
"In 1997",
"In 2000.",
"In 1996.",
"In 1998."
] |
According to the passage, _ appeared earlier than _ .
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Life on land probably began about 430 million years ago, though it has existed in the water for perhaps as much as 3,000 million years. When we think of the first thing on land, we probably think of strange animals coming out of the oceans, but in fact no animals could have been living if plants had not been on land first. Plants had to be on land before animals arrived. They supplied the first land animals with the surrounding and food necessity, since they, the plants, are the only form of life that is able to get and store energy.
The first plants to exist out of the water were probably certain kinds of algae which were followed by other plants that grew close to the ground and needed water in which to reproduce. Once the move to land had been made, however, evolution took place quickly. By the end of 100 million years, plants had developed their roots ,and some had got tree -like forms since height was very important in gaining sunlight. About 300 million years ago, much of the world was covered with forests of huge trees. In most ways they were like modern trees. They had roots, leaves, wood, but mostly they had not developed seeds.
Question:
According to the passage, _ appeared earlier than _ .
Choices:
A. apples; oranges
B. oranges; apples
C. oranges; roses
D. algae; wheat
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high7798.txt
|
Life on land probably began about 430 million years ago, though it has existed in the water for perhaps as much as 3,000 million years. When we think of the first thing on land, we probably think of strange animals coming out of the oceans, but in fact no animals could have been living if plants had not been on land first. Plants had to be on land before animals arrived. They supplied the first land animals with the surrounding and food necessity, since they, the plants, are the only form of life that is able to get and store energy.
The first plants to exist out of the water were probably certain kinds of algae which were followed by other plants that grew close to the ground and needed water in which to reproduce. Once the move to land had been made, however, evolution took place quickly. By the end of 100 million years, plants had developed their roots ,and some had got tree -like forms since height was very important in gaining sunlight. About 300 million years ago, much of the world was covered with forests of huge trees. In most ways they were like modern trees. They had roots, leaves, wood, but mostly they had not developed seeds.
|
[
"apples; oranges",
"oranges; apples",
"oranges; roses",
"algae; wheat"
] |
What can we learn about the British Spitfires?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
A British farmer has been searching for a group of fighter planes for 15 years. The planes were lost in Burma during World War II. David Cundall, 62, traveled to Burma a dozen times. He spent about US $207,000 in the hope of finding a British Spitfire buried in the Southeast Asian country. Finally, his hard work paid off.
Cundall started his search after his friend heard from a group of U.S. war veterans that they had buried Spitfires in the region. "We've done some pretty silly things in our time, but the silliest was burying Spitfires," the veterans said.
Cundall began placing ads in magazines to try to find soldiers who might have been involved. After 15 years of searching, he finally managed to locate the missing airplanes. The planes had never been flown and were buried in their transport crates . "We made a borehole and used a camera to look at the crates. They seemed to be in good condition." Cundall told The Telegraph. The aircraft had arrived at a Royal Air Force base in Burma in August 1945. But, by that point in the war, the planes weren't needed. "In 1945, Spitfires were _ , and you could see them everywhere." Said Cundall.
British Prime Minister, David Camerion, recently visited the country. As The Telegraph reports, Camerion's help may mean that the Spitfires could soon be on their way back to the United Kingdom. Cundall hopes that with the help of investors, the planes can finally take to the skies.
"Spitfires are beautiful aeroplanes and should not be rotting away in a foreign land," Cundall says. "They saved our neck in the Battle of Britain and they should be protected."
Question:
What can we learn about the British Spitfires?
Choices:
A. The planes buried under the ground were seriously damaged.
B. The planes were not needed at that time during World War II.
C. It will be very difficult to take the planes back to the United Kingdom.
D. The planes were buried in Burma after they crashed there.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high9501.txt
|
A British farmer has been searching for a group of fighter planes for 15 years. The planes were lost in Burma during World War II. David Cundall, 62, traveled to Burma a dozen times. He spent about US $207,000 in the hope of finding a British Spitfire buried in the Southeast Asian country. Finally, his hard work paid off.
Cundall started his search after his friend heard from a group of U.S. war veterans that they had buried Spitfires in the region. "We've done some pretty silly things in our time, but the silliest was burying Spitfires," the veterans said.
Cundall began placing ads in magazines to try to find soldiers who might have been involved. After 15 years of searching, he finally managed to locate the missing airplanes. The planes had never been flown and were buried in their transport crates . "We made a borehole and used a camera to look at the crates. They seemed to be in good condition." Cundall told The Telegraph. The aircraft had arrived at a Royal Air Force base in Burma in August 1945. But, by that point in the war, the planes weren't needed. "In 1945, Spitfires were _ , and you could see them everywhere." Said Cundall.
British Prime Minister, David Camerion, recently visited the country. As The Telegraph reports, Camerion's help may mean that the Spitfires could soon be on their way back to the United Kingdom. Cundall hopes that with the help of investors, the planes can finally take to the skies.
"Spitfires are beautiful aeroplanes and should not be rotting away in a foreign land," Cundall says. "They saved our neck in the Battle of Britain and they should be protected."
|
[
"The planes buried under the ground were seriously damaged.",
"The planes were not needed at that time during World War II.",
"It will be very difficult to take the planes back to the United Kingdom.",
"The planes were buried in Burma after they crashed there."
] |
What are the membrane-bound organelles that are usually larger than vesicles and can have secretory, excretory, and storage functions?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
What are the membrane-bound organelles that are usually larger than vesicles and can have secretory, excretory, and storage functions?
|
vacuoles
|
science
| null | null | null |
nucleolus
|
ribosomes
|
tubules
|
vacuoles
|
Vacuoles are membrane-bound organelles that can have secretory, excretory, and storage functions. They are usually larger than vesicles.
| null | null | null |
Which of the following is TRUE?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Pop music is the name for different forms of popular, commercial music. It had its beginning in the USA and spread throughout the whole world during the 1950s and 1960s. It is widely liked by the young people. The best known early form of pop music was "rock-n-roll"; another was "blues". A more recent development is "folk-rock". Pop music has taken the place of native music in many parts of the world; it has caused the number of people for jazz to become much smaller than it was in the 1950s and earlier, and it has now begun to rule musical stage productions. It's a big industry. Much pop music is without artistic value, but the work of some pop singers, e.g. the Beatles, Bob Dylan, the groups like Floyd and Crosby, Stills and Nash, is on a higher musical level. And there is still a great interest in it today. Pop music concerts and festivals are held all over the world. *ks*5u
Question:
Which of the following is TRUE?
Choices:
A. No pop music is on a high musical level.
B. Much pop music is very artistic.
C. Pop music is highly artistic.
D. Not all pop music is without artistic value.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high20354.txt
|
Pop music is the name for different forms of popular, commercial music. It had its beginning in the USA and spread throughout the whole world during the 1950s and 1960s. It is widely liked by the young people. The best known early form of pop music was "rock-n-roll"; another was "blues". A more recent development is "folk-rock". Pop music has taken the place of native music in many parts of the world; it has caused the number of people for jazz to become much smaller than it was in the 1950s and earlier, and it has now begun to rule musical stage productions. It's a big industry. Much pop music is without artistic value, but the work of some pop singers, e.g. the Beatles, Bob Dylan, the groups like Floyd and Crosby, Stills and Nash, is on a higher musical level. And there is still a great interest in it today. Pop music concerts and festivals are held all over the world. *ks*5u
|
[
"No pop music is on a high musical level.",
"Much pop music is very artistic.",
"Pop music is highly artistic.",
"Not all pop music is without artistic value."
] |
Why did the teenagers start the fires?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
L'HAY-LES-ROSES, France: Three teenage girls admitted starting a fire in a suburban Paris housing project over the weekend that killed 17 people, including three children, police said yesterday. A fourth girl was held yesterday morning.
The fire in a 19-storey building south of Paris was the third fatal blaze in the Paris area in nine days. The death toll rose to 16 after a man died late Sunday in a hospital, where seven others were being treated for serious injuries.
Three teenagers taken in for questioning on Sunday admitted having started the fire for fun, police said. Two of the suspects were 18 years old, the other was 16. Further details were not available.
Witnesses claimed to have seen a group of youths who lived in the building start the fire, said Patrick Seve, mayor of the town of L'HAY-LES-ROSES, near Orly airport, where the building was located.
The first is believed to have broken out in the lobby of the building before raging up a stairwell at least three floors. Some residents jumped from windows as the fire spread through the building's entrance.
Authorities were investigating possible criminals in an August 26 fire that killed 14 African children and three adults in a Paris apartment building. Three days later, another fire killed seven in a building. k*s*5u
Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy suggested on French television on Sunday night that copycats were at work. "Each time there is a new story, sometimes that gives ideas to people who then turn into criminals," Sarkozy said, promising severe punishment for anyone found guilty of arson .
Question:
Why did the teenagers start the fires?
Choices:
A. They enjoyed playing with fire and not for any other reason.
B. They wanted to make fun of their parents.
C. They were not satisfied with the surroundings.
D. They wanted to warm themselves.
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high16768.txt
|
L'HAY-LES-ROSES, France: Three teenage girls admitted starting a fire in a suburban Paris housing project over the weekend that killed 17 people, including three children, police said yesterday. A fourth girl was held yesterday morning.
The fire in a 19-storey building south of Paris was the third fatal blaze in the Paris area in nine days. The death toll rose to 16 after a man died late Sunday in a hospital, where seven others were being treated for serious injuries.
Three teenagers taken in for questioning on Sunday admitted having started the fire for fun, police said. Two of the suspects were 18 years old, the other was 16. Further details were not available.
Witnesses claimed to have seen a group of youths who lived in the building start the fire, said Patrick Seve, mayor of the town of L'HAY-LES-ROSES, near Orly airport, where the building was located.
The first is believed to have broken out in the lobby of the building before raging up a stairwell at least three floors. Some residents jumped from windows as the fire spread through the building's entrance.
Authorities were investigating possible criminals in an August 26 fire that killed 14 African children and three adults in a Paris apartment building. Three days later, another fire killed seven in a building. k*s*5u
Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy suggested on French television on Sunday night that copycats were at work. "Each time there is a new story, sometimes that gives ideas to people who then turn into criminals," Sarkozy said, promising severe punishment for anyone found guilty of arson .
|
[
"They enjoyed playing with fire and not for any other reason.",
"They wanted to make fun of their parents.",
"They were not satisfied with the surroundings.",
"They wanted to warm themselves."
] |
Brady will make $450 more in a year than Dwayne. If Dwayne makes $1,500 in a year, how much will Brady and Dwayne make combined in a year?
|
Brady will make $450 + $1500 = $<<450+1500=1950>>1950.
Combined, Brady and Dwayne will make $1950 + $1500 = $<<1950+1500=3450>>3450 in a year.
#### 3450
|
Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step.
|
Brady will make $450 more in a year than Dwayne. If Dwayne makes $1,500 in a year, how much will Brady and Dwayne make combined in a year?
|
Brady will make $450 + $1500 = $<<450+1500=1950>>1950.
Combined, Brady and Dwayne will make $1950 + $1500 = $<<1950+1500=3450>>3450 in a year.
#### 3450
|
math
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
The story about the airline pilot tells us that _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Our surroundings are being polluted faster than man's present efforts to prevent pollution. Time is bringing us more people, and more people will bring us more industry, more cars, larger cities and the growing use of man-made materials.
What can explain and solve the problem? The fact is that pollution is caused by man--by his desire for a modern way of life. We make "increasing industrialization" our chief aim. So we are often ready to offer everything:clean air,pure water,good food,our health and the future of our children. There is a constant flow of people from the countryside into the cities, eager for the benefits of our modern society. But as our technological achievements have grown in the last twenty years,pollution has become a serious problem.
Isn't it time we stopped to ask ourselves where we are going--and why? It makes one think of the story of the airline pilot who told his passengers over the loudspeaker, "I've some good news and some bad news. The good news is that we are making rapid progress at 530 miles per hour. The bad news is that we are lost and can't know where we are going." The sad fact is that this becomes a true story when we speak of our modern society.
Question:
The story about the airline pilot tells us that _ .
Choices:
A. the writer is worried about the future of our society
B. man can hardly know the future of the society
C. people are not satisfied with the development of the society
D. little can be done to get rid of pollution
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high21270.txt
|
Our surroundings are being polluted faster than man's present efforts to prevent pollution. Time is bringing us more people, and more people will bring us more industry, more cars, larger cities and the growing use of man-made materials.
What can explain and solve the problem? The fact is that pollution is caused by man--by his desire for a modern way of life. We make "increasing industrialization" our chief aim. So we are often ready to offer everything:clean air,pure water,good food,our health and the future of our children. There is a constant flow of people from the countryside into the cities, eager for the benefits of our modern society. But as our technological achievements have grown in the last twenty years,pollution has become a serious problem.
Isn't it time we stopped to ask ourselves where we are going--and why? It makes one think of the story of the airline pilot who told his passengers over the loudspeaker, "I've some good news and some bad news. The good news is that we are making rapid progress at 530 miles per hour. The bad news is that we are lost and can't know where we are going." The sad fact is that this becomes a true story when we speak of our modern society.
|
[
"the writer is worried about the future of our society",
"man can hardly know the future of the society",
"people are not satisfied with the development of the society",
"little can be done to get rid of pollution"
] |
The text mainly tells us that _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
In one study, college students who had important and reality-based conversations were more content than their peers who changed mere amusing remarks. But don't deny small talks just yet.
Psychologists have long said that connecting with others is important to well-being, but just how much conversation we require is under investigation. In one study, researchers overheard undergraduates for four days, and then cataloged each overheard conversation as either "small talks" ("What do you have done? Popcorn? Yummy!") or "substantive" ("So did they get divorced soon after?"). They found that the second type correlated with happiness --the happiest students had roughly twice as many substantive talks as the unhappiest ones. Small talks, meanwhile, made up only 10 percent of their conversation, versus almost 30 percent of their conversation among the least content students.
But don't deny small talks just yet. Scientists believe that small talks could promote bonding. Researchers found that a small talk maintains closeness with loved ones after studying ring-tailed lemurs' call-and-response conversations, similar to human small talks. Still, joking with strangers could brighten your morning. In a series of experiments, those bus-takers told to chat with others are reported a more pleasant journey than those told to "enjoy your solitude" or to do whatever they normally would. Small talks can also help us feel connected to our surroundings. People who smiled at, made eye contact with, and briefly spoke with their Starbucks baristas reported a greater sense of belonging than those who rushed through the transaction.
Of course, some of us are better than others at turning small talks into something bigger. All the differences come to what researchers call "a curious mindset".
So go ahead to talk and inquire. Small talks needn't be idle. And being curious about others' business isn't all bad.
Question:
The text mainly tells us that _ .
Choices:
A. small talks are important in communication
B. substantive talks make people happier than small talks
C. small talks and substantive talks are equally important in life
D. substantive talks are important in communication
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high14975.txt
|
In one study, college students who had important and reality-based conversations were more content than their peers who changed mere amusing remarks. But don't deny small talks just yet.
Psychologists have long said that connecting with others is important to well-being, but just how much conversation we require is under investigation. In one study, researchers overheard undergraduates for four days, and then cataloged each overheard conversation as either "small talks" ("What do you have done? Popcorn? Yummy!") or "substantive" ("So did they get divorced soon after?"). They found that the second type correlated with happiness --the happiest students had roughly twice as many substantive talks as the unhappiest ones. Small talks, meanwhile, made up only 10 percent of their conversation, versus almost 30 percent of their conversation among the least content students.
But don't deny small talks just yet. Scientists believe that small talks could promote bonding. Researchers found that a small talk maintains closeness with loved ones after studying ring-tailed lemurs' call-and-response conversations, similar to human small talks. Still, joking with strangers could brighten your morning. In a series of experiments, those bus-takers told to chat with others are reported a more pleasant journey than those told to "enjoy your solitude" or to do whatever they normally would. Small talks can also help us feel connected to our surroundings. People who smiled at, made eye contact with, and briefly spoke with their Starbucks baristas reported a greater sense of belonging than those who rushed through the transaction.
Of course, some of us are better than others at turning small talks into something bigger. All the differences come to what researchers call "a curious mindset".
So go ahead to talk and inquire. Small talks needn't be idle. And being curious about others' business isn't all bad.
|
[
"small talks are important in communication",
"substantive talks make people happier than small talks",
"small talks and substantive talks are equally important in life",
"substantive talks are important in communication"
] |
Why does the author mention so many proverbs?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Proverbs are popular around the world. Many proverbs give advice on how to live. Some proverbs are hundreds of years old, but they are still used today.
For example, my son is just like his father in many ways. We often say the two of them prove the proverb that the apple does not fall far from the tree.
My daughter is very short. She would like to be taller. But I tell her that good things come
in small packages. Some valuable things are very small, like diamonds and other jewels. But I also tell my children that all that glitters is not gold. Something may look valuable, but may not really be valuable. Also, I tell them do not judge a book by its cover. You should not judge something only by its appearance.
Sometimes I tell my children to cooperate to solve a problem. After all, two heads are better than one. But another proverb says too many cooks spoil the soup. If too many people try to do something, then the job will not be done well.
I also tell my children that two wrongs do not make a right. You should not do something bad just because someone did the same to you.
Some people are pessimists while other people are optimists. Pessimists always think about
how bad things are or will be; optimists might say that every cloud has a silver lining and they always look on the bright side. Other people are both pessimists and optimists. They hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
Some people often worry about what they will do in a situation that might happen in the future. We could tell them do not cross that bridge until you come to it.
It is usually much better to prevent a problem from happening than it is to find ways to solve it.So we say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Question:
Why does the author mention so many proverbs?
Choices:
A. Proverbs are very useful in our life.
B. She wants to tell us how well she used the proverbs in her life.
C. We should not believe in proverbs.
D. Some proverbs are contradictory.
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high18279.txt
|
Proverbs are popular around the world. Many proverbs give advice on how to live. Some proverbs are hundreds of years old, but they are still used today.
For example, my son is just like his father in many ways. We often say the two of them prove the proverb that the apple does not fall far from the tree.
My daughter is very short. She would like to be taller. But I tell her that good things come
in small packages. Some valuable things are very small, like diamonds and other jewels. But I also tell my children that all that glitters is not gold. Something may look valuable, but may not really be valuable. Also, I tell them do not judge a book by its cover. You should not judge something only by its appearance.
Sometimes I tell my children to cooperate to solve a problem. After all, two heads are better than one. But another proverb says too many cooks spoil the soup. If too many people try to do something, then the job will not be done well.
I also tell my children that two wrongs do not make a right. You should not do something bad just because someone did the same to you.
Some people are pessimists while other people are optimists. Pessimists always think about
how bad things are or will be; optimists might say that every cloud has a silver lining and they always look on the bright side. Other people are both pessimists and optimists. They hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
Some people often worry about what they will do in a situation that might happen in the future. We could tell them do not cross that bridge until you come to it.
It is usually much better to prevent a problem from happening than it is to find ways to solve it.So we say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
|
[
"Proverbs are very useful in our life.",
"She wants to tell us how well she used the proverbs in her life.",
"We should not believe in proverbs.",
"Some proverbs are contradictory."
] |
The high school students' answers to "What would life be like in 1978?" sound _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
When a magazine for high school students asked its readers what life would be like in twenty years, they said: Machines would be run by solar power. Buildings would rotate so they could follow the sun to take maximum advantage of its light and heat. Walls would "give light" and "change color with the push of a button." Food would be replaced by pills. School would be taught by electrical impulse while we sleep. Cars would have radar . Does this sound like the year 2000? Actually, this article was written in 1958 and the question was, "what will life be like in 1978?
The future is much too important to simply guess about, the way the high school students did, so experts are regularly asked to predict accuately. By carefully studying the present, skilled businessmen, scientists, and politicians are supposedly able to figure out in advance what will happen. But can they? One expert on Cities wrote: Cities of the future would not be crowded, but would have space for farms and fields. People would travel to work in "airbuses", large all-weather helicopters carrying up to 200 passengers. When a person left the airbus station he could drive a coin-operated car equipped with radar. The radar equipment of cars would make traffic accidents "almost unheard of". Does that sound familiar? If the expert had been accurate it would, because he was writing in 1957. His subject was "The city of 1982".
If the professionals sometimes sound like high school students, it's probably because future study is still a new field. But economic forecasting, or predicting what the economy will do, has been around for a long time. It should be accuate, and generally it is. But there have been some big mistakes in the field, too. In early 1929, most forecasters saw an excellent future for the stock market. In October of that year, the stock market had its worst losses ever, ruining thousands of investors who had put their faith in financial foreseers.
One forecaster knew that predictions about the future would always be subject to significant error. In 1957, H.J. Rand of the Rad corporation was asked about the year 2000, "Only one thing is certain," he answered. "Children born today will have reached the age of 43."
Question:
The high school students' answers to "What would life be like in 1978?" sound _ .
Choices:
A. accurate
B. imaginative
C. correct
D. foolish
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high16385.txt
|
When a magazine for high school students asked its readers what life would be like in twenty years, they said: Machines would be run by solar power. Buildings would rotate so they could follow the sun to take maximum advantage of its light and heat. Walls would "give light" and "change color with the push of a button." Food would be replaced by pills. School would be taught by electrical impulse while we sleep. Cars would have radar . Does this sound like the year 2000? Actually, this article was written in 1958 and the question was, "what will life be like in 1978?
The future is much too important to simply guess about, the way the high school students did, so experts are regularly asked to predict accuately. By carefully studying the present, skilled businessmen, scientists, and politicians are supposedly able to figure out in advance what will happen. But can they? One expert on Cities wrote: Cities of the future would not be crowded, but would have space for farms and fields. People would travel to work in "airbuses", large all-weather helicopters carrying up to 200 passengers. When a person left the airbus station he could drive a coin-operated car equipped with radar. The radar equipment of cars would make traffic accidents "almost unheard of". Does that sound familiar? If the expert had been accurate it would, because he was writing in 1957. His subject was "The city of 1982".
If the professionals sometimes sound like high school students, it's probably because future study is still a new field. But economic forecasting, or predicting what the economy will do, has been around for a long time. It should be accuate, and generally it is. But there have been some big mistakes in the field, too. In early 1929, most forecasters saw an excellent future for the stock market. In October of that year, the stock market had its worst losses ever, ruining thousands of investors who had put their faith in financial foreseers.
One forecaster knew that predictions about the future would always be subject to significant error. In 1957, H.J. Rand of the Rad corporation was asked about the year 2000, "Only one thing is certain," he answered. "Children born today will have reached the age of 43."
|
[
"accurate",
"imaginative",
"correct",
"foolish"
] |
Which of the following best summarizes the passage?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
There are some very good things about open education. This way of teaching allows the students to grow as people, and to develop their own interests in many subjects. Open education allows students to be responsible for their own education, as they are responsible for what they do in life.
Some students do badly in a traditional classroom. The open classroom may allow them to enjoy learning. Some students will be happier in an open education school. They will not have to worry about grades or rules. For students who worry about these things a lot, it is a good idea to be in an open classroom. But many students will not do well in an open classroom. For some students, there are too few rules. These students will do little in school. They will not make good use of open education. Because open education is so different from traditional education, these students may have a problem getting used to making so many choices. For many students it is important to have some rules in the classroom. They worry about the rules even when there are no rules. Even a few rules will help this kind of students. The last point about open education is that some traditional teachers do not like it. Many teachers do not believe in open education. Teachers who want to have an open classroom may have many problems at their schools. You now know what open education is.
Some of its good points and bad points have been explained. You may have your own opinion about open education. The writer thinks that open education is a good idea, but only in theory. In actual fact, it may not work very well in a real class or school. The writer believes that most students, but of course not all students, want some structure in their classes. They want and need to have rules. In some cases, they must be made to study some subjects. Many students are pleased to find subjects they have to study interesting. They would not study some subjects if they did not have to.
Question:
Which of the following best summarizes the passage?
Choices:
A. Open education is a really complex idea.
B. Open education is better than traditional education.
C. Teachers dislike open education.
D. The writer thinks that open education is a good idea in practice.
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high3082.txt
|
There are some very good things about open education. This way of teaching allows the students to grow as people, and to develop their own interests in many subjects. Open education allows students to be responsible for their own education, as they are responsible for what they do in life.
Some students do badly in a traditional classroom. The open classroom may allow them to enjoy learning. Some students will be happier in an open education school. They will not have to worry about grades or rules. For students who worry about these things a lot, it is a good idea to be in an open classroom. But many students will not do well in an open classroom. For some students, there are too few rules. These students will do little in school. They will not make good use of open education. Because open education is so different from traditional education, these students may have a problem getting used to making so many choices. For many students it is important to have some rules in the classroom. They worry about the rules even when there are no rules. Even a few rules will help this kind of students. The last point about open education is that some traditional teachers do not like it. Many teachers do not believe in open education. Teachers who want to have an open classroom may have many problems at their schools. You now know what open education is.
Some of its good points and bad points have been explained. You may have your own opinion about open education. The writer thinks that open education is a good idea, but only in theory. In actual fact, it may not work very well in a real class or school. The writer believes that most students, but of course not all students, want some structure in their classes. They want and need to have rules. In some cases, they must be made to study some subjects. Many students are pleased to find subjects they have to study interesting. They would not study some subjects if they did not have to.
|
[
"Open education is a really complex idea.",
"Open education is better than traditional education.",
"Teachers dislike open education.",
"The writer thinks that open education is a good idea in practice."
] |
How old was the writer's father probably when he died?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
The first memory I have of him---of anything, really---is his strength. It was in the late afternoon in a house under construction near ours. The unfinished wood floor had large, terrifying holes whose big and opening darkness I knew led to nowhere good. His powerful hands, then age 33, wrapped all the way around my tiny arms, then age 4, and easily swung me up to his shoulders to command all I surveyed.
The relationship between a son and his father changes over time. It may grow and flourish in mutual maturity. It may sour in hated dependence or independence. With many children living in single-parent homes today, it may not even exist.
But to a little boy right after World War II, a father seemed a god with strange strengths and strange powers enabling him to do and know things that no mortal could do or know. Amazing things, like putting a bicycle chain back on, just like that, or building a hamster cage, or guiding a jigsaw so it forms the letter F; I learned the alphabet that way in those pre-television days.
There were, of course, rules to learn. First came the handshake, a good firm squeeze accompanied by an equally strong gaze into the other's eyes. "The first thing anyone knows about you is your handshake," he would say. And we'd practice it each night on his return from work, the serious toddler in the old Cleveland Indian's cap running up to the giant father to shake hands again and again until it was firm enough.
One day, I realize now, there was a change. I wasn't trying to please him so much as I was trying to impress him. I never asked him to come to my football games. He had a high-pressure career, and it meant driving through most of Friday night. But for all the big games, when I looked over at the sideline, there was that familiar fedora . And by God, did the opposing team captain ever get a firm handshake and a gaze he would remember?
Then, a school fact contradicted something he said. Impossible that he could be wrong, but there it was in the book. These accumulated over time, along with personal experiences, to strengthen my own developing sense of values. And I could tell we had each taken our own, perfectly normal paths. I began to see, too, his blind spots, his prejudices and his weaknesses. I never threw these up at him. He hadn't to me, and, anyway, he seemed to need protection. I stopped asking his advice; the experiences he drew from no longer seemed relevant to the decisions I had to make.
He volunteered advice for a while. But then, in more recent years, politics and issues gave way to talk of empty errands and, always, to illness.
After much thought and practice " You can do whatever you have to do.", one night last winter, I sat down by his bed and remembered for an instant those terrifying dark holes in another house 35 years before. I told my father how much I loved him. I described all the things people were doing for him. But, I said, he kept eating poorly, hiding in his room and violating the doctor's orders. No amount of love could make someone else care about life, I said; it was a two-way street. He wasn't doing his best. The decision was his.
He said he knew how hard my words had been to say and how proud he was of me. "I had the best teacher," I said. "You can do whatever you have to do." He smiled a little. And we shook hands, firmly, for the last time.
Several days later, at about 4 A.M., my mother heard Dad shuffling about their dark room. " I have some things I have to do," he said. He paid a bundle of bills. He composed for my mother a long list of legal and financial what-to-do's " in case of emergency." And he wrote me a note.
Then he walked back to his bed and laid himself down. He went to sleep, naturally. And he did not wake up.
Question:
How old was the writer's father probably when he died?
Choices:
A. 33
B. 58
C. 68
D. 78
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high18657.txt
|
The first memory I have of him---of anything, really---is his strength. It was in the late afternoon in a house under construction near ours. The unfinished wood floor had large, terrifying holes whose big and opening darkness I knew led to nowhere good. His powerful hands, then age 33, wrapped all the way around my tiny arms, then age 4, and easily swung me up to his shoulders to command all I surveyed.
The relationship between a son and his father changes over time. It may grow and flourish in mutual maturity. It may sour in hated dependence or independence. With many children living in single-parent homes today, it may not even exist.
But to a little boy right after World War II, a father seemed a god with strange strengths and strange powers enabling him to do and know things that no mortal could do or know. Amazing things, like putting a bicycle chain back on, just like that, or building a hamster cage, or guiding a jigsaw so it forms the letter F; I learned the alphabet that way in those pre-television days.
There were, of course, rules to learn. First came the handshake, a good firm squeeze accompanied by an equally strong gaze into the other's eyes. "The first thing anyone knows about you is your handshake," he would say. And we'd practice it each night on his return from work, the serious toddler in the old Cleveland Indian's cap running up to the giant father to shake hands again and again until it was firm enough.
One day, I realize now, there was a change. I wasn't trying to please him so much as I was trying to impress him. I never asked him to come to my football games. He had a high-pressure career, and it meant driving through most of Friday night. But for all the big games, when I looked over at the sideline, there was that familiar fedora . And by God, did the opposing team captain ever get a firm handshake and a gaze he would remember?
Then, a school fact contradicted something he said. Impossible that he could be wrong, but there it was in the book. These accumulated over time, along with personal experiences, to strengthen my own developing sense of values. And I could tell we had each taken our own, perfectly normal paths. I began to see, too, his blind spots, his prejudices and his weaknesses. I never threw these up at him. He hadn't to me, and, anyway, he seemed to need protection. I stopped asking his advice; the experiences he drew from no longer seemed relevant to the decisions I had to make.
He volunteered advice for a while. But then, in more recent years, politics and issues gave way to talk of empty errands and, always, to illness.
After much thought and practice " You can do whatever you have to do.", one night last winter, I sat down by his bed and remembered for an instant those terrifying dark holes in another house 35 years before. I told my father how much I loved him. I described all the things people were doing for him. But, I said, he kept eating poorly, hiding in his room and violating the doctor's orders. No amount of love could make someone else care about life, I said; it was a two-way street. He wasn't doing his best. The decision was his.
He said he knew how hard my words had been to say and how proud he was of me. "I had the best teacher," I said. "You can do whatever you have to do." He smiled a little. And we shook hands, firmly, for the last time.
Several days later, at about 4 A.M., my mother heard Dad shuffling about their dark room. " I have some things I have to do," he said. He paid a bundle of bills. He composed for my mother a long list of legal and financial what-to-do's " in case of emergency." And he wrote me a note.
Then he walked back to his bed and laid himself down. He went to sleep, naturally. And he did not wake up.
|
[
"33",
"58",
"68",
"78"
] |
The passage mainly tells us that _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Reduce, reuse, and recycle. This familiar environmentalist slogan tells us how to reduce the amount of rubbish that ends up in landfills and waterways. The concept is being used to deal with one possibly dangerous form of waste -- electronic junk , such as old computers, cell phones, and televisions. But this process for managing e-waste may be used in an
way more often than not used, a recent report suggests.
"A lot of these materials are being sent to developing nations under the excuse of reuse -- to bridge the digital divide," said Richard Gutierrez, a policy researcher.
One of the problems is that no one proves whether these old machines work before they hit the seaways. Because of this, the report says, e-waste is a growing problem in Lagos, Nigeria, and elsewhere in the developing world. Much of the waste ends up being thrown away along rivers and roads. Often it's picked apart by poor people, who may face dangerous exposure to poisonous chemicals in the equipment.
Businessmen also pay workers a little money to get back materials such as gold and copper. This low-tech recovery process could expose workers and the local environment to many dangerous materials used to build electronics. According to Gutierrez, this shadow economy exists because the excuse of recycling and reusing electronics gives businessmen "a green passport" to ship waste around the globe. "Developing nations must take upon some of the responsibility themselves," Gutierrez said. But, he added, "A greater portion of this responsibility should fall on the exporting state."
China, for example, has become a dumping place for large amounts of e-waste. The nation is beginning to take action to stop the flow of dangerous materials across its borders. The Chinese government, after many years of denial is finally beginning to take the lead.
Question:
The passage mainly tells us that _ .
Choices:
A. developing countries are facing serious environmental problems
B. e-waste is sent to developing countries under the excuse of reuse
C. developing countries are making full use of e-waste
D. e-waste is a growing problem in developed countries
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high16336.txt
|
Reduce, reuse, and recycle. This familiar environmentalist slogan tells us how to reduce the amount of rubbish that ends up in landfills and waterways. The concept is being used to deal with one possibly dangerous form of waste -- electronic junk , such as old computers, cell phones, and televisions. But this process for managing e-waste may be used in an
way more often than not used, a recent report suggests.
"A lot of these materials are being sent to developing nations under the excuse of reuse -- to bridge the digital divide," said Richard Gutierrez, a policy researcher.
One of the problems is that no one proves whether these old machines work before they hit the seaways. Because of this, the report says, e-waste is a growing problem in Lagos, Nigeria, and elsewhere in the developing world. Much of the waste ends up being thrown away along rivers and roads. Often it's picked apart by poor people, who may face dangerous exposure to poisonous chemicals in the equipment.
Businessmen also pay workers a little money to get back materials such as gold and copper. This low-tech recovery process could expose workers and the local environment to many dangerous materials used to build electronics. According to Gutierrez, this shadow economy exists because the excuse of recycling and reusing electronics gives businessmen "a green passport" to ship waste around the globe. "Developing nations must take upon some of the responsibility themselves," Gutierrez said. But, he added, "A greater portion of this responsibility should fall on the exporting state."
China, for example, has become a dumping place for large amounts of e-waste. The nation is beginning to take action to stop the flow of dangerous materials across its borders. The Chinese government, after many years of denial is finally beginning to take the lead.
|
[
"developing countries are facing serious environmental problems",
"e-waste is sent to developing countries under the excuse of reuse",
"developing countries are making full use of e-waste",
"e-waste is a growing problem in developed countries"
] |
What happened in My Swale's class?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Mr Swales wanted to find out what his students' parents did. He had just called Jodie when some girls burst out laughing. Shirley shouted, "Jodie's Daddy is a Garbage man !"
Everybody in the class laughed out loud, except Jodie. She felt her face turn red.
"Silence!" Mr Swales said, "Being a garbage men is a difficult and useful job. We should all be grateful to Jodie's father."
Jodie's father came to walk her home from school as usual, but she didn't run up to him the way she always did. When they got back home, Jodie went to her room and cried for a long time.
Her father came into her room, "What happened, Jodie? Why are you so sad?"
Jodie told her father what had happened and looked at him. He didn't seem angry or hurt. "Well," he said, "they are right. Being a garbage man is a dirty job. Tomorrow's Saturday. Come to work with me, Jodie."
The place really smell too good. Jodie wrinkled her nose. "Don't worry, kid. In five minutes you won't smell a thing." said her father.
Everybody there was working hard, and they seemed to have a good time. Jodie's father handed her a pair of gloves and told her to get the little plastic bags and throw them into the truck.
It was fun, but also hard work. Jodie's arms soon got tired. At last, no more garbage was left and Jodie felt very happy.
"Garbage is disgusting , but when we clear it away, everything's nice and clean. You can make yourself happy only by making others happy. That's why I like being a garbage man so much."
Jodie gave her dirty, smelly garbage man daddy a big kiss, She said, "When I grow up, I will be a garbage girl!"
Now whenever someone asks Jodie what her daddy does, she says, "He's a garbage man! Everybody makes garbage, but my daddy takes it away!"
Question:
What happened in My Swale's class?
Choices:
A. He wanted to show what job was the most useful.
B. He asked an improper question.
C. Jodie gave an honest answer.
D. Jodie was laughed at for his father's job.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle4013.txt
|
Mr Swales wanted to find out what his students' parents did. He had just called Jodie when some girls burst out laughing. Shirley shouted, "Jodie's Daddy is a Garbage man !"
Everybody in the class laughed out loud, except Jodie. She felt her face turn red.
"Silence!" Mr Swales said, "Being a garbage men is a difficult and useful job. We should all be grateful to Jodie's father."
Jodie's father came to walk her home from school as usual, but she didn't run up to him the way she always did. When they got back home, Jodie went to her room and cried for a long time.
Her father came into her room, "What happened, Jodie? Why are you so sad?"
Jodie told her father what had happened and looked at him. He didn't seem angry or hurt. "Well," he said, "they are right. Being a garbage man is a dirty job. Tomorrow's Saturday. Come to work with me, Jodie."
The place really smell too good. Jodie wrinkled her nose. "Don't worry, kid. In five minutes you won't smell a thing." said her father.
Everybody there was working hard, and they seemed to have a good time. Jodie's father handed her a pair of gloves and told her to get the little plastic bags and throw them into the truck.
It was fun, but also hard work. Jodie's arms soon got tired. At last, no more garbage was left and Jodie felt very happy.
"Garbage is disgusting , but when we clear it away, everything's nice and clean. You can make yourself happy only by making others happy. That's why I like being a garbage man so much."
Jodie gave her dirty, smelly garbage man daddy a big kiss, She said, "When I grow up, I will be a garbage girl!"
Now whenever someone asks Jodie what her daddy does, she says, "He's a garbage man! Everybody makes garbage, but my daddy takes it away!"
|
[
"He wanted to show what job was the most useful.",
"He asked an improper question.",
"Jodie gave an honest answer.",
"Jodie was laughed at for his father's job."
] |
What did Cerling's team produce in their research?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Scientists have devised a way to determine roughly where a person has lived using a strand of hair, a technique that could help track the movements of criminal suspects or unidentified murder victims.
The method relies on measuring how chemical variations in drinking water show up in people's hair.
"You're what you eat and drink, and that's recorded in your hair," said Thure Cerling, a geologist at the University of Utah.
While U.S diet is relatively identical, water supplies vary. The differences result from weather patterns. The chemical composition of rainfall changes slightly as rain clouds move.
Most hydrogen and oxygen atoms in water are stable, but traces of both elements are also present as heavier isotopes . The heaviest rain falls first. As a result, storms that form over the Pacific deliver heavier water to California than to Utah.
Similar patterns exist throughout the U.S. By measuring the proportion of heavier hydrogen and oxygen isotopes along a strand of hair, scientists can construct a geographic timeline. Each inch of hair corresponds to about two months.
Cerling's team collected tap water samples from 600 cities and constructed a map of the regional differences. They checked the accuracy of the map by testing 200 hair samples collected from 65 barber shops. They were able to accurately place the hair samples in broad regions roughly corresponding to the movement of rain systems.
"It's not good for pinpointing ," Cerling said. "It's good for eliminating many possibilities."
Todd Park, a local detective, said the method has helped him learn more about an unidentified woman whose skeleton was found near Great Salt Lake.
The woman was 5 feet tall. Police recovered 26 bones, a T-shirt and several strands of hair.
When Park heard about the research, he gave the hair samples to the researchers.
Chemical testing showed that over the two years before her death, she moved about every two months.
She stayed in the Northwest, although the test could not be more specific than somewhere between eastern Oregon and western Wyoming.
"It's still a substantial area," Park said "But it narrows it way down for me."
Question:
What did Cerling's team produce in their research?
Choices:
A. A map showing the regional differences of tap water.
B. A collection of hair samples from various barber shops.
C. A method to measure the amount of water in human hair.
D. A chart illustrating the movement of the rain system.
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high14060.txt
|
Scientists have devised a way to determine roughly where a person has lived using a strand of hair, a technique that could help track the movements of criminal suspects or unidentified murder victims.
The method relies on measuring how chemical variations in drinking water show up in people's hair.
"You're what you eat and drink, and that's recorded in your hair," said Thure Cerling, a geologist at the University of Utah.
While U.S diet is relatively identical, water supplies vary. The differences result from weather patterns. The chemical composition of rainfall changes slightly as rain clouds move.
Most hydrogen and oxygen atoms in water are stable, but traces of both elements are also present as heavier isotopes . The heaviest rain falls first. As a result, storms that form over the Pacific deliver heavier water to California than to Utah.
Similar patterns exist throughout the U.S. By measuring the proportion of heavier hydrogen and oxygen isotopes along a strand of hair, scientists can construct a geographic timeline. Each inch of hair corresponds to about two months.
Cerling's team collected tap water samples from 600 cities and constructed a map of the regional differences. They checked the accuracy of the map by testing 200 hair samples collected from 65 barber shops. They were able to accurately place the hair samples in broad regions roughly corresponding to the movement of rain systems.
"It's not good for pinpointing ," Cerling said. "It's good for eliminating many possibilities."
Todd Park, a local detective, said the method has helped him learn more about an unidentified woman whose skeleton was found near Great Salt Lake.
The woman was 5 feet tall. Police recovered 26 bones, a T-shirt and several strands of hair.
When Park heard about the research, he gave the hair samples to the researchers.
Chemical testing showed that over the two years before her death, she moved about every two months.
She stayed in the Northwest, although the test could not be more specific than somewhere between eastern Oregon and western Wyoming.
"It's still a substantial area," Park said "But it narrows it way down for me."
|
[
"A map showing the regional differences of tap water.",
"A collection of hair samples from various barber shops.",
"A method to measure the amount of water in human hair.",
"A chart illustrating the movement of the rain system."
] |
What will fashion icons do in SS 2016 except _ ?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Trends come and go but style is eternal. So what is the latest fashion trend that defines this season? Let's take a look at the fashion trend in 2016 and be the first ones to embrace the latest trend.
Head----It seems like everyone will be wearing a bucket hat this season. Bucket hat might sound a bit old-fashioned for some people, but the 90s trend is in season again! Spring and summer are always the seasons for casual clothes, so pairing the bucket hat with casual shorts or skirts would be your outfit to go in this spring and summer in 2016.
Bottom--Summer is the season when everyone gets ready for the humid weather. The current season trend is making everyone have a more comfortable summer because wide-leg bottoms is in trend again. Perhaps not everyone likes wide-leg bottoms because this could possible make people look shorter, choosing a high-waist wide-leg bottom and matching it with crop top will definitely make you look taller and trendy in 2016.
Dress---Be prepared for embracing the feminine details this season. Ruffles around the sleeve or ruffles all-over the dress will be everyone's favorite in SS 2016. All these little details will transform your look in season. Simple colors like pink and black are designer's favorites in this season too.
Shoes---Many people thought wedges are also the shoes to go in spring and summer time, but in SS 2016, very flat flats are in trend again. Shoe designers are trying to have more combinations flats or low-heels with less of gender identity.
Accessories----No outfit goes perfect without accessories. Adding statement accessories to your simple and natural outlook this summer is your day-to-night outfit. These jewels are doing to make you feel completed in day time and sparkled at night.
Question:
What will fashion icons do in SS 2016 except _ ?
Choices:
A. prefer flat shoes
B. prefer complex colors
C. wear dresses with ruffles around the sleeves
D. choose a high-waist wide-leg bottom and match it with crop top
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high12991.txt
|
Trends come and go but style is eternal. So what is the latest fashion trend that defines this season? Let's take a look at the fashion trend in 2016 and be the first ones to embrace the latest trend.
Head----It seems like everyone will be wearing a bucket hat this season. Bucket hat might sound a bit old-fashioned for some people, but the 90s trend is in season again! Spring and summer are always the seasons for casual clothes, so pairing the bucket hat with casual shorts or skirts would be your outfit to go in this spring and summer in 2016.
Bottom--Summer is the season when everyone gets ready for the humid weather. The current season trend is making everyone have a more comfortable summer because wide-leg bottoms is in trend again. Perhaps not everyone likes wide-leg bottoms because this could possible make people look shorter, choosing a high-waist wide-leg bottom and matching it with crop top will definitely make you look taller and trendy in 2016.
Dress---Be prepared for embracing the feminine details this season. Ruffles around the sleeve or ruffles all-over the dress will be everyone's favorite in SS 2016. All these little details will transform your look in season. Simple colors like pink and black are designer's favorites in this season too.
Shoes---Many people thought wedges are also the shoes to go in spring and summer time, but in SS 2016, very flat flats are in trend again. Shoe designers are trying to have more combinations flats or low-heels with less of gender identity.
Accessories----No outfit goes perfect without accessories. Adding statement accessories to your simple and natural outlook this summer is your day-to-night outfit. These jewels are doing to make you feel completed in day time and sparkled at night.
|
[
"prefer flat shoes",
"prefer complex colors",
"wear dresses with ruffles around the sleeves",
"choose a high-waist wide-leg bottom and match it with crop top"
] |
The author mentioned playful children at the beginning in order to _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
On an elementary school playground, hundreds of children run and jump, smiling and laughing as they play. Watching sea otters playing in their own environment is like watching children at play. Sea otters, which are presently on the endangered species list, are experiencing an increase in population.
Groups of sea otters live on the shores of the North Pacific Ocean. They are seldom found far from land but almost spend their entire lives at sea. The otter has been known to dive as deep as 180 feet and stay underwater as long as minutes. Each day the sea otter eats as much as one-fifth of its body weight in fish or shellfish.
Not only are sea otters playful, they are also amazingly resourceful. Their favorite food, abalone , is protected by a thick shell that sea otters are unable to break with their teeth. Sea otters use stones from the ocean floor and break the abalone open on their bellies as they move slowly across the surface of the water on their backs, a behavior that makes them one of only a few animals on Earth, including human beings, to use tools! Their intelligence is also displayed while sleeping. In order not to move into dangerous waters, sea otters actually cover themselves with plants on the sea, which keep them in place before falling asleep.
Because sea otters have a special means of keeping insulated , they can keep their body heat in their cold environment. They have unbelievably fine fur that traps tiny bubbles, and that keeps them comfortable when warmed by body heat. However, their fur loses this insulating quality if it becomes dirty.
Sea otters have faced dangers from hunters in the past and from oil spills more recently. Fortunately, due to a 1911 agreement and to rescue and habitat protection efforts, the sea otter population has nearly recovered.
Question:
The author mentioned playful children at the beginning in order to _ .
Choices:
A. show sea otters are fun to watch.
B. describe a scene where children play with sea otters.
C. compare children with sea otters.
D. discuss the problem faced by sea otters
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high18881.txt
|
On an elementary school playground, hundreds of children run and jump, smiling and laughing as they play. Watching sea otters playing in their own environment is like watching children at play. Sea otters, which are presently on the endangered species list, are experiencing an increase in population.
Groups of sea otters live on the shores of the North Pacific Ocean. They are seldom found far from land but almost spend their entire lives at sea. The otter has been known to dive as deep as 180 feet and stay underwater as long as minutes. Each day the sea otter eats as much as one-fifth of its body weight in fish or shellfish.
Not only are sea otters playful, they are also amazingly resourceful. Their favorite food, abalone , is protected by a thick shell that sea otters are unable to break with their teeth. Sea otters use stones from the ocean floor and break the abalone open on their bellies as they move slowly across the surface of the water on their backs, a behavior that makes them one of only a few animals on Earth, including human beings, to use tools! Their intelligence is also displayed while sleeping. In order not to move into dangerous waters, sea otters actually cover themselves with plants on the sea, which keep them in place before falling asleep.
Because sea otters have a special means of keeping insulated , they can keep their body heat in their cold environment. They have unbelievably fine fur that traps tiny bubbles, and that keeps them comfortable when warmed by body heat. However, their fur loses this insulating quality if it becomes dirty.
Sea otters have faced dangers from hunters in the past and from oil spills more recently. Fortunately, due to a 1911 agreement and to rescue and habitat protection efforts, the sea otter population has nearly recovered.
|
[
"show sea otters are fun to watch.",
"describe a scene where children play with sea otters.",
"compare children with sea otters.",
"discuss the problem faced by sea otters"
] |
The passage may be _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
We've heard about radiation from the damaged nuclear reactors in Japan reaching American shores. Experts say so far there is no reason to worry, and point out that we meet radiation every day. Where and how? NPR's Renee Montagne posed that question to Peter Caracappa, a radiation safety officer and professor of nuclear engineering.
MONTAGNE: How many things emit radiation?
Dr CARACAPPA: Well, radiation and radioactive material is a part of nature. So everything that's living has some amount of radiation coming from it--a very small amout. Plus there's radiation in the ground and the air.
So the extremes are uranium in the soil to bananas?
Yes.
By the way, why do bananas have radiation?
Bananas have a lot of potassium . And a small amount of potassium naturally is called potassium 40, which is radioactive
What's the difference between radiation that's harmful and not harmful?
Well, the term radiation can apply to a lot of different things. But the harmful radiation is ionizing radiation. It has enough energy that it can make chemical changes in material. We could get ionizing radiation from an X-ray, for example. It's the kind of radiation that causes cancer.
The broader definition of radiation includes a lot of things that we call non-ionizing radiation. That includes everything like radio waves and visible light and your microwave.
So what then is the largest contributor of ionizing radiation?
For the natural sources of ionizing radiation, actually the biggest chunk of that tends to come from radon , which is a radioactive material that is present in the air. It can become a concern when it builds up in low-lying areas of homes like basements.
Would it be fair to say that most people do not need to worry about the danger of being exposed to radiation?
I would say that the everyday exposure to radioation that we meet contributes an extremely tiny risk to our life or to our health compared to all of the other risks that we meet in our day-to-day life.
Question:
The passage may be _ .
Choices:
A. an interview
B. an argument
C. a talk show program
D. a science report
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high1313.txt
|
We've heard about radiation from the damaged nuclear reactors in Japan reaching American shores. Experts say so far there is no reason to worry, and point out that we meet radiation every day. Where and how? NPR's Renee Montagne posed that question to Peter Caracappa, a radiation safety officer and professor of nuclear engineering.
MONTAGNE: How many things emit radiation?
Dr CARACAPPA: Well, radiation and radioactive material is a part of nature. So everything that's living has some amount of radiation coming from it--a very small amout. Plus there's radiation in the ground and the air.
So the extremes are uranium in the soil to bananas?
Yes.
By the way, why do bananas have radiation?
Bananas have a lot of potassium . And a small amount of potassium naturally is called potassium 40, which is radioactive
What's the difference between radiation that's harmful and not harmful?
Well, the term radiation can apply to a lot of different things. But the harmful radiation is ionizing radiation. It has enough energy that it can make chemical changes in material. We could get ionizing radiation from an X-ray, for example. It's the kind of radiation that causes cancer.
The broader definition of radiation includes a lot of things that we call non-ionizing radiation. That includes everything like radio waves and visible light and your microwave.
So what then is the largest contributor of ionizing radiation?
For the natural sources of ionizing radiation, actually the biggest chunk of that tends to come from radon , which is a radioactive material that is present in the air. It can become a concern when it builds up in low-lying areas of homes like basements.
Would it be fair to say that most people do not need to worry about the danger of being exposed to radiation?
I would say that the everyday exposure to radioation that we meet contributes an extremely tiny risk to our life or to our health compared to all of the other risks that we meet in our day-to-day life.
|
[
"an interview",
"an argument",
"a talk show program",
"a science report"
] |
What effect causes an object to appear to have a change of motion?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
What effect causes an object to appear to have a change of motion?
|
coriolis effect
|
science
| null | null | null |
centrifugal effect
|
momentum effect
|
resonant effect
|
coriolis effect
|
Coriolis is an effect rather than a force. Coriolis does not force a motion. An object appears to have a change of motion due to the Coriolis effect.
| null | null | null |
This passage makes us think that .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Books, which give instructions on how to do things, are very popular in the USA today. A lot of books like these begin with titles that start with the words "how to". Many "how to" books give advice on careers. They tell you how to choose a career and how to succeed in it. If you would like to become very rich, you can buy a book How to Make a Million. If you never make any money, you need a book called How to Live on Nothing.
One of the most popular kinds of books is one that helps you with personal problems. If you are unhappy with your life, you can read How to love Every Minute of Your life. If you are tired of books on happiness, you may prefer a book called How to Make Yourself Sad.. Many of these books help people use their free time better. Some people want books which will give them useful information about sports, hobbies and travels.
Other people use their free time to make repairs and improvements in their homes. They like books which give step-by-step instructions on how to repair things like electrical writing, or how to decorate a house or make it larger.
Why have "how to" books become so popular ? Maybe because life has become so popular. Maybe because life has become so complex. Today people have far more free time to use , more choices to make, and more problems to solve. "How to" books help people deal with modern life. ,.
Question:
This passage makes us think that .
Choices:
A. "how to" books are helpful
B. it's a waste of time to read "how to" books
C. there's no need to publish so many "how to" books
D. people seem to be tired of reading "how to" books
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle3928.txt
|
Books, which give instructions on how to do things, are very popular in the USA today. A lot of books like these begin with titles that start with the words "how to". Many "how to" books give advice on careers. They tell you how to choose a career and how to succeed in it. If you would like to become very rich, you can buy a book How to Make a Million. If you never make any money, you need a book called How to Live on Nothing.
One of the most popular kinds of books is one that helps you with personal problems. If you are unhappy with your life, you can read How to love Every Minute of Your life. If you are tired of books on happiness, you may prefer a book called How to Make Yourself Sad.. Many of these books help people use their free time better. Some people want books which will give them useful information about sports, hobbies and travels.
Other people use their free time to make repairs and improvements in their homes. They like books which give step-by-step instructions on how to repair things like electrical writing, or how to decorate a house or make it larger.
Why have "how to" books become so popular ? Maybe because life has become so popular. Maybe because life has become so complex. Today people have far more free time to use , more choices to make, and more problems to solve. "How to" books help people deal with modern life. ,.
|
[
"\"how to\" books are helpful",
"it's a waste of time to read \"how to\" books",
"there's no need to publish so many \"how to\" books",
"people seem to be tired of reading \"how to\" books"
] |
Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Steve Nash enjoys team success far more than personal success, and always wants to share the glory and the joy with teammates.
He is a self-effacing Canadian, who grew up in hockey country. Today Steve Nash has to stand alone even if he doesn't enjoy it. The Phoenix Sun's point guard has to take ownership of a set of skills that sets him apart from every bigger, faster basketball player. He is considered the best basketball player in the game.
31-year old Nash was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the NBA on May 8, 2005. "It's unbelievable," he said. "It's been a long road for me and I really enjoy playing as a team, just trying to be a good teammate. That is the only way for me to highlight what I do as a basketball player."
It is the first time a Canadian has won any individual NBA honor. Of the 50 winners of the MVP award, only six have been guards: Steve Nash, Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, and Bob Cousy. "I'm happy for him getting the MVP, which makes us feel like we all got the MVP," said Phoenix forward Shawn Marion.
He may be the only one who truly believes he can reach this level. "I always try to set goals for myself and have my own time frame to accomplish them and I never give up on anything," he said. It is not as if Nash arrived at this point without countless hours of hard work.
His interests go far beyond sports and the NBA. His social conscience is such that he wore a T-shirt bearing an anti-war slogan at the NBA all-star weekend festivities in Philadelphia in 2002.
"A lot of great moments are when you win games with your teammates. There's nothing like sharing something with someone else," he said. "There is a pinnacle of a player's career individually. In many ways, the pinnacle of a player's career really is defined by team wins."
Question:
Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?
Choices:
A. Nash is an American basketball player.
B. Nash is better at basketball than Magic Johnson.
C. Nash is the first Canadian winner of the MVP award.
D. Michael Jordan is the best of the six guards.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high5660.txt
|
Steve Nash enjoys team success far more than personal success, and always wants to share the glory and the joy with teammates.
He is a self-effacing Canadian, who grew up in hockey country. Today Steve Nash has to stand alone even if he doesn't enjoy it. The Phoenix Sun's point guard has to take ownership of a set of skills that sets him apart from every bigger, faster basketball player. He is considered the best basketball player in the game.
31-year old Nash was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the NBA on May 8, 2005. "It's unbelievable," he said. "It's been a long road for me and I really enjoy playing as a team, just trying to be a good teammate. That is the only way for me to highlight what I do as a basketball player."
It is the first time a Canadian has won any individual NBA honor. Of the 50 winners of the MVP award, only six have been guards: Steve Nash, Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, and Bob Cousy. "I'm happy for him getting the MVP, which makes us feel like we all got the MVP," said Phoenix forward Shawn Marion.
He may be the only one who truly believes he can reach this level. "I always try to set goals for myself and have my own time frame to accomplish them and I never give up on anything," he said. It is not as if Nash arrived at this point without countless hours of hard work.
His interests go far beyond sports and the NBA. His social conscience is such that he wore a T-shirt bearing an anti-war slogan at the NBA all-star weekend festivities in Philadelphia in 2002.
"A lot of great moments are when you win games with your teammates. There's nothing like sharing something with someone else," he said. "There is a pinnacle of a player's career individually. In many ways, the pinnacle of a player's career really is defined by team wins."
|
[
"Nash is an American basketball player.",
"Nash is better at basketball than Magic Johnson.",
"Nash is the first Canadian winner of the MVP award.",
"Michael Jordan is the best of the six guards."
] |
According to the pay-as-you-go principle, guests _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Amusement parks make most of their money from admission fees paid by guests attending the park. Other sources include parking fees, food and drink sales and souvenirs. Practically all amusement parks operate using one of two admission principles:
Pay-as-you-go In this form, a guest enters the park at little or no charge. The guest must then buy rides one by one, either at the attraction's entrance or by buying ride tickets. The cost of the attraction is often based on its complexity or popularity. The park may allow guests to buy unlimited admissions to all attractions within the park. A pass is then shown at the attraction entrance to gain admission.
Disneyland opened in 1955 using the pay-as-you-go form. Initially, guests paid the ride admission fees at the attractions. Soon, the problems of dealing with so many coins led to the development of a ticket system that, while now out of use, is still part of the amusement-park vocabulary. In this new form, guests bought ticket books that contained a number of tickets, with "A," "B" and "C." Rides and attractions using an "A-ticket" were generally simple, with "B-tickets" and "C-tickets" used for the larger, more popular rides. Later, the "D-ticket" was added, then finally the now-famous "E-ticket," which was used for the biggest rides, like Space Mountain. Smaller tickets could be traded up for use on larger rides. Disneyland, as well as the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, gave up this practice in 1982.
The advantages include:
guests pay for only what they choose to experience
attraction costs can be changed easily
The disadvantages include:
guests may get tired of spending money almost continuously
guests may not spend as much on food or souvenirs
Question:
According to the pay-as-you-go principle, guests _ .
Choices:
A. don't pay at the gate of the park
B. must pay for each ride they take
C. have to pay for all rides in the park
D. needn't pay after entering the park
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high16695.txt
|
Amusement parks make most of their money from admission fees paid by guests attending the park. Other sources include parking fees, food and drink sales and souvenirs. Practically all amusement parks operate using one of two admission principles:
Pay-as-you-go In this form, a guest enters the park at little or no charge. The guest must then buy rides one by one, either at the attraction's entrance or by buying ride tickets. The cost of the attraction is often based on its complexity or popularity. The park may allow guests to buy unlimited admissions to all attractions within the park. A pass is then shown at the attraction entrance to gain admission.
Disneyland opened in 1955 using the pay-as-you-go form. Initially, guests paid the ride admission fees at the attractions. Soon, the problems of dealing with so many coins led to the development of a ticket system that, while now out of use, is still part of the amusement-park vocabulary. In this new form, guests bought ticket books that contained a number of tickets, with "A," "B" and "C." Rides and attractions using an "A-ticket" were generally simple, with "B-tickets" and "C-tickets" used for the larger, more popular rides. Later, the "D-ticket" was added, then finally the now-famous "E-ticket," which was used for the biggest rides, like Space Mountain. Smaller tickets could be traded up for use on larger rides. Disneyland, as well as the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, gave up this practice in 1982.
The advantages include:
guests pay for only what they choose to experience
attraction costs can be changed easily
The disadvantages include:
guests may get tired of spending money almost continuously
guests may not spend as much on food or souvenirs
|
[
"don't pay at the gate of the park",
"must pay for each ride they take",
"have to pay for all rides in the park",
"needn't pay after entering the park"
] |
For a child, what is the real meaning of Father's Day according to this article?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Some time ago I received a gift from both of my children. It had nothing to do with Father's Day. Yet, at the same time it had everything to do with Father's Day.
My son was studying in a high school in Colorado. He lived in the school. While we were talking on the phone he shared some wonderful news with me.
He said, "You know Dad, I am really happy with my life. I can't think of a thing that I would change about the way that I grew up, or the way that my life is now. "
My daughter was living with her mother in Northern California at that time. She said almost the same thing to me just a few days later.
Of course, I was delighted to hear this from both of them. And I told them both how happy I was, not only that they were happy ,but that they expressed it to me.
And that was the gift that they were giving me ---with the heart to communicate. Certainly I hope for good news when I hear from them. But mostly I love that they will share their real feelings with me. Happy or sad, I love to be touched by their real thoughts and feelings.
For a child, Father's Day isn't really about giving Dad a gift. It is about understanding the love that fathers express when they help put food on the table, teach their child to ride a bike, cheer at a soccer game, etc.
For a father, Father's Day isn't so much about receiving gifts for a job well done. Remember, the greatest gift that we give our children is the real expression of our love. It isn't enough for them to feel love inside ourselves: we need to express that love.
Question:
For a child, what is the real meaning of Father's Day according to this article?
Choices:
A. Realizing his father's love through daily life.
B. Receiving a gift from his father.
C. Helping his father with some work.
D. Making his father happy.
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle772.txt
|
Some time ago I received a gift from both of my children. It had nothing to do with Father's Day. Yet, at the same time it had everything to do with Father's Day.
My son was studying in a high school in Colorado. He lived in the school. While we were talking on the phone he shared some wonderful news with me.
He said, "You know Dad, I am really happy with my life. I can't think of a thing that I would change about the way that I grew up, or the way that my life is now. "
My daughter was living with her mother in Northern California at that time. She said almost the same thing to me just a few days later.
Of course, I was delighted to hear this from both of them. And I told them both how happy I was, not only that they were happy ,but that they expressed it to me.
And that was the gift that they were giving me ---with the heart to communicate. Certainly I hope for good news when I hear from them. But mostly I love that they will share their real feelings with me. Happy or sad, I love to be touched by their real thoughts and feelings.
For a child, Father's Day isn't really about giving Dad a gift. It is about understanding the love that fathers express when they help put food on the table, teach their child to ride a bike, cheer at a soccer game, etc.
For a father, Father's Day isn't so much about receiving gifts for a job well done. Remember, the greatest gift that we give our children is the real expression of our love. It isn't enough for them to feel love inside ourselves: we need to express that love.
|
[
"Realizing his father's love through daily life.",
"Receiving a gift from his father.",
"Helping his father with some work.",
"Making his father happy."
] |
Lu Jialei was born in _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Can you write down a Chinese word being read to you? Sometimes it can be difficult when you find the word is not included in most dictionaries.
Lu Jialei, 14, from Hangzhou Foreign Language School, won the CCTV Chinese Character Spelling Contest on Oct 18th, 2013. About 160 people competed. The host read a word to the contestant, explained its meaning and gave sample sentences. The contestant was required to write down the word.
Winning the contest was a "surprise" to Lu. "I was not the smartest one," she said. "But I paid attention to details." To prepare for the contest, she and her teammates studied the Modern Chinese Dictionary for 10 days. There are more than 56,000 entries including characters, words and phrases in it. She also had a secret weapon. She studied how Chinese characters were formed.
"When others paid attention to the plot of a story, she looked at how authors use words and sentences to express themselves," said Su Yunsheng, Lu's Chinese teacher. Su is happy to see students like Lu find the beauty of Chinese language.
"Besides using something Chinese and having Chinese traditional festivals, learning to write Chinese characters is also an important part of inheriting Chinese culture," said Su.
Question:
Lu Jialei was born in _ .
Choices:
A. 1997
B. 1999
C. 2001
D. 2002
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle2665.txt
|
Can you write down a Chinese word being read to you? Sometimes it can be difficult when you find the word is not included in most dictionaries.
Lu Jialei, 14, from Hangzhou Foreign Language School, won the CCTV Chinese Character Spelling Contest on Oct 18th, 2013. About 160 people competed. The host read a word to the contestant, explained its meaning and gave sample sentences. The contestant was required to write down the word.
Winning the contest was a "surprise" to Lu. "I was not the smartest one," she said. "But I paid attention to details." To prepare for the contest, she and her teammates studied the Modern Chinese Dictionary for 10 days. There are more than 56,000 entries including characters, words and phrases in it. She also had a secret weapon. She studied how Chinese characters were formed.
"When others paid attention to the plot of a story, she looked at how authors use words and sentences to express themselves," said Su Yunsheng, Lu's Chinese teacher. Su is happy to see students like Lu find the beauty of Chinese language.
"Besides using something Chinese and having Chinese traditional festivals, learning to write Chinese characters is also an important part of inheriting Chinese culture," said Su.
|
[
"1997",
"1999",
"2001",
"2002"
] |
Which of the following statements about the activities in Long Beach is TRUE?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Long Beach lies in south-western Washington, and it is generally called Long Beach Peninsula. Communities there take you back to the old days of a simple and slow-paced lifestyle. There, visitors can relax and have fun through various activities.
Bird watching
There are many kinds of birds that can be found in Long Beach. It is the best if you observe from a distance. If you walk close to them, they may be spooked and fly away. Don't forget to take a camera and take pictures of the various birds there.
Horses
A popular activity in Long Beach is horseback riding. Two businesses in the city of Long Beach offer guided horseback tours along the beach: Black Country Wilderness Outfitters and Skipper's Equestrian Center. You may also bring your own horse. Among the adventures offered with horses is a wagon ride along the beach, a carriage ride through Long Beach, or a sunset ride on horseback on the beach.
Camping
RV camping and tent camping aren't allowed on the beach, but there are RV parks and private camp-grounds in the area, as well as Cape Disappointment State Park. Camp fires are allowed within 100 feet of the beach, but must be away from the beach dry grass.
Swimming and other activities
Swimming is allowed, but visitors should be careful. The waters are very cold and dangerous. Surfing is allowed only for experienced surfers. Beach driving is allowed at certain spots on the beach. The speed limit is 25 mph. Building sand castles, digging sand to find something, bicycle riding, and flying kites are also popular activities in the area.
You can find right hotels easily in the area. The Southwest Loop Trail Map can be got through the Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau Office by calling 1-800-451-2542. Enjoy your trip to Long Beach, Washington.
Question:
Which of the following statements about the activities in Long Beach is TRUE?
Choices:
A. People can drive an RV on the beach.
B. Camp fires can be near beach dry grass.
C. Tent camping is not allowed on the beach.
D. RV parks are mainly for people who like riding horses.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high17790.txt
|
Long Beach lies in south-western Washington, and it is generally called Long Beach Peninsula. Communities there take you back to the old days of a simple and slow-paced lifestyle. There, visitors can relax and have fun through various activities.
Bird watching
There are many kinds of birds that can be found in Long Beach. It is the best if you observe from a distance. If you walk close to them, they may be spooked and fly away. Don't forget to take a camera and take pictures of the various birds there.
Horses
A popular activity in Long Beach is horseback riding. Two businesses in the city of Long Beach offer guided horseback tours along the beach: Black Country Wilderness Outfitters and Skipper's Equestrian Center. You may also bring your own horse. Among the adventures offered with horses is a wagon ride along the beach, a carriage ride through Long Beach, or a sunset ride on horseback on the beach.
Camping
RV camping and tent camping aren't allowed on the beach, but there are RV parks and private camp-grounds in the area, as well as Cape Disappointment State Park. Camp fires are allowed within 100 feet of the beach, but must be away from the beach dry grass.
Swimming and other activities
Swimming is allowed, but visitors should be careful. The waters are very cold and dangerous. Surfing is allowed only for experienced surfers. Beach driving is allowed at certain spots on the beach. The speed limit is 25 mph. Building sand castles, digging sand to find something, bicycle riding, and flying kites are also popular activities in the area.
You can find right hotels easily in the area. The Southwest Loop Trail Map can be got through the Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau Office by calling 1-800-451-2542. Enjoy your trip to Long Beach, Washington.
|
[
"People can drive an RV on the beach.",
"Camp fires can be near beach dry grass.",
"Tent camping is not allowed on the beach.",
"RV parks are mainly for people who like riding horses."
] |
Hans went to London by _ .
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Hans said to his friend Kurt, "I'm going to take my car to drive to London."
Kurt said, "Driving to London is very hard. You aren't going to find your hotel." But Hans was not afraid. He drove to Calais, put his car on the ship, took it off at Dover, and drove to London.
He stopped near the city and looked at his map. Then he drove into London, but he did not find his hotel. He drove round and round for an hour, and then he stopped and got out of his car. A taxi came, and Hans stopped it. "Take me to the Brussels Hotel," he said. But he did not get into the taxi: he got back into his car. The taxi man laughed, but then he drove to the Brussels Hotel, and Hans followed him in his car. They reached the hotel in two minutes.
,.
Question:
Hans went to London by _ .
Choices:
A. car
B. sea
C. air
D. both sea and land
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle6454.txt
|
Hans said to his friend Kurt, "I'm going to take my car to drive to London."
Kurt said, "Driving to London is very hard. You aren't going to find your hotel." But Hans was not afraid. He drove to Calais, put his car on the ship, took it off at Dover, and drove to London.
He stopped near the city and looked at his map. Then he drove into London, but he did not find his hotel. He drove round and round for an hour, and then he stopped and got out of his car. A taxi came, and Hans stopped it. "Take me to the Brussels Hotel," he said. But he did not get into the taxi: he got back into his car. The taxi man laughed, but then he drove to the Brussels Hotel, and Hans followed him in his car. They reached the hotel in two minutes.
,.
|
[
"car",
"sea",
"air",
"both sea and land"
] |
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