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There are 11 boys and 13 girls in a class. If 1 boy is added to the class, what percentage of the class are girls?
|
There are a total of 11 + 1 = <<11+1=12>>12 boys in the class.
Hence, there are a total of 12 boys + 13 girls = <<12+13=25>>25 students in a class.
So 13/25 x 100% = 52% of the class are girls.
#### 52
|
Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step.
|
There are 11 boys and 13 girls in a class. If 1 boy is added to the class, what percentage of the class are girls?
|
There are a total of 11 + 1 = <<11+1=12>>12 boys in the class.
Hence, there are a total of 12 boys + 13 girls = <<12+13=25>>25 students in a class.
So 13/25 x 100% = 52% of the class are girls.
#### 52
|
math
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
What does the survey indicate(,)?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
"Clean your plate!" and "Be a member of the clean-plate club!" Just about every kid in the US heard this from a parent or grandparent. Often, it's accompanied by an appeal: "Just think about those starving orphans in Africa." Sure, we should be grateful for every bite of food. Unfortunately, many people in the US take too many bites. Instead of "cleaning the plate', perhaps we should save some food for tomorrow.
According to news reports, US restaurants are partly to blame for the growing bellies(,). A waiter puts a plate of food in front of each customer, with two to four times the amount recommended by the government, according to a USA Today story. Americans traditionally associate (......) quantity with value and most restaurants try to give them that. They prefer to have customers complain about too much food rather than too little.
Barbara Rolls, a nutrition professor at Pennsylvania State University, told USA Today that restaurant portion(,) sizes began (or grew) in the 1970s, the same time that the American waistline began to expand .
Health experts have tried to get many restaurants to serve smaller portions. Now, apparently, some customers are calling for this too. The restaurant industry trade magazine QSR reported last month that 57 percent of more than 4,000 people surveyed believe restaurants serve portions that are too large; 23 percent had no opinion; 20 percent disagreed. But a closer look at the survey indicates that many Americans who can't afford fine dining still prefer large portions. Seventy percent of those earning at least $150,000 per year prefer smaller portions; but only 45 percent of those earning less than $25,000 want smaller.
It's not that working-class Americans don't want to eat healthily. It's just that, "after long hours at low-paying jobs, getting less on their plate hardly seems like a good deal. They live from paycheck, happy to save a little money for next year's Christmas presents."
Question:
What does the survey indicate(,)?
Choices:
A. Many poor Americans want large portions.
B. Twenty percent of the Americans want smaller portions.
C. Fifty seven percent of the Americans earn $150,000 per year.
D. Twenty three percent of the Americans earn less than $25,000 per year.
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high8025.txt
|
"Clean your plate!" and "Be a member of the clean-plate club!" Just about every kid in the US heard this from a parent or grandparent. Often, it's accompanied by an appeal: "Just think about those starving orphans in Africa." Sure, we should be grateful for every bite of food. Unfortunately, many people in the US take too many bites. Instead of "cleaning the plate', perhaps we should save some food for tomorrow.
According to news reports, US restaurants are partly to blame for the growing bellies(,). A waiter puts a plate of food in front of each customer, with two to four times the amount recommended by the government, according to a USA Today story. Americans traditionally associate (......) quantity with value and most restaurants try to give them that. They prefer to have customers complain about too much food rather than too little.
Barbara Rolls, a nutrition professor at Pennsylvania State University, told USA Today that restaurant portion(,) sizes began (or grew) in the 1970s, the same time that the American waistline began to expand .
Health experts have tried to get many restaurants to serve smaller portions. Now, apparently, some customers are calling for this too. The restaurant industry trade magazine QSR reported last month that 57 percent of more than 4,000 people surveyed believe restaurants serve portions that are too large; 23 percent had no opinion; 20 percent disagreed. But a closer look at the survey indicates that many Americans who can't afford fine dining still prefer large portions. Seventy percent of those earning at least $150,000 per year prefer smaller portions; but only 45 percent of those earning less than $25,000 want smaller.
It's not that working-class Americans don't want to eat healthily. It's just that, "after long hours at low-paying jobs, getting less on their plate hardly seems like a good deal. They live from paycheck, happy to save a little money for next year's Christmas presents."
|
[
"Many poor Americans want large portions.",
"Twenty percent of the Americans want smaller portions.",
"Fifty seven percent of the Americans earn $150,000 per year.",
"Twenty three percent of the Americans earn less than $25,000 per year."
] |
The math teacher helped her students review for a week because _ .
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Jane was not a good student. Her head was in the clouds most of the time. She wanted to listen in class, but other things seemed more important: her clothes, her hairstyle, films and television. Many times she tried to work hard at her lessons, but soon she became absent-minded.
One day, her math teacher gave the class an important lesson and told her students that there would be a test the next week. She helped them review all the week. Jane seemed to listen in class, but her mind went away again.
The day of the test arrived. Jane couldn't answer many of the questions on the exam. Mike, a very hard-working student, sat next to Jane. So Jane decided to copy his. Mike was very angry when he found Jane was copying his answers. He changed all his answers so that they were not right. Before the bell rang, Mike quickly changed his answers back into right ones. After the test, Mike turned to Jane and said, " All those answers you copied from my paper are wrong."
Question:
The math teacher helped her students review for a week because _ .
Choices:
A. there would be an English test
B. there would be an important lesson
C. she wanted her students to study hard.
D. she wanted them to pass the math test.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle193.txt
|
Jane was not a good student. Her head was in the clouds most of the time. She wanted to listen in class, but other things seemed more important: her clothes, her hairstyle, films and television. Many times she tried to work hard at her lessons, but soon she became absent-minded.
One day, her math teacher gave the class an important lesson and told her students that there would be a test the next week. She helped them review all the week. Jane seemed to listen in class, but her mind went away again.
The day of the test arrived. Jane couldn't answer many of the questions on the exam. Mike, a very hard-working student, sat next to Jane. So Jane decided to copy his. Mike was very angry when he found Jane was copying his answers. He changed all his answers so that they were not right. Before the bell rang, Mike quickly changed his answers back into right ones. After the test, Mike turned to Jane and said, " All those answers you copied from my paper are wrong."
|
[
"there would be an English test",
"there would be an important lesson",
"she wanted her students to study hard.",
"she wanted them to pass the math test."
] |
serves as the best title for the passage.
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Thanksgiving Day is always celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It is the most traditional American holiday. The first Thanksgiving Day was held in Massachusetts in 1621. After a year of great hardship, the colonist wanted to give thanks to God for their first harvest. They invited their Indian thanks. But it wasn't a regular national holiday until President Lincoln declared that the last Thursday in November would be there after Thanksgiving Day in 1863. It is a day of family reunion and it is customary to invite friends to share the meal. In some large cities, there are important football games that are played on Thanksgiving Day.
For Americans, Thanksgiving Day is one of the few days of the year when the entire family gets together. Everyone is glad to see everyone else and there is a very busy exchange of greetings. The women soon disappear into the kitchen to help prepare the dinner. The men, meanwhile, settle down to watch a football game on television, or to discuss business or polities. If weather permits, some of the more athletic men go outside to play ball games with the children. Then everyone will sit down to dinner, in which traditional Thanksgiving foods such as stuffed turkey, sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and pumpkin pies are served. After dinner, people will sit around and talk.
Question:
serves as the best title for the passage.
Choices:
A. "Thanksgiving Day"
B. "Thank God for a Good Harvest"
C. "Thanksgiving Foods"
D. "Thanksgiving, a National Holiday"
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high16630.txt
|
Thanksgiving Day is always celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It is the most traditional American holiday. The first Thanksgiving Day was held in Massachusetts in 1621. After a year of great hardship, the colonist wanted to give thanks to God for their first harvest. They invited their Indian thanks. But it wasn't a regular national holiday until President Lincoln declared that the last Thursday in November would be there after Thanksgiving Day in 1863. It is a day of family reunion and it is customary to invite friends to share the meal. In some large cities, there are important football games that are played on Thanksgiving Day.
For Americans, Thanksgiving Day is one of the few days of the year when the entire family gets together. Everyone is glad to see everyone else and there is a very busy exchange of greetings. The women soon disappear into the kitchen to help prepare the dinner. The men, meanwhile, settle down to watch a football game on television, or to discuss business or polities. If weather permits, some of the more athletic men go outside to play ball games with the children. Then everyone will sit down to dinner, in which traditional Thanksgiving foods such as stuffed turkey, sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and pumpkin pies are served. After dinner, people will sit around and talk.
|
[
"\"Thanksgiving Day\"",
"\"Thank God for a Good Harvest\"",
"\"Thanksgiving Foods\"",
"\"Thanksgiving, a National Holiday\""
] |
You Can't Ride Two Horses Well means _ .
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
"Would you tell me which way I should go from here?" asked Alice.
"That depends a good deal on where you want to get," said the Cat.
"I really don't care where" replied Alice.
"Then it doesn't much matter which way you go," said the Cat.
--- from " Alice in Wonderland "
My name is David. And I have a brother called Mike.
One day, my brother called me and asked me for some advice. He was trying to decide between two job offers:
Job 1 - The first job was your typical 40 hour a week "office" job.
Job 2 - The second job was more of a career in the insurance industry , where he would start at the bottom, and after many years and many long hours eventually rise to the top (if he was good).
The second job did not pay as well as the first job (at the beginning), but the pay-off of the second job (in the future) was much greater than the first job. So which job should my brother take? Well the answer is...it depends.
Just like the Cat was trying to tell Alice, which road you take depends a great deal on where you want to end up.
Begin with the End in Mind
I asked my brother what was his life's purpose. He said his purpose was to "teach," but he wanted to make a lot of money first. I told my brother to forget about the money, and I advised him to focus on his purpose. I then asked him which job best supported his end result of "teaching." He said the first job best supported his goal because he would only have to work 40 hours a week, which would give him spare time to teach. He continued on to say, "but if I take job number two, I can work hard and make more money, then I can retire early and "teach" later in life." I again advised him to "focus" on his purpose, not money. Things don't end wrong, they begin wrong!
You Can't Ride Two Horses Well
It would be very difficult to have a successful teaching career while you're working 70-80 hours a week in the insurance business; no one can ride two horses well. As they say, you can do anything, but not everything. I advised him to get started today by choosing the job that best supported that decision.
Tomorrow Never Comes
My brother was thinking that he could always start teaching later in life, but the reality is, tomorrow never comes. Unless you decide right now to follow your feelings, they will probably never be completed. You only live once, don't go to the end of your life with one regret.
The Money Will Come
My brother seemed to be overly concerned with making money. I told him not to be anxious about making money. You will always have greater money when you're doing what you love.
In a word, whenever you're at a cross-road, be sure to make the decision that best supports the goal of your life. If you do, then you will be well on your way.
Question:
You Can't Ride Two Horses Well means _ .
Choices:
A. you'd better have two horses
B. you can only ride one horse well
C. you can do everything well.
D. you can't do two things well at the same time
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle8.txt
|
"Would you tell me which way I should go from here?" asked Alice.
"That depends a good deal on where you want to get," said the Cat.
"I really don't care where" replied Alice.
"Then it doesn't much matter which way you go," said the Cat.
--- from " Alice in Wonderland "
My name is David. And I have a brother called Mike.
One day, my brother called me and asked me for some advice. He was trying to decide between two job offers:
Job 1 - The first job was your typical 40 hour a week "office" job.
Job 2 - The second job was more of a career in the insurance industry , where he would start at the bottom, and after many years and many long hours eventually rise to the top (if he was good).
The second job did not pay as well as the first job (at the beginning), but the pay-off of the second job (in the future) was much greater than the first job. So which job should my brother take? Well the answer is...it depends.
Just like the Cat was trying to tell Alice, which road you take depends a great deal on where you want to end up.
Begin with the End in Mind
I asked my brother what was his life's purpose. He said his purpose was to "teach," but he wanted to make a lot of money first. I told my brother to forget about the money, and I advised him to focus on his purpose. I then asked him which job best supported his end result of "teaching." He said the first job best supported his goal because he would only have to work 40 hours a week, which would give him spare time to teach. He continued on to say, "but if I take job number two, I can work hard and make more money, then I can retire early and "teach" later in life." I again advised him to "focus" on his purpose, not money. Things don't end wrong, they begin wrong!
You Can't Ride Two Horses Well
It would be very difficult to have a successful teaching career while you're working 70-80 hours a week in the insurance business; no one can ride two horses well. As they say, you can do anything, but not everything. I advised him to get started today by choosing the job that best supported that decision.
Tomorrow Never Comes
My brother was thinking that he could always start teaching later in life, but the reality is, tomorrow never comes. Unless you decide right now to follow your feelings, they will probably never be completed. You only live once, don't go to the end of your life with one regret.
The Money Will Come
My brother seemed to be overly concerned with making money. I told him not to be anxious about making money. You will always have greater money when you're doing what you love.
In a word, whenever you're at a cross-road, be sure to make the decision that best supports the goal of your life. If you do, then you will be well on your way.
|
[
"you'd better have two horses",
"you can only ride one horse well",
"you can do everything well.",
"you can't do two things well at the same time"
] |
We can infer from the passage that _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Researchers who helped discover a new species of Mexican butterfly are offering to sell the naming rights to raise money to fund more research. Co-discoverer Andrew Warren is hoping to raise at least $50,000 by auctioning off the rights to name the 4-inch "owl eye" butterfly, which lives in Sonora, a Mexican state bordering Arizona.
"That would support at least two years of research for our team down in Mexico," Warren said. "Money goes a long way down here in Mexico."
According to the scientific tradition, discoverers of a new species have the say in naming it. In recent years, some discoverers have auctioned off their naming rights to raise money.
Warren said the amount being sought for the butterfly is not out of the question, noting that naming rights for a new monkey species brought in $650,000 two years ago. A group of 10 new fish species that went on the naming auction block at the same time earlier this year brought in a total of $2 million.
The butterfly discovered by Warren and researcher George Austin ranges as far north as Mexico.
The butterfly was actually in a collection, misidentified as an example of another new species, at the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity at the Florida Museum of National History in Gainesville, said Warren. They soon began the hard process of determining that it was indeed a "new" model of butterfly.
After checking photos and comparing it with other known species, they determined it was a separate species.
Question:
We can infer from the passage that _ .
Choices:
A. the new species of butterfly live both in the US and Mexico
B. it took the researchers a lot of efforts to determine the new species of butterfly
C. the researchers are not sure whether they can get the money they want from the auction
D. it is the first time that the new species of butterfly has been found
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high15918.txt
|
Researchers who helped discover a new species of Mexican butterfly are offering to sell the naming rights to raise money to fund more research. Co-discoverer Andrew Warren is hoping to raise at least $50,000 by auctioning off the rights to name the 4-inch "owl eye" butterfly, which lives in Sonora, a Mexican state bordering Arizona.
"That would support at least two years of research for our team down in Mexico," Warren said. "Money goes a long way down here in Mexico."
According to the scientific tradition, discoverers of a new species have the say in naming it. In recent years, some discoverers have auctioned off their naming rights to raise money.
Warren said the amount being sought for the butterfly is not out of the question, noting that naming rights for a new monkey species brought in $650,000 two years ago. A group of 10 new fish species that went on the naming auction block at the same time earlier this year brought in a total of $2 million.
The butterfly discovered by Warren and researcher George Austin ranges as far north as Mexico.
The butterfly was actually in a collection, misidentified as an example of another new species, at the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity at the Florida Museum of National History in Gainesville, said Warren. They soon began the hard process of determining that it was indeed a "new" model of butterfly.
After checking photos and comparing it with other known species, they determined it was a separate species.
|
[
"the new species of butterfly live both in the US and Mexico",
"it took the researchers a lot of efforts to determine the new species of butterfly",
"the researchers are not sure whether they can get the money they want from the auction",
"it is the first time that the new species of butterfly has been found"
] |
A parent and a child share several characteristics. Both individuals are tall, have curly hair, are good cooks, and have freckles. Which of these characteristics is a learned behavior?
| null |
Answer this science question and explain your reasoning.
|
A parent and a child share several characteristics. Both individuals are tall, have curly hair, are good cooks, and have freckles. Which of these characteristics is a learned behavior?
Choices:
A. being tall
B. having curly hair
C. being a good cook
D. having freckles
|
Correct answer: C
|
science
|
MDSA_2010_4_1
|
{
"text": [
"being tall",
"having curly hair",
"being a good cook",
"having freckles"
],
"label": [
"A",
"B",
"C",
"D"
]
}
|
C
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Mammals are synapsids, meaning they have a single opening in what structure?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
Mammals are synapsids, meaning they have a single opening in what structure?
|
skull
|
science
| null | null | null |
hip
|
spine
|
heart
|
skull
|
Evolution of Mammals Mammals are synapsids, meaning they have a single opening in the skull. They are the only living synapsids, as earlier forms became extinct by the Jurassic period. The early non-mammalian synapsids can be divided into two groups, the pelycosaurs and the therapsids. Within the therapsids, a group called the cynodonts are thought to be the ancestors of mammals (Figure 29.36).
| null | null | null |
The author stopped his work immediately because he _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Years ago, I worked for a trucking company as a driver. It was my habit to go to company on Saturday and spend a couple hours maintaining my truck. As I was under the truck, I noticed the owner's elderly father making his way over to his grandson's truck next to mine.
The old man asked the kid to take him fishing. But the grandson told him all about how much he'd love to, but he couldn't due to the prior promises. The old man then walked away. Some minutes later, the father came out and asked his son what the old man had wanted. After telling the story, the kid ended it with saying, "I'm not taking that old man fishing. It's worse than taking a kid."
That just broke my heart.
I quit working immediately and headed home. I loaded up something like a lawn chair, a pole , and headed back to the yard. On the way I bought a big bobber and some worms. When I got there, I knocked on the door and invited him fishing. If I was like taking a kid fishing, I had determined to take him where I'd take a kid.
When we got there I put him in the lawn chair beside the water, baited and cast the line, and handed him the pole. Soon that big old bobber started to dance; he set the hook, drew the fish in skillfully. And handed the pole to me. I unhooked the fish, re-baited and cast, and again handed it to him. This went on for about half an hour at which point he informed me he was tired and needed to go home. Then I got home. When I got him home I gave the fish to his daughter-in-law with instructions to make sure he got them for dinner and then left.
Two weeks later, the old man died. His family told me later all he talked about during that time was his fishing trip. While I get the satisfaction of knowing I took an old man on his last fishing trip, his family has to live with the knowledge that a stranger took their grandpa on his last fishing trip.
Whenever you get the chance, don't forget about taking grandpa fishing, you may be in the same place and you'll want your family to care about you too.
Question:
The author stopped his work immediately because he _ .
Choices:
A. became quite angry after listening to the words of his boss's son
B. decided to drive home for fishing tools and take the old man fishing
C. needed to go and buy a big bobber and some worms he needed
D. had got to head home to deal with some urgent situations
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high22102.txt
|
Years ago, I worked for a trucking company as a driver. It was my habit to go to company on Saturday and spend a couple hours maintaining my truck. As I was under the truck, I noticed the owner's elderly father making his way over to his grandson's truck next to mine.
The old man asked the kid to take him fishing. But the grandson told him all about how much he'd love to, but he couldn't due to the prior promises. The old man then walked away. Some minutes later, the father came out and asked his son what the old man had wanted. After telling the story, the kid ended it with saying, "I'm not taking that old man fishing. It's worse than taking a kid."
That just broke my heart.
I quit working immediately and headed home. I loaded up something like a lawn chair, a pole , and headed back to the yard. On the way I bought a big bobber and some worms. When I got there, I knocked on the door and invited him fishing. If I was like taking a kid fishing, I had determined to take him where I'd take a kid.
When we got there I put him in the lawn chair beside the water, baited and cast the line, and handed him the pole. Soon that big old bobber started to dance; he set the hook, drew the fish in skillfully. And handed the pole to me. I unhooked the fish, re-baited and cast, and again handed it to him. This went on for about half an hour at which point he informed me he was tired and needed to go home. Then I got home. When I got him home I gave the fish to his daughter-in-law with instructions to make sure he got them for dinner and then left.
Two weeks later, the old man died. His family told me later all he talked about during that time was his fishing trip. While I get the satisfaction of knowing I took an old man on his last fishing trip, his family has to live with the knowledge that a stranger took their grandpa on his last fishing trip.
Whenever you get the chance, don't forget about taking grandpa fishing, you may be in the same place and you'll want your family to care about you too.
|
[
"became quite angry after listening to the words of his boss's son",
"decided to drive home for fishing tools and take the old man fishing",
"needed to go and buy a big bobber and some worms he needed",
"had got to head home to deal with some urgent situations"
] |
What is the process of breaking down food into components the body can absorb called?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
What is the process of breaking down food into components the body can absorb called?
|
digestion
|
science
| null | null | null |
excretion
|
absorption
|
filtration
|
digestion
|
The digestive system has three main functions: digestion of food, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of solid food waste. Digestion is the process of breaking down food into components the body can absorb. It consists of two types of processes: mechanical digestion and chemical digestion.
| null | null | null |
What are genes located on the sex chromosomes called?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
What are genes located on the sex chromosomes called?
|
sex-linked genes
|
science
| null | null | null |
dimorphism - linked genes
|
autosomes
|
diploid genes
|
sex-linked genes
|
Genes located on the sex chromosomes are called sex-linked genes . Most sex-linked genes are on the X chromosome, because the Y chromosome has relatively few genes. Strictly speaking, genes on the X chromosome are X-linked genes , but the term sex-linked is often used to refer to them.
| null | null | null |
Where was Yuuki when the earthquake struck?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
For hundreds of years, Japan has been hit, from time to time, by tsunamis , which are caused by earthquakes or underwater volcanoes. The story of the boy Yuuki is the story of such a disaster.
Yuuki lived with his family in a seaside village, below a small mountain. One day, as he played on top of the mountain, Yuuki felt a small earthquake but it was not strong enough to frighten anybody. Soon after, however, Yuuki noticed the sea darken and begin running away from the shore very fast, leaving behind wide areas of beach that had never been seen before.
Yuuki remembered reading that just before a terrible tsunami, the sea suddenly and quickly rolls backward. He ran to the beach, warning the villagers who had gathered to admire the new beach land.
But no one listened. They laughed at him and continued playing in the new sand.
Desperate, Yuuki could think of only one thing to do. He lit a tree branch, raced to the rice fields and began burning the harvested rice. Then he called out, "Fire! Fire! Everyone run to the mountain! Now!"
When everyone reached the mountain top, a villager cried out, "Yuuki is mad! I saw him set the fire." Yuuki hung his head in shame, but said nothing as the villagers screamed at him.
Just then, someone shouted, "Look!"
In the distance a huge dark wave of water was speeding towards the shore. When it hit the shore, it destroyed everything.
On the mountain everyone stared at the village ruins in terror.
"I'm sorry I burned the fields," said Yuuki, his voice trembling.
"Yuuki," the village chief answered. "You saved us all."
The villagers cheered and raised Yuuki into the air. "We were going to celebrate our rice harvest tonight," said one, "but now we'll celebrate that we're all still alive!"
Question:
Where was Yuuki when the earthquake struck?
Choices:
A. On the beach.
B. On the mountain.
C. In the rice fields.
D. At home.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high12491.txt
|
For hundreds of years, Japan has been hit, from time to time, by tsunamis , which are caused by earthquakes or underwater volcanoes. The story of the boy Yuuki is the story of such a disaster.
Yuuki lived with his family in a seaside village, below a small mountain. One day, as he played on top of the mountain, Yuuki felt a small earthquake but it was not strong enough to frighten anybody. Soon after, however, Yuuki noticed the sea darken and begin running away from the shore very fast, leaving behind wide areas of beach that had never been seen before.
Yuuki remembered reading that just before a terrible tsunami, the sea suddenly and quickly rolls backward. He ran to the beach, warning the villagers who had gathered to admire the new beach land.
But no one listened. They laughed at him and continued playing in the new sand.
Desperate, Yuuki could think of only one thing to do. He lit a tree branch, raced to the rice fields and began burning the harvested rice. Then he called out, "Fire! Fire! Everyone run to the mountain! Now!"
When everyone reached the mountain top, a villager cried out, "Yuuki is mad! I saw him set the fire." Yuuki hung his head in shame, but said nothing as the villagers screamed at him.
Just then, someone shouted, "Look!"
In the distance a huge dark wave of water was speeding towards the shore. When it hit the shore, it destroyed everything.
On the mountain everyone stared at the village ruins in terror.
"I'm sorry I burned the fields," said Yuuki, his voice trembling.
"Yuuki," the village chief answered. "You saved us all."
The villagers cheered and raised Yuuki into the air. "We were going to celebrate our rice harvest tonight," said one, "but now we'll celebrate that we're all still alive!"
|
[
"On the beach.",
"On the mountain.",
"In the rice fields.",
"At home."
] |
The difference between Lilian and her classmates is that_.
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Lilian Hanson, a college student, expects to graduate in about two years. What makes Mrs Hanson different from her classmates is her age -- 73 years. She has been studying at college, a few courses at a time, for 27 years.
When Lilian Hanson graduated from high school, she went to the bank to borrow money for further education. The banker gave her no encouragement. He didn't think that a country girl should borrow money to go to college. He thought she should be at home doing work in the house or around the farm. So Lilian Hanson went home and raised a family of nine children instead of going to college.
Mrs Hanson never forgot her dream of getting a higher education. When her children were grown, she tried again. She finds the hardest part of going back to school at her age is the sitting in class for long periods of time. Because she is not as flexible as she used to be, Mrs Hanson often gets up and walks around between classes to keep from getting stiff . At the beginning of a course in using the computer, the other students all stood and gave her a warm welcome when she introduced herself and explained why she was there and what her aims were.
Question:
The difference between Lilian and her classmates is that_.
Choices:
A. she works harder at her lessons
B. she is eager to graduate from college
C. she is much older
D. she is a country girl
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high4886.txt
|
Lilian Hanson, a college student, expects to graduate in about two years. What makes Mrs Hanson different from her classmates is her age -- 73 years. She has been studying at college, a few courses at a time, for 27 years.
When Lilian Hanson graduated from high school, she went to the bank to borrow money for further education. The banker gave her no encouragement. He didn't think that a country girl should borrow money to go to college. He thought she should be at home doing work in the house or around the farm. So Lilian Hanson went home and raised a family of nine children instead of going to college.
Mrs Hanson never forgot her dream of getting a higher education. When her children were grown, she tried again. She finds the hardest part of going back to school at her age is the sitting in class for long periods of time. Because she is not as flexible as she used to be, Mrs Hanson often gets up and walks around between classes to keep from getting stiff . At the beginning of a course in using the computer, the other students all stood and gave her a warm welcome when she introduced herself and explained why she was there and what her aims were.
|
[
"she works harder at her lessons",
"she is eager to graduate from college",
"she is much older",
"she is a country girl"
] |
The man _ when he saw the blind boy.
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said, "I am blind, please help."
There were only a few coins in the hat. A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.
Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy heard his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?"
The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way."
What he had written was, " Today is a beautiful day but I cannot see it." Do you think the first sign and the second sign were saying the same thing?
Of course, both signs told people the boy was blind. But the first sign simply told people to help by putting some money in the hat. The second sign told people that they were able to enjoy the beauty of the day, but the boy could not enjoy it because he was blind.
The first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people they were so lucky that they were not blind.
Question:
The man _ when he saw the blind boy.
Choices:
A. took away the blind boy's money
B. gave the boy a new hat
C. brought the boy a sign
D. gave the boy some money and wrote some words on the sign
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle5642.txt
|
A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said, "I am blind, please help."
There were only a few coins in the hat. A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.
Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy heard his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?"
The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way."
What he had written was, " Today is a beautiful day but I cannot see it." Do you think the first sign and the second sign were saying the same thing?
Of course, both signs told people the boy was blind. But the first sign simply told people to help by putting some money in the hat. The second sign told people that they were able to enjoy the beauty of the day, but the boy could not enjoy it because he was blind.
The first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people they were so lucky that they were not blind.
|
[
"took away the blind boy's money",
"gave the boy a new hat",
"brought the boy a sign",
"gave the boy some money and wrote some words on the sign"
] |
According to the passage, which of the following words can't be used to describe Yao Ming?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
The NBA's version of the Ming Dynasty is done. After helping basketball gain a foothold in the world's most populous market, Chinese star Yao Ming has retired.
Yao made it official Wednesday, telling a news conference that a series of foot and leg injuries forced him to end his playing career at the age of 30.
"I will formally end my career," said Yao, who became a household name in China before starting his NBA career with the Houston Rockets in 2002. Yao played eight seasons in the NBA.
"Today is an important day for me and holds a special meaning for both my basketball career and my future," Yao said. "I had to leave the court since I suffered a stress fracture in my left foot for the third time at the end of last year. My past six months were a painful wait. I have been thinking about my future over and over. Today I am announcing a personal decision, ending my career as a basketball player and officially retire. But one door is closing and another one is opening."
Yao said he would return to work with his former Chinese team, the Shanghai Sharks, with the possibility of becoming general manager. He already owns the club and wants to contribute more.
"My playing career started with the club. I hope I can do something for it," Yao said.
He later appeared with his family on the stage to the applause and cheers of the crowd. He thanked a lot of people ---- his family, former coaches, even players like Shaquille O'Neal ---- "for making me a better player. I will be always with you. Thank you."
Rockets general manager Daryl Morey was among those attending the farewell conference Wednesday. Morey made the long trip from Houston. Morey said 20 hours on planes was tiring but he would be sorry if he wasn't here. "It's a big moment," Morey added. "Yao had a sense of humor, a great attitude and sense of responsibility. I hope we can continue his culture in the NBA."
Yao had played six years with the Chinese national team before joining the Rockets, and was already a star in his home country. He carried the Olympic torch through Tiananmen Square and his country's flag during the opening ceremonies at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. He also donated $ 2 million and set up a foundation to rebuild schools in the wake of the 2008 earthquake in Sichuan.
Question:
According to the passage, which of the following words can't be used to describe Yao Ming?
Choices:
A. Careful
B. Responsible
C. Generous
D. Talented
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high21578.txt
|
The NBA's version of the Ming Dynasty is done. After helping basketball gain a foothold in the world's most populous market, Chinese star Yao Ming has retired.
Yao made it official Wednesday, telling a news conference that a series of foot and leg injuries forced him to end his playing career at the age of 30.
"I will formally end my career," said Yao, who became a household name in China before starting his NBA career with the Houston Rockets in 2002. Yao played eight seasons in the NBA.
"Today is an important day for me and holds a special meaning for both my basketball career and my future," Yao said. "I had to leave the court since I suffered a stress fracture in my left foot for the third time at the end of last year. My past six months were a painful wait. I have been thinking about my future over and over. Today I am announcing a personal decision, ending my career as a basketball player and officially retire. But one door is closing and another one is opening."
Yao said he would return to work with his former Chinese team, the Shanghai Sharks, with the possibility of becoming general manager. He already owns the club and wants to contribute more.
"My playing career started with the club. I hope I can do something for it," Yao said.
He later appeared with his family on the stage to the applause and cheers of the crowd. He thanked a lot of people ---- his family, former coaches, even players like Shaquille O'Neal ---- "for making me a better player. I will be always with you. Thank you."
Rockets general manager Daryl Morey was among those attending the farewell conference Wednesday. Morey made the long trip from Houston. Morey said 20 hours on planes was tiring but he would be sorry if he wasn't here. "It's a big moment," Morey added. "Yao had a sense of humor, a great attitude and sense of responsibility. I hope we can continue his culture in the NBA."
Yao had played six years with the Chinese national team before joining the Rockets, and was already a star in his home country. He carried the Olympic torch through Tiananmen Square and his country's flag during the opening ceremonies at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. He also donated $ 2 million and set up a foundation to rebuild schools in the wake of the 2008 earthquake in Sichuan.
|
[
"Careful",
"Responsible",
"Generous",
"Talented"
] |
A company has 1000 employees. There will be three rounds of layoffs. For each round of layoff, 10% of the remaining employees will be laid off. How many employees will be laid off in total?
|
The first round will result in 1000 * 10% = <<1000*10*.01=100>>100 employee layoffs.
There are 1000 - 100 = <<1000-100=900>>900 employees remaining.
The second round will result in 900 * 10% = <<900*10*.01=90>>90 employee layoffs.
There are 900 - 90 = <<900-90=810>>810 employees remaining.
The third round will result in 810 * 10% = <<810*10*.01=81>>81 employee layoffs.
The total number of of employees laid off is 100 + 90 + 81 = <<100+90+81=271>>271.
#### 271
|
Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step.
|
A company has 1000 employees. There will be three rounds of layoffs. For each round of layoff, 10% of the remaining employees will be laid off. How many employees will be laid off in total?
|
The first round will result in 1000 * 10% = <<1000*10*.01=100>>100 employee layoffs.
There are 1000 - 100 = <<1000-100=900>>900 employees remaining.
The second round will result in 900 * 10% = <<900*10*.01=90>>90 employee layoffs.
There are 900 - 90 = <<900-90=810>>810 employees remaining.
The third round will result in 810 * 10% = <<810*10*.01=81>>81 employee layoffs.
The total number of of employees laid off is 100 + 90 + 81 = <<100+90+81=271>>271.
#### 271
|
math
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
If an examinee is not satisfied with his performance _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Just the mention of the TOEFL, GRE and GAMT exams brings a thought of long hours of dull paper work. But that idea is becoming increasingly out of date. As planned, computerized tests will begin next year which will bring a series of changes from test psychology to scoring techniques.
From computer - equipped rooms, examinees will answer the questions on a computer. If they are sure about their choices, they can pass to the next question by pressing the entry "next". Then another question will be randomly selected from a vast test item bank and appear on the screen. After answering all the questions, examinees can choose the entry "quit" if they are not satisfied with their performance, or "score" if they want to see the result. Scores will be calculated immediately and appear on the screen. By that point, student's marks are official--there is no going back.
Since they greatly shorten the painful waiting process-which used to be two or three months, computerized tests have won worldwide popularity. Besides, there will be no rushing to the registration offices( )for these exams. Computerized tests will be given every workday in an exam center with all three kinds of tests being held in the same room. All test takers need to do is to call the exam center and book their seats for a particular day.
In addition it will become technically possible to apply new testing procedures. In the past,each examinee had the same set of test items despite differences in their ability. Under a computerized system, however, if the computer judges an answer is right, a question of a relatively difficult nature will follow. But if an examinee continues to give wrong answers and is judged as un-qualified by the computer system, he will be automatically _ the chance to go further in the test.
Question:
If an examinee is not satisfied with his performance _ .
Choices:
A. he can admit defeat and give it up
B. he can ask the computer to give some advice
C. he can ask another chance within a few days
D. he is allowed to do it once again
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high6879.txt
|
Just the mention of the TOEFL, GRE and GAMT exams brings a thought of long hours of dull paper work. But that idea is becoming increasingly out of date. As planned, computerized tests will begin next year which will bring a series of changes from test psychology to scoring techniques.
From computer - equipped rooms, examinees will answer the questions on a computer. If they are sure about their choices, they can pass to the next question by pressing the entry "next". Then another question will be randomly selected from a vast test item bank and appear on the screen. After answering all the questions, examinees can choose the entry "quit" if they are not satisfied with their performance, or "score" if they want to see the result. Scores will be calculated immediately and appear on the screen. By that point, student's marks are official--there is no going back.
Since they greatly shorten the painful waiting process-which used to be two or three months, computerized tests have won worldwide popularity. Besides, there will be no rushing to the registration offices( )for these exams. Computerized tests will be given every workday in an exam center with all three kinds of tests being held in the same room. All test takers need to do is to call the exam center and book their seats for a particular day.
In addition it will become technically possible to apply new testing procedures. In the past,each examinee had the same set of test items despite differences in their ability. Under a computerized system, however, if the computer judges an answer is right, a question of a relatively difficult nature will follow. But if an examinee continues to give wrong answers and is judged as un-qualified by the computer system, he will be automatically _ the chance to go further in the test.
|
[
"he can admit defeat and give it up",
"he can ask the computer to give some advice",
"he can ask another chance within a few days",
"he is allowed to do it once again"
] |
Ocean ridges formed by marine invertebrates living in warm shallow waters within the photic zone of the ocean are called what?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
Ocean ridges formed by marine invertebrates living in warm shallow waters within the photic zone of the ocean are called what?
|
coral reefs
|
science
| null | null | null |
break water
|
lagoon
|
trenches
|
coral reefs
|
In which of the following regions would you expect to find photosynthetic organisms? a. The aphotic zone, the neritic zone, the oceanic zone, and the benthic realm. The photic zone, the intertidal zone, the neritic zone, and the oceanic zone. The photic zone, the abyssal zone, the neritic zone, and the oceanic zone. The pelagic realm, the aphotic zone, the neritic zone, and the oceanic zone. Coral Reefs Coral reefs are ocean ridges formed by marine invertebrates living in warm shallow waters within the photic zone of the ocean. They are found within 30˚ north and south of the equator. The Great Barrier Reef is a well-known reef system located several miles off the northeastern coast of Australia. Other coral reefs are fringing islands, which are directly adjacent to land, or atolls, which are circular reefs surrounding a former island that is now underwater. The coral-forming colonies of organisms (members of phylum Cnidaria) secrete a calcium carbonate skeleton. These calcium-rich skeletons slowly accumulate, thus forming the underwater reef (Figure 20.29). Corals found in shallower waters (at a depth of approximately 60 m or about 200 ft) have a mutualistic relationship with photosynthetic unicellular protists. The relationship provides corals with the majority of the nutrition and the energy they require. The waters in which these corals live are nutritionally poor and, without this mutualism, it would not be possible for large corals to grow because there are few planktonic organisms for them to feed on. Some corals living in deeper and colder water do not have a mutualistic relationship with protists; these corals must obtain their energy exclusively by feeding on plankton using stinging cells on their tentacles.
| null | null | null |
How many questions did the friend ask the writer?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Twice in the past few days, I've witnessed families arguing to the point of having major 'falling outs' (when you get so angry with each other that there is threat of withdrawing love from a family member and/or abandoning the relationship). Last night, one of those situations occurred and a friend contacted me on QQ and asked my advice.
Their situation arose where a son-in-law had disagreements with his wife and then got into a quarrel with his mother-in-law and father-in-law. In the end, the son-in-law threatened to cut off all relationship with his in laws and also to deny his in laws a relationship with his own daughter, their granddaughter.
Not only did the son-in-law threaten his wife's parents, but he has followed through with his threat and hasn't allowed his wife or his child to have any contact with his wife's parents in almost a year.
The first question my friend asked me was, "Michael, what do you do when you get into a quarrel with your family?" I said, "I don't know." They said, "Well what about when you quarrel with your mother or one of your siblings (brother or sister)?" I said, "I don't know." He said, "Well, what would you do if you got into an argument with your in laws when you were married?" I said, "I don't know." He said, "What do you mean that you don't know?" I said, "Well, I never got into a quarrel with my in-laws, my mother or my siblings." He said, "Be serious, Michael. I need some help with this situation." I said, "I am serious. I never quarreled with mother, brother, sister, father-in-law, mother-in-law or brother-in-law. At least not in my adult life (since I turned 18 years old)." My friend found it hard to believe that I never did any of these things. I suppose (I really don't know; Ha!) that many people wouldn't believe that an entire family could maintain a such a level of peace, harmony, respect and love. The truth is, my family doesn't do those things.
You may wonder 'why' we don't do that. Well, I never really thought about 'why' we don't do that. But I do know, we don't. So, I did the most logical thing I could think of. I asked my mother 'why' we don't quarrel, argue, fight and have such situations. Some people believe that if you don't argue, quarrel and fight, then, you don't care enough. I would say that my family cares very deeply for each other and love each other and express our love to each other, very often. We don't believe that you have to quarrel, argue and fight in order to show that you care and that you love the other. Instead, we show that we love, care and respect each other by, well, loving, caring and respecting each other.
Question:
How many questions did the friend ask the writer?
Choices:
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high6365.txt
|
Twice in the past few days, I've witnessed families arguing to the point of having major 'falling outs' (when you get so angry with each other that there is threat of withdrawing love from a family member and/or abandoning the relationship). Last night, one of those situations occurred and a friend contacted me on QQ and asked my advice.
Their situation arose where a son-in-law had disagreements with his wife and then got into a quarrel with his mother-in-law and father-in-law. In the end, the son-in-law threatened to cut off all relationship with his in laws and also to deny his in laws a relationship with his own daughter, their granddaughter.
Not only did the son-in-law threaten his wife's parents, but he has followed through with his threat and hasn't allowed his wife or his child to have any contact with his wife's parents in almost a year.
The first question my friend asked me was, "Michael, what do you do when you get into a quarrel with your family?" I said, "I don't know." They said, "Well what about when you quarrel with your mother or one of your siblings (brother or sister)?" I said, "I don't know." He said, "Well, what would you do if you got into an argument with your in laws when you were married?" I said, "I don't know." He said, "What do you mean that you don't know?" I said, "Well, I never got into a quarrel with my in-laws, my mother or my siblings." He said, "Be serious, Michael. I need some help with this situation." I said, "I am serious. I never quarreled with mother, brother, sister, father-in-law, mother-in-law or brother-in-law. At least not in my adult life (since I turned 18 years old)." My friend found it hard to believe that I never did any of these things. I suppose (I really don't know; Ha!) that many people wouldn't believe that an entire family could maintain a such a level of peace, harmony, respect and love. The truth is, my family doesn't do those things.
You may wonder 'why' we don't do that. Well, I never really thought about 'why' we don't do that. But I do know, we don't. So, I did the most logical thing I could think of. I asked my mother 'why' we don't quarrel, argue, fight and have such situations. Some people believe that if you don't argue, quarrel and fight, then, you don't care enough. I would say that my family cares very deeply for each other and love each other and express our love to each other, very often. We don't believe that you have to quarrel, argue and fight in order to show that you care and that you love the other. Instead, we show that we love, care and respect each other by, well, loving, caring and respecting each other.
|
[
"2",
"3",
"4",
"5"
] |
Jackie can do 5 push-ups in 10 seconds. How many push-ups can she do in one minute if she takes two 8-second breaks?
|
There are 60 seconds per minute, so Jackie’s push-up routine takes 1 * 60 = <<60=60>>60 seconds.
Her breaks last 2 * 8 = <<2*8=16>>16 seconds.
She does push-ups for 60 - 16 = <<60-16=44>>44 seconds.
She can do a push-up in 10 / 5 = <<10/5=2>>2 seconds.
Therefore, Jackie can do 44 / 2 = <<44/2=22>>22 push-ups in one minute with breaks.
#### 22
|
Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step.
|
Jackie can do 5 push-ups in 10 seconds. How many push-ups can she do in one minute if she takes two 8-second breaks?
|
There are 60 seconds per minute, so Jackie’s push-up routine takes 1 * 60 = <<60=60>>60 seconds.
Her breaks last 2 * 8 = <<2*8=16>>16 seconds.
She does push-ups for 60 - 16 = <<60-16=44>>44 seconds.
She can do a push-up in 10 / 5 = <<10/5=2>>2 seconds.
Therefore, Jackie can do 44 / 2 = <<44/2=22>>22 push-ups in one minute with breaks.
#### 22
|
math
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
How many people were there in Uncle Bill's family when he was a child
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Many people think heroes need to be handsome, rich, or very smart. But as for me, a hero is a person who always helps others. My hero is Uncle Bill. He is the oldest son of a worker, and he grew up in a poor family with four younger brothers and two little sisters.
He was good at neither writing nor math. In fact, he never did well in school. so he had to give up school at a very young age. He worked and gave all his money to help his parents. When he was getting older, he found that he was very interested in fixing things. he collected broken things which people threw away and fixed them into good ones. He could fix almost everything that did not work. He worked hard never gave up. Finally, he opened his own repair shop. It took him about 20 years to become a successful shopkeeper .
Now, he is very rich and has four shops. But he never forgets the days when he had nothing. He gives money to poor families, helps poor kids buy books and offers them free lunch. He also encourages people to reuse things. He always says :Make good use of what you have because we just have one earth.
I am proud of Uncle Bill. He is really a hero.
Question:
How many people were there in Uncle Bill's family when he was a child
Choices:
A. 7
B. 8
C. 9
D. 10
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle6952.txt
|
Many people think heroes need to be handsome, rich, or very smart. But as for me, a hero is a person who always helps others. My hero is Uncle Bill. He is the oldest son of a worker, and he grew up in a poor family with four younger brothers and two little sisters.
He was good at neither writing nor math. In fact, he never did well in school. so he had to give up school at a very young age. He worked and gave all his money to help his parents. When he was getting older, he found that he was very interested in fixing things. he collected broken things which people threw away and fixed them into good ones. He could fix almost everything that did not work. He worked hard never gave up. Finally, he opened his own repair shop. It took him about 20 years to become a successful shopkeeper .
Now, he is very rich and has four shops. But he never forgets the days when he had nothing. He gives money to poor families, helps poor kids buy books and offers them free lunch. He also encourages people to reuse things. He always says :Make good use of what you have because we just have one earth.
I am proud of Uncle Bill. He is really a hero.
|
[
"7",
"8",
"9",
"10"
] |
What would be the best title for the passage?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
A woman whose sports car was stolen with her dog in it put up notices all over the area that made it clear getting back her pet was more important than her car.
"Whoever did this can keep my car. Please let Benjerman come home," the notice said.
It is not known whether the thief showed any pity, but almost 30 hours after the 1 pm theft Friday, Kimberly Atkins of Dover and Benjerman, a 12-year-old black retriever , were reunited after police located them in Barrington.
"He's hungry, he's dirty, but he's very happy to be home," Atkins said.
The car was found at about 5 pm Saturday off Route 125 in a swampy area frequented by off-the-road cars and dirt bikes. However, the police couldn't control Benjerman, and they had to call Atkins to come and get him.
Atkins said the thief cared for Benjerman a little by providing him with some dry cat food. She believed Benjerman ended up drinking some muddy water in the area. She said they have been together for nearly 11 years after she took him back from a society shelter in Dallas, Texas.
Before Benjelman was found, Atkins and several friends put up notices all over the city and in Somersworth. They also contacted animal shelters,throughout southern New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
The notice stated there was a reward, and also that the dog needed medication. Any caller could remain anonymous .
Atkins had parked the car outside a hardware store with the keys inside and gone in to rent a carpet cleaner. "It was l0 minutes and I came out and my car was gone along with Benjerman in broad daylight," Atkins said. The car thief threw Atkins' wallet and other personal items out of the car before escaping from the scene.
Question:
What would be the best title for the passage?
Choices:
A. A car with a dog was stolen
B. Lucky dog was returned to his owner
C. Stealing cars: a most important social problem
D. Woman wants dog back more than stolen car
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high283.txt
|
A woman whose sports car was stolen with her dog in it put up notices all over the area that made it clear getting back her pet was more important than her car.
"Whoever did this can keep my car. Please let Benjerman come home," the notice said.
It is not known whether the thief showed any pity, but almost 30 hours after the 1 pm theft Friday, Kimberly Atkins of Dover and Benjerman, a 12-year-old black retriever , were reunited after police located them in Barrington.
"He's hungry, he's dirty, but he's very happy to be home," Atkins said.
The car was found at about 5 pm Saturday off Route 125 in a swampy area frequented by off-the-road cars and dirt bikes. However, the police couldn't control Benjerman, and they had to call Atkins to come and get him.
Atkins said the thief cared for Benjerman a little by providing him with some dry cat food. She believed Benjerman ended up drinking some muddy water in the area. She said they have been together for nearly 11 years after she took him back from a society shelter in Dallas, Texas.
Before Benjelman was found, Atkins and several friends put up notices all over the city and in Somersworth. They also contacted animal shelters,throughout southern New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
The notice stated there was a reward, and also that the dog needed medication. Any caller could remain anonymous .
Atkins had parked the car outside a hardware store with the keys inside and gone in to rent a carpet cleaner. "It was l0 minutes and I came out and my car was gone along with Benjerman in broad daylight," Atkins said. The car thief threw Atkins' wallet and other personal items out of the car before escaping from the scene.
|
[
"A car with a dog was stolen",
"Lucky dog was returned to his owner",
"Stealing cars: a most important social problem",
"Woman wants dog back more than stolen car"
] |
What are the two types of cells?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
What are the two types of cells?
|
prokaryotes and eukaryotes
|
science
| null | null | null |
animal and bacteria
|
mammal and plant
|
bacteria and eukaryotes
|
prokaryotes and eukaryotes
|
There are two cell types: prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Prokaryotic cells are usually single-celled and smaller than eukaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells are usually found in multicellular organisms, but there are some single-celled eukaryotes.
| null | null | null |
According to the passage we can see SUV is _ .
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Shanghai ---- More Shanghai people are renting cars to travel over the coming National Day holiday, Tom reported today.
Most cars in large local car-rental companies such as Yongda,Anji and Dazhong are rented so far with the Buick Sport Utility Vehicle(SUV)in great need.
Santana and Jetta were the most popular car models rented by Shanghai people for travel last year,while the high-end Buick models have attracted more people this year. However,the rent on a Buick GL or GS model is between 650 yuanand 750yuana day,nearly double that of Santana or Jetta cars.
Compared with Santana,Buick looks better,which has greater capabilities and is safer and more comfortable,said a car renter." I don't mind paying a higher cost for a Buick to enjoy the holiday,"he said.
SUV cars are very popular in the car renting market, according to some car-rental firms.
"All the 31 Buick GL&SUV cars were rented out several days ago," said a manager in the Shanghai Yongda Car Rental Co.
Local people would like to go travel with as groups of friends,so SUV cars are a better choice,said an industry analyst. Moreover, SUV cars are safer on rough roads,the analyst said.
According to the data,most people rented cars for seven days,a lesser number rented them for two or three days.
Question:
According to the passage we can see SUV is _ .
Choices:
A. the name of a car-rental company
B. the place for the holiday
C. the name of an ordinary car
D. the name of an expensive car
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high21036.txt
|
Shanghai ---- More Shanghai people are renting cars to travel over the coming National Day holiday, Tom reported today.
Most cars in large local car-rental companies such as Yongda,Anji and Dazhong are rented so far with the Buick Sport Utility Vehicle(SUV)in great need.
Santana and Jetta were the most popular car models rented by Shanghai people for travel last year,while the high-end Buick models have attracted more people this year. However,the rent on a Buick GL or GS model is between 650 yuanand 750yuana day,nearly double that of Santana or Jetta cars.
Compared with Santana,Buick looks better,which has greater capabilities and is safer and more comfortable,said a car renter." I don't mind paying a higher cost for a Buick to enjoy the holiday,"he said.
SUV cars are very popular in the car renting market, according to some car-rental firms.
"All the 31 Buick GL&SUV cars were rented out several days ago," said a manager in the Shanghai Yongda Car Rental Co.
Local people would like to go travel with as groups of friends,so SUV cars are a better choice,said an industry analyst. Moreover, SUV cars are safer on rough roads,the analyst said.
According to the data,most people rented cars for seven days,a lesser number rented them for two or three days.
|
[
"the name of a car-rental company",
"the place for the holiday",
"the name of an ordinary car",
"the name of an expensive car"
] |
The Harry Potter series is _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
J.K. Rowling is the writer of Harry Potter, which is now one of the bestsellers in the world.
J.K. Rowling was born in Bristol on July 31st, 1965. She has one sister who is two years younger than her. Both girls loved listening to their father reading bedtime stories to them. They especially loved stories about magical worlds. Rowling wrote her first story, called Rabbit, at the age of six.
After she graduated from the university, Rowling worked as a translator in London. During this time, on a long train trip in the summer of 1990, the idea came to her of a boy who has magic but doesn't know it. In 1992 Rowling began to teach English. She lived with her baby daughter, Jessica, and spent much time finishing the first Harry Potter book for young readers. It appeared in June 1997. To her surprise, the book was greatly successful. The film came out in November 2001. Now Harry Potter series is popular with people of all ages and about 60 million books were sold in 200 countries.
Why has the series been so successful? There are a few things. Many other magical stories take place in faraway lands or in past or future times. But Harry lives in modern England. He's also a very normal boy: polite, friendly, brave and clever. So when other children read about Harry, they can imagine being like him.
J.K. Rowling is very happy with the success, and she is now busy finishing the whole series of seven books. She's writing full time and she's really enjoying life. She says she will go on living a normal life with her daughter and writing children's books.
Question:
The Harry Potter series is _ .
Choices:
A. written for young people
B. only enjoyed by children
C. only sold in England
D. about a young inspector
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle104.txt
|
J.K. Rowling is the writer of Harry Potter, which is now one of the bestsellers in the world.
J.K. Rowling was born in Bristol on July 31st, 1965. She has one sister who is two years younger than her. Both girls loved listening to their father reading bedtime stories to them. They especially loved stories about magical worlds. Rowling wrote her first story, called Rabbit, at the age of six.
After she graduated from the university, Rowling worked as a translator in London. During this time, on a long train trip in the summer of 1990, the idea came to her of a boy who has magic but doesn't know it. In 1992 Rowling began to teach English. She lived with her baby daughter, Jessica, and spent much time finishing the first Harry Potter book for young readers. It appeared in June 1997. To her surprise, the book was greatly successful. The film came out in November 2001. Now Harry Potter series is popular with people of all ages and about 60 million books were sold in 200 countries.
Why has the series been so successful? There are a few things. Many other magical stories take place in faraway lands or in past or future times. But Harry lives in modern England. He's also a very normal boy: polite, friendly, brave and clever. So when other children read about Harry, they can imagine being like him.
J.K. Rowling is very happy with the success, and she is now busy finishing the whole series of seven books. She's writing full time and she's really enjoying life. She says she will go on living a normal life with her daughter and writing children's books.
|
[
"written for young people",
"only enjoyed by children",
"only sold in England",
"about a young inspector"
] |
To prevent yourself from catching colon cancer, you should eat _ as often as possible.
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Below is some advice on how to prevent cancer:
8 Ways to Avoid Cancer in Your Life
1. Eat Blueberries
Aside from being a healthy and delicious snack, blueberries contain pterostilbene, which has important colon cancer-fighting prosperities. But wait, it gets better. Blueberries also offer a large dose of vitamins C (14 milligrams per cup). So at breakfast, try to take in a cup and a half of blueberries in your cereal or yogurt, or mixed with other berries.
2. Drink Pomegranate Juice
The deep red juice of the pomegranate contains polyphenols, isoflavones and ellagic acid, which together create a powerful anticancer mixture. Most recently, researchers from the University of Wisconsin at Madison has discovered that 16 ounces of pomegranate juice per day also may inhibit the growth of lung cancer.
3. Relax
Feeling stressed or worried? Find ways to relax and you may reduce your chances of developing cancer. Purdue University researchers tracked 1,600 men over 12 years and found that half of those with high levels of worry died during the study period. Only 20 percent of the optimists died before the study were completed, while 34 percent of the extremely anxious men died of some type of cancer. Instead of stressing about the past or future, focus on the present and relax!
4. Take Selenium
Selenium is well known for its cancer-fighting properties. In a study of almost 1,000 men, researchers from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that when men with the lowest initial levels of selenium in their bodies received a daily supplement over a 4 year period, they cut their prostate cancer risk by a remarkable 92 percent. However, it is possible to get too much of a good thing, so monitor your intake of selenium-containing supplements, Brazil nuts, tuna, meats and grains carefully.
5. Eat Sushi
Seaweed may not be your idea of a great snack, but it is high in fiber, calcium and iron, and dry, roasted seaweed sheets used in sushi provide the additional benefits of vitamins A and C. Sushi rolls are also high in protein-- a typical spicy tuna roll has only 290 calories but packs 24 grams of protein. So don't skimp on the Sushi!
6. Enjoy the Outdoors
Vitamin D causes early death of cancer cells. A study published in the American Journey of Clinical Nutrition reported that women who supplemented their diets with 1,000 international. Units of vitamin D every day had a 60 percent to 77 percent lower incidence of cancer ever a four-year period that did women taking a placebo . Experts recommend supplementing your fun in the sun with 1,100 to 2,000IU of vitamin D each day.
7. Breathe Clean Air
There's no question that secondhand smoke kills. A recent American Journal of Public Health study showed that nonsmokers working in smoky places had three times the amount of carcinogen in their urine than nonsmokers working in smoke-free locations. What's worse, their levels of the carcinogen rose 6 percent for every hour worked. Nine states have banned smoking in all workplaces, bars and restaurants. The message is clear: Do whatever you can to avoid the cloud of smoke.
8. Break a Sweat
Even a small amount of exercise can offer major cancer-fighting benefits. In a study of 29,110 men published in the International Journal of Cancer, men who exercised just once a week had a percent lower risk of metastasis prostate cancer than men who didn't work out at all. The better the frequency, duration and intensity of the exercise, the bigger the reduction in risk, according to the study.
Question:
To prevent yourself from catching colon cancer, you should eat _ as often as possible.
Choices:
A. sushi
B. blueberries
C. pomegranates
D. Vitamin D
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high3760.txt
|
Below is some advice on how to prevent cancer:
8 Ways to Avoid Cancer in Your Life
1. Eat Blueberries
Aside from being a healthy and delicious snack, blueberries contain pterostilbene, which has important colon cancer-fighting prosperities. But wait, it gets better. Blueberries also offer a large dose of vitamins C (14 milligrams per cup). So at breakfast, try to take in a cup and a half of blueberries in your cereal or yogurt, or mixed with other berries.
2. Drink Pomegranate Juice
The deep red juice of the pomegranate contains polyphenols, isoflavones and ellagic acid, which together create a powerful anticancer mixture. Most recently, researchers from the University of Wisconsin at Madison has discovered that 16 ounces of pomegranate juice per day also may inhibit the growth of lung cancer.
3. Relax
Feeling stressed or worried? Find ways to relax and you may reduce your chances of developing cancer. Purdue University researchers tracked 1,600 men over 12 years and found that half of those with high levels of worry died during the study period. Only 20 percent of the optimists died before the study were completed, while 34 percent of the extremely anxious men died of some type of cancer. Instead of stressing about the past or future, focus on the present and relax!
4. Take Selenium
Selenium is well known for its cancer-fighting properties. In a study of almost 1,000 men, researchers from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that when men with the lowest initial levels of selenium in their bodies received a daily supplement over a 4 year period, they cut their prostate cancer risk by a remarkable 92 percent. However, it is possible to get too much of a good thing, so monitor your intake of selenium-containing supplements, Brazil nuts, tuna, meats and grains carefully.
5. Eat Sushi
Seaweed may not be your idea of a great snack, but it is high in fiber, calcium and iron, and dry, roasted seaweed sheets used in sushi provide the additional benefits of vitamins A and C. Sushi rolls are also high in protein-- a typical spicy tuna roll has only 290 calories but packs 24 grams of protein. So don't skimp on the Sushi!
6. Enjoy the Outdoors
Vitamin D causes early death of cancer cells. A study published in the American Journey of Clinical Nutrition reported that women who supplemented their diets with 1,000 international. Units of vitamin D every day had a 60 percent to 77 percent lower incidence of cancer ever a four-year period that did women taking a placebo . Experts recommend supplementing your fun in the sun with 1,100 to 2,000IU of vitamin D each day.
7. Breathe Clean Air
There's no question that secondhand smoke kills. A recent American Journal of Public Health study showed that nonsmokers working in smoky places had three times the amount of carcinogen in their urine than nonsmokers working in smoke-free locations. What's worse, their levels of the carcinogen rose 6 percent for every hour worked. Nine states have banned smoking in all workplaces, bars and restaurants. The message is clear: Do whatever you can to avoid the cloud of smoke.
8. Break a Sweat
Even a small amount of exercise can offer major cancer-fighting benefits. In a study of 29,110 men published in the International Journal of Cancer, men who exercised just once a week had a percent lower risk of metastasis prostate cancer than men who didn't work out at all. The better the frequency, duration and intensity of the exercise, the bigger the reduction in risk, according to the study.
|
[
"sushi",
"blueberries",
"pomegranates",
"Vitamin D"
] |
Which is NOT the incidents the writer had during the first few weeks in student halls?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
We're so well educated - but we're useless students who have lost the ability to do anything practical. The only thing we've mastered is consumption .
Large numbers of students have entered higher education in the past 10 years, but despite being the most educated generation in history, it seems that we've grown increasingly ignorant when it comes to basic life skills.
Looking back on my first couple of weeks of living in student halls, I consider myself lucky to still be alive. Unfamiliar to fresher's, there are many hidden dangers in the dirty corners of students accommodation.
I have survived a couple of serious boiling egg incidents and lots of cases of food - poisoning, probably from dirty kitchen counters. Although some of my clothes have fallen victim to ironing experimentation, I think I have now finally acquired all the domestic skills I missed out in my modem education.
In 2006 and 2010, the charming educationist Sir Ken Robinson gave two very amusing talks in which he discussed the importance of creativity in education. Robinson's main viewpoint is that our current education system dislocates people from their natural talents. I would like to go a step further and propose that besides our talents, the system takes away what used to be passed from generation to generation - a working knowledge of basic life skills.
Today's graduates may have earned themselves honor in history, law or economies, but when it comes to simple things like putting up a shelf to hold all their academic books, or fixing a hole in their on - trend clothes, they have to call for help from a professional handyman or tailor.
Since the invention of the internet, it has never been easier for people to access information, but our highly specialized education has made us more one - sided than ever.
I suggest that we start with the immediate reintroduction of some of the most vital aspects of "domestic science" education, before the current lack leads to serious accidents in student halls.
Question:
Which is NOT the incidents the writer had during the first few weeks in student halls?
Choices:
A. He was seriously burnt by boiled eggs.
B. He was accidentally poisoned by food.
C. He damaged his clothes while ironing.
D. He was severely beaten by fresher.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high3725.txt
|
We're so well educated - but we're useless students who have lost the ability to do anything practical. The only thing we've mastered is consumption .
Large numbers of students have entered higher education in the past 10 years, but despite being the most educated generation in history, it seems that we've grown increasingly ignorant when it comes to basic life skills.
Looking back on my first couple of weeks of living in student halls, I consider myself lucky to still be alive. Unfamiliar to fresher's, there are many hidden dangers in the dirty corners of students accommodation.
I have survived a couple of serious boiling egg incidents and lots of cases of food - poisoning, probably from dirty kitchen counters. Although some of my clothes have fallen victim to ironing experimentation, I think I have now finally acquired all the domestic skills I missed out in my modem education.
In 2006 and 2010, the charming educationist Sir Ken Robinson gave two very amusing talks in which he discussed the importance of creativity in education. Robinson's main viewpoint is that our current education system dislocates people from their natural talents. I would like to go a step further and propose that besides our talents, the system takes away what used to be passed from generation to generation - a working knowledge of basic life skills.
Today's graduates may have earned themselves honor in history, law or economies, but when it comes to simple things like putting up a shelf to hold all their academic books, or fixing a hole in their on - trend clothes, they have to call for help from a professional handyman or tailor.
Since the invention of the internet, it has never been easier for people to access information, but our highly specialized education has made us more one - sided than ever.
I suggest that we start with the immediate reintroduction of some of the most vital aspects of "domestic science" education, before the current lack leads to serious accidents in student halls.
|
[
"He was seriously burnt by boiled eggs.",
"He was accidentally poisoned by food.",
"He damaged his clothes while ironing.",
"He was severely beaten by fresher."
] |
What is the main idea of the passage?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
A rapidly advancing contemporary science that is highly dependent on new tools is Earth system science. Earth system science involves observation and measurements on the Earth at all scales from the largest to the smallest. The huge amounts of data that are gathered come from many different locations and require special techniques for handling data. Important new tools that facilitate Earth system science include satellite remote sensing, small deep-sea submarines, and geographic information systems.
More than any other way of gathering evidence, satellite observations continually remind us that each part of the Earth interacts with and is dependent on all other parts.
Earth system science was born from the realization of that interdependence. Satellite remote sensing makes possible observations at large scales, and in many cases, measurements of factors that could not otherwise be measured. For example, the ozone hole over Antarctica--the decrease in the concentration of ozone high in the atmosphere--is measured by remote sensing, as are changes in deserts, forests, and farmlands around the world. Such measurements can be used in many areas of specialization besides Earth system science. Archaeology, for example, has benefited from satellite observations that reveal the traces of ancient trade routes across the Arabian Desert.
New tools for exploring previously inaccessible areas of the Earth have also added greatly to our knowledge of the Earth system. Small deep-sea submarines allow scientists to travel to the depths of the ocean. There they have discovered new species and ecosystems thriving near deep-sea vents that emit heat, sasses, and mineral-rich water.
Just as important as new methods of measurement and exploration are new ways to store and analyze data about the Earth system. Computer-based software programs known as geographic information systems, or GIS, allow a large number of data points to be stored along with their locations. These can be used to produce maps and to compare different sets of information gathered at different times. For example, satellite remote sensing images of a forest can be converted to represent stages in the forest's growth. Two such images, made at different times can be overlaid and compared, and the changes that have taken place can be represented in a new image.
Question:
What is the main idea of the passage?
Choices:
A. special techniques are needed to classify the huge amounts of data about Earth.
B. New tools provide information about Earth that was once impossible to obtain.
C. Advances in Earth system science have resolved many environmental problems.
D. Satellite remote sensing can show changes between two images taken years apart.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high10120.txt
|
A rapidly advancing contemporary science that is highly dependent on new tools is Earth system science. Earth system science involves observation and measurements on the Earth at all scales from the largest to the smallest. The huge amounts of data that are gathered come from many different locations and require special techniques for handling data. Important new tools that facilitate Earth system science include satellite remote sensing, small deep-sea submarines, and geographic information systems.
More than any other way of gathering evidence, satellite observations continually remind us that each part of the Earth interacts with and is dependent on all other parts.
Earth system science was born from the realization of that interdependence. Satellite remote sensing makes possible observations at large scales, and in many cases, measurements of factors that could not otherwise be measured. For example, the ozone hole over Antarctica--the decrease in the concentration of ozone high in the atmosphere--is measured by remote sensing, as are changes in deserts, forests, and farmlands around the world. Such measurements can be used in many areas of specialization besides Earth system science. Archaeology, for example, has benefited from satellite observations that reveal the traces of ancient trade routes across the Arabian Desert.
New tools for exploring previously inaccessible areas of the Earth have also added greatly to our knowledge of the Earth system. Small deep-sea submarines allow scientists to travel to the depths of the ocean. There they have discovered new species and ecosystems thriving near deep-sea vents that emit heat, sasses, and mineral-rich water.
Just as important as new methods of measurement and exploration are new ways to store and analyze data about the Earth system. Computer-based software programs known as geographic information systems, or GIS, allow a large number of data points to be stored along with their locations. These can be used to produce maps and to compare different sets of information gathered at different times. For example, satellite remote sensing images of a forest can be converted to represent stages in the forest's growth. Two such images, made at different times can be overlaid and compared, and the changes that have taken place can be represented in a new image.
|
[
"special techniques are needed to classify the huge amounts of data about Earth.",
"New tools provide information about Earth that was once impossible to obtain.",
"Advances in Earth system science have resolved many environmental problems.",
"Satellite remote sensing can show changes between two images taken years apart."
] |
The boy knew everything _ .
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
I found out one time that doing a favor for someone could get you into a lot of trouble. I was in the eighth grade at the time, and we were having a final test. During the test, the girl sitting next to me whispered something, but I didn't understand. So I leaned over her way and found out that she was trying to ask me if I had an extra pen. She showed me that hers was out of ink and would not write. I happened to have an extra one, so I took it out of my pocket and put it on her desk.
Later, after the test papers had been turned in, the teacher asked me to stay in the room when all the other students were dismissed . As soon as we were alone she began to talk to me about what it meant to grow up; she talked about how important it was to stand on your own two feet and be responsible for your own acts. For a long time, she talked about honesty and emphasized the fact that when people do something dishonest, they are really cheating themselves. She made me promise that I would think seriously about all the things she had said, and then she told me I could leave. I walked out of the room wondering why she had chosen to talk to me about all those things.
Later on, I found out that she thought I had cheated on the test. When she saw me lean over to talk to the girl next to me, it looked as if I was copying answers from the girl's test paper. I tried to explain about the pen, but all she could say was it seemed very very strange to her that I hadn't talked of anything about the pen the day she talked to me right after the test. Even if I tried to explain that I was just doing the girl a favor by letting her use my pen, I am sure she continued to believe that I had cheated on the test.
Question:
The boy knew everything _ .
Choices:
A. the moment he was asked to stay behind
B. when the teacher started talking about honesty
C. only some time later
D. when he was walking out of the room
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high111.txt
|
I found out one time that doing a favor for someone could get you into a lot of trouble. I was in the eighth grade at the time, and we were having a final test. During the test, the girl sitting next to me whispered something, but I didn't understand. So I leaned over her way and found out that she was trying to ask me if I had an extra pen. She showed me that hers was out of ink and would not write. I happened to have an extra one, so I took it out of my pocket and put it on her desk.
Later, after the test papers had been turned in, the teacher asked me to stay in the room when all the other students were dismissed . As soon as we were alone she began to talk to me about what it meant to grow up; she talked about how important it was to stand on your own two feet and be responsible for your own acts. For a long time, she talked about honesty and emphasized the fact that when people do something dishonest, they are really cheating themselves. She made me promise that I would think seriously about all the things she had said, and then she told me I could leave. I walked out of the room wondering why she had chosen to talk to me about all those things.
Later on, I found out that she thought I had cheated on the test. When she saw me lean over to talk to the girl next to me, it looked as if I was copying answers from the girl's test paper. I tried to explain about the pen, but all she could say was it seemed very very strange to her that I hadn't talked of anything about the pen the day she talked to me right after the test. Even if I tried to explain that I was just doing the girl a favor by letting her use my pen, I am sure she continued to believe that I had cheated on the test.
|
[
"the moment he was asked to stay behind",
"when the teacher started talking about honesty",
"only some time later",
"when he was walking out of the room"
] |
How did Mrs. White feel when she saw her son playing late?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
"Tom? Are you in bed yet?" called Mrs.White. There was no answer. Mrs. White put down her book and went to her 14-year-old son's room. Tom was sitting in front of a bright computer screen on which a motorbike was running fast.
"Oh, Tom. You're still playing on that computer game. You must stop now, it's half past eleven. If you don't go to bed soon, you'll be very tired tomorrow, " said Mrs. White."But I've nearly won the game, " Tom said to Mrs. White. She could see the excitement on his face. She sat down beside him."You're always playing on the computer. You spend more time on this machine than on your homework. "
Today more and more families have computers. Parents hope computers can help their children improve their study at school. But many of their children use computers to play games and watch videos instead of studying. We often see that computer net bars are crowded with people, especially young boys. They spend a lot of money competing with the computerized machines. The more they lose, the more they want to win. The result is that they don't want to work or study.
In some countries, even scientists hate computers. They say computers cause millions of people to lose their jobs or cause them a lot of trouble. Computer game addiction is a serious problem in social life. Something has to be done to solve the problem.
Question:
How did Mrs. White feel when she saw her son playing late?
Choices:
A. She felt excited.
B. She felt happy.
C. She felt worried.
D. She felt wonderful.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle4451.txt
|
"Tom? Are you in bed yet?" called Mrs.White. There was no answer. Mrs. White put down her book and went to her 14-year-old son's room. Tom was sitting in front of a bright computer screen on which a motorbike was running fast.
"Oh, Tom. You're still playing on that computer game. You must stop now, it's half past eleven. If you don't go to bed soon, you'll be very tired tomorrow, " said Mrs. White."But I've nearly won the game, " Tom said to Mrs. White. She could see the excitement on his face. She sat down beside him."You're always playing on the computer. You spend more time on this machine than on your homework. "
Today more and more families have computers. Parents hope computers can help their children improve their study at school. But many of their children use computers to play games and watch videos instead of studying. We often see that computer net bars are crowded with people, especially young boys. They spend a lot of money competing with the computerized machines. The more they lose, the more they want to win. The result is that they don't want to work or study.
In some countries, even scientists hate computers. They say computers cause millions of people to lose their jobs or cause them a lot of trouble. Computer game addiction is a serious problem in social life. Something has to be done to solve the problem.
|
[
"She felt excited.",
"She felt happy.",
"She felt worried.",
"She felt wonderful."
] |
The most important character of this kind of bike is its _ .
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Zipped into a bag, it looks like a large umbrella. Unfolded, it goes along the street like any other bicycle.
It's the "A-bike", the brainchild of British inventor Sir Clive Sinclair, who made history in the 1970s by developing the world's first pocket calculator. He described his new invention as "the world's smallest, lightest foldable bicycle".
"My original thought was that if you could have a bicycle that was dramatically lighter and more firm than the ones that exist today, it would change the way in which bicycles are used,"said Sinclair.
The mini-bike, showed in Singapore last week and set to go on sale worldwide in 2005 at a price of nearly US$300, is built for riders as heavy as 112 kilograms and is height-adjustable . It takes about 20 seconds to fold or unfold.
Its wheels are a quarter the size of those on a regular bicycle, but Sinclair promises a smooth ride for most cyclists. "You require no extra energy to ride the A-bike and it can go up to 15 miles per hour (24 kilometers per hour)," he said. Constructed mainly of plastic, the 5.5-kilogram bicycle folds into a package of less than 0.03 cubic meters .
Sinclair also invented the first pocket TV in 1984 and the futuristic C5 electric tricycle in 1985. He said he hoped the bicycle would attract common citizens, officials, campers or anyone needing transport for a short trip and he said the next step for the A-bike was to add an electric motor in a few years.
Question:
The most important character of this kind of bike is its _ .
Choices:
A. big size
B. light weight
C. beautiful appearance
D. foldable structure
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high15524.txt
|
Zipped into a bag, it looks like a large umbrella. Unfolded, it goes along the street like any other bicycle.
It's the "A-bike", the brainchild of British inventor Sir Clive Sinclair, who made history in the 1970s by developing the world's first pocket calculator. He described his new invention as "the world's smallest, lightest foldable bicycle".
"My original thought was that if you could have a bicycle that was dramatically lighter and more firm than the ones that exist today, it would change the way in which bicycles are used,"said Sinclair.
The mini-bike, showed in Singapore last week and set to go on sale worldwide in 2005 at a price of nearly US$300, is built for riders as heavy as 112 kilograms and is height-adjustable . It takes about 20 seconds to fold or unfold.
Its wheels are a quarter the size of those on a regular bicycle, but Sinclair promises a smooth ride for most cyclists. "You require no extra energy to ride the A-bike and it can go up to 15 miles per hour (24 kilometers per hour)," he said. Constructed mainly of plastic, the 5.5-kilogram bicycle folds into a package of less than 0.03 cubic meters .
Sinclair also invented the first pocket TV in 1984 and the futuristic C5 electric tricycle in 1985. He said he hoped the bicycle would attract common citizens, officials, campers or anyone needing transport for a short trip and he said the next step for the A-bike was to add an electric motor in a few years.
|
[
"big size",
"light weight",
"beautiful appearance",
"foldable structure"
] |
. What kind of music is not popular among young people?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
When we talk about music, we can think of different kinds of it. Some people like pop music very much, but it often comes and goes so quickly. It shows our deep feelings of love, hate, joy and sadness in daily life, so it is quite popular among young people.
However, classical music is not so lucky among young people though it's the symbol of high music level. We know that classical music is serious music, so some people can't understand its real meaning. That's why it's not popular among youngsters.
In fact, folk music is different from other music forms.It's more traditional than entertainment . In American history, fork music began to show up when people needed it most.The earliest folk songs were those like "Down by the Riverside", "We Shall over come" etc. Yhese are songs about hard life, but they are also full of hopes. Anyway , anybody can understand folk music and it also welcomes everyone to join.
,.
Question:
. What kind of music is not popular among young people?
Choices:
A. Classical music
B. Country music
C. Pop music
D. Folk music
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle3516.txt
|
When we talk about music, we can think of different kinds of it. Some people like pop music very much, but it often comes and goes so quickly. It shows our deep feelings of love, hate, joy and sadness in daily life, so it is quite popular among young people.
However, classical music is not so lucky among young people though it's the symbol of high music level. We know that classical music is serious music, so some people can't understand its real meaning. That's why it's not popular among youngsters.
In fact, folk music is different from other music forms.It's more traditional than entertainment . In American history, fork music began to show up when people needed it most.The earliest folk songs were those like "Down by the Riverside", "We Shall over come" etc. Yhese are songs about hard life, but they are also full of hopes. Anyway , anybody can understand folk music and it also welcomes everyone to join.
,.
|
[
"Classical music",
"Country music",
"Pop music",
"Folk music"
] |
The girl was sad because _ .
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
You may know the song Happy Birthday very well.But do you know about its writer?It was written by an American girl.And she became very rich after that.
When she was a child,she was poor.Once,she was invited to her friend's birthday party.She was pleased but sad because she didn't have enough money to buy a gift for her.
"The party is coming soon,but now I have little money."Tears ran down her face.
Later that night she was in bed,thinking about the gift when the door opened and her grandma came in."What happened?"her grandma asked.Hearing the girl'story,she said,"I think I can help you.How about singing a song together?Happy Birthday to...."What a beautiful song!They sang and sang.Suddenly she woke up.It was a dream!She decided to write it down at once and sing it to her friends at the party.
When she sang the song at the party the nest day,her friends were very happy."How wonderful you sing!We haven't heared such a beautiful song before.Thank you for giving me the special gift."said her friend.And they learn to sing it together.Later the girl became well-known in America.
Question:
The girl was sad because _ .
Choices:
A. she didn't want to go to the party
B. she would be busy that day
C. she didn't have enough money to buy a gift
D. she wasn't invited to the party
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle3837.txt
|
You may know the song Happy Birthday very well.But do you know about its writer?It was written by an American girl.And she became very rich after that.
When she was a child,she was poor.Once,she was invited to her friend's birthday party.She was pleased but sad because she didn't have enough money to buy a gift for her.
"The party is coming soon,but now I have little money."Tears ran down her face.
Later that night she was in bed,thinking about the gift when the door opened and her grandma came in."What happened?"her grandma asked.Hearing the girl'story,she said,"I think I can help you.How about singing a song together?Happy Birthday to...."What a beautiful song!They sang and sang.Suddenly she woke up.It was a dream!She decided to write it down at once and sing it to her friends at the party.
When she sang the song at the party the nest day,her friends were very happy."How wonderful you sing!We haven't heared such a beautiful song before.Thank you for giving me the special gift."said her friend.And they learn to sing it together.Later the girl became well-known in America.
|
[
"she didn't want to go to the party",
"she would be busy that day",
"she didn't have enough money to buy a gift",
"she wasn't invited to the party"
] |
Where did the speaker probably give the talk to the audience?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you. Well, ni-hao. (Laughter) It is such a pleasure and an honor to be here with all of you at this great university, so thank you so much for having me. I'm here today because I know that our future depends on connections like these among young people like you across the world.
That's why when my husband and I travel abroad, we don't just visit palaces and parliaments and meet with heads of countries. We also come to schools like this one to meet with students like you, because we believe that relationships between countries aren't just about relationships between governments or leaders -- they're about relationships between people, particularly young people. So we view study abroad programs not just as an educational chance for students, but also as an active part of America's foreign policy .
Through the wonders of modern technology, our world is more connected than ever before. Ideas can cross oceans with the click of a mouse. Companies can do business and _ with companies across the world. And we can text, email, Skype with people in the world.
So studying abroad isn't just a fun way to spend a time of learning; it is quickly becoming the key to success in our times. Because getting ahead in today's workplaces isn't just about getting good grades or test scores in school, which are important. It's also about having real experience with the world beyond your borders -- experience with languages, cultures and societies very different from your own. Or, as the Chinese saying goes: "It is better to travel ten thousand miles than to read ten thousand books."
Question:
Where did the speaker probably give the talk to the audience?
Choices:
A. In a university.
B. In the Parliament Hall.
C. On the Internet.
D. In a tourist attraction.
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle2913.txt
|
Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you. Well, ni-hao. (Laughter) It is such a pleasure and an honor to be here with all of you at this great university, so thank you so much for having me. I'm here today because I know that our future depends on connections like these among young people like you across the world.
That's why when my husband and I travel abroad, we don't just visit palaces and parliaments and meet with heads of countries. We also come to schools like this one to meet with students like you, because we believe that relationships between countries aren't just about relationships between governments or leaders -- they're about relationships between people, particularly young people. So we view study abroad programs not just as an educational chance for students, but also as an active part of America's foreign policy .
Through the wonders of modern technology, our world is more connected than ever before. Ideas can cross oceans with the click of a mouse. Companies can do business and _ with companies across the world. And we can text, email, Skype with people in the world.
So studying abroad isn't just a fun way to spend a time of learning; it is quickly becoming the key to success in our times. Because getting ahead in today's workplaces isn't just about getting good grades or test scores in school, which are important. It's also about having real experience with the world beyond your borders -- experience with languages, cultures and societies very different from your own. Or, as the Chinese saying goes: "It is better to travel ten thousand miles than to read ten thousand books."
|
[
"In a university.",
"In the Parliament Hall.",
"On the Internet.",
"In a tourist attraction."
] |
Which of the following information is True according to the text?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
GWANGJU, South Korea, Sept. 28,2013 (Xinhua) -- Cultural ministers from China, Japan and South Korea participating in the 5th China-Japan-South Korea Ministerial Conference on Culture held here Saturday agreed to strengthen cultural exchange and cooperation to promote the cultural prosperity of East Asia.
Cai Wu, China's Minister of Culture, Hakubun Shimomura, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, and Yoo Jinryong, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea attended the meeting in the South Korean city with more than 2,000 years of history.
At the meeting, Cai said that the east and west differ in history, culture and values, but the East Asia as a whole, especially China, Japan and South Korea, should take good advantage of their cultural and historical similarities, trying to create "shared East Asia value"and _ around the world.
The ministers drew the Gwangju Joint Document at the meeting to strengthen cultural exchange and cooperation in the fields of culture industry, exhibitions, cultural heritage preservation and the youth exchanges to promote the program of "East Asia City of Culture."
China, Japan and South Korea also agreed that the host country of the annual ministerial meeting will organize a joint cultural festival, including art performances, exhibitions, academic seminars and other relevant events starting from 2014.
The annual trilateral Ministerial Conference on Culture was firstly launched in 2007. The Gwangju meeting is the fifth round of this series, and the last round of this meeting was held in Shanghai, China in May 2012.
Question:
Which of the following information is True according to the text?
Choices:
A. The 5th China-Japan-South Korea Ministerial Conference on Culture was held on Sunday.
B. The 5th China-Japan-South Korea Ministerial Conference on Culture is aimed at promoting the cultural prosperity of West Asia.
C. Yoo Jinryong, Minister of Culture, Science, Technology and Tourism of Korea attended the meeting.
D. GWANGJU is a South Korean city that has a history of more than 2,000 years.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high4645.txt
|
GWANGJU, South Korea, Sept. 28,2013 (Xinhua) -- Cultural ministers from China, Japan and South Korea participating in the 5th China-Japan-South Korea Ministerial Conference on Culture held here Saturday agreed to strengthen cultural exchange and cooperation to promote the cultural prosperity of East Asia.
Cai Wu, China's Minister of Culture, Hakubun Shimomura, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, and Yoo Jinryong, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea attended the meeting in the South Korean city with more than 2,000 years of history.
At the meeting, Cai said that the east and west differ in history, culture and values, but the East Asia as a whole, especially China, Japan and South Korea, should take good advantage of their cultural and historical similarities, trying to create "shared East Asia value"and _ around the world.
The ministers drew the Gwangju Joint Document at the meeting to strengthen cultural exchange and cooperation in the fields of culture industry, exhibitions, cultural heritage preservation and the youth exchanges to promote the program of "East Asia City of Culture."
China, Japan and South Korea also agreed that the host country of the annual ministerial meeting will organize a joint cultural festival, including art performances, exhibitions, academic seminars and other relevant events starting from 2014.
The annual trilateral Ministerial Conference on Culture was firstly launched in 2007. The Gwangju meeting is the fifth round of this series, and the last round of this meeting was held in Shanghai, China in May 2012.
|
[
"The 5th China-Japan-South Korea Ministerial Conference on Culture was held on Sunday.",
"The 5th China-Japan-South Korea Ministerial Conference on Culture is aimed at promoting the cultural prosperity of West Asia.",
"Yoo Jinryong, Minister of Culture, Science, Technology and Tourism of Korea attended the meeting.",
"GWANGJU is a South Korean city that has a history of more than 2,000 years."
] |
What can be inferred from the passage?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
A wallet that looks like a piece of newspaper, an atlas, or an express parcel receipt? Or a business card that looks like a notepad? No kidding.
Bai Minghui, a Beijing-based designer, creates his artwork using Tyvek, a synthetic paper material which is difficult to tear, waterproof and, more importantly, totally recyclable.
Born to a worker family in 1983 in Tangshan, Hebei Province, Bai worked as a graphic designer at a financial magazine in Beijing after graduating from Minzu University of China.
In the spring of 2008, Bai visited an exhibition about Tyvek in Beijing's 798 art zone, and then worked with the material, trying to bring his designs to life. The first thing that came into his mind was the paper wallet, a must-try handicraft assignment that most Chinese students do in elementary school.
"A paper wallet is definitely more useful than a paper crane or frog," Bai told Beijing Review, smiling. "At first, many people have no idea what it is, because it looks like a piece of newspaper or an express parcel receipt, and feels like real paper. But it's hard to tear."
"The completed, folded wallet is seamless , which creates so much fun for a designer. To be honest, I didn't think about profits at all," he said.
After months of research and development on printing and designing, the first generation of his paper wallet made a stunning debut in May 2008. The second generation, which offers a greater range of pattern options, was put on the market at the beginning of 2009.
"You can have graffiti or write down phone numbers on it, or paint whatever you like. I would like people to be able to use it easily," he said. "I don't want to do things without creative ideas. Now my focus is on how to create better design rather than the wallet itself."
Question:
What can be inferred from the passage?
Choices:
A. Most of the Chinese students have tried to make some kind of paper work.
B. Many Chinese are fond of painting different things on their wallets.
C. Most of the wallets that people use nowadays can be recycled.
D. Most of the designers based in Beijing have tried Tyvek to create their own work of art.
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high16931.txt
|
A wallet that looks like a piece of newspaper, an atlas, or an express parcel receipt? Or a business card that looks like a notepad? No kidding.
Bai Minghui, a Beijing-based designer, creates his artwork using Tyvek, a synthetic paper material which is difficult to tear, waterproof and, more importantly, totally recyclable.
Born to a worker family in 1983 in Tangshan, Hebei Province, Bai worked as a graphic designer at a financial magazine in Beijing after graduating from Minzu University of China.
In the spring of 2008, Bai visited an exhibition about Tyvek in Beijing's 798 art zone, and then worked with the material, trying to bring his designs to life. The first thing that came into his mind was the paper wallet, a must-try handicraft assignment that most Chinese students do in elementary school.
"A paper wallet is definitely more useful than a paper crane or frog," Bai told Beijing Review, smiling. "At first, many people have no idea what it is, because it looks like a piece of newspaper or an express parcel receipt, and feels like real paper. But it's hard to tear."
"The completed, folded wallet is seamless , which creates so much fun for a designer. To be honest, I didn't think about profits at all," he said.
After months of research and development on printing and designing, the first generation of his paper wallet made a stunning debut in May 2008. The second generation, which offers a greater range of pattern options, was put on the market at the beginning of 2009.
"You can have graffiti or write down phone numbers on it, or paint whatever you like. I would like people to be able to use it easily," he said. "I don't want to do things without creative ideas. Now my focus is on how to create better design rather than the wallet itself."
|
[
"Most of the Chinese students have tried to make some kind of paper work.",
"Many Chinese are fond of painting different things on their wallets.",
"Most of the wallets that people use nowadays can be recycled.",
"Most of the designers based in Beijing have tried Tyvek to create their own work of art."
] |
When school boys get bigger,their bad habits become _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
It is easier to go down the hill than to climb up the hill,so it is easier to fall into bad habits than into good ones.Bad habits do not come suddenly. They come little by little without one being aware of their danger. School boys first pick up little bad habits in the school and on the street. When they can't write their lessons,they copy from their schoolmates. If they see bigger boys smoking,they also want to learn to smoke. If they see their friends gambling ,they want to gamble. When they get bigger,the habits become stronger and stronger,so that they can no longer get rid of(,)them. From copying,they learn to steal,from gambling,they learn to cheat. At last they become distrusted by everybody. How necessary it is that we get rid of the bad habits in the beginning.
Question:
When school boys get bigger,their bad habits become _ .
Choices:
A. stronger and stronger
B. weaker and weaker
C. better and better
D. less and less
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle4567.txt
|
It is easier to go down the hill than to climb up the hill,so it is easier to fall into bad habits than into good ones.Bad habits do not come suddenly. They come little by little without one being aware of their danger. School boys first pick up little bad habits in the school and on the street. When they can't write their lessons,they copy from their schoolmates. If they see bigger boys smoking,they also want to learn to smoke. If they see their friends gambling ,they want to gamble. When they get bigger,the habits become stronger and stronger,so that they can no longer get rid of(,)them. From copying,they learn to steal,from gambling,they learn to cheat. At last they become distrusted by everybody. How necessary it is that we get rid of the bad habits in the beginning.
|
[
"stronger and stronger",
"weaker and weaker",
"better and better",
"less and less"
] |
How many bones does the mammalian middle ear have?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
How many bones does the mammalian middle ear have?
|
three
|
science
| null | null | null |
four
|
two
|
twelve
|
three
|
The mammalian middle ear has three tiny bones that carry sound vibrations from the outer to inner ear. The bones give mammals exceptionally good hearing. In other vertebrates, the three bones are part of the jaw and not involved in hearing.
| null | null | null |
The passage is written in some ways except _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Are you ever so worried about something that you even have a headache or can't sleep at night? Do you ever feel a stomachache during a test? If so, then you know what stress is. Stress is what you feel when you are worried about something. When you are under stress, you may feel angry, sad, scared, or afraid --all this can give you a stomachache or a headache. In modern society, most people are under the higher stress than ever before.
There are different kinds of stress. Some kinds of stress are good and others are bad. Good stress may happen when someone asks you to answer questions in class or when you have to give a report. This kind of stress can help you to finish things better. Under this stress, you will find yourself have more motivation and energy to study.
However, bad stress can happen if the stress lasts too long. You may not feel well if a family member is sick, if you're having problems at school, or if anything else makes you upset every day. That kind of stress isn't going to help you.
The best way to keep stress away is to have a balanced life. If you get enough sleep and food, and if you exercise and leave time for fun, you'll feel less stress.
Question:
The passage is written in some ways except _ .
Choices:
A. By raising questions.
B. By following time order.
C. By making comparisons .
D. By making examples.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high19165.txt
|
Are you ever so worried about something that you even have a headache or can't sleep at night? Do you ever feel a stomachache during a test? If so, then you know what stress is. Stress is what you feel when you are worried about something. When you are under stress, you may feel angry, sad, scared, or afraid --all this can give you a stomachache or a headache. In modern society, most people are under the higher stress than ever before.
There are different kinds of stress. Some kinds of stress are good and others are bad. Good stress may happen when someone asks you to answer questions in class or when you have to give a report. This kind of stress can help you to finish things better. Under this stress, you will find yourself have more motivation and energy to study.
However, bad stress can happen if the stress lasts too long. You may not feel well if a family member is sick, if you're having problems at school, or if anything else makes you upset every day. That kind of stress isn't going to help you.
The best way to keep stress away is to have a balanced life. If you get enough sleep and food, and if you exercise and leave time for fun, you'll feel less stress.
|
[
"By raising questions.",
"By following time order.",
"By making comparisons .",
"By making examples."
] |
What is the subject discussed in the text ?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Treasure hunts have excited people's imagination for hundreds of years both in real life and in books such as Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island .Kit Williams ,a modern writer ,had the idea of combining the real excitement of a treasure hunt with clues found in a book when he wrote a children's story Masquerade, in 1979. The book was about a hare ,and a month before it came out, Williams buried a gold hare in a park in Bedfordshire .The book contained a large number of clues to help readers find the hare ,but Williams put in a lot of "red herrings ",or false clues ,to mislead _
Ken Roberts ,the man who found the hare ,had been looking for it for nearly two years .Although he had been searching in the wrong area most of the time ,he found it by logic ,not by luck .His success came from the fact that he had gained an important clue at the start .He had realized that the words :"One of Six to Eight" under the first picture in the book connected the hare in some way to Katherine of Aragon ,the first of Henry VIII's six wives. Even here ,however ,Williams had succeeded in misleading him .Ken knew that Katherine of Aragon had died at Kimbolton in Cambridgeshire in 1536 and thought that Williams had buried the hare there .He had been digging there for over a year before a new idea occurred to him. He found out that Kit Williams had spent his childhood near Ampthill ,in Befordshire and thought that he must have buried the hare in a place he knew well ,but he still could not see the connection with Katherine of Aragon ,until one day he came across two stone crosses in Ampthill Park and learnt that they had been built in her honor in 1773.
Even then his search had not come to an end. It was only after he had spent several nights digging around the cross that he decided to write to Kit Williams to find out if he was wasting his time there .Williams encouraged him to continue ,and on February 24th 1982 ,he found the treasure. It was worth PS 3000 in the beginning ,but the excitement it had caused since its burial made it much more valuable .
Question:
What is the subject discussed in the text ?
Choices:
A. An exciting historical event
B. A modern treasure hunt
C. The attraction of Masquerade
D. The importance of logical thinking
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high10085.txt
|
Treasure hunts have excited people's imagination for hundreds of years both in real life and in books such as Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island .Kit Williams ,a modern writer ,had the idea of combining the real excitement of a treasure hunt with clues found in a book when he wrote a children's story Masquerade, in 1979. The book was about a hare ,and a month before it came out, Williams buried a gold hare in a park in Bedfordshire .The book contained a large number of clues to help readers find the hare ,but Williams put in a lot of "red herrings ",or false clues ,to mislead _
Ken Roberts ,the man who found the hare ,had been looking for it for nearly two years .Although he had been searching in the wrong area most of the time ,he found it by logic ,not by luck .His success came from the fact that he had gained an important clue at the start .He had realized that the words :"One of Six to Eight" under the first picture in the book connected the hare in some way to Katherine of Aragon ,the first of Henry VIII's six wives. Even here ,however ,Williams had succeeded in misleading him .Ken knew that Katherine of Aragon had died at Kimbolton in Cambridgeshire in 1536 and thought that Williams had buried the hare there .He had been digging there for over a year before a new idea occurred to him. He found out that Kit Williams had spent his childhood near Ampthill ,in Befordshire and thought that he must have buried the hare in a place he knew well ,but he still could not see the connection with Katherine of Aragon ,until one day he came across two stone crosses in Ampthill Park and learnt that they had been built in her honor in 1773.
Even then his search had not come to an end. It was only after he had spent several nights digging around the cross that he decided to write to Kit Williams to find out if he was wasting his time there .Williams encouraged him to continue ,and on February 24th 1982 ,he found the treasure. It was worth PS 3000 in the beginning ,but the excitement it had caused since its burial made it much more valuable .
|
[
"An exciting historical event",
"A modern treasure hunt",
"The attraction of Masquerade",
"The importance of logical thinking"
] |
The text is most probably a(n) _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
by J. Courtney Sullivan, fiction, $26
The Kellehers are a big, disorderly family who sometimes seem to have only one thing in common: love for their beach house in Maine. Lie there with this novel and listen to a summer's worth of secrets, quarrels, and misunderstandings.
WHAT I LEARNED WHEN I ALMOST DIED
by Chris Licht, nonfiction, $23
The energetic co-creator of MSNBC's "Morning Joe" was unprepared for the pain, fear, and helplessness he felt after suffering a brain bleed. But as he detailed in this outspoken, thoughtful book, the lessons he took from the event surprised him the most.
FIRE AND RAIN
by David Browne, nonfiction, $26
This book transports you back to a year -- the 1970 of Apollo 13, the first Earth Day -- and the turning point of albums by the Beatles, James Taylor, and Crosby, Stills and Nash that provided the sound for a new decade. Rolling Stone contributing editor Browne artfully describes the creation of these classic songs.
LONG DRIVE HOME
by Will Allison, fiction, $22
A moment of anger has life-and-death consequences in this beautifully written novel. Being angry with a speeding teenage driver, Dad Glen Bauer makes a turn of his car in response, causing an accident in which the other driver dies. It's a story about guilt, responsibility, and how mistrust can tear a loving family apart.
JESSICA LOST
by Bunny Crumpacker and J.S. Picariello, memoir ,$25
Two authors -- a woman who gave up a baby for adoption and the child herself -- write alternating chapters in this memoir, which takes readers on a 50-year journey through their separate lives, their meeting, and their following relationship. Its account is both original and heartbreaking.
Question:
The text is most probably a(n) _ .
Choices:
A. advertisement.
B. literary research report.
C. Collection of novels
D. book review
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high1786.txt
|
by J. Courtney Sullivan, fiction, $26
The Kellehers are a big, disorderly family who sometimes seem to have only one thing in common: love for their beach house in Maine. Lie there with this novel and listen to a summer's worth of secrets, quarrels, and misunderstandings.
WHAT I LEARNED WHEN I ALMOST DIED
by Chris Licht, nonfiction, $23
The energetic co-creator of MSNBC's "Morning Joe" was unprepared for the pain, fear, and helplessness he felt after suffering a brain bleed. But as he detailed in this outspoken, thoughtful book, the lessons he took from the event surprised him the most.
FIRE AND RAIN
by David Browne, nonfiction, $26
This book transports you back to a year -- the 1970 of Apollo 13, the first Earth Day -- and the turning point of albums by the Beatles, James Taylor, and Crosby, Stills and Nash that provided the sound for a new decade. Rolling Stone contributing editor Browne artfully describes the creation of these classic songs.
LONG DRIVE HOME
by Will Allison, fiction, $22
A moment of anger has life-and-death consequences in this beautifully written novel. Being angry with a speeding teenage driver, Dad Glen Bauer makes a turn of his car in response, causing an accident in which the other driver dies. It's a story about guilt, responsibility, and how mistrust can tear a loving family apart.
JESSICA LOST
by Bunny Crumpacker and J.S. Picariello, memoir ,$25
Two authors -- a woman who gave up a baby for adoption and the child herself -- write alternating chapters in this memoir, which takes readers on a 50-year journey through their separate lives, their meeting, and their following relationship. Its account is both original and heartbreaking.
|
[
"advertisement.",
"literary research report.",
"Collection of novels",
"book review"
] |
What did the stranger do when the writer jumped into a taxi?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
I was walking along prefix = st1 /Orchard Roadwhen I realized a tall young man wearing a jacket and tie was following me. I noticed him because not many people wear a jacket and tie in the middle of a hot summer day, and I had already seen this man four times that afternoon.
To make sure he was following me, I walked on quickly, turned right into a shopping center and then stopped to look in a shop window. Soon the man appeared and stopped at another shop window. I walked on and stopped several times. When I stopped , he stopped too.
I began to be rather worried and decided to try to lose this strange man. When I saw a taxi coming, I jumped into it. As I was telling the taxi driver where to go, I found the man get into another taxi, which then followed mine. As the two taxies slowly made their way alongOrchard Road, I looked back at the taxi behind, and saw that the stranger was looking out at me. At MRT station, I told the taxi driver to stop and I got out. As I was paying my fare, I saw the man was getting out of his taxi.
By now I got angry, so I turned and walked straight to him. I asked him why he was following me. At first he said he was not following me at all, but when I threatened to call the police, he admitted he was. He then told me that he was a journalist(news reporter) and that he was writing an article on how elderly people inSingaporespend their time. He said he was observing me to gather materials for his article.
Question:
What did the stranger do when the writer jumped into a taxi?
Choices:
A. He got into another taxi.
B. He tried to stop the taxi.
C. He almost gave up following him.
D. He made his way alongOrchard Road.
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high23892.txt
|
I was walking along prefix = st1 /Orchard Roadwhen I realized a tall young man wearing a jacket and tie was following me. I noticed him because not many people wear a jacket and tie in the middle of a hot summer day, and I had already seen this man four times that afternoon.
To make sure he was following me, I walked on quickly, turned right into a shopping center and then stopped to look in a shop window. Soon the man appeared and stopped at another shop window. I walked on and stopped several times. When I stopped , he stopped too.
I began to be rather worried and decided to try to lose this strange man. When I saw a taxi coming, I jumped into it. As I was telling the taxi driver where to go, I found the man get into another taxi, which then followed mine. As the two taxies slowly made their way alongOrchard Road, I looked back at the taxi behind, and saw that the stranger was looking out at me. At MRT station, I told the taxi driver to stop and I got out. As I was paying my fare, I saw the man was getting out of his taxi.
By now I got angry, so I turned and walked straight to him. I asked him why he was following me. At first he said he was not following me at all, but when I threatened to call the police, he admitted he was. He then told me that he was a journalist(news reporter) and that he was writing an article on how elderly people inSingaporespend their time. He said he was observing me to gather materials for his article.
|
[
"He got into another taxi.",
"He tried to stop the taxi.",
"He almost gave up following him.",
"He made his way alongOrchard Road."
] |
Nowadays, in a family, _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
One of the most striking findings of a recent questionnaire in the UK is that of the people interviewed, one in two believes that it is becoming more difficult to meet someone to start a family with.
Why are many people finding it increasingly difficult to start and keep close relationships? Does modern life really make it harder to fall in love? Or are we making it harder for ourselves?
It is certainly the case today that nowadays couples benefit in different ways from relationships. Women no longer rely upon partners for economic security or status. A man doesn't expect his wife to be in sole charge of running his household and raising his children.
But perhaps the knowledge that we can live perfectly well without a partnership means that it takes much more to persuade people to abandon their independence.
In theory, finding a partner should be much simpler these days. Only a few generations ago,your choice of soul mate was limited by geography, social convention and family tradition. Although it was never clear, many marriages were essentially arranged. Now those barriers have been broken down. You can approach a builder or a brain surgeon in any bar in any city on any given evening. When the world is your oyster , you surely have a better chance of finding a pearl.
But it seems that the traditions have been replaced by an even tighter restriction:the limitation of choice. The expectations of partners are made greater to an unmanageable degree:good looks, impressive salary, kind to grandmother, and so on. There is no room for error in the first impression.
We think that a relationship can be perfect. If it isn't,it is intended to be thrown away. We work to protect ourselves against future heartache and don't put in the hard emotional labor needed to build a strong relationship. Twelve-hour work at the office makes relaxed after-hours dating difficult. The cost of housing and child-raising creates pressure to have a stable income and career before a life partnership.
Question:
Nowadays, in a family, _ .
Choices:
A. men begin to depend on women
B. couples share the burdens
C. men are responsible for housework
D. couples can't get along together
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high7076.txt
|
One of the most striking findings of a recent questionnaire in the UK is that of the people interviewed, one in two believes that it is becoming more difficult to meet someone to start a family with.
Why are many people finding it increasingly difficult to start and keep close relationships? Does modern life really make it harder to fall in love? Or are we making it harder for ourselves?
It is certainly the case today that nowadays couples benefit in different ways from relationships. Women no longer rely upon partners for economic security or status. A man doesn't expect his wife to be in sole charge of running his household and raising his children.
But perhaps the knowledge that we can live perfectly well without a partnership means that it takes much more to persuade people to abandon their independence.
In theory, finding a partner should be much simpler these days. Only a few generations ago,your choice of soul mate was limited by geography, social convention and family tradition. Although it was never clear, many marriages were essentially arranged. Now those barriers have been broken down. You can approach a builder or a brain surgeon in any bar in any city on any given evening. When the world is your oyster , you surely have a better chance of finding a pearl.
But it seems that the traditions have been replaced by an even tighter restriction:the limitation of choice. The expectations of partners are made greater to an unmanageable degree:good looks, impressive salary, kind to grandmother, and so on. There is no room for error in the first impression.
We think that a relationship can be perfect. If it isn't,it is intended to be thrown away. We work to protect ourselves against future heartache and don't put in the hard emotional labor needed to build a strong relationship. Twelve-hour work at the office makes relaxed after-hours dating difficult. The cost of housing and child-raising creates pressure to have a stable income and career before a life partnership.
|
[
"men begin to depend on women",
"couples share the burdens",
"men are responsible for housework",
"couples can't get along together"
] |
Where is this text most probably taken from?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Man still has a lot to learn about the most powerful and complex part of his body -- the brain.
It may be surprising to learn that it isn't age that makes you lose your memory. The reason could be that you have a "lazy" memory, not an old one. Like your body your memory improves with exercise. Once given plenty of exercise, the brain keeps its power. Before discussing how to improve the memory, let's look at how the brain works. There are two sides to the brain, the left and the right. The right side deals with the senses (what we see, hear, feel and smell). It's the creative and imaginative side. The left side is concerned with logic. It analyzes information and puts it in order.
Some recent research suggests that we remember everything that happens to us. The problem most of us has is recalling events. Most forgetting takes place immediately after learning. An hour after learning something new, more than 50% has been forgotten. After a month, 80% has been forgotten, and so on.
This shows revision is very important. If you revise new material you have learnt, you remember much more. So it's of vital importance to revise newly learned material often, and have frequent breaks. We best remember what we learn at the beginning of a learning period and at the point where we stop. After the break, revise what was learned before the break and then continue learning the new material. These breaks should happen every 20 or 45 minutes.
Other experiments have shown the brain needs time to "digest" what has been learned. The time necessary for this is 5 to 10 minutes. After the break, the memory will have absorbed what it has just learned, and more will be remembered. During this period it is important to exercise the right side of the brain, because the left side is used during the learning period. Therefore you should relax. Listening to music, breathing in fresh air, and looking at a picture are all ways of using the other side of the brain. So when you are studying alone, make a plan which shows when to have breaks and to revise newly learned material immediately before you begin studying again. If you do in this way, your memory will improve.
Question:
Where is this text most probably taken from?
Choices:
A. Science fictions.
B. Students' literature.
C. An advertisement.
D. A science report.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high11307.txt
|
Man still has a lot to learn about the most powerful and complex part of his body -- the brain.
It may be surprising to learn that it isn't age that makes you lose your memory. The reason could be that you have a "lazy" memory, not an old one. Like your body your memory improves with exercise. Once given plenty of exercise, the brain keeps its power. Before discussing how to improve the memory, let's look at how the brain works. There are two sides to the brain, the left and the right. The right side deals with the senses (what we see, hear, feel and smell). It's the creative and imaginative side. The left side is concerned with logic. It analyzes information and puts it in order.
Some recent research suggests that we remember everything that happens to us. The problem most of us has is recalling events. Most forgetting takes place immediately after learning. An hour after learning something new, more than 50% has been forgotten. After a month, 80% has been forgotten, and so on.
This shows revision is very important. If you revise new material you have learnt, you remember much more. So it's of vital importance to revise newly learned material often, and have frequent breaks. We best remember what we learn at the beginning of a learning period and at the point where we stop. After the break, revise what was learned before the break and then continue learning the new material. These breaks should happen every 20 or 45 minutes.
Other experiments have shown the brain needs time to "digest" what has been learned. The time necessary for this is 5 to 10 minutes. After the break, the memory will have absorbed what it has just learned, and more will be remembered. During this period it is important to exercise the right side of the brain, because the left side is used during the learning period. Therefore you should relax. Listening to music, breathing in fresh air, and looking at a picture are all ways of using the other side of the brain. So when you are studying alone, make a plan which shows when to have breaks and to revise newly learned material immediately before you begin studying again. If you do in this way, your memory will improve.
|
[
"Science fictions.",
"Students' literature.",
"An advertisement.",
"A science report."
] |
What term is used to describe a chemical released by an animal that affects the behavior or physiology of animals of the same species?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
What term is used to describe a chemical released by an animal that affects the behavior or physiology of animals of the same species?
|
pheromone
|
science
| null | null | null |
amino
|
enzyme
|
isolate
|
pheromone
|
The amount of material left over after a certain number of half-lives can be easily calculated.
| null | null | null |
_ can answer the teacher's question in class.
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Harry is eight years old. He goes to school near his home. He always goes there and comes home on foot. One day he came home from school late. His mother saw him and asked him, "Why were you late, Harry?"
"My teacher was very angry and asked you to go to her office tomorrow."
"To her office? Why?" his mother asked. "Because she asked a question in the class." said Harry. "Nobody could answer it, but I could. "
"You are so clever, my son. " his mother said with a smile." What is her question?".
Her question is "Who put the tomato on my chair and made my trousers dirty?" said Harry.
Question:
_ can answer the teacher's question in class.
Choices:
A. Nobody
B. Harry
C. Many students
D. Some students
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle616.txt
|
Harry is eight years old. He goes to school near his home. He always goes there and comes home on foot. One day he came home from school late. His mother saw him and asked him, "Why were you late, Harry?"
"My teacher was very angry and asked you to go to her office tomorrow."
"To her office? Why?" his mother asked. "Because she asked a question in the class." said Harry. "Nobody could answer it, but I could. "
"You are so clever, my son. " his mother said with a smile." What is her question?".
Her question is "Who put the tomato on my chair and made my trousers dirty?" said Harry.
|
[
"Nobody",
"Harry",
"Many students",
"Some students"
] |
If Billy and Jenny each order a $20 steak along with a $5 drink, how much will Billy have to pay in tips if he wants to cover 80% of a 20% tip for the two of them?
|
First, we figure out the price per meal by adding the steak and the drink together, finding a cost of 20+5=<<20+5=25>>25 per meal.
Then we multiply this by 2, as there are two people eating, meaning a total cost of 25*2=<<25*2=50>>50 for both meals.
Then we find the total tip amount for a 20% tip, by multiplying 50*.2= 10.
Then we find out what 80% of this tip amount is by multiplying the desired tip of 10 by .8, finding 10*.8= <<10*.8=8>>8 dollars that Billy should contribute.
#### 8
|
Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step.
|
If Billy and Jenny each order a $20 steak along with a $5 drink, how much will Billy have to pay in tips if he wants to cover 80% of a 20% tip for the two of them?
|
First, we figure out the price per meal by adding the steak and the drink together, finding a cost of 20+5=<<20+5=25>>25 per meal.
Then we multiply this by 2, as there are two people eating, meaning a total cost of 25*2=<<25*2=50>>50 for both meals.
Then we find the total tip amount for a 20% tip, by multiplying 50*.2= 10.
Then we find out what 80% of this tip amount is by multiplying the desired tip of 10 by .8, finding 10*.8= <<10*.8=8>>8 dollars that Billy should contribute.
#### 8
|
math
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
_ makes the result of the election hard to predict.
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
The curtain on the 2008 US presidential election finally rose last month as John McCain and Barack Obama were formally nominated as candidates of the two major parties. This may be one of the hardest decisions voters have to make between two appealing candidates.
The big question for voters, as they face both an economic downturn and international threats, is: who will they elect? A young first-term senator promising change and new ideas, or a longtime senator with strong military experience and a reputation as a maverick ?
American voters have never seen a candidate quite like Obama. He has a white mother from theprefix = st1 /USand a black father fromKenyawho left the family when Obama was very young. He spent part of his youth inIndonesia.
His supporters say Obama's childhood gives him the advantage to repair the recent damage done toAmerica's image abroad. His opponents focus on his inexperience, noting he hasn't finished his first term in the Senate.
However, McCain has a very different life story.
He grew up in a Navy family and was a pilot during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. When Obama was in kindergarten in Indonesia, McCain's plane was shot down overVietnamand he became a prisoner of war. McCain could have been released if he _ Americabut he refused and so was held for five years.
So in the end, the election may hinge on (...) several factors that are hard to judge: Will Obama's race matter to a significant number of voters? Will working-class whites who tended to support his primary opponent, Hillary Clinton, vote for Obama? And perhaps most important of all, will swing voters be more drawn to Obama's vision or to McCain's experience?
Whatever happens, one thing is clear: Whoever walks into the White House on January 20, 2009, will find enormous challenges waiting for him in the Oval Office, both at home and abroad.
Question:
_ makes the result of the election hard to predict.
Choices:
A. Whether working class whites care about Obama's inexperience
B. The economic trouble the country now faces
C. Who swing voters will finally decide to vote for
D. McCain's being too old to govern the country
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high22546.txt
|
The curtain on the 2008 US presidential election finally rose last month as John McCain and Barack Obama were formally nominated as candidates of the two major parties. This may be one of the hardest decisions voters have to make between two appealing candidates.
The big question for voters, as they face both an economic downturn and international threats, is: who will they elect? A young first-term senator promising change and new ideas, or a longtime senator with strong military experience and a reputation as a maverick ?
American voters have never seen a candidate quite like Obama. He has a white mother from theprefix = st1 /USand a black father fromKenyawho left the family when Obama was very young. He spent part of his youth inIndonesia.
His supporters say Obama's childhood gives him the advantage to repair the recent damage done toAmerica's image abroad. His opponents focus on his inexperience, noting he hasn't finished his first term in the Senate.
However, McCain has a very different life story.
He grew up in a Navy family and was a pilot during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. When Obama was in kindergarten in Indonesia, McCain's plane was shot down overVietnamand he became a prisoner of war. McCain could have been released if he _ Americabut he refused and so was held for five years.
So in the end, the election may hinge on (...) several factors that are hard to judge: Will Obama's race matter to a significant number of voters? Will working-class whites who tended to support his primary opponent, Hillary Clinton, vote for Obama? And perhaps most important of all, will swing voters be more drawn to Obama's vision or to McCain's experience?
Whatever happens, one thing is clear: Whoever walks into the White House on January 20, 2009, will find enormous challenges waiting for him in the Oval Office, both at home and abroad.
|
[
"Whether working class whites care about Obama's inexperience",
"The economic trouble the country now faces",
"Who swing voters will finally decide to vote for",
"McCain's being too old to govern the country"
] |
To protect their eyesight, what are children mainly advised to do?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
You could have poor eyesight because you didn't spend enough time outdoors as a child, according to the conclusion of some studies on short-sightedness published in the Optometry and Vision Science.
Although short-sightedness can easily be corrected with glasses or contact lenses , it's much better to prevent it altogether. This means we should allow the eyes to develop the way they should in childhood.
Children need to spend more time outdoors, focusing on distant objects, say the Australian researchers. This gives the eyeballs a chance to develop as they should.
According to one study on short-sightedness, the risk of developing short-sightedness is great -- about 60 percent -- in children who get five hours or less per week of outdoor activities. But if they do outdoor activities for 14 hours or more a week, the risk drops to 20 percent.
Spending time outdoors can even help people overcome a genetic predisposition to short-sightedness. Children with parents who are short-sighted can bring down their risk by spending a few hours a day outdoors, suggest the findings from another of the studies presented at the conference.
It's being in an outdoor environment that seems to be important, not the type of activity. Studies show that both active and passive outdoor activities have the same protective effect. So encourage children to balance the time they spend reading and studying with time outside. Two to three hours a day outside of school hours is the suggested amount by scientists. If it's hard to find that time, then cut the amount of television and reduce the time they spend on computer games and get kids to take frequent breaks outdoors when reading and studying.
Question:
To protect their eyesight, what are children mainly advised to do?
Choices:
A. To do more fierce activities.
B. To spend more time outdoors.
C. To take frequent breaks indoors.
D. To stop playing computer games.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high23487.txt
|
You could have poor eyesight because you didn't spend enough time outdoors as a child, according to the conclusion of some studies on short-sightedness published in the Optometry and Vision Science.
Although short-sightedness can easily be corrected with glasses or contact lenses , it's much better to prevent it altogether. This means we should allow the eyes to develop the way they should in childhood.
Children need to spend more time outdoors, focusing on distant objects, say the Australian researchers. This gives the eyeballs a chance to develop as they should.
According to one study on short-sightedness, the risk of developing short-sightedness is great -- about 60 percent -- in children who get five hours or less per week of outdoor activities. But if they do outdoor activities for 14 hours or more a week, the risk drops to 20 percent.
Spending time outdoors can even help people overcome a genetic predisposition to short-sightedness. Children with parents who are short-sighted can bring down their risk by spending a few hours a day outdoors, suggest the findings from another of the studies presented at the conference.
It's being in an outdoor environment that seems to be important, not the type of activity. Studies show that both active and passive outdoor activities have the same protective effect. So encourage children to balance the time they spend reading and studying with time outside. Two to three hours a day outside of school hours is the suggested amount by scientists. If it's hard to find that time, then cut the amount of television and reduce the time they spend on computer games and get kids to take frequent breaks outdoors when reading and studying.
|
[
"To do more fierce activities.",
"To spend more time outdoors.",
"To take frequent breaks indoors.",
"To stop playing computer games."
] |
What is the purpose of writing this article?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
In the face of rising gas costs, many consumers are beginning to consider the choice of a hybrid vehicle--one which operates on both gas and electricity. All of the models of hybrid car will save money, but are they really effective when all of the costs of maintenance and other considerations are included in?
First of all, consider the cost of buying a hybrid vehicle. Depending on the model, hybrid vehicles can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 more than the traditional models. However, some say that as the hybrid cars become increasingly more available as a reflection of demand, the prices can be expected to drop, making them more cost effective when it comes to the initial investment.
Also important to keep in mind is the fact that the hybrid cars have a much more specialized system than the standard vehicle, and will therefore require more specialized workers to repair them when they break down.
It seems as though, at least for the time being, the purchase of a hybrid vehicle for the average consumer may not be the best choice when it comes to saving money. It is important to keep several things in mind, however, when considering purchasing a hybrid model. Many consumers are choosing to purchase these cars because they represent a significant development in terms of environmental concerns over standard models. They also mean that as a whole, Western nations will become less dependent on oil as the only means of power.
Finally, it is necessary to remember that the hybrid car is a very new technology. Developed only within the last few years, the technology is still in the starting stage, where costs will continue to be high. As time passes, the development of the hybrid technology will begin to push prices down to the point where hybrids are more competitive with the traditionally fueled models of the past.
Question:
What is the purpose of writing this article?
Choices:
A. To tell the readers about the advantages of hybrid cars.
B. To warn the readers of the disadvantages of hybrid cars.
C. To advise people to think twice before buying hybrid cars.
D. To call on people to buy hybrid cars to protect the environment.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high22012.txt
|
In the face of rising gas costs, many consumers are beginning to consider the choice of a hybrid vehicle--one which operates on both gas and electricity. All of the models of hybrid car will save money, but are they really effective when all of the costs of maintenance and other considerations are included in?
First of all, consider the cost of buying a hybrid vehicle. Depending on the model, hybrid vehicles can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 more than the traditional models. However, some say that as the hybrid cars become increasingly more available as a reflection of demand, the prices can be expected to drop, making them more cost effective when it comes to the initial investment.
Also important to keep in mind is the fact that the hybrid cars have a much more specialized system than the standard vehicle, and will therefore require more specialized workers to repair them when they break down.
It seems as though, at least for the time being, the purchase of a hybrid vehicle for the average consumer may not be the best choice when it comes to saving money. It is important to keep several things in mind, however, when considering purchasing a hybrid model. Many consumers are choosing to purchase these cars because they represent a significant development in terms of environmental concerns over standard models. They also mean that as a whole, Western nations will become less dependent on oil as the only means of power.
Finally, it is necessary to remember that the hybrid car is a very new technology. Developed only within the last few years, the technology is still in the starting stage, where costs will continue to be high. As time passes, the development of the hybrid technology will begin to push prices down to the point where hybrids are more competitive with the traditionally fueled models of the past.
|
[
"To tell the readers about the advantages of hybrid cars.",
"To warn the readers of the disadvantages of hybrid cars.",
"To advise people to think twice before buying hybrid cars.",
"To call on people to buy hybrid cars to protect the environment."
] |
What is the author's purpose in writing this passage?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Who do you think breaks the law in our society? If you believe that only tough guys commit crimes, you may have to think again. Unlike in the movies, we can't divide the world into bad guys and model citizens. _ In the same way that diseases range from the common cold to fatal forms of cancer, crimes vary in degree. For example, smoking in an elevator will inconvenience people, but much less than threatening them with a gun.
In addition to breaking the law themselves, people tolerate various levels of crime. Why can we tolerate some crimes? It may be that, by seeing others do something, we accept it more easily. For instance, most people will find it easier to speed on a highway when everybody else is driving over the speed limit. When people celebrate a sports championship, if they see someone breaking store windows, they might start breaking windows themselves or even steal from the store. So the people around us influence how much law-breaking we can tolerate.
We must also wonder whether seeing violence on television or reading about it in the newspapers every day makes us tolerate crime more than we should. We become used to seeing blood on the news on television, or in full color in newspapers and magazines. Because we see thousands of dead people on TV, maybe we just try to ignore the situation behind the violence.
If so many citizens tolerate violence and crime, or even commit crimes themselves, it may simply be because of the human mind. Our minds may not care about specific laws. Instead, our minds may have a system of values that usually prevents us from hurting other people to improve our own lives. Yet, when it comes to respecting the rights of a mass of anonymous individuals, we might not be so responsible. While most people would not steal a wallet containing $50, they may not mind cheating on taxes, because cheating on taxes does not hurt any one person. It hurts society, but "society" remains an abstract idea that is not as real as a neighbor or a friend's friend.
When we realize that so many people have misunderstandings of law-breaking, it is not surprising that so many people tolerate crimes, or even break laws, including me. But how could we improve the level of honesty in our society? Would strict laws help make our society better? Probably not. Honesty will have to come from social pressure: in the family, at school, on the job, each and every one of us can encourage honesty by showing which behavior is unacceptable. And teaching respect should become everyone's responsibility.
Question:
What is the author's purpose in writing this passage?
Choices:
A. To discuss whether laws are strict enough.
B. To remind people to behave with honesty.
C. To show people the importance of education.
D. To explain why many people have criminal records.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high4711.txt
|
Who do you think breaks the law in our society? If you believe that only tough guys commit crimes, you may have to think again. Unlike in the movies, we can't divide the world into bad guys and model citizens. _ In the same way that diseases range from the common cold to fatal forms of cancer, crimes vary in degree. For example, smoking in an elevator will inconvenience people, but much less than threatening them with a gun.
In addition to breaking the law themselves, people tolerate various levels of crime. Why can we tolerate some crimes? It may be that, by seeing others do something, we accept it more easily. For instance, most people will find it easier to speed on a highway when everybody else is driving over the speed limit. When people celebrate a sports championship, if they see someone breaking store windows, they might start breaking windows themselves or even steal from the store. So the people around us influence how much law-breaking we can tolerate.
We must also wonder whether seeing violence on television or reading about it in the newspapers every day makes us tolerate crime more than we should. We become used to seeing blood on the news on television, or in full color in newspapers and magazines. Because we see thousands of dead people on TV, maybe we just try to ignore the situation behind the violence.
If so many citizens tolerate violence and crime, or even commit crimes themselves, it may simply be because of the human mind. Our minds may not care about specific laws. Instead, our minds may have a system of values that usually prevents us from hurting other people to improve our own lives. Yet, when it comes to respecting the rights of a mass of anonymous individuals, we might not be so responsible. While most people would not steal a wallet containing $50, they may not mind cheating on taxes, because cheating on taxes does not hurt any one person. It hurts society, but "society" remains an abstract idea that is not as real as a neighbor or a friend's friend.
When we realize that so many people have misunderstandings of law-breaking, it is not surprising that so many people tolerate crimes, or even break laws, including me. But how could we improve the level of honesty in our society? Would strict laws help make our society better? Probably not. Honesty will have to come from social pressure: in the family, at school, on the job, each and every one of us can encourage honesty by showing which behavior is unacceptable. And teaching respect should become everyone's responsibility.
|
[
"To discuss whether laws are strict enough.",
"To remind people to behave with honesty.",
"To show people the importance of education.",
"To explain why many people have criminal records."
] |
Why did the writer feel sad and upset after out of the boss's office?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
On the way back from work every evening, more often than not there would be a homeless man standing at the exit of the freeway . He looked to be in his late 40s but was probably a lot younger. He had shoulder length straight black hair and a short beard.
Every day after work I would remember to gather any spare change, and put it aside to give to him if I saw him. A feeling of joy would come over me every time I saw him, while coming off the ramp . So did he. Sometimes the red light would be on for a minute and we would ask each other about our day. His answer would always be the same, "I'm blessed!"
Then one day I was called into my boss's office and was told that I was being laid off. For the rest of that day all I could think of was "how am I going to provide for my kids as a mother, how am I going to pay rent?"
Needless to say that on my way home that day I was very sad and upset. I didn't remember to look for my spare change and keep it ready like I usually did. Yet there he was as always, as I turned the ramp. He set his eyes on me, while still smiling and waving at others as usual.
While I was waiting for the red light to turn, he strolled over to my car. He had a big smile. He looked at me straight in the eyes and said, "Today I will give you a dollar." He then reached into his pocket and pulled out a dollar bill.
You see that day he taught me a valuable lesson more than a dollar bill. No matter what material things are taken from you, no one can take away your choice to be joyful. Every time I'm faced with challenges, I think of the homeless man's valuable lesson and remember that I am blessed.
Question:
Why did the writer feel sad and upset after out of the boss's office?
Choices:
A. Because she was criticized by the boss.
B. Because a new job was offered to her.
C. Because she was laid off by the boss.
D. Because there was something wrong with her job.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle3193.txt
|
On the way back from work every evening, more often than not there would be a homeless man standing at the exit of the freeway . He looked to be in his late 40s but was probably a lot younger. He had shoulder length straight black hair and a short beard.
Every day after work I would remember to gather any spare change, and put it aside to give to him if I saw him. A feeling of joy would come over me every time I saw him, while coming off the ramp . So did he. Sometimes the red light would be on for a minute and we would ask each other about our day. His answer would always be the same, "I'm blessed!"
Then one day I was called into my boss's office and was told that I was being laid off. For the rest of that day all I could think of was "how am I going to provide for my kids as a mother, how am I going to pay rent?"
Needless to say that on my way home that day I was very sad and upset. I didn't remember to look for my spare change and keep it ready like I usually did. Yet there he was as always, as I turned the ramp. He set his eyes on me, while still smiling and waving at others as usual.
While I was waiting for the red light to turn, he strolled over to my car. He had a big smile. He looked at me straight in the eyes and said, "Today I will give you a dollar." He then reached into his pocket and pulled out a dollar bill.
You see that day he taught me a valuable lesson more than a dollar bill. No matter what material things are taken from you, no one can take away your choice to be joyful. Every time I'm faced with challenges, I think of the homeless man's valuable lesson and remember that I am blessed.
|
[
"Because she was criticized by the boss.",
"Because a new job was offered to her.",
"Because she was laid off by the boss.",
"Because there was something wrong with her job."
] |
What's the main purpose of this writing?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
The Great Plague of London in 1665 was the last in a long senies of plague that first began in London in June 1499.1t killed between 75,000 and 100,000. First suspected in late 1664,it began to spread eastwards in April 1665 from the poor suburb of St. Giles to the crowded and dirty communities on its way to the walled City of London.
The Great Plague at Its Peak
By September 1665 ,the death rate had reached 8,000 per week. Helpless city authorities began to abandon quarantine measures. Houses containing the dead and dying were no longer locked. London's mournful silence was broken by the noise of carts carrying the dead for burial in churches or public plague pits.
Well-off residents soon fled to the countryside, leaving the poor behind in poor old commun/ties. Thousands of dogs and cats were killed to remove a feared source of contagion ,and piles of rotting garbage were burned. Doctors cut swellings and bled black spots in attempts to cure plague victims.
Plague Orders prohibited churches from keeping dead bodies in their buildings during public assemblies or services, and camers of the dead had to identify themselves and could not mix with the public.
Samuel Pepys: Eyewitness Accounts
In his famous diary, Samuel Pepys, a member of Parliament, conveyed the sad image of desperate people wandering the streets in search of relief from the ruins of the plague. His notes during 1665 indicated the severity of London's Great Plague. In July, he mourned " the sad news of the death of so manv in the community, forty last night, the bell always going either for deaths or burials. " A month later, when London's death rate rose sharply, Pepys noted that surviors are forced to carry the dead to be buried by daylight, the nights not enough to do it
The Plague Declines and the Government Reacts
By February 1666,the Great Plague had nearly run its course.lt died out during the Great Fire that same year and never returned. Central parts of London were rebuilt with wider streets to relieve crowding and better waste water svstems to improve public cleanliness. New Plague Orders were issued in May 1666,which banned the burial of future plague victims in churches and small churchyards, enforced the use of quicklime at chosen burial sites, and strictly prohibited opening graves less than one year after burial as a safeguard against the spread of infection.
Question:
What's the main purpose of this writing?
Choices:
A. To blame poor public cleanliness for plague.
B. To inform readers of what happened in the Great Plague.
C. To show that plague was closely related to church activities.
D. To prove that plague could be controlled by humans.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high13138.txt
|
The Great Plague of London in 1665 was the last in a long senies of plague that first began in London in June 1499.1t killed between 75,000 and 100,000. First suspected in late 1664,it began to spread eastwards in April 1665 from the poor suburb of St. Giles to the crowded and dirty communities on its way to the walled City of London.
The Great Plague at Its Peak
By September 1665 ,the death rate had reached 8,000 per week. Helpless city authorities began to abandon quarantine measures. Houses containing the dead and dying were no longer locked. London's mournful silence was broken by the noise of carts carrying the dead for burial in churches or public plague pits.
Well-off residents soon fled to the countryside, leaving the poor behind in poor old commun/ties. Thousands of dogs and cats were killed to remove a feared source of contagion ,and piles of rotting garbage were burned. Doctors cut swellings and bled black spots in attempts to cure plague victims.
Plague Orders prohibited churches from keeping dead bodies in their buildings during public assemblies or services, and camers of the dead had to identify themselves and could not mix with the public.
Samuel Pepys: Eyewitness Accounts
In his famous diary, Samuel Pepys, a member of Parliament, conveyed the sad image of desperate people wandering the streets in search of relief from the ruins of the plague. His notes during 1665 indicated the severity of London's Great Plague. In July, he mourned " the sad news of the death of so manv in the community, forty last night, the bell always going either for deaths or burials. " A month later, when London's death rate rose sharply, Pepys noted that surviors are forced to carry the dead to be buried by daylight, the nights not enough to do it
The Plague Declines and the Government Reacts
By February 1666,the Great Plague had nearly run its course.lt died out during the Great Fire that same year and never returned. Central parts of London were rebuilt with wider streets to relieve crowding and better waste water svstems to improve public cleanliness. New Plague Orders were issued in May 1666,which banned the burial of future plague victims in churches and small churchyards, enforced the use of quicklime at chosen burial sites, and strictly prohibited opening graves less than one year after burial as a safeguard against the spread of infection.
|
[
"To blame poor public cleanliness for plague.",
"To inform readers of what happened in the Great Plague.",
"To show that plague was closely related to church activities.",
"To prove that plague could be controlled by humans."
] |
What can cockroaches do to help people?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
TOKYO, JAPAN--What do you do when you see a cockroach ? Do you hit it with a newspaper? Do you step on it?
When researchers at Tokyo University see a cockroach, they take the remote control and make the cockroach turn around, run left or right, or go forward. These scientists are changing the cockroaches into robots. Each cockroach has a very small pack that has in it a microprocessor .Then researchers can send signals from the remote control to the pack. The signals control the movements of the cockroaches.
Why does anyone want to control a cockroach? "Insects can do many things that people can't," says Isao Shimoyama, head of robot research at Tokyo University. In a few years, he says, these robot insects will carry very small cameras. They will be able to move through earthquake rubble to look for people or move under doors to find information about someone.
This may seem strange, but the Japanese government thinks the research is very important. The government is giving the scientists $ 5 million for this research.
First, the researchers breed hundreds of cockroaches. They use only the American cockroach because it is bigger and stronger than other cockroaches. Then they choose the best cockroaches and remove their wings and antennae . They put small packs where the antennae were. The packs weigh about three grams, or about two times the weight of the cockroaches themselves. "Cockroaches are very strong," says Ralph Holzer, who is a researcher at Tokyo University. "They can lift 20 times their own weight. "
With a remote control, the scientists send signals to the packs. When a cockroach gets the signal, it moves. The problem is that the cockroaches don't always move in the right direction.
Question:
What can cockroaches do to help people?
Choices:
A. They can lift 20 times their own weight.
B. They can help people to carry very small cameras.
C. They can breed hundreds of cockroaches.
D. They can search for those people in rubble after an earthquake.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle377.txt
|
TOKYO, JAPAN--What do you do when you see a cockroach ? Do you hit it with a newspaper? Do you step on it?
When researchers at Tokyo University see a cockroach, they take the remote control and make the cockroach turn around, run left or right, or go forward. These scientists are changing the cockroaches into robots. Each cockroach has a very small pack that has in it a microprocessor .Then researchers can send signals from the remote control to the pack. The signals control the movements of the cockroaches.
Why does anyone want to control a cockroach? "Insects can do many things that people can't," says Isao Shimoyama, head of robot research at Tokyo University. In a few years, he says, these robot insects will carry very small cameras. They will be able to move through earthquake rubble to look for people or move under doors to find information about someone.
This may seem strange, but the Japanese government thinks the research is very important. The government is giving the scientists $ 5 million for this research.
First, the researchers breed hundreds of cockroaches. They use only the American cockroach because it is bigger and stronger than other cockroaches. Then they choose the best cockroaches and remove their wings and antennae . They put small packs where the antennae were. The packs weigh about three grams, or about two times the weight of the cockroaches themselves. "Cockroaches are very strong," says Ralph Holzer, who is a researcher at Tokyo University. "They can lift 20 times their own weight. "
With a remote control, the scientists send signals to the packs. When a cockroach gets the signal, it moves. The problem is that the cockroaches don't always move in the right direction.
|
[
"They can lift 20 times their own weight.",
"They can help people to carry very small cameras.",
"They can breed hundreds of cockroaches.",
"They can search for those people in rubble after an earthquake."
] |
Why did Dr. Paris move to Hailey?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Connecting with Patients
Dr. Paris often treats several generations of a family over many years. "He's seen us through two births, one operation, multiple earaches, a broken wrist and a recovery from a serious traffic crash," says Jill Farrow, a 43-year-old lawyer whose first visit to Dr. Paris was as a teenager. During the birth of her younger son, Farrow began bleeding badly. Dr. Paris managed to solve the problem in a delicate procedure. "Twenty years ago, she probably would have died," he says. Today, when he performs school sports physical examinations for the Farrow boys, 10 and 11, he is always reminded that lives are changed forever by doctors just doing their jobs.
To be a mix of country doc and somewhat adventurer, the 55-year-old family physician moved to Hailey after completing his residency . He hoped to practice medicine there and ski at nearby Sun Valley. Unfortunately, the only job opening was for an emergency-room doctor in Missoula, Montana, 300 miles away. Dr. Paris took it. "I'd ski all day and then drive all night to be in Missoula for a 48-hour shift," he recalls. "I'm lucky to be alive." Knowing he couldn't keep up with his eight-hour commute , he began taking flying lessons.
In 1981, Dr. Paris joined a small medical practice in Hailey, a former mining town with a population at the time of 2,109. As Hailey grew in the shadow of Sun Valley's booming popularity, Dr. Paris's own practice expanded to seven physicians, including his wife, Kathryn Woods, who is also a family doctor. They met in 1986 at a certification exam in Denver when, in a room full of men in stodgy suits, Woods arrived wearing a Lycra biking outfit and carrying the front wheel of her bicycle (which she couldn't lock up outside). Dr. Paris asked her out on the spot. In 1989, they married.
Question:
Why did Dr. Paris move to Hailey?
Choices:
A. Because he can be a doctor and an adventurer there.
B. Because he has to finish his residency there.
C. Because his children are fond of skiing at nearby Sun Valley.
D. Because he has to be an emergency-room doctor there.
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high7546.txt
|
Connecting with Patients
Dr. Paris often treats several generations of a family over many years. "He's seen us through two births, one operation, multiple earaches, a broken wrist and a recovery from a serious traffic crash," says Jill Farrow, a 43-year-old lawyer whose first visit to Dr. Paris was as a teenager. During the birth of her younger son, Farrow began bleeding badly. Dr. Paris managed to solve the problem in a delicate procedure. "Twenty years ago, she probably would have died," he says. Today, when he performs school sports physical examinations for the Farrow boys, 10 and 11, he is always reminded that lives are changed forever by doctors just doing their jobs.
To be a mix of country doc and somewhat adventurer, the 55-year-old family physician moved to Hailey after completing his residency . He hoped to practice medicine there and ski at nearby Sun Valley. Unfortunately, the only job opening was for an emergency-room doctor in Missoula, Montana, 300 miles away. Dr. Paris took it. "I'd ski all day and then drive all night to be in Missoula for a 48-hour shift," he recalls. "I'm lucky to be alive." Knowing he couldn't keep up with his eight-hour commute , he began taking flying lessons.
In 1981, Dr. Paris joined a small medical practice in Hailey, a former mining town with a population at the time of 2,109. As Hailey grew in the shadow of Sun Valley's booming popularity, Dr. Paris's own practice expanded to seven physicians, including his wife, Kathryn Woods, who is also a family doctor. They met in 1986 at a certification exam in Denver when, in a room full of men in stodgy suits, Woods arrived wearing a Lycra biking outfit and carrying the front wheel of her bicycle (which she couldn't lock up outside). Dr. Paris asked her out on the spot. In 1989, they married.
|
[
"Because he can be a doctor and an adventurer there.",
"Because he has to finish his residency there.",
"Because his children are fond of skiing at nearby Sun Valley.",
"Because he has to be an emergency-room doctor there."
] |
There's a sale at your favorite "Any item $10" retailer. If you buy 1 shirt you pay $10. If you buy 2, you get the second one at a 50% discount. If you buy 3, you get the third one at a 60% discount. How much money did you save if you bought 3 shirts?
|
The first shirt has no (0%) discount off the regular price ($10), therefore your discount is = 0% * $10 = $<<0*.01*10=0>>0
The second shirt has a 50% discount off the regular price ($10), therefore your discount is = 50% * $10 = $<<50*.01*10=5>>5
The third shirt has a 60% discount of the regular price ($10), therefore your discount is = 60% * $10 = $<<60*.01*10=6>>6
Therefore in total, you save $0 on the first shirt, $5 on the second one and $6 on the third one = 0+5+6 = $<<0+5+6=11>>11
#### 11
|
Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step.
|
There's a sale at your favorite "Any item $10" retailer. If you buy 1 shirt you pay $10. If you buy 2, you get the second one at a 50% discount. If you buy 3, you get the third one at a 60% discount. How much money did you save if you bought 3 shirts?
|
The first shirt has no (0%) discount off the regular price ($10), therefore your discount is = 0% * $10 = $<<0*.01*10=0>>0
The second shirt has a 50% discount off the regular price ($10), therefore your discount is = 50% * $10 = $<<50*.01*10=5>>5
The third shirt has a 60% discount of the regular price ($10), therefore your discount is = 60% * $10 = $<<60*.01*10=6>>6
Therefore in total, you save $0 on the first shirt, $5 on the second one and $6 on the third one = 0+5+6 = $<<0+5+6=11>>11
#### 11
|
math
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Which of the following is the conclusion that the writer of this passage has drawn?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Cowboys Full: The Story of Poker
You may not play poker yourself but for much of the 19th and 20th centuries, the fate of the free world has been determined by men who do. So this recommendation is not for those who already play the game - if you do, you needn't bother reading the rest of this review, just go off and buy the book - as to the non-player, this is seriously worth their attention.
Although it began as poque, a French game that developed in New Orleans and headed up the Mississippi steamboats, by the mid-19th century poker was the most popular American amusement; the national game, in effect. So the history of America can be viewed through the history of poker, as James McManus quietly demonstrates. In this book you watch America grow up over a card table, from the wild west games which could either leave you broke, or dead, or both to the more polite early 20th-century scenes of respectable games.
And it is possible to argue, after reading this book, that history would be different if there were no such game which combined luck, intelligence, dishonesty, courage, skill and character. (There's a very good chapter which tries to work out how much luck is involved in the game.) Few over here have read or will read Shelby Foote's 2,836-page history of the American civil war, so we can be grateful that McManus provides us with a clear and elegant outline which tells how it was "the first work of history to explore how the game's wisdom and logic fit into the whole scheme of _ ". Not only, for instance, was Ulysses S Grant a good poker player, but as a student at West Point he'd learned the betting strategies of many of his contemporaries who would go on to become rebel generals. Nixon's poker game has already been analysed by Garry Wills in his Nixon Agonistes; Oskar Morgenstern, one of Eisenhower's advisers, pointed out that chess was Russians' national game and poker was the Americans'.
This is not, though, the history of poker, but, as the subtitle tells us, the story of poker, you will find fuller details elsewhere. This is a very flowing and impressionistic account, with a huge knowledge of the game; at times, in its mixing together of anecdote and observation, it produces the feeling you might get from studying a work of art. McManus is a first-rate writer: controlled, sensitive, accurate and convincing. And if the game makes no sense to you or holds no appeal, it might be the case that you are putting yourself at a disadvantage when it comes to dealing with the rest of humankind.
Question:
Which of the following is the conclusion that the writer of this passage has drawn?
Choices:
A. World history would certainly be different without poker.
B. History book is harder to understand than poker book.
C. Poker originated in New Orleans and became popular with sailors.
D. If you don't play poker, you may be at a disadvantage in human society.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high20966.txt
|
Cowboys Full: The Story of Poker
You may not play poker yourself but for much of the 19th and 20th centuries, the fate of the free world has been determined by men who do. So this recommendation is not for those who already play the game - if you do, you needn't bother reading the rest of this review, just go off and buy the book - as to the non-player, this is seriously worth their attention.
Although it began as poque, a French game that developed in New Orleans and headed up the Mississippi steamboats, by the mid-19th century poker was the most popular American amusement; the national game, in effect. So the history of America can be viewed through the history of poker, as James McManus quietly demonstrates. In this book you watch America grow up over a card table, from the wild west games which could either leave you broke, or dead, or both to the more polite early 20th-century scenes of respectable games.
And it is possible to argue, after reading this book, that history would be different if there were no such game which combined luck, intelligence, dishonesty, courage, skill and character. (There's a very good chapter which tries to work out how much luck is involved in the game.) Few over here have read or will read Shelby Foote's 2,836-page history of the American civil war, so we can be grateful that McManus provides us with a clear and elegant outline which tells how it was "the first work of history to explore how the game's wisdom and logic fit into the whole scheme of _ ". Not only, for instance, was Ulysses S Grant a good poker player, but as a student at West Point he'd learned the betting strategies of many of his contemporaries who would go on to become rebel generals. Nixon's poker game has already been analysed by Garry Wills in his Nixon Agonistes; Oskar Morgenstern, one of Eisenhower's advisers, pointed out that chess was Russians' national game and poker was the Americans'.
This is not, though, the history of poker, but, as the subtitle tells us, the story of poker, you will find fuller details elsewhere. This is a very flowing and impressionistic account, with a huge knowledge of the game; at times, in its mixing together of anecdote and observation, it produces the feeling you might get from studying a work of art. McManus is a first-rate writer: controlled, sensitive, accurate and convincing. And if the game makes no sense to you or holds no appeal, it might be the case that you are putting yourself at a disadvantage when it comes to dealing with the rest of humankind.
|
[
"World history would certainly be different without poker.",
"History book is harder to understand than poker book.",
"Poker originated in New Orleans and became popular with sailors.",
"If you don't play poker, you may be at a disadvantage in human society."
] |
In studying energy, what term do scientists use to refer to the matter and its environment involved in energy transfers?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
In studying energy, what term do scientists use to refer to the matter and its environment involved in energy transfers?
|
system
|
science
| null | null | null |
world
|
molecule
|
ecosystem
|
system
|
6.3 The Laws of Thermodynamics In studying energy, scientists use the term “system” to refer to the matter and its environment involved in energy transfers. Everything outside of the system is called the surroundings. Single cells are biological systems. Systems can be thought of as having a certain amount of order. It takes energy to make a system more ordered. The more ordered a system is, the lower its entropy. Entropy is a measure of the disorder of a system. As a system becomes more disordered, the lower its energy and the higher its entropy become. A series of laws, called the laws of thermodynamics, describe the properties and processes of energy transfer. The first law states that the total amount of energy in the universe is constant. This means that energy can’t be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed. The second law of thermodynamics states that every energy transfer involves some loss of energy in an unusable form, such as heat energy, resulting in a more disordered system. In other words, no energy transfer is completely efficient and tends toward disorder.
| null | null | null |
From the passage, we can learn _ .
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
When a handheld video game runs out of power, all you have to do is plug it in and charge it up. Within a few years, some of you might do the same thing with mom's car.
Automobile companies are developing vehiclesthat will plug into electricsockets , just like many laptops, digitalcameras, cell phones and small video game players do. Called "plug-inhybrids ," these cars will get most of their power from electricity. Their drivers will rarely haveto stop at gas stations.
The technology is more than just cool. In our automobile-filled world, plug-in vehicles could reduce the amount of gasoline we use. That gas is made from crude oil, which has been kept rising in cost. Plus, driving around in these hybrids may even help the environment. Gas-burning cars produce a lot of carbon dioxide, a type of greenhouse gas. These gases stay in the atmosphere, where theytrapheat and cause global warming.
The first company-produced plug-in hybrids could hitthe roads by 20l0. But engineers still have a lot of work to do to make the technology practical and inexpensive.
Batteries are the biggest challenge. In the plug-in-hybrid world, Li-ion batteries are getting the most attention. These batteries can store a large amount of energy in a small package, and they last a ly long time between charges. Li-ion batteries are standard in laptops, cell phones, heart devicesand similarportabledevices.
But because cars are so big and heavy, it would still require a suitcase-sized Li-ion battery to power about l2km of driving. What's more, the batteries are extremely expensive.
"A car filled with batteries could go a long distance," says Ted Bohn, an electrical engineer in prefix = st1 /Chicago. "But it couldn'thaul any people, and it would cost $l00,000."
So researchers need to figure out how to make batteries smaller and cheaper, among other questions.
"The answers don't exist yet," Bohn says. "As a kid I thought someone someplace knows the answer to everything. All of these questions haven't been decided. That's what engineering is about -- making a guess, running tests and fine-tuningresults."
Question:
From the passage, we can learn _ .
Choices:
A. we can buy one of "plug-in hybrids" now
B. all people will buy one after 20l0
C. this kind of car can carry two persons
D. some problems about "plug-in hybrids" remain to be done
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high24075.txt
|
When a handheld video game runs out of power, all you have to do is plug it in and charge it up. Within a few years, some of you might do the same thing with mom's car.
Automobile companies are developing vehiclesthat will plug into electricsockets , just like many laptops, digitalcameras, cell phones and small video game players do. Called "plug-inhybrids ," these cars will get most of their power from electricity. Their drivers will rarely haveto stop at gas stations.
The technology is more than just cool. In our automobile-filled world, plug-in vehicles could reduce the amount of gasoline we use. That gas is made from crude oil, which has been kept rising in cost. Plus, driving around in these hybrids may even help the environment. Gas-burning cars produce a lot of carbon dioxide, a type of greenhouse gas. These gases stay in the atmosphere, where theytrapheat and cause global warming.
The first company-produced plug-in hybrids could hitthe roads by 20l0. But engineers still have a lot of work to do to make the technology practical and inexpensive.
Batteries are the biggest challenge. In the plug-in-hybrid world, Li-ion batteries are getting the most attention. These batteries can store a large amount of energy in a small package, and they last a ly long time between charges. Li-ion batteries are standard in laptops, cell phones, heart devicesand similarportabledevices.
But because cars are so big and heavy, it would still require a suitcase-sized Li-ion battery to power about l2km of driving. What's more, the batteries are extremely expensive.
"A car filled with batteries could go a long distance," says Ted Bohn, an electrical engineer in prefix = st1 /Chicago. "But it couldn'thaul any people, and it would cost $l00,000."
So researchers need to figure out how to make batteries smaller and cheaper, among other questions.
"The answers don't exist yet," Bohn says. "As a kid I thought someone someplace knows the answer to everything. All of these questions haven't been decided. That's what engineering is about -- making a guess, running tests and fine-tuningresults."
|
[
"we can buy one of \"plug-in hybrids\" now",
"all people will buy one after 20l0",
"this kind of car can carry two persons",
"some problems about \"plug-in hybrids\" remain to be done"
] |
The passage suggests that we could have learnt much more about our past than we do now if the ancient people had _ .
|
A
|
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:
The passage suggests that we could have learnt much more about our past than we do now if the ancient people had _ .
Choices:
A. kept a record of every past event
B. not burnt their written records in wars
C. told the exact stories of the most important happenings
D. made more songs and dances
|
Answer: A
|
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.
|
[
"kept a record of every past event",
"not burnt their written records in wars",
"told the exact stories of the most important happenings",
"made more songs and dances"
] |
Which can be the best title of this passage?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
So far, there have been so many successful men and women in the world. And it's no surprise for many of us to dream of doing business when we grow up. However, Moziah Bridge tells us quite different story.
Moziah Bridges is now the CEO of his Mo's Bow's company. He has already earned $200,000 by selling bow ties and other men's fashion accessories . The boy designs all the bow ties together with seven other workers in the company, including his mother and grandmother.
"Mo is the CEO of the company, but I am the CEO of Mo," Bridges' grandma said.
About four years ago, when Bridges went shopping for bow ties, he found they were in ugly" black and red. He wanted a change. So he asked his grandma to teach him to sew and finally he developed the talent of creating bow ties. Though his very first bow tie didn't look nice, the young sewer kept on practicing. He used colorful cloth with different pictures. Then his parents and friends started to like his works.
At first he tried to sell them online to several stores in the south. Soon Mo's bow ties became popular. With the help of Dayond John, CEO of the famous US clothes brand FUBU, Bridges built his own company. Not only did Daymond John provide money for him, but also produced Bridges to the circle of fashion and business industries.
Now the 13-year-old's business has developed rapidly. So you can just start now! You don't have to wait till you're older. If you have a dream, go for it!
Question:
Which can be the best title of this passage?
Choices:
A. A Teenage CEO and His Business
B. Successful Men and Women
C. Daymond John and Moziah Bridges
D. Fashion and Business Industries
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle5502.txt
|
So far, there have been so many successful men and women in the world. And it's no surprise for many of us to dream of doing business when we grow up. However, Moziah Bridge tells us quite different story.
Moziah Bridges is now the CEO of his Mo's Bow's company. He has already earned $200,000 by selling bow ties and other men's fashion accessories . The boy designs all the bow ties together with seven other workers in the company, including his mother and grandmother.
"Mo is the CEO of the company, but I am the CEO of Mo," Bridges' grandma said.
About four years ago, when Bridges went shopping for bow ties, he found they were in ugly" black and red. He wanted a change. So he asked his grandma to teach him to sew and finally he developed the talent of creating bow ties. Though his very first bow tie didn't look nice, the young sewer kept on practicing. He used colorful cloth with different pictures. Then his parents and friends started to like his works.
At first he tried to sell them online to several stores in the south. Soon Mo's bow ties became popular. With the help of Dayond John, CEO of the famous US clothes brand FUBU, Bridges built his own company. Not only did Daymond John provide money for him, but also produced Bridges to the circle of fashion and business industries.
Now the 13-year-old's business has developed rapidly. So you can just start now! You don't have to wait till you're older. If you have a dream, go for it!
|
[
"A Teenage CEO and His Business",
"Successful Men and Women",
"Daymond John and Moziah Bridges",
"Fashion and Business Industries"
] |
The doctor went to the old lady's house _
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
A very old lady won a million dollars in a lottery . Her son and his wife heard the news on the radio."How are we going to tell your mother?" the wife asked. "The shock might kill her!
"That's true." the son said. "Perhaps we'd better speak to her doctor about it. He'll know how to break the news to her gently."
They explained the situation to the old lady's doctor.
"I'm glad you told me." he said. "A shock, even a happy one,could give her a heart attack. Leave it to me. I 'll find a way of breaking the news to her."
He thought about the problem for several days, and then decided what he would say. He called on the old lady and sat by her side. He took her hand in his."Let's play a game, my dear." he said. "A 'Let's Pretend' game." ks5u
"Oh, yes." the old lady said. "I love 'Let's Pretend' games."
"Good. I'll ask you a question first." the doctor said. "Then you can ask me one."
He pretended to think for a few moments. Then he said, "Tell me, what would you do if you won a million dollars in the lottery?"
"Oh, that's an easy one." the old lady said. "I'd give most of it to you, doctor, because you have been so good to me all these years. Doctor!"
But the doctor was now lying on the floor. He had died of shock.
Question:
The doctor went to the old lady's house _
Choices:
A. to tell her the news
B. to play games with her
C. to check her health
D. to help her get better
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high16871.txt
|
A very old lady won a million dollars in a lottery . Her son and his wife heard the news on the radio."How are we going to tell your mother?" the wife asked. "The shock might kill her!
"That's true." the son said. "Perhaps we'd better speak to her doctor about it. He'll know how to break the news to her gently."
They explained the situation to the old lady's doctor.
"I'm glad you told me." he said. "A shock, even a happy one,could give her a heart attack. Leave it to me. I 'll find a way of breaking the news to her."
He thought about the problem for several days, and then decided what he would say. He called on the old lady and sat by her side. He took her hand in his."Let's play a game, my dear." he said. "A 'Let's Pretend' game." ks5u
"Oh, yes." the old lady said. "I love 'Let's Pretend' games."
"Good. I'll ask you a question first." the doctor said. "Then you can ask me one."
He pretended to think for a few moments. Then he said, "Tell me, what would you do if you won a million dollars in the lottery?"
"Oh, that's an easy one." the old lady said. "I'd give most of it to you, doctor, because you have been so good to me all these years. Doctor!"
But the doctor was now lying on the floor. He had died of shock.
|
[
"to tell her the news",
"to play games with her",
"to check her health",
"to help her get better"
] |
According to Dr. Ian Drysdale, _ .
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
UGG boots have been a winterweather fashion for several years now, combining function, comfort, warmth and even some style. What many UGGenthusiasts don't know is that their boots are a breeding ground for bacteria and cause foot problems.
Doctors believe the boots, which are particularly popular among young teenage girls, are leading to a rise in the number of people suffering pains in their feet and knees.
Dr. Ian Drysdale, head of the British College of Osteopathic Medicine, believes because the foot does not get the proper support on the inside, it will lead to more ankle, knee, hip and back problems. "These boots are not designed for outside wear. Just because something becomes a trend or fashionable doesn't mean it's good or right," he said. "The particular problem with this type of footwear is that it is unsupported. It's a slipper. You wouldn't normally expect to be doing outdoor activities from something that's indoor. If you decide to wear your pajamas outside all the time, someone will come up and say it's not a good idea." Dr. Drysdale explained that the feet issues become a particular problem among young teenage girls, whose bones are "plastic" and developing when they are growing. "If that structure is developing in an inappropriate way," he said,"then the ultimate structure will be _ ."
Mike O'Neill, a consultant surgeon, said,"As the foot slides around, you get wear and tear on the joints on the inside of the foot. The ankle is in the wrong position, the thigh bone also changes position, and you get an abnormal movement in the pelvis, which leads to back problems."
UGG Australia, who makes the designer version of the boots, told The Daily Wirror that their boots are "comfort" rather than "performance" footwear and consumers should be aware of "knockoffs " which lack reinforced heels in their boots.
Question:
According to Dr. Ian Drysdale, _ .
Choices:
A. there is a possibility that bacteria will multiply in UGG boots
B. wearing UGG boots will lead to more ankle and toe problems
C. it's not a good idea to wear boots like UGG outside all the time
D. teenage girls' bones are plastic enough to wear UGG boots
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high7379.txt
|
UGG boots have been a winterweather fashion for several years now, combining function, comfort, warmth and even some style. What many UGGenthusiasts don't know is that their boots are a breeding ground for bacteria and cause foot problems.
Doctors believe the boots, which are particularly popular among young teenage girls, are leading to a rise in the number of people suffering pains in their feet and knees.
Dr. Ian Drysdale, head of the British College of Osteopathic Medicine, believes because the foot does not get the proper support on the inside, it will lead to more ankle, knee, hip and back problems. "These boots are not designed for outside wear. Just because something becomes a trend or fashionable doesn't mean it's good or right," he said. "The particular problem with this type of footwear is that it is unsupported. It's a slipper. You wouldn't normally expect to be doing outdoor activities from something that's indoor. If you decide to wear your pajamas outside all the time, someone will come up and say it's not a good idea." Dr. Drysdale explained that the feet issues become a particular problem among young teenage girls, whose bones are "plastic" and developing when they are growing. "If that structure is developing in an inappropriate way," he said,"then the ultimate structure will be _ ."
Mike O'Neill, a consultant surgeon, said,"As the foot slides around, you get wear and tear on the joints on the inside of the foot. The ankle is in the wrong position, the thigh bone also changes position, and you get an abnormal movement in the pelvis, which leads to back problems."
UGG Australia, who makes the designer version of the boots, told The Daily Wirror that their boots are "comfort" rather than "performance" footwear and consumers should be aware of "knockoffs " which lack reinforced heels in their boots.
|
[
"there is a possibility that bacteria will multiply in UGG boots",
"wearing UGG boots will lead to more ankle and toe problems",
"it's not a good idea to wear boots like UGG outside all the time",
"teenage girls' bones are plastic enough to wear UGG boots"
] |
Researchers _ when volunteers were doing web searches.
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Searching the Internet may help middle-aged and older adults keep their memories sharp,US researchers said.
Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles ,studied people doing web searches by recording their brain activity.
"What we saw was people who had Internet experience used more of their brain during the search,"Dr.Gary Small, a UCLA expert on aging, said,"This suggests that just searching on the Internet may train the brain and that it may keep it active and healthy."
"This is the first time anyone has simulated an Internet search task while scanning the brain,"Small said. His team studied 24 normal volunteers between the ages of 55 and 76. Half were experienced at searching the Internet and the other half had no web experience. However, the two groups were similar in age, gender and education.
Both groups were asked to do Internet searches and book reading tasks while their brain activity was monitored.
"We found that in the book reading task, the visual cortex-- the part of the brain that controls reading and language -- was activated,"Small said,"In doing the Internet search task, there was much greater activity, but only in the Internet-savvy group."
He said it appears that people who are familiar with the Internet can engage in much deeper level of brain activity. Activities that keep the brain engaged can preserve brain health and thinking ability. Small thinks learning to do Internet searches may be one of those activities.
Question:
Researchers _ when volunteers were doing web searches.
Choices:
A. studied the Internet
B. activated the brain
C. recorded their memories
D. monitored the brain activity
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high2819.txt
|
Searching the Internet may help middle-aged and older adults keep their memories sharp,US researchers said.
Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles ,studied people doing web searches by recording their brain activity.
"What we saw was people who had Internet experience used more of their brain during the search,"Dr.Gary Small, a UCLA expert on aging, said,"This suggests that just searching on the Internet may train the brain and that it may keep it active and healthy."
"This is the first time anyone has simulated an Internet search task while scanning the brain,"Small said. His team studied 24 normal volunteers between the ages of 55 and 76. Half were experienced at searching the Internet and the other half had no web experience. However, the two groups were similar in age, gender and education.
Both groups were asked to do Internet searches and book reading tasks while their brain activity was monitored.
"We found that in the book reading task, the visual cortex-- the part of the brain that controls reading and language -- was activated,"Small said,"In doing the Internet search task, there was much greater activity, but only in the Internet-savvy group."
He said it appears that people who are familiar with the Internet can engage in much deeper level of brain activity. Activities that keep the brain engaged can preserve brain health and thinking ability. Small thinks learning to do Internet searches may be one of those activities.
|
[
"studied the Internet",
"activated the brain",
"recorded their memories",
"monitored the brain activity"
] |
We can learn from the passage that Jessica _
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
What kind of pets do people have in your country? Dogs? Cats? How about a duck, hippo or lion? Here are two cases of animal owners with unusual pets.
Barrie Hayman has a pet duck called Star. Barrie adopted him after his brothers and sisters stayed away from him at birth. Barrie, a duck breeder, realized the little duck needed special attention. So he began taking Star with him everywhere he went. "I would put him in my pocket while I did my shopping," said Barrie. Now, at five months, Star is too big for Barrie's pocket, but the two are still _ . They watch sports, together and even share a drink together. Barrie said, "He is a fantastic duck. I've never known any like him." Star even has his own Facebook page, with more than 2,000 Face book friends.
Then there is the case of Tonie and Shirley Joubert in South Africa. They live with their hippo, Jessica. Tonie saved Jessica from floodwaters when she was only a day old. Jessica lives outside their riverside house, but she knows how to open the kitchen door, and often goes there for a snack. Tonie recently said, "I don't know whether Jessica sees me as a hippo or whether she sees herself as a human." Shirley is more certain, "Jessica sees herself as our child and I see Jessica as my daughter. I can't imagine my life without Jessica." Jessica is free to leave, and often visits wild hippos that live nearby. But she always returns home at night. Jessica's website notes that she has three hippo boyfriends, but one in particular,Fred, is her favorite. They often go grazing together and Fred has recently moved onto the Joubert's house as well.
Question:
We can learn from the passage that Jessica _
Choices:
A. came to Joubert's home when she was 5 months old
B. loves eating in the Joubert's kitchen
C. doesn't see herself as a human being
D. has more than three boyfriends
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high1545.txt
|
What kind of pets do people have in your country? Dogs? Cats? How about a duck, hippo or lion? Here are two cases of animal owners with unusual pets.
Barrie Hayman has a pet duck called Star. Barrie adopted him after his brothers and sisters stayed away from him at birth. Barrie, a duck breeder, realized the little duck needed special attention. So he began taking Star with him everywhere he went. "I would put him in my pocket while I did my shopping," said Barrie. Now, at five months, Star is too big for Barrie's pocket, but the two are still _ . They watch sports, together and even share a drink together. Barrie said, "He is a fantastic duck. I've never known any like him." Star even has his own Facebook page, with more than 2,000 Face book friends.
Then there is the case of Tonie and Shirley Joubert in South Africa. They live with their hippo, Jessica. Tonie saved Jessica from floodwaters when she was only a day old. Jessica lives outside their riverside house, but she knows how to open the kitchen door, and often goes there for a snack. Tonie recently said, "I don't know whether Jessica sees me as a hippo or whether she sees herself as a human." Shirley is more certain, "Jessica sees herself as our child and I see Jessica as my daughter. I can't imagine my life without Jessica." Jessica is free to leave, and often visits wild hippos that live nearby. But she always returns home at night. Jessica's website notes that she has three hippo boyfriends, but one in particular,Fred, is her favorite. They often go grazing together and Fred has recently moved onto the Joubert's house as well.
|
[
"came to Joubert's home when she was 5 months old",
"loves eating in the Joubert's kitchen",
"doesn't see herself as a human being",
"has more than three boyfriends"
] |
Many enzymes require nonprotein helpers for what activity?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
Many enzymes require nonprotein helpers for what activity?
|
catalytic
|
science
| null | null | null |
functional
|
hydrogen
|
kinetic
|
catalytic
| null | null | null |
|
Mrs Davies was worried because Mr Davies _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Mr and Mrs Davies had left their Christmas shopping very late. There were only a few days more before Christmas, and of course the shops and streets were terribly crowded, but they had to get presents for their family and friends, so they started out early one morning for the big city, and spent several tiring hours buying the things they wanted in the big shops.
By lunch-time, Mr Davies was carrying parcels of all shaps and sizes. He could hardly see where he was going as he and his wife left the last shop on their way to the railway station and home. Outside the shop they had to cross a busy street, made even busier than usual by the thousands of people who had come by car to do their last-minute Christmas shopping.
Mr and Mrs Davies had to wait for the traffic lights to turn green, but as Mr Davies could not see very well in front of him, he gradually moved forward into the road without realizing it. Mrs Davies saw this and became worried. Several times she told her husband to come back off the road, but without success. He could not hear her because of the noise of the traffic.
Finally she shouted in a voice that could be heard clearly above all the noise, "Henry! If you want to stand in that dangerous position a moment longer, give me the parcels!"
Question:
Mrs Davies was worried because Mr Davies _ .
Choices:
A. was losing his parcels
B. lost his way
C. could not see where he was going
D. could not hear her
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high20573.txt
|
Mr and Mrs Davies had left their Christmas shopping very late. There were only a few days more before Christmas, and of course the shops and streets were terribly crowded, but they had to get presents for their family and friends, so they started out early one morning for the big city, and spent several tiring hours buying the things they wanted in the big shops.
By lunch-time, Mr Davies was carrying parcels of all shaps and sizes. He could hardly see where he was going as he and his wife left the last shop on their way to the railway station and home. Outside the shop they had to cross a busy street, made even busier than usual by the thousands of people who had come by car to do their last-minute Christmas shopping.
Mr and Mrs Davies had to wait for the traffic lights to turn green, but as Mr Davies could not see very well in front of him, he gradually moved forward into the road without realizing it. Mrs Davies saw this and became worried. Several times she told her husband to come back off the road, but without success. He could not hear her because of the noise of the traffic.
Finally she shouted in a voice that could be heard clearly above all the noise, "Henry! If you want to stand in that dangerous position a moment longer, give me the parcels!"
|
[
"was losing his parcels",
"lost his way",
"could not see where he was going",
"could not hear her"
] |
Which of the following statements is TRUE of the research led by Professor Nir Barzilai?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Good Genes Mean Long Life
Scientists have discovered that living to the age of 100 may have nothing to do with the lifestyle you lead and everything to do with the type of genes you have.
For the lucky carriers of "Methuselah" genes, worries over smoking, eating unhealthily and not getting enough exercise may not be as necessary as to those of us without the special gene pattern .
The "Methuselah" genes could give extra protection against the diseases of old age such as cancer and heart disease. They could also protect people against the effects of the unhealthy lifestyles that we believe will lead us to an early death, scientists say. However, the genes are very rare.
The genes include ADIPOQ, which is found in about 10 percent of young people but in nearly 30 percent of people living past 100. They also include the CETP and the ApoC3 genes, which are found in 10 percent of young people, but in about 20 percent of people over 100 years old.
Some of those genes were discovered by a research group at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, led by Professor Nir Barzilai. The team studied the genes of over 500 people over 100 years old, and their children.
The studies show that tiny mutations in the make-up of some genes can greatly increase a person's lifespan . Barzilai told a Royal Society conference that the discovery of such genes gave scientists clear targets for developing drugs that could prevent age-related diseases, allow people to live longer and stay healthy.
David Gems, a researcher at University College London, believes that drugs to slow ageing will become widespread.
"If we know which genes control longevity then we can ... target them with drugs. That makes it possible to slow down ageing," he told The Times.
"Much of the pain and suffering in the world are caused by ageing. If we can find a way to reduce that, then we are obliged to take it."
Question:
Which of the following statements is TRUE of the research led by Professor Nir Barzilai?
Choices:
A. The team studied the genes of over 100 people over 100 years of age.
B. The researchers found that mutations in certain genes lead to longer life.
C. The researchers found ways to develop drugs that could cure age-related diseases.
D. The study suggested that most people have genes that could lengthen their lives.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high15248.txt
|
Good Genes Mean Long Life
Scientists have discovered that living to the age of 100 may have nothing to do with the lifestyle you lead and everything to do with the type of genes you have.
For the lucky carriers of "Methuselah" genes, worries over smoking, eating unhealthily and not getting enough exercise may not be as necessary as to those of us without the special gene pattern .
The "Methuselah" genes could give extra protection against the diseases of old age such as cancer and heart disease. They could also protect people against the effects of the unhealthy lifestyles that we believe will lead us to an early death, scientists say. However, the genes are very rare.
The genes include ADIPOQ, which is found in about 10 percent of young people but in nearly 30 percent of people living past 100. They also include the CETP and the ApoC3 genes, which are found in 10 percent of young people, but in about 20 percent of people over 100 years old.
Some of those genes were discovered by a research group at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, led by Professor Nir Barzilai. The team studied the genes of over 500 people over 100 years old, and their children.
The studies show that tiny mutations in the make-up of some genes can greatly increase a person's lifespan . Barzilai told a Royal Society conference that the discovery of such genes gave scientists clear targets for developing drugs that could prevent age-related diseases, allow people to live longer and stay healthy.
David Gems, a researcher at University College London, believes that drugs to slow ageing will become widespread.
"If we know which genes control longevity then we can ... target them with drugs. That makes it possible to slow down ageing," he told The Times.
"Much of the pain and suffering in the world are caused by ageing. If we can find a way to reduce that, then we are obliged to take it."
|
[
"The team studied the genes of over 100 people over 100 years of age.",
"The researchers found that mutations in certain genes lead to longer life.",
"The researchers found ways to develop drugs that could cure age-related diseases.",
"The study suggested that most people have genes that could lengthen their lives."
] |
Which of the following is right?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Do you know how to be happy? Here are six ways for you to find more pleasure in your life.
Play that song you love so much. As a preschooler can tell you, repetition can lead to pleasure. When you experience something more than once, you notice more details about it each time, and it increases your enjoyment. That's why you love revisiting that jazz club, favourite restaurant, and beloved old Woody Allen movie. Of course, you can overdo it.
Don't buy boxed sets of DVDs. Economist Tyler says that much of the joy we get from our buying lies in the experience of finding them out, getting them home, and opening them up. If you receive 18 DVDs in one package, you'll use up the excitement all at once. Buy things one a time and space out the pleasure.
Look outside. People long ago spent almost all of their time outside with trees, water, and sky around. The world in which most of us spend our time nowadays is unnatural and can harm the spirit. Even being close to nature for a short time can make us happy.
_ . Physical contact with animals works wonders. You can pet an animal. It increases the brain chemicals connected with pleasure and decreases those connected with stress . Even people without pets can get some of the effect by hanging out for a few minutes at a dog shelter.
Smile. Well, like it or not, smiling improves your mood. Here's why: people react better to you when you look happy, which in turn leads you to be happy. What's more, looking happy fools your brain into thinking that you are happy.
Question:
Which of the following is right?
Choices:
A. Repetition results in pleasure.
B. Smiles fool others' mood.
C. Animals add to your stress.
D. Spending time outside harms your spirit.
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high22651.txt
|
Do you know how to be happy? Here are six ways for you to find more pleasure in your life.
Play that song you love so much. As a preschooler can tell you, repetition can lead to pleasure. When you experience something more than once, you notice more details about it each time, and it increases your enjoyment. That's why you love revisiting that jazz club, favourite restaurant, and beloved old Woody Allen movie. Of course, you can overdo it.
Don't buy boxed sets of DVDs. Economist Tyler says that much of the joy we get from our buying lies in the experience of finding them out, getting them home, and opening them up. If you receive 18 DVDs in one package, you'll use up the excitement all at once. Buy things one a time and space out the pleasure.
Look outside. People long ago spent almost all of their time outside with trees, water, and sky around. The world in which most of us spend our time nowadays is unnatural and can harm the spirit. Even being close to nature for a short time can make us happy.
_ . Physical contact with animals works wonders. You can pet an animal. It increases the brain chemicals connected with pleasure and decreases those connected with stress . Even people without pets can get some of the effect by hanging out for a few minutes at a dog shelter.
Smile. Well, like it or not, smiling improves your mood. Here's why: people react better to you when you look happy, which in turn leads you to be happy. What's more, looking happy fools your brain into thinking that you are happy.
|
[
"Repetition results in pleasure.",
"Smiles fool others' mood.",
"Animals add to your stress.",
"Spending time outside harms your spirit."
] |
In what way does Hamilton find his jobs in most cases?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Unemployment in the United States is still high at 6.7 percent. But for job seekers,especially those with college educations,researchers say finding a job can be as easy as logging on to a computer.It used to be that looking for a job meant hurrying around,knocking on doors and turning to ads.But that's changing,thanks to the Internet.A new report says,for college graduates,looking for a job is getting easier.More than 80 percent of the jobs are available online.
At the height of the depression ,when U.S.unemployment peaked at 10 percent,just a little more than two million jobs were being posted each month.But as the recovery takes hold,the job picture looks increasingly bright.
That's great news for Hamilton.Only once has he ever applied in person for a job at a shopping mall. He said,"I think my generation--the idea of going door to door, out knocking and saying,hey are you hiring? --like that--doesn't exist anymore...those days are gone, Just go online.''
Kim Dancy recently graduated with a master's degree in Public Policy.She found her dream job as an education policy researcher.But she says finding the perfect job online takes a lot of perseverance.He said,"It can be really frustrating and it takes a long time,but if you applied for enough positions and really do your homework you will get somewhere.
The report's findings suggest careers in Science,Technology,Engineering and Math provide the greatest opportunities,with salaries that range between $30 to $45 an hour.But for maximum income and satisfaction,workers must be prepared to move and change jobs at least every five years.
Question:
In what way does Hamilton find his jobs in most cases?
Choices:
A. Applying in person.
B. Turning to the Internet.
C. Searching papers.
D. Going door to door.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high7277.txt
|
Unemployment in the United States is still high at 6.7 percent. But for job seekers,especially those with college educations,researchers say finding a job can be as easy as logging on to a computer.It used to be that looking for a job meant hurrying around,knocking on doors and turning to ads.But that's changing,thanks to the Internet.A new report says,for college graduates,looking for a job is getting easier.More than 80 percent of the jobs are available online.
At the height of the depression ,when U.S.unemployment peaked at 10 percent,just a little more than two million jobs were being posted each month.But as the recovery takes hold,the job picture looks increasingly bright.
That's great news for Hamilton.Only once has he ever applied in person for a job at a shopping mall. He said,"I think my generation--the idea of going door to door, out knocking and saying,hey are you hiring? --like that--doesn't exist anymore...those days are gone, Just go online.''
Kim Dancy recently graduated with a master's degree in Public Policy.She found her dream job as an education policy researcher.But she says finding the perfect job online takes a lot of perseverance.He said,"It can be really frustrating and it takes a long time,but if you applied for enough positions and really do your homework you will get somewhere.
The report's findings suggest careers in Science,Technology,Engineering and Math provide the greatest opportunities,with salaries that range between $30 to $45 an hour.But for maximum income and satisfaction,workers must be prepared to move and change jobs at least every five years.
|
[
"Applying in person.",
"Turning to the Internet.",
"Searching papers.",
"Going door to door."
] |
What kind of food will we probably eat in 1,000 years?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Evolution has changed our bodies and faces over thousands of years, and it's still happening. Here's how experts predict what people will be like in 1,000 years.
We'll be about 1.83~2.13 metres tall because of improved nutrition and medical science. Our arms and fingers will get longer to reduce the need to reach too far.
We'll have smaller brains, maybe because computers will help us memorize and think most of the things.
There will be larger eyes and smaller mouths. And there may be fewer teeth as softer food needs less chewing and biting. We could even get our nutrition from liquids or pills in the future.
We can expect other great changes too. Everyone will have the same shape of noses. That's because climate will have less influence on noses with the help of air conditioning and central heating. Besides, we will have more wrinkles as a result of looking at our electronic devices.
We also may end up with saggy necks because extra sun will cause loose skin. And there will be darker skin as people move around the planet and races mix.
,.
Question:
What kind of food will we probably eat in 1,000 years?
Choices:
A. Much sweeter food.
B. More delicious food.
C. Fresher food.
D. Softer food.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle3328.txt
|
Evolution has changed our bodies and faces over thousands of years, and it's still happening. Here's how experts predict what people will be like in 1,000 years.
We'll be about 1.83~2.13 metres tall because of improved nutrition and medical science. Our arms and fingers will get longer to reduce the need to reach too far.
We'll have smaller brains, maybe because computers will help us memorize and think most of the things.
There will be larger eyes and smaller mouths. And there may be fewer teeth as softer food needs less chewing and biting. We could even get our nutrition from liquids or pills in the future.
We can expect other great changes too. Everyone will have the same shape of noses. That's because climate will have less influence on noses with the help of air conditioning and central heating. Besides, we will have more wrinkles as a result of looking at our electronic devices.
We also may end up with saggy necks because extra sun will cause loose skin. And there will be darker skin as people move around the planet and races mix.
,.
|
[
"Much sweeter food.",
"More delicious food.",
"Fresher food.",
"Softer food."
] |
Why doesn't Ms. Layne want N-Dia to attend a school near their home?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Every night, N-Dia Layne would set the alarm clock on her mother's cellphone for 4:45a.m. If the two of them were not on the subway platform at 103rdStreet and Broadway by 6:20 a. m., there was no way N-Dia would be on time for school.
Even so, N-Dia was often late. By the end of October, she was just one lateness away from the six allowed a student for the entire term.
Ms. Layne and N-Dia, 9, live at the Regent Family Residence for the Homeless. They moved here last summer from their original family shelter in Brownsville, Brooklyin.
On a recent schoolday, N-Dia waited on the subway station at East 103rdStreet. N-Dia and her mother boarded the No. 1 train, and then changed to the No. 3 at 96thStreet.
After 96thStreet, N-Dia napped on her mother's shoulder when Ms. Layne was listening to music. N-Dia often does her homework on the ride home. A few stops before Sutter Avenue, where N-Dia's school is, Ms. Layne woke her up. Then she hurried her daughter to school before the first bell.
"It's unfair, and it makes me feel upset," N-Dia said.
"I don't want her to grow up and have to go through what I went through," said Ms. Layne, who transferred to different schools many times. "It affected my grade greatly."
In N-Dia's case, the efforts to keep her at her charter school, which received a C on its last city progress report, failed. It was agreed that N-Dia should attend school closer to the shelter. " I cried during the meeting," Ms. Layne said. "I really wanted to keep her in that school where she had some type of stability."
Question:
Why doesn't Ms. Layne want N-Dia to attend a school near their home?
Choices:
A. There're too many students in the nearby schools.
B. N-Dia doesn't want to leave her present classmates
C. She feared N-Dia's grade would be affected
D. There is no good school near their home
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high23539.txt
|
Every night, N-Dia Layne would set the alarm clock on her mother's cellphone for 4:45a.m. If the two of them were not on the subway platform at 103rdStreet and Broadway by 6:20 a. m., there was no way N-Dia would be on time for school.
Even so, N-Dia was often late. By the end of October, she was just one lateness away from the six allowed a student for the entire term.
Ms. Layne and N-Dia, 9, live at the Regent Family Residence for the Homeless. They moved here last summer from their original family shelter in Brownsville, Brooklyin.
On a recent schoolday, N-Dia waited on the subway station at East 103rdStreet. N-Dia and her mother boarded the No. 1 train, and then changed to the No. 3 at 96thStreet.
After 96thStreet, N-Dia napped on her mother's shoulder when Ms. Layne was listening to music. N-Dia often does her homework on the ride home. A few stops before Sutter Avenue, where N-Dia's school is, Ms. Layne woke her up. Then she hurried her daughter to school before the first bell.
"It's unfair, and it makes me feel upset," N-Dia said.
"I don't want her to grow up and have to go through what I went through," said Ms. Layne, who transferred to different schools many times. "It affected my grade greatly."
In N-Dia's case, the efforts to keep her at her charter school, which received a C on its last city progress report, failed. It was agreed that N-Dia should attend school closer to the shelter. " I cried during the meeting," Ms. Layne said. "I really wanted to keep her in that school where she had some type of stability."
|
[
"There're too many students in the nearby schools.",
"N-Dia doesn't want to leave her present classmates",
"She feared N-Dia's grade would be affected",
"There is no good school near their home"
] |
What did the author find when he got to the hospital?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
The new university hospital in Trenton, which the Health Minister Victoria Culley has described as a "shining example" to hospitals all over the country, has been open now for over six months. Having heard several complimentary comments about the organization and efficiency of the place, I decided to see for myself.
In spite of arriving early, I found that there were already long queues at the reception desks. While I was waiting, I looked around and had to admit that it is an impressive building: large and light with marble everywhere. Eventually my turn came and I presented my doctor's letters to the receptionist, who informed me that I was in the X-ray queue and I'd have to go to another queue and start again! I couldn't believe it and asked her if it might be possible to give me an appointment card anyway without making me queue up again. She informed me it was no good arguing with her and I should have read the sign, an almost invisible piece of card saying "X-rays" just in front of her where very few people can have seen it. No matter how hard I tried to persuade her, she wouldn't give me an appointment card for a blood test, so I started queuing again and finally got the card at 8: 30! I then set off for the blood test room, following the nice new signs until they suddenly stopped and I realized that I was in a part of the hospital that hasn't been finished yet! When I got to the door I saw a notice saying "Back in 10 minutes". I sat down and waited for 30 minutes before a doctor appeared and told me to come in without, of course, apologizing for keeping me waiting. I asked him why I'd had to wait and he explained he'd had to help out in another ward which was understaffed as a result of a flu epidemic among the doctors!
I got out of the hospital at 9:45 a.m. and breathed a sigh of relief. I'm now waiting for the results.
So, Mrs. Culley, a far from rosy picture. Certainly the public should be under no illusions that things have changed for the better. Perhaps you should visit the hospital as an anonymous outpatient rather than a government minister if you really want to know what it's like unless, as I suspect, you don't actually care about much.
Question:
What did the author find when he got to the hospital?
Choices:
A. There were no doctors at all.
B. Doctors were polite and patient to patients.
C. A lot of people were waiting in line.
D. There were nice new signs everywhere in the hospital.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high17443.txt
|
The new university hospital in Trenton, which the Health Minister Victoria Culley has described as a "shining example" to hospitals all over the country, has been open now for over six months. Having heard several complimentary comments about the organization and efficiency of the place, I decided to see for myself.
In spite of arriving early, I found that there were already long queues at the reception desks. While I was waiting, I looked around and had to admit that it is an impressive building: large and light with marble everywhere. Eventually my turn came and I presented my doctor's letters to the receptionist, who informed me that I was in the X-ray queue and I'd have to go to another queue and start again! I couldn't believe it and asked her if it might be possible to give me an appointment card anyway without making me queue up again. She informed me it was no good arguing with her and I should have read the sign, an almost invisible piece of card saying "X-rays" just in front of her where very few people can have seen it. No matter how hard I tried to persuade her, she wouldn't give me an appointment card for a blood test, so I started queuing again and finally got the card at 8: 30! I then set off for the blood test room, following the nice new signs until they suddenly stopped and I realized that I was in a part of the hospital that hasn't been finished yet! When I got to the door I saw a notice saying "Back in 10 minutes". I sat down and waited for 30 minutes before a doctor appeared and told me to come in without, of course, apologizing for keeping me waiting. I asked him why I'd had to wait and he explained he'd had to help out in another ward which was understaffed as a result of a flu epidemic among the doctors!
I got out of the hospital at 9:45 a.m. and breathed a sigh of relief. I'm now waiting for the results.
So, Mrs. Culley, a far from rosy picture. Certainly the public should be under no illusions that things have changed for the better. Perhaps you should visit the hospital as an anonymous outpatient rather than a government minister if you really want to know what it's like unless, as I suspect, you don't actually care about much.
|
[
"There were no doctors at all.",
"Doctors were polite and patient to patients.",
"A lot of people were waiting in line.",
"There were nice new signs everywhere in the hospital."
] |
Which makes it hard for you to make a decision?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
You've just found your dream job, but it pays less than the one you've working hard at right now. What should you do ? How can you make the right decision ?
When you have a difficult decision to make , you may probably think it over and over again for hours, weighting up all the advantages and disadvantages before coming to a decision .Or ,maybe you decide it quickly without thinking carefully .But according to scientific research, there's a better way to do this: Sleep on it .
In a resent study , scientists made an experiment . They offered the participants some information about different types of cars .And they asked them to decide hypothetically which one would be the best fit. Some of them were asked to make the decision right away ,while others were asked to choose the next morning.
The result of the survey was interesting. The people who had a good night's sleep were energetic the next morning .And they choose the best quality cars. But those who made quick decisions chose cars with bad quality.
So ,if someone asks you to make a big decision ,don't rush to give an answer at once .Instead ,take a step back and get a good night's sleep. Chances are that ,in the morning , you'll know exactly what to do .
Question:
Which makes it hard for you to make a decision?
Choices:
A. You get less money from the dream job.
B. You get more money from the dream job.
C. You get less money from the job you're doing now.
D. You get no money from the job you're doing now .
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle5420.txt
|
You've just found your dream job, but it pays less than the one you've working hard at right now. What should you do ? How can you make the right decision ?
When you have a difficult decision to make , you may probably think it over and over again for hours, weighting up all the advantages and disadvantages before coming to a decision .Or ,maybe you decide it quickly without thinking carefully .But according to scientific research, there's a better way to do this: Sleep on it .
In a resent study , scientists made an experiment . They offered the participants some information about different types of cars .And they asked them to decide hypothetically which one would be the best fit. Some of them were asked to make the decision right away ,while others were asked to choose the next morning.
The result of the survey was interesting. The people who had a good night's sleep were energetic the next morning .And they choose the best quality cars. But those who made quick decisions chose cars with bad quality.
So ,if someone asks you to make a big decision ,don't rush to give an answer at once .Instead ,take a step back and get a good night's sleep. Chances are that ,in the morning , you'll know exactly what to do .
|
[
"You get less money from the dream job.",
"You get more money from the dream job.",
"You get less money from the job you're doing now.",
"You get no money from the job you're doing now ."
] |
A weather map is a summary because it _
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
A weather map is an important tool for geographers. A succession of three or four maps presents continuous picture of weather changes. Weather forecasters are able to determine the speed of air masses and fronts to determine whether an individual pressure aroa is deepening or becoming shallow and whether a front is increasing or decreasing in intensity .They are also able to determine whether an air mass is retaining its original characteristics or taking on those of the surface over which it is moving. Thus, a most significant function of the map is to reveal a summary picture of conditions in the atmosphere at a given time.
All students of geography should be able to interpret a weather map accurately.Weather maps contain an enormous amount of information about weather conditions existing at the time of observation over a large geographical area. They reveal in a few minutes what otherwise would take hours to describe. The United States Weather Bureau issues information about approaching storms, floods, frosts and all climatic conditions in general. Twice a month it issues a 30-day"outlook" which is a rough guide to weather conditions likely to occur over broad areas of the United States. These 30-day outlooks are based upon an anaiysis of the upper air levels which often set the stage for development of air masses, fronts and storms.
Considerable effort is being exerted today to achieve more accurate weather
predictions, with identifying and tracking storms over regions which have but few meteorological stations. Extensive experiments are also in progress for weathef modification studies.
Question:
A weather map is a summary because it _
Choices:
A. sums up a great deal of information
B. appears daily
C. shows changing fronts
D. is a science book
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high15155.txt
|
A weather map is an important tool for geographers. A succession of three or four maps presents continuous picture of weather changes. Weather forecasters are able to determine the speed of air masses and fronts to determine whether an individual pressure aroa is deepening or becoming shallow and whether a front is increasing or decreasing in intensity .They are also able to determine whether an air mass is retaining its original characteristics or taking on those of the surface over which it is moving. Thus, a most significant function of the map is to reveal a summary picture of conditions in the atmosphere at a given time.
All students of geography should be able to interpret a weather map accurately.Weather maps contain an enormous amount of information about weather conditions existing at the time of observation over a large geographical area. They reveal in a few minutes what otherwise would take hours to describe. The United States Weather Bureau issues information about approaching storms, floods, frosts and all climatic conditions in general. Twice a month it issues a 30-day"outlook" which is a rough guide to weather conditions likely to occur over broad areas of the United States. These 30-day outlooks are based upon an anaiysis of the upper air levels which often set the stage for development of air masses, fronts and storms.
Considerable effort is being exerted today to achieve more accurate weather
predictions, with identifying and tracking storms over regions which have but few meteorological stations. Extensive experiments are also in progress for weathef modification studies.
|
[
"sums up a great deal of information",
"appears daily",
"shows changing fronts",
"is a science book"
] |
Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Scientists added a record of 715 more planets to the list known to the world beyond the solar system, astronomers said on Wednesday, in February 2014. The additions include four planets about 0.5-2 times as big as Earth that are the right distance from their parent stars for liquid surface water, which is believed to be fit for life.
The discoveries were made with the NASA's planet-hunting Kepler space telescope. The telescope, launched in 2009, spent four productive years observing 160,000 target stars for signs of planets passing by, within the telescope's sight.
The numbers of planets announced at a NASA press conference on Wednesday increased Kepler's confirmed planets from 246 to 961. Combined with other telescopes' results, the total number of planets beyond the solar system now is nearly 1,700. "We almost doubled, just today, the number of planets known to humans," astronomer Douglas Hudgins, head of planet exploration at NASA Headquarters in Washington, told reporters on a conference call.
Many planets' discovery is due to a new technique that analyzes potential planets in _ rather than one at a time. The method was developed after scientists realized that most planets, like those in the solar system, have similar worlds orbiting a common parent star.
The newly found planets strengthen the evidence that small planets, two to three times the size of Earth, are common throughout the galaxy .
"Generally, wherever (Kepler) can see them, it finds them," said astronomer Sara Seager, with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "That's why we have confidence that there will be planets like Earth in outer space."
Like the solar system, which has eight planets plus Pluto and other so-called "dwarf planets," the newly found planets belong to families. But unlike the solar system's planets, which are about 150 times farther from the sun than Earth. Most of the planets fly nearer to their parent stars than Venus orbits the sun, a distance of about 67 million miles (108 million km.)
NASA and other space agencies are designing new telescopes to discover planets in so-called "habitable zones" around their parent stars where temperatures would be suitable for liquid surface water. Two papers on the new Kepler research will appear in an upcoming issue of 'The Astrophysical Journal'.
Question:
Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?
Choices:
A. All the planets known to the world are believed to be fit for life.
B. There may be liquid surface water on some of the newly found planets.
C. Kepler space telescope spent four years observing 160,000 target planets.
D. The orbits of the newly found planets are just like those of the solar system
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high10523.txt
|
Scientists added a record of 715 more planets to the list known to the world beyond the solar system, astronomers said on Wednesday, in February 2014. The additions include four planets about 0.5-2 times as big as Earth that are the right distance from their parent stars for liquid surface water, which is believed to be fit for life.
The discoveries were made with the NASA's planet-hunting Kepler space telescope. The telescope, launched in 2009, spent four productive years observing 160,000 target stars for signs of planets passing by, within the telescope's sight.
The numbers of planets announced at a NASA press conference on Wednesday increased Kepler's confirmed planets from 246 to 961. Combined with other telescopes' results, the total number of planets beyond the solar system now is nearly 1,700. "We almost doubled, just today, the number of planets known to humans," astronomer Douglas Hudgins, head of planet exploration at NASA Headquarters in Washington, told reporters on a conference call.
Many planets' discovery is due to a new technique that analyzes potential planets in _ rather than one at a time. The method was developed after scientists realized that most planets, like those in the solar system, have similar worlds orbiting a common parent star.
The newly found planets strengthen the evidence that small planets, two to three times the size of Earth, are common throughout the galaxy .
"Generally, wherever (Kepler) can see them, it finds them," said astronomer Sara Seager, with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "That's why we have confidence that there will be planets like Earth in outer space."
Like the solar system, which has eight planets plus Pluto and other so-called "dwarf planets," the newly found planets belong to families. But unlike the solar system's planets, which are about 150 times farther from the sun than Earth. Most of the planets fly nearer to their parent stars than Venus orbits the sun, a distance of about 67 million miles (108 million km.)
NASA and other space agencies are designing new telescopes to discover planets in so-called "habitable zones" around their parent stars where temperatures would be suitable for liquid surface water. Two papers on the new Kepler research will appear in an upcoming issue of 'The Astrophysical Journal'.
|
[
"All the planets known to the world are believed to be fit for life.",
"There may be liquid surface water on some of the newly found planets.",
"Kepler space telescope spent four years observing 160,000 target planets.",
"The orbits of the newly found planets are just like those of the solar system"
] |
What do Chinese people usually ask the writer about?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
I have worked in Shenyang for two months. I seldom meet Westerners in the street. But on TV, I see many foreigners in Shenyang. I am a little lonely and I really hope to make friends with English speakers. Although I study Chinese hard, my Chinese is poor and I can't communicate in Chinese very well.
However, Chinese people usually smile and wave to me on the bus and at any other places. In the street, the most common conversation goes like this: A Chinese person, "Hello."
I, "Hello."
The Chinese,"Where are you from?"
"England."
"Oh, I see!" and then if his vocabulary is exhausted , "Bye-bye". This can happen five or six times on any trip around town. How I hope to see a Westerner at that time.
Question:
What do Chinese people usually ask the writer about?
Choices:
A. His name.
B. His work.
C. His age.
D. His country.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle2673.txt
|
I have worked in Shenyang for two months. I seldom meet Westerners in the street. But on TV, I see many foreigners in Shenyang. I am a little lonely and I really hope to make friends with English speakers. Although I study Chinese hard, my Chinese is poor and I can't communicate in Chinese very well.
However, Chinese people usually smile and wave to me on the bus and at any other places. In the street, the most common conversation goes like this: A Chinese person, "Hello."
I, "Hello."
The Chinese,"Where are you from?"
"England."
"Oh, I see!" and then if his vocabulary is exhausted , "Bye-bye". This can happen five or six times on any trip around town. How I hope to see a Westerner at that time.
|
[
"His name.",
"His work.",
"His age.",
"His country."
] |
What is the passage mainly about?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
In northern Scotland there is a long, deep lake called Loch Ness. More than 200 meters deep, it is the largest lake in the UK. People say a big monster lives in its dark, cold waters. It weighs more than 1,000 kilos and is at least ten meters long. Some people say it has a head like a horse. Others say it looks like a snake. Many people travel to Loch Ness to look for this strange monster, but only a few people have seen it. At least, they say they have seen it.
The Loch Ness Monster is a famous legend . The first story about a monster in Loch Ness was told over 500 years ago, but the legend of the monster spread widely only in the twenties century. In 1933, a husband and wife reported that they saw a big monster in Loch Ness. Several people have taken photos, but at least one of them was a hoax . During the 1960s, a team was formed to look for the monster. They took many photos and made movies, but they were never able to find a monster.
There is no real fact that a monster lives in Loch Ness, but there is also no fact that one doesn't live. One thing is true about Loch Ness: there are a lot of tourists there.
Question:
What is the passage mainly about?
Choices:
A. People that saw a monster.
B. A trip to Loch Ness.
C. A legend about a monster.
D. A team that took photos.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle5144.txt
|
In northern Scotland there is a long, deep lake called Loch Ness. More than 200 meters deep, it is the largest lake in the UK. People say a big monster lives in its dark, cold waters. It weighs more than 1,000 kilos and is at least ten meters long. Some people say it has a head like a horse. Others say it looks like a snake. Many people travel to Loch Ness to look for this strange monster, but only a few people have seen it. At least, they say they have seen it.
The Loch Ness Monster is a famous legend . The first story about a monster in Loch Ness was told over 500 years ago, but the legend of the monster spread widely only in the twenties century. In 1933, a husband and wife reported that they saw a big monster in Loch Ness. Several people have taken photos, but at least one of them was a hoax . During the 1960s, a team was formed to look for the monster. They took many photos and made movies, but they were never able to find a monster.
There is no real fact that a monster lives in Loch Ness, but there is also no fact that one doesn't live. One thing is true about Loch Ness: there are a lot of tourists there.
|
[
"People that saw a monster.",
"A trip to Loch Ness.",
"A legend about a monster.",
"A team that took photos."
] |
People like his books because the books _ .
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Doctor Seuss was born in 1904. By the middle 1950s, he had become one of the best-loved and most successful children's book writers in the world. His books are very popular with young readers. They enjoy the invented words and the pictures of unusual funny animals and plants.
In 1954, life magazine published a report about school children who could not read. The report said many children's books were not interesting. Doctor Seuss strongly hoped to help children and decided to write books that were interesting and easy to read. He used words with the same ending sound, like fish and wish. He did not receive training in art. Yet, he drew the pictures for most of his books.
In 1957, Dr. Seuss wrote The Cat in the Hat. He used less than 230 words to write the book and even a six-year-old should be able to read it. It was a fun story and easy to read. Children loved it. Their parents loved it, too. Today it is still one of the stories they like best. The success of The Cat in the Hat made him want to write more books for children. In 1960, he wrote a book using less than fifty words. The book is called Green Eggs and Ham.
In 1984, Doctor Seuss won a Pulitzer Prize . He was honored for the education and enjoyment his books provided American children and their parents.
He died at the age of 87, but his influence remains. Millions of his books have been sold worldwide. People say his books helped change the way American children learned to read. Yet, his books are loved by people of all ages. Doctor Seuss once said, "I do not write for children. I write for people."
Question:
People like his books because the books _ .
Choices:
A. are cheap and easy to get
B. were written in different languages
C. are easy and interesting to read
D. were written with invented words
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle4480.txt
|
Doctor Seuss was born in 1904. By the middle 1950s, he had become one of the best-loved and most successful children's book writers in the world. His books are very popular with young readers. They enjoy the invented words and the pictures of unusual funny animals and plants.
In 1954, life magazine published a report about school children who could not read. The report said many children's books were not interesting. Doctor Seuss strongly hoped to help children and decided to write books that were interesting and easy to read. He used words with the same ending sound, like fish and wish. He did not receive training in art. Yet, he drew the pictures for most of his books.
In 1957, Dr. Seuss wrote The Cat in the Hat. He used less than 230 words to write the book and even a six-year-old should be able to read it. It was a fun story and easy to read. Children loved it. Their parents loved it, too. Today it is still one of the stories they like best. The success of The Cat in the Hat made him want to write more books for children. In 1960, he wrote a book using less than fifty words. The book is called Green Eggs and Ham.
In 1984, Doctor Seuss won a Pulitzer Prize . He was honored for the education and enjoyment his books provided American children and their parents.
He died at the age of 87, but his influence remains. Millions of his books have been sold worldwide. People say his books helped change the way American children learned to read. Yet, his books are loved by people of all ages. Doctor Seuss once said, "I do not write for children. I write for people."
|
[
"are cheap and easy to get",
"were written in different languages",
"are easy and interesting to read",
"were written with invented words"
] |
When a stream flows from a hard to soft rock area, what is often formed?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
When a stream flows from a hard to soft rock area, what is often formed?
|
a waterfall
|
science
| null | null | null |
a riverbank
|
a lake
|
a river
|
a waterfall
|
Mountain streams may erode waterfalls. As shown in Figure below , a waterfall forms where a stream flows from an area of harder to softer rock. The water erodes the softer rock faster than the harder rock. This causes the stream bed to drop down, like a step, creating a waterfall. As erosion continues, the waterfall gradually moves upstream.
| null | null | null |
When a hummingbird builds a nest, it likes _ better.
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
If you are lucky enough, you may find the hummingbird , the smallest bird of the animal world, in a south American forest.
Though the hummingbird is no bigger than a bee and weighs only 2 to 3 grams, it can fly as fast as 50 meters in a second. It can fly forwards as most birds do, and it can fly backwards as well. The strangest thing about it, however, is that it can stay still in the air, just like a _ .
Whenever a hummingbird needs food, it will fly slowly towards a flower. It won't stand on the flower, as bees do, but just hangs to the flower and then begins to sunk the honey from inside the flower with its needle-like beak.
The hummingbird is very particular in building its nest . It takes great trouble to choose materials. It likes soft ones better than hard ones. Its eggs are so small that a common match box can hold as many as one hundred of them.
Question:
When a hummingbird builds a nest, it likes _ better.
Choices:
A. soft materials
B. hard materials
C. an material
D. both
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle5549.txt
|
If you are lucky enough, you may find the hummingbird , the smallest bird of the animal world, in a south American forest.
Though the hummingbird is no bigger than a bee and weighs only 2 to 3 grams, it can fly as fast as 50 meters in a second. It can fly forwards as most birds do, and it can fly backwards as well. The strangest thing about it, however, is that it can stay still in the air, just like a _ .
Whenever a hummingbird needs food, it will fly slowly towards a flower. It won't stand on the flower, as bees do, but just hangs to the flower and then begins to sunk the honey from inside the flower with its needle-like beak.
The hummingbird is very particular in building its nest . It takes great trouble to choose materials. It likes soft ones better than hard ones. Its eggs are so small that a common match box can hold as many as one hundred of them.
|
[
"soft materials",
"hard materials",
"an material",
"both"
] |
In the third advertisement, the baby-sitter should _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Red Star Restaurant
The biggest and busiest restaurant in Jinan is seeking 20 waiters who have relevant experiences in high-grade restaurants. About Y=800--1,500 per month.
Red Star Restaurant is located at 66 on Park Street.
Our phone number is 0531-8278-4560.
3 People wanted
Need 3 people who would like to work 4 evenings per week showing films. Earn $300 per week possibly. Call 469-867-6042.
Baby-sitter wanted
For a year. 3 days a week. Some flexible hours required.
Knowledge: above senior middle school.
Call 0431-478-9971.
Question:
In the third advertisement, the baby-sitter should _ .
Choices:
A. have a year's working experience
B. accept flexible working hours
C. work two days a week
D. be a girl
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle1580.txt
|
Red Star Restaurant
The biggest and busiest restaurant in Jinan is seeking 20 waiters who have relevant experiences in high-grade restaurants. About Y=800--1,500 per month.
Red Star Restaurant is located at 66 on Park Street.
Our phone number is 0531-8278-4560.
3 People wanted
Need 3 people who would like to work 4 evenings per week showing films. Earn $300 per week possibly. Call 469-867-6042.
Baby-sitter wanted
For a year. 3 days a week. Some flexible hours required.
Knowledge: above senior middle school.
Call 0431-478-9971.
|
[
"have a year's working experience",
"accept flexible working hours",
"work two days a week",
"be a girl"
] |
It can be inferred from the passage that _ .
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Her opponent was the defending champion whose childhood dream was to win the French Open. She was the underdog who never saw the tournament on TV as a girl in China and never thought she'd get far on the red clay of the French Open, one of the four tennis Grand Slams .
But it was Li Na who fell on her back in triumph on June 4. Nearly two hours' hitting gave Li a 2-0 victory over Francesca Schiavone of Italy and made her the only tennis player, man or woman, from Asia to take home a Grand Slam title.
Chinese media have been swept along by the praise. An editorial carried by Xinhua News Agency said "Li Na is the best PR (Public Relations) for China," and called her an "outstanding name card for the country" and a "brilliant diplomat". It compared Li to Chinese NBA star Yao Ming, noting that both "can speak very fluent English, and both of them have a kind of sense of humor that is appreciated by foreigners".
Success has come late for Li. She once gave up tennis for two years and studied journalism at Wuhan's Huazhong University of Science and Technology. But in 2004, she returned and continues to play the best tennis she could.
"Dream comes true," Li said after the match. "I am so happy that my efforts have paid off." Li has often been seen as a rebel , or at least a representative of a new generation. She has a tattoo , has dyed her hair many different color1s and has even been known to yell at her husband in public. "The plain-speaking, tattooed, individualist has the ability to transcendthe sport and become a global star", the BBC news reported.
No matter how important the French Open championship is, Li is not resting on her laurels -- she's already thinking about winning a second major title. "When you have the first one, naturally you will think about the second one. Now I have more confidence playing on other surfaces," Li told China Daily, as she prepares for the Wimbledon Championship, which will start on June 20.
Question:
It can be inferred from the passage that _ .
Choices:
A. Li Na's childhood dream was to win the French Open
B. compared to Yao Ming, Li Na speak more fluent English
C. the BBC reported that she has a tattoo, has dyed her hair and yelled at her husband in public
D. Francesca Schiavone was given a 2-0 failure in the Open championship after nearly two hours' hitting
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high22706.txt
|
Her opponent was the defending champion whose childhood dream was to win the French Open. She was the underdog who never saw the tournament on TV as a girl in China and never thought she'd get far on the red clay of the French Open, one of the four tennis Grand Slams .
But it was Li Na who fell on her back in triumph on June 4. Nearly two hours' hitting gave Li a 2-0 victory over Francesca Schiavone of Italy and made her the only tennis player, man or woman, from Asia to take home a Grand Slam title.
Chinese media have been swept along by the praise. An editorial carried by Xinhua News Agency said "Li Na is the best PR (Public Relations) for China," and called her an "outstanding name card for the country" and a "brilliant diplomat". It compared Li to Chinese NBA star Yao Ming, noting that both "can speak very fluent English, and both of them have a kind of sense of humor that is appreciated by foreigners".
Success has come late for Li. She once gave up tennis for two years and studied journalism at Wuhan's Huazhong University of Science and Technology. But in 2004, she returned and continues to play the best tennis she could.
"Dream comes true," Li said after the match. "I am so happy that my efforts have paid off." Li has often been seen as a rebel , or at least a representative of a new generation. She has a tattoo , has dyed her hair many different color1s and has even been known to yell at her husband in public. "The plain-speaking, tattooed, individualist has the ability to transcendthe sport and become a global star", the BBC news reported.
No matter how important the French Open championship is, Li is not resting on her laurels -- she's already thinking about winning a second major title. "When you have the first one, naturally you will think about the second one. Now I have more confidence playing on other surfaces," Li told China Daily, as she prepares for the Wimbledon Championship, which will start on June 20.
|
[
"Li Na's childhood dream was to win the French Open",
"compared to Yao Ming, Li Na speak more fluent English",
"the BBC reported that she has a tattoo, has dyed her hair and yelled at her husband in public",
"Francesca Schiavone was given a 2-0 failure in the Open championship after nearly two hours' hitting"
] |
How does Nick get to school?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Hi, I'm Nick. I am very busy from Monday to Friday. In the morning, I always get up and take a shower at six ten. After half an hour, I have breakfast. After I finish eating, I get dressed and go to school by bike. It takes me about twenty minutes to get to school.
After school, I go to the English club. Because my English is not very good, I join the English club at school. The students in the club get together to practice speaking English at half past five. We can talk in English and we can tell English stories in the club. It is good for us to improve our English.
Question:
How does Nick get to school?
Choices:
A. By bus.
B. By bike.
C. By subway.
D. By train.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle2838.txt
|
Hi, I'm Nick. I am very busy from Monday to Friday. In the morning, I always get up and take a shower at six ten. After half an hour, I have breakfast. After I finish eating, I get dressed and go to school by bike. It takes me about twenty minutes to get to school.
After school, I go to the English club. Because my English is not very good, I join the English club at school. The students in the club get together to practice speaking English at half past five. We can talk in English and we can tell English stories in the club. It is good for us to improve our English.
|
[
"By bus.",
"By bike.",
"By subway.",
"By train."
] |
What can we infer from the passage?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
The largest campaign of killing rats in history is set to poison millions of rats on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. Scientists say the campaign planned for 2013 and 2014 will restore beautiful South Georgia to the position it once held as the world's most important nesting sites for seabirds.
It was sailors in the late 18th century who unintentionally introduced rats to what had been a fresh environment. "If we can destroy the rats, at least 100 million birds will return to their home on South Georgia," says Tony Martin, a biology professor at the University of Dundee who was invited to lead the project.
South Georgia is by far the largest island to get rid of animals that destroy native wildlife after being introduced deliberately or accidentally by people. Though rats and mice have done the most damage, cats, foxes, goats, deer, rabbits and other species have been targeted in the campaigns around the world.
South Georgia is seven times the size of New Zealand's Campbell Island, currently the largest area ever killing rats. The successful war against Campbell Island rats was carried out in 2001 with 132 tons of poison dropped from five helicopters.
"New Zealand pioneered the techniques for ridding islands of rats and in fact our operation on South Georgia is based on New Zealand's technology." Says Martin. "Some New Zealanders will be helping our campaign, including our chief pilot, Peter Garden, who was also chief pilot for the projects at Campbell Island and Rat Island, in the Aleutian chain of the north Pacific."
The second and third stages in 2013 and 2014 will involve dropping as much as 300 tons of poison from the air onto every part of the island where rats might live. It is a huge operation, carried out during the stormy southern autumn when the rats are hungry and the risks of poisoning native wildlife are less than in the spring and summer months. "Ideally we'd do in winter but the weather makes that too risky," Martin says.
The ecological payback will be priceless. But Martin says, "The full benefits will take decades to arrive, because some of these birds are slow to hatch."
Question:
What can we infer from the passage?
Choices:
A. The campaign of killing rats will benefit the native wildlife in a short time.
B. Rats aren't the only species to be blamed for the disappearance of wildlife.
C. The first stage of killing rats on the sub-Antarctic island didn't make great achievements.
D. The campaign in South Georgia will fully follow in the footsteps of that on Campbell Island.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high5054.txt
|
The largest campaign of killing rats in history is set to poison millions of rats on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. Scientists say the campaign planned for 2013 and 2014 will restore beautiful South Georgia to the position it once held as the world's most important nesting sites for seabirds.
It was sailors in the late 18th century who unintentionally introduced rats to what had been a fresh environment. "If we can destroy the rats, at least 100 million birds will return to their home on South Georgia," says Tony Martin, a biology professor at the University of Dundee who was invited to lead the project.
South Georgia is by far the largest island to get rid of animals that destroy native wildlife after being introduced deliberately or accidentally by people. Though rats and mice have done the most damage, cats, foxes, goats, deer, rabbits and other species have been targeted in the campaigns around the world.
South Georgia is seven times the size of New Zealand's Campbell Island, currently the largest area ever killing rats. The successful war against Campbell Island rats was carried out in 2001 with 132 tons of poison dropped from five helicopters.
"New Zealand pioneered the techniques for ridding islands of rats and in fact our operation on South Georgia is based on New Zealand's technology." Says Martin. "Some New Zealanders will be helping our campaign, including our chief pilot, Peter Garden, who was also chief pilot for the projects at Campbell Island and Rat Island, in the Aleutian chain of the north Pacific."
The second and third stages in 2013 and 2014 will involve dropping as much as 300 tons of poison from the air onto every part of the island where rats might live. It is a huge operation, carried out during the stormy southern autumn when the rats are hungry and the risks of poisoning native wildlife are less than in the spring and summer months. "Ideally we'd do in winter but the weather makes that too risky," Martin says.
The ecological payback will be priceless. But Martin says, "The full benefits will take decades to arrive, because some of these birds are slow to hatch."
|
[
"The campaign of killing rats will benefit the native wildlife in a short time.",
"Rats aren't the only species to be blamed for the disappearance of wildlife.",
"The first stage of killing rats on the sub-Antarctic island didn't make great achievements.",
"The campaign in South Georgia will fully follow in the footsteps of that on Campbell Island."
] |
In the author's opinion, which of the following is NOT true?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Many people think a telephone is essential. But I think it is a pest and a time waster. Very often you find it impossible to escape from some idle or curious chatter-box, or from somebody who wants something for nothing. If you have a telephone in your own house, you will admit that it tends to ring when you are asleep, or in the middle of a meal or a conversation, or when you are just going out, or when you are taking your bath. Are you strong minded enough to ignore it, to say to yourself,"Ah, well, it will all be the same in a hundred years' time" You are not. You think there may be some important news or messages for you. I can assure you that if a message is really important it will reach you sooner or later. Have you never rushed dripping from the bath, or chewing from the table, or dazed from the bed, only to be told that you are a wrong number?
But you will say, you need not have your name printed in the telephone directory, and you can have a telephone which is only usable for outgoing calls. Besides, you will say, isn't it important to have a telephone in case of emergency--illness, an accident, or fire? Of course, you are right, but here in a thickly populated country like England one is seldom far from a telephone in case of dreadful necessity.
I think perhaps I had better try to justify myself by trying to prove that what I like is good. I admit that in different circumstances--if I were a tycoon(business VIP),for instance, or bed ridden I might find a telephone essential. But then if I were a taxi-driver I should find a car essential.
Let me put it another way: there are two things for which the English seem to show particular talent; one is mechanical invention, the other is literature. My own business happens to be with the use of words but I see I must now stop using them. For I have just been handed a slip of paper to say that somebody is waiting to speak to me on the telephone. I think I had better answer it. After all, one never knows, it may be something important.
Question:
In the author's opinion, which of the following is NOT true?
Choices:
A. Nearly everyone has been told a wrong number.
B. It's necessary for everyone to have a telephone.
C. He himself can not decide whether to answer a call.
D. A telephone directory may bring in unexpected calls.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high6272.txt
|
Many people think a telephone is essential. But I think it is a pest and a time waster. Very often you find it impossible to escape from some idle or curious chatter-box, or from somebody who wants something for nothing. If you have a telephone in your own house, you will admit that it tends to ring when you are asleep, or in the middle of a meal or a conversation, or when you are just going out, or when you are taking your bath. Are you strong minded enough to ignore it, to say to yourself,"Ah, well, it will all be the same in a hundred years' time" You are not. You think there may be some important news or messages for you. I can assure you that if a message is really important it will reach you sooner or later. Have you never rushed dripping from the bath, or chewing from the table, or dazed from the bed, only to be told that you are a wrong number?
But you will say, you need not have your name printed in the telephone directory, and you can have a telephone which is only usable for outgoing calls. Besides, you will say, isn't it important to have a telephone in case of emergency--illness, an accident, or fire? Of course, you are right, but here in a thickly populated country like England one is seldom far from a telephone in case of dreadful necessity.
I think perhaps I had better try to justify myself by trying to prove that what I like is good. I admit that in different circumstances--if I were a tycoon(business VIP),for instance, or bed ridden I might find a telephone essential. But then if I were a taxi-driver I should find a car essential.
Let me put it another way: there are two things for which the English seem to show particular talent; one is mechanical invention, the other is literature. My own business happens to be with the use of words but I see I must now stop using them. For I have just been handed a slip of paper to say that somebody is waiting to speak to me on the telephone. I think I had better answer it. After all, one never knows, it may be something important.
|
[
"Nearly everyone has been told a wrong number.",
"It's necessary for everyone to have a telephone.",
"He himself can not decide whether to answer a call.",
"A telephone directory may bring in unexpected calls."
] |
What can we learn about Oprah's mother?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Oprah Winfrey has come a long way from her poor childhood home in a small Mississippi town. She was an unwanted child whose parents never married. She was brought up on her grandmother's farm. The possibility that she would become rich and famous was slim.
Oprah's mother left her child in her mother's care, so she could go to work in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was a strict and difficult life for Oprah. But it also led the way for her future.
She was a highly intelligent child. By the age of three, she had learned to read and write. She also made her first public appearance at that age. Oprah's intelligence was resented by other children of her age. They called her unkind names and pushed her away. Oprah felt very isolated and unwanted. It made her feel worse that she didn't live with her mother and father. She felt that no one loved her. This made her angry and rebellious . These feelings brought her much trouble as she was growing up. She often behaved badly, causing her grandmother to punish her. By the age of seven, she was too much for her grandmother to discipline.
Then Oprah went to live with her mother, Vernita, who worked very hard as a housekeeper in Milwaukee. It was hard for her to work and take care of her bright, troublesome child. They lived in poverty in a small apartment. Oprah took out all her angry feelings on her mother. When Oprah was eight, Vernita sent her to live with her father and stepmother in Nashville, Tennessee.
But she moved again a few months later when Vernita married a man with two children. Vernita wanted Oprah to be with her and her new family. Unfortunately, she felt she didn't belong with them. She believed she wasn't loved by anyone. Her angry and frustration grew stronger. She struck back by misbehaving and running away from home. Her parents found her impossible to discipline. When she was 14, they tried to send her to a special center for troubled girls.
But there was no room for her. So Vernita sent Oprah back to live with her father. Vernon Winfrey was by then a successful businessman and family man. He took one look at his daughter and knew she needed love, guidance and discipline. He gave her all three. It was a turning point in Oprah's life. He was strict about his daughter's education.
He gave her homework in addition to her schoolwork. She was allowed to watch only one hour of television a day. She became an A student and a popular girl in her class. Oprah watched Barbara Walters, a famous journalist, and decided that was what she wanted to be.
When she was still in high school, she got a part-time job reading news on the radio. In her senior year she won a beauty contest and a four-year scholarship to Tennessee State University.
While still in college she was offered a job as a news broadcaster at a local television station. She was the first female and the first African-American newscaster in Nashville. She was promoted to anchor, the most important position on the news team, while still a senior.
After Oprah graduated she got a job with a Baltimore news station. But she soon realized that broadcasting news wasn't enough for her. She had to let her personality shine through. She wanted to show emotion when she told a story, not just report it. Meanwhile the station managers were thinking the same way. They removed her from the anchor spot and wondered what to do with her. Finally they put her on an early morning talk show called People Are Talking. No one knew what to expect. The show was a great success. In a very short time, the managers and Oprah all knew what she was born to do. She was everything a talk show host should be.
She was so successful that she got a show with a bigger station in Chicago. In 1985 the show was changed to The Oprah Winfrey Show. It was broadcast nationally and soon became the most popular talk show on television. By the age of 35, Oprah Winfrey was one of the most famous celebrities in America.
Question:
What can we learn about Oprah's mother?
Choices:
A. She took good care of little Oprah.
B. She was very strict with little Oprah.
C. She failed to discipline Oprah for her misbehavior.
D. She married again and had another two children.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high19501.txt
|
Oprah Winfrey has come a long way from her poor childhood home in a small Mississippi town. She was an unwanted child whose parents never married. She was brought up on her grandmother's farm. The possibility that she would become rich and famous was slim.
Oprah's mother left her child in her mother's care, so she could go to work in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was a strict and difficult life for Oprah. But it also led the way for her future.
She was a highly intelligent child. By the age of three, she had learned to read and write. She also made her first public appearance at that age. Oprah's intelligence was resented by other children of her age. They called her unkind names and pushed her away. Oprah felt very isolated and unwanted. It made her feel worse that she didn't live with her mother and father. She felt that no one loved her. This made her angry and rebellious . These feelings brought her much trouble as she was growing up. She often behaved badly, causing her grandmother to punish her. By the age of seven, she was too much for her grandmother to discipline.
Then Oprah went to live with her mother, Vernita, who worked very hard as a housekeeper in Milwaukee. It was hard for her to work and take care of her bright, troublesome child. They lived in poverty in a small apartment. Oprah took out all her angry feelings on her mother. When Oprah was eight, Vernita sent her to live with her father and stepmother in Nashville, Tennessee.
But she moved again a few months later when Vernita married a man with two children. Vernita wanted Oprah to be with her and her new family. Unfortunately, she felt she didn't belong with them. She believed she wasn't loved by anyone. Her angry and frustration grew stronger. She struck back by misbehaving and running away from home. Her parents found her impossible to discipline. When she was 14, they tried to send her to a special center for troubled girls.
But there was no room for her. So Vernita sent Oprah back to live with her father. Vernon Winfrey was by then a successful businessman and family man. He took one look at his daughter and knew she needed love, guidance and discipline. He gave her all three. It was a turning point in Oprah's life. He was strict about his daughter's education.
He gave her homework in addition to her schoolwork. She was allowed to watch only one hour of television a day. She became an A student and a popular girl in her class. Oprah watched Barbara Walters, a famous journalist, and decided that was what she wanted to be.
When she was still in high school, she got a part-time job reading news on the radio. In her senior year she won a beauty contest and a four-year scholarship to Tennessee State University.
While still in college she was offered a job as a news broadcaster at a local television station. She was the first female and the first African-American newscaster in Nashville. She was promoted to anchor, the most important position on the news team, while still a senior.
After Oprah graduated she got a job with a Baltimore news station. But she soon realized that broadcasting news wasn't enough for her. She had to let her personality shine through. She wanted to show emotion when she told a story, not just report it. Meanwhile the station managers were thinking the same way. They removed her from the anchor spot and wondered what to do with her. Finally they put her on an early morning talk show called People Are Talking. No one knew what to expect. The show was a great success. In a very short time, the managers and Oprah all knew what she was born to do. She was everything a talk show host should be.
She was so successful that she got a show with a bigger station in Chicago. In 1985 the show was changed to The Oprah Winfrey Show. It was broadcast nationally and soon became the most popular talk show on television. By the age of 35, Oprah Winfrey was one of the most famous celebrities in America.
|
[
"She took good care of little Oprah.",
"She was very strict with little Oprah.",
"She failed to discipline Oprah for her misbehavior.",
"She married again and had another two children."
] |
Boarding at school is different from living at home because kids have to _ .
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Most kids go to school during the day and come home to their families or caregivers at night.Sometimes kids can't go home every night so they board or live at school during term-time.
Whatever the reason for going to boarding school, living with a group of people is very different from living with your family.You have to learn to get on with others, be responsible for looking after your own stuff and follow the rules that are there to make everyone's life pleasant and safe.
The following are some tips from boarders.
"Remember that the other new students are probably as shy as you are.If you don't talk first and try to make friends, it may not happen."
"Don't hold things back inside you.The more you talk, the easier it gets.You can talk to older boarders as well as adults.They understand what you are feeling--they've been through it too."
"Be respectful of others' space and give them privacy.Having people around all the time means you don't get much time to yourself."
"Join in sports and other afterschool activities.You'll meet lots of new people who are interested in the same things as you.And keeping busy will help you get over feeling homesick."
"If you are a weekly boarder or go home most weekends it can be harder to make friends, so see if you can organize to stay in for a weekend."
"Make friends with non-boarders too.It's good to visit someone's home sometimes."
"Boarding has its ups and downs, you get homesick and sometimes the food is not that great but most of the time it is like being in one big family.You make friends that you know you'11 keep for the rest of your life."
Question:
Boarding at school is different from living at home because kids have to _ .
Choices:
A. 1earn to stay with their hosts
B. entertain and protect others
C. obey the rules of the school
D. take trips to and from school
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high14485.txt
|
Most kids go to school during the day and come home to their families or caregivers at night.Sometimes kids can't go home every night so they board or live at school during term-time.
Whatever the reason for going to boarding school, living with a group of people is very different from living with your family.You have to learn to get on with others, be responsible for looking after your own stuff and follow the rules that are there to make everyone's life pleasant and safe.
The following are some tips from boarders.
"Remember that the other new students are probably as shy as you are.If you don't talk first and try to make friends, it may not happen."
"Don't hold things back inside you.The more you talk, the easier it gets.You can talk to older boarders as well as adults.They understand what you are feeling--they've been through it too."
"Be respectful of others' space and give them privacy.Having people around all the time means you don't get much time to yourself."
"Join in sports and other afterschool activities.You'll meet lots of new people who are interested in the same things as you.And keeping busy will help you get over feeling homesick."
"If you are a weekly boarder or go home most weekends it can be harder to make friends, so see if you can organize to stay in for a weekend."
"Make friends with non-boarders too.It's good to visit someone's home sometimes."
"Boarding has its ups and downs, you get homesick and sometimes the food is not that great but most of the time it is like being in one big family.You make friends that you know you'11 keep for the rest of your life."
|
[
"1earn to stay with their hosts",
"entertain and protect others",
"obey the rules of the school",
"take trips to and from school"
] |
With TV, children can _ at home.
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
American boys and girls like watching TV. Some children spend six hours a day at school and four to six hours a day in front of the TV sets. Some children even watch TV for eight hours or more on Saturday.
Television is like books and films . A child can learn good things and bad things from it. Some TV _ help children to understand the news, the people and places from other countries. With TV, children do not have to go out to see films, they can hear interesting music or watch a game at home. But some programs are bad for children, so parents sometimes help them to find other interesting and useful things to do.
Question:
With TV, children can _ at home.
Choices:
A. play football
B. hold a sports meeting
C. see some films
D. have a swim
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle1428.txt
|
American boys and girls like watching TV. Some children spend six hours a day at school and four to six hours a day in front of the TV sets. Some children even watch TV for eight hours or more on Saturday.
Television is like books and films . A child can learn good things and bad things from it. Some TV _ help children to understand the news, the people and places from other countries. With TV, children do not have to go out to see films, they can hear interesting music or watch a game at home. But some programs are bad for children, so parents sometimes help them to find other interesting and useful things to do.
|
[
"play football",
"hold a sports meeting",
"see some films",
"have a swim"
] |
Which sport is NOT mentioned in the passage?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
If you want to keep healthy, you should have good habits. What is a habit? It is something we do very often. We don't even think when we do it. It has become a part of our lives.
"Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise." This is an old English saying. Do you know what it means? It means that we must go to bed early at night and get up early in the morning. If we do, we shall be healthy, rich and clever.
Is this true? Perhaps it is. We know the body must have enough sleep. Boys and girls need eight or nine hours' sleep every day.
Some people go to bed late at night and get up late in the morning. This is a very bad habit. Then you will not think or do your work well. Of course, you can't be healthy, wealthy or wise.
When we get up early in the morning, we can go out and do morning exercises. Exercise means doing things with the body. Walking, running jumping, swimming, and playing ball games are all exercise. If we don't exercise, our body will become weak.
Exercise helps the blood to move around inside our body. Blood takes food to all parts of our body.
Our body also needs air to breathe. Without air, we will die. We must have lots of clean fresh air if we want to be healthy. That is why many people like to go out to do morning exercise.
Question:
Which sport is NOT mentioned in the passage?
Choices:
A. Jumping.
B. Swimming.
C. Riding.
D. Running.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high10832.txt
|
If you want to keep healthy, you should have good habits. What is a habit? It is something we do very often. We don't even think when we do it. It has become a part of our lives.
"Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise." This is an old English saying. Do you know what it means? It means that we must go to bed early at night and get up early in the morning. If we do, we shall be healthy, rich and clever.
Is this true? Perhaps it is. We know the body must have enough sleep. Boys and girls need eight or nine hours' sleep every day.
Some people go to bed late at night and get up late in the morning. This is a very bad habit. Then you will not think or do your work well. Of course, you can't be healthy, wealthy or wise.
When we get up early in the morning, we can go out and do morning exercises. Exercise means doing things with the body. Walking, running jumping, swimming, and playing ball games are all exercise. If we don't exercise, our body will become weak.
Exercise helps the blood to move around inside our body. Blood takes food to all parts of our body.
Our body also needs air to breathe. Without air, we will die. We must have lots of clean fresh air if we want to be healthy. That is why many people like to go out to do morning exercise.
|
[
"Jumping.",
"Swimming.",
"Riding.",
"Running."
] |
According to the passage, how did Ms. Hunter motivate the writer?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Many of us have heard stories about teachers who can "see" into a student's future. Even if a student is not performing well, they can predict success. We are convinced that this ability, this gift, is evidence that they were "called to teach" . If the gift of sight is evidence, how greater must be the gift of touch. I have a story.
I grew up in the fifties in a poor African American neighborhood in Stockton, California, that had neither sidewalks nor an elementary school. Each day, always in groups at our parents' insistence, my friends and I would leave home early enough to walk eight blocks to school and be in our seats when the bell rang. For four blocks, we walked on dusty roads. By the fifth block, we walked on sidewalks that led to lovely homes and to Fair Oaks Elementary School. It was at Fair Oaks, in a sixth grade English class, that I met Ms. Victoria Hunter, a teacher who had a huge influence on my life.
During reading periods, she would walk around the room, stop at our desks, stand over us for a second or two, and then touch us. Without saying anything to us (nothing could break the silence of reading periods), she would place two fingers lightly on our throats and hold them there for seconds. I learned many years later when I was a student at Stanford University that teachers touch the throat of students to check for sub-vocalization , which slows down the reading speed. I did not know at the time why Ms. Hunter was touching our throats, but I was a serious and respectful student and so, during silent reading period, I did what Ms. Hunter told us to do. I kept my eyes on the material I was reading and waited for her to place her fingers lightly on my throat.
One day, out of curiosity, I raised my head from my book -- though not high -- so that I could see Ms. Hunter, a white woman from Canada, moving up and down the rows, stopping at the desks of my classmates. I wanted to see how they reacted when she touched their throats. She walked past them. I was confused. Did she pass them by because they were model students? What did we, the students who were touched, not do right? I sat up straighter in my chair, thinking that my way of sitting might be the problem. I was confused. Several days later, I watched again, this time raising my head a little higher. Nothing changed. Ms. Hunter touched the same students. Always, she touched me.
She touched me with her hands. She also touched me with her belief in my ability to achieve. She motivated me by demanding the best from me and by letting teachers I would meet in junior high school know that I should be challenged, that I would be serious about my work. I am convinced that she touched me because she could "see" me in the future. That was true of all of us at Fair Oaks who sat still and silent as Ms. Hunter placed her fingers lightly on our throats. We left Fair Oaks as "best students," entered John Marshall Junior High School, finished at the top of our high school class, and went on to earn graduate degrees in various subjects. Ms. Hunter saw us achieving and she touched us to make certain that we would.
I was not surprised that she came to my graduation ceremony at Edison High School in Stockton or that she talked to me about finishing college and earning a Ph. D. She expected that of me. She gave me a beautifully wrapped box. Inside was a gift, the beauty of which multiplies even as it touches me: _ .
Question:
According to the passage, how did Ms. Hunter motivate the writer?
Choices:
A. By correcting the way she sat.
B. By having high expectations of her.
C. By sending her a valuable necklace.
D. By communicating with her parents often.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high11131.txt
|
Many of us have heard stories about teachers who can "see" into a student's future. Even if a student is not performing well, they can predict success. We are convinced that this ability, this gift, is evidence that they were "called to teach" . If the gift of sight is evidence, how greater must be the gift of touch. I have a story.
I grew up in the fifties in a poor African American neighborhood in Stockton, California, that had neither sidewalks nor an elementary school. Each day, always in groups at our parents' insistence, my friends and I would leave home early enough to walk eight blocks to school and be in our seats when the bell rang. For four blocks, we walked on dusty roads. By the fifth block, we walked on sidewalks that led to lovely homes and to Fair Oaks Elementary School. It was at Fair Oaks, in a sixth grade English class, that I met Ms. Victoria Hunter, a teacher who had a huge influence on my life.
During reading periods, she would walk around the room, stop at our desks, stand over us for a second or two, and then touch us. Without saying anything to us (nothing could break the silence of reading periods), she would place two fingers lightly on our throats and hold them there for seconds. I learned many years later when I was a student at Stanford University that teachers touch the throat of students to check for sub-vocalization , which slows down the reading speed. I did not know at the time why Ms. Hunter was touching our throats, but I was a serious and respectful student and so, during silent reading period, I did what Ms. Hunter told us to do. I kept my eyes on the material I was reading and waited for her to place her fingers lightly on my throat.
One day, out of curiosity, I raised my head from my book -- though not high -- so that I could see Ms. Hunter, a white woman from Canada, moving up and down the rows, stopping at the desks of my classmates. I wanted to see how they reacted when she touched their throats. She walked past them. I was confused. Did she pass them by because they were model students? What did we, the students who were touched, not do right? I sat up straighter in my chair, thinking that my way of sitting might be the problem. I was confused. Several days later, I watched again, this time raising my head a little higher. Nothing changed. Ms. Hunter touched the same students. Always, she touched me.
She touched me with her hands. She also touched me with her belief in my ability to achieve. She motivated me by demanding the best from me and by letting teachers I would meet in junior high school know that I should be challenged, that I would be serious about my work. I am convinced that she touched me because she could "see" me in the future. That was true of all of us at Fair Oaks who sat still and silent as Ms. Hunter placed her fingers lightly on our throats. We left Fair Oaks as "best students," entered John Marshall Junior High School, finished at the top of our high school class, and went on to earn graduate degrees in various subjects. Ms. Hunter saw us achieving and she touched us to make certain that we would.
I was not surprised that she came to my graduation ceremony at Edison High School in Stockton or that she talked to me about finishing college and earning a Ph. D. She expected that of me. She gave me a beautifully wrapped box. Inside was a gift, the beauty of which multiplies even as it touches me: _ .
|
[
"By correcting the way she sat.",
"By having high expectations of her.",
"By sending her a valuable necklace.",
"By communicating with her parents often."
] |
What do we know about Ann Makosinski?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
A 15-year-old Saanich student who invented a flashlight powered by body heat is heading home today from California with a big prize--and an opportunity to expand on her work.
St. Michaels University School student Ann Makosinski was the only Canadian among the four winners at Google's annual international science fair, beating out thousands of other young scientists from around the world.
Winning the international contest was "a total shock", Ann said from San Francisco. "I definitely think it will have an influence on my future."
Ann thanked her family for encouraging her interest in science, telling the judges that her first toy was a box of transistors .
Ann's prize includes a $25,000 scholarship and a "once-in-a-lifetime experience" from either the European Organization for Nuclear Research, Lego or Google for her Hollow Flashlight, which has no moving parts or batteries.
Ann created the flashlight for a local science fair. The inspiration for the invention came from seeing unwanted batteries and after visits to the Philippines, where she saw the need for a battery-free flashlight. A friend at school there failed in her studies because of a lack of electricity and light to study when it became dark.
In her project, Ann wrote that she "made two flashlights that do not use any batteries, harmful chemicals, or kinetic energy . They do not create any noise and will always work. The flashlight's only limitation is its need for at least a 5degC temperature difference to provide usable light."
A You Tube video of Ann explaining how she created the flashlight has been viewed more than 1.4 million times.
Despite her success, the private school student is undecided about her career path. Ann hopes she can find a way to combine her love of film with science.
The four winners were chosen from 15 finalists from eight countries. The contest attracted thousands of entries from students in 120 countries.
Question:
What do we know about Ann Makosinski?
Choices:
A. She is studying at a public school.
B. She dreams of becoming a scientist.
C. Her success is partly due to her family.
D. She was sure she would win the contest.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high19124.txt
|
A 15-year-old Saanich student who invented a flashlight powered by body heat is heading home today from California with a big prize--and an opportunity to expand on her work.
St. Michaels University School student Ann Makosinski was the only Canadian among the four winners at Google's annual international science fair, beating out thousands of other young scientists from around the world.
Winning the international contest was "a total shock", Ann said from San Francisco. "I definitely think it will have an influence on my future."
Ann thanked her family for encouraging her interest in science, telling the judges that her first toy was a box of transistors .
Ann's prize includes a $25,000 scholarship and a "once-in-a-lifetime experience" from either the European Organization for Nuclear Research, Lego or Google for her Hollow Flashlight, which has no moving parts or batteries.
Ann created the flashlight for a local science fair. The inspiration for the invention came from seeing unwanted batteries and after visits to the Philippines, where she saw the need for a battery-free flashlight. A friend at school there failed in her studies because of a lack of electricity and light to study when it became dark.
In her project, Ann wrote that she "made two flashlights that do not use any batteries, harmful chemicals, or kinetic energy . They do not create any noise and will always work. The flashlight's only limitation is its need for at least a 5degC temperature difference to provide usable light."
A You Tube video of Ann explaining how she created the flashlight has been viewed more than 1.4 million times.
Despite her success, the private school student is undecided about her career path. Ann hopes she can find a way to combine her love of film with science.
The four winners were chosen from 15 finalists from eight countries. The contest attracted thousands of entries from students in 120 countries.
|
[
"She is studying at a public school.",
"She dreams of becoming a scientist.",
"Her success is partly due to her family.",
"She was sure she would win the contest."
] |
The best title for this passage may be _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
For years and years people have been saying that railways are dead. "We can do without railways," people say--as if cars and planes have made railways unnecessary. We all keep hearing that trains are slow, lose money and are dying. But this is far from the truth. In these days of expensive oil, railways have become highly _ with cars and planes. If you want to carry people or goods from place to place, they're cheaper than planes. And they have much in common with planes. A plane goes in a straight line and so does a railway. What is more, a railway takes you from the heart of a city center. It doesn't stop you as a car does on crowded roads. And no plane or car can ever carry as many goods as one train does.
Far from being dead, railways are much alive. Modern railway lines give you a comfortable journey. Where else can you eat well, sleep comfortably, feel safe and enjoy the scene while you are traveling at the same time? And we are only the beginning, for we have just entered the age of super-fast trains, which are traveling 150 miles an hour and more. Soon we will be wondering why we spent so much on highways and planes we can't fly in because we don't have enough money to buy the oil.
Question:
The best title for this passage may be _ .
Choices:
A. Which is the Best, Train, Car or Plane?
B. Railways, not the End, but the Beginning
C. Trains are More Competitive than Cars or Planes
D. Oh, Super-fast Trains
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle3014.txt
|
For years and years people have been saying that railways are dead. "We can do without railways," people say--as if cars and planes have made railways unnecessary. We all keep hearing that trains are slow, lose money and are dying. But this is far from the truth. In these days of expensive oil, railways have become highly _ with cars and planes. If you want to carry people or goods from place to place, they're cheaper than planes. And they have much in common with planes. A plane goes in a straight line and so does a railway. What is more, a railway takes you from the heart of a city center. It doesn't stop you as a car does on crowded roads. And no plane or car can ever carry as many goods as one train does.
Far from being dead, railways are much alive. Modern railway lines give you a comfortable journey. Where else can you eat well, sleep comfortably, feel safe and enjoy the scene while you are traveling at the same time? And we are only the beginning, for we have just entered the age of super-fast trains, which are traveling 150 miles an hour and more. Soon we will be wondering why we spent so much on highways and planes we can't fly in because we don't have enough money to buy the oil.
|
[
"Which is the Best, Train, Car or Plane?",
"Railways, not the End, but the Beginning",
"Trains are More Competitive than Cars or Planes",
"Oh, Super-fast Trains"
] |
Why do some companies agree to the casual dress code?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
For some people, it's easy to get dressed for work. Pilots and police officers, for example, don't have to make decisions about their work clothes. They wear uniforms to work every day.
For many office workers, however, it is more difficult to choose clothes for work. They do not wear uniforms to the office. Also, many organizations are changing their _ . They are allowing their employees to wear casual clothes to work.
The change to casual work clothes began in the 1990s. At first, many companies in the United States allowed employees to wear casual clothes on one day of the week--Friday. Friday became "Casual Friday" or "Dress-down Friday". Today, however, many companies are allowing their employees to wear casual clothes every day of the week.
Some studies show that people are producing and achieving more when they are wearing comfortable clothes. Some companies also like the casual dress code because they don't need to buy special clothes for work. They can save money this way.
Unfortunately, a casual dress code can also cause problems. Sometimes employees think they can wear anything. Many companies have rules about casual clothes. They list the kinds of clothes that are not "business-casual" clothes. Blue jeans, sandals, and sportswear are examples of clothes that are usually too casual for the office.
Question:
Why do some companies agree to the casual dress code?
Choices:
A. They don't need to buy special clothes for work.
B. It is difficult for them to choose clothes for work.
C. They don't like the same uniforms.
D. It is easy for them to make decisions about work clothes.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle356.txt
|
For some people, it's easy to get dressed for work. Pilots and police officers, for example, don't have to make decisions about their work clothes. They wear uniforms to work every day.
For many office workers, however, it is more difficult to choose clothes for work. They do not wear uniforms to the office. Also, many organizations are changing their _ . They are allowing their employees to wear casual clothes to work.
The change to casual work clothes began in the 1990s. At first, many companies in the United States allowed employees to wear casual clothes on one day of the week--Friday. Friday became "Casual Friday" or "Dress-down Friday". Today, however, many companies are allowing their employees to wear casual clothes every day of the week.
Some studies show that people are producing and achieving more when they are wearing comfortable clothes. Some companies also like the casual dress code because they don't need to buy special clothes for work. They can save money this way.
Unfortunately, a casual dress code can also cause problems. Sometimes employees think they can wear anything. Many companies have rules about casual clothes. They list the kinds of clothes that are not "business-casual" clothes. Blue jeans, sandals, and sportswear are examples of clothes that are usually too casual for the office.
|
[
"They don't need to buy special clothes for work.",
"It is difficult for them to choose clothes for work.",
"They don't like the same uniforms.",
"It is easy for them to make decisions about work clothes."
] |
"Blue" sometimes means in spoken English " _ ".
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
John keeps a record of new words and expressions in English. He usually writes them in a note-book. Then, later in the day, he asks his teacher about them. "Mrs. Thomas, these expressions are new to me. 'She's blue today.', 'You're yellow', 'A little white lie', 'She has green fingers'." After looking at the note-book, Mrs. Thomas says, "In everyday English, John,'blue' sometimes means sad. 'Yellow' means afraid. A person with 'green fingers' grows plants successfully. And 'a white lie' is not a bad lie." "I don't understand. Please give me an example." " For example, I offer you some cake. The truth is that you don't like my cake. You don't say that. Instead, you say, 'No, thanks, I'm not hungry.' That's a white lie." John says, "I see , thanks for the explanation!"
Question:
"Blue" sometimes means in spoken English " _ ".
Choices:
A. angry
B. lucky
C. glad
D. unhappy
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high1591.txt
|
John keeps a record of new words and expressions in English. He usually writes them in a note-book. Then, later in the day, he asks his teacher about them. "Mrs. Thomas, these expressions are new to me. 'She's blue today.', 'You're yellow', 'A little white lie', 'She has green fingers'." After looking at the note-book, Mrs. Thomas says, "In everyday English, John,'blue' sometimes means sad. 'Yellow' means afraid. A person with 'green fingers' grows plants successfully. And 'a white lie' is not a bad lie." "I don't understand. Please give me an example." " For example, I offer you some cake. The truth is that you don't like my cake. You don't say that. Instead, you say, 'No, thanks, I'm not hungry.' That's a white lie." John says, "I see , thanks for the explanation!"
|
[
"angry",
"lucky",
"glad",
"unhappy"
] |
Which of the following can be the best title?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
When times get tough, we all look for ways to cut back. When we're hungry, we eat at home instead of going out. We take buses instead of taxis. And we wear our old designer jeans just a few months longer. With college expenses at all-time highs, high school students are eager to do anything to cut the cost of a university education.
One cost-cutting proposal is to allow college students to get a bachelor's degree in three years instead of four. Educational institutions have been actively exploring ways to make the learning process more efficient. But there's a question: Would the quality of undergraduate education suffer? Few US universities have formally approved a "three-year degree" model.
I doubt that mainstream North American colleges will carry out a three-year curriculum any time soon. For one thing, most universities already allow highly qualified students to graduate early by testing out of certain classes and obtaining a number of college credits. In addition, at famous universities, the committee who determine which courses are required and which courses are electives are unlikely to suddenly "throw out" one quarter of the required credits. Professors will resist "diluting " the quality of the education they offer.
In my opinion, a quality four-year education is always superior to a quality three-year education. A college education requires sufficient time for a student to become skilled in their major and do coursework in fields outside their major. It is not a good idea to water down education, any more than it's not a good idea to water down medicine. If we want to help students find their way through university, we should help them understand early on what knowledge and skills they need to have upon graduation. We should allow students to test out of as many courses as possible. We should give them a chance to earn money as interns in meaningful part-time jobs that relate to their university studies, such as the five-year co-op program at Northeastern University. ks5uks5u
Question:
Which of the following can be the best title?
Choices:
A. It's time to shorten the learning process
B. Best learning takes place over time
C. University education should be watered down
D. College education calls for reform
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high24167.txt
|
When times get tough, we all look for ways to cut back. When we're hungry, we eat at home instead of going out. We take buses instead of taxis. And we wear our old designer jeans just a few months longer. With college expenses at all-time highs, high school students are eager to do anything to cut the cost of a university education.
One cost-cutting proposal is to allow college students to get a bachelor's degree in three years instead of four. Educational institutions have been actively exploring ways to make the learning process more efficient. But there's a question: Would the quality of undergraduate education suffer? Few US universities have formally approved a "three-year degree" model.
I doubt that mainstream North American colleges will carry out a three-year curriculum any time soon. For one thing, most universities already allow highly qualified students to graduate early by testing out of certain classes and obtaining a number of college credits. In addition, at famous universities, the committee who determine which courses are required and which courses are electives are unlikely to suddenly "throw out" one quarter of the required credits. Professors will resist "diluting " the quality of the education they offer.
In my opinion, a quality four-year education is always superior to a quality three-year education. A college education requires sufficient time for a student to become skilled in their major and do coursework in fields outside their major. It is not a good idea to water down education, any more than it's not a good idea to water down medicine. If we want to help students find their way through university, we should help them understand early on what knowledge and skills they need to have upon graduation. We should allow students to test out of as many courses as possible. We should give them a chance to earn money as interns in meaningful part-time jobs that relate to their university studies, such as the five-year co-op program at Northeastern University. ks5uks5u
|
[
"It's time to shorten the learning process",
"Best learning takes place over time",
"University education should be watered down",
"College education calls for reform"
] |
In this passage the writer wants to _ .
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
It's a goal for millions and millions of families every year to keep the Christmas spending within a certain amount of money, but you can still afford the gifts because your loved ones will
enjoy them. This concern is becoming greater and greater theses days. Even so, there are several things that you can do to help.
Hit the sales. No one wants to get up at four o'clock in the morning and fight to get a good deal on Black Friday (the first Friday at Christmas time). It's surely very difficult to pick up the courage and get out there in the cold for a good deal. But sometimes it can be well worth. Many retailers offer _ all through the day. Some even offer online Black Friday specials, so we may still be able to get a great deal on Black Friday.
Read advertisements regularly.Once the Christmas shopping season is coming, retailers will be hungry for business. They will try their best to get us into the store. Please read the weekly advertisements of sales among the major retailers from time to time. We may be lucky enough to find different prices for the same thing in different shops.
Shop online. Some of us don't like running from store to store to get the best price on the perfect gift. Some of us don't like to go out in the cold at all, and then, we can do online shopping. The world of online shopping makes it possible for us to visit all the major retailers and some specialty stores on the Internet. We can find exactly what we are looking for at the best possible price without even having to leave the house. With traditional Christmas shopping, it will always take us a long time to wait if we want to get the perfect gift.
Question:
In this passage the writer wants to _ .
Choices:
A. tell us to shop online
B. tell us the best way to do shopping
C. show us how hard it is to do Christmas shopping
D. give us advice on how to get a good deal at Christmas time
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle6586.txt
|
It's a goal for millions and millions of families every year to keep the Christmas spending within a certain amount of money, but you can still afford the gifts because your loved ones will
enjoy them. This concern is becoming greater and greater theses days. Even so, there are several things that you can do to help.
Hit the sales. No one wants to get up at four o'clock in the morning and fight to get a good deal on Black Friday (the first Friday at Christmas time). It's surely very difficult to pick up the courage and get out there in the cold for a good deal. But sometimes it can be well worth. Many retailers offer _ all through the day. Some even offer online Black Friday specials, so we may still be able to get a great deal on Black Friday.
Read advertisements regularly.Once the Christmas shopping season is coming, retailers will be hungry for business. They will try their best to get us into the store. Please read the weekly advertisements of sales among the major retailers from time to time. We may be lucky enough to find different prices for the same thing in different shops.
Shop online. Some of us don't like running from store to store to get the best price on the perfect gift. Some of us don't like to go out in the cold at all, and then, we can do online shopping. The world of online shopping makes it possible for us to visit all the major retailers and some specialty stores on the Internet. We can find exactly what we are looking for at the best possible price without even having to leave the house. With traditional Christmas shopping, it will always take us a long time to wait if we want to get the perfect gift.
|
[
"tell us to shop online",
"tell us the best way to do shopping",
"show us how hard it is to do Christmas shopping",
"give us advice on how to get a good deal at Christmas time"
] |
Secondary succession is a process that reestablishes a previously colonized, but disturbed or damaged habitat. Which will most likely result in colonization by large herbivores and carnivores?
| null |
Answer this science question and explain your reasoning.
|
Secondary succession is a process that reestablishes a previously colonized, but disturbed or damaged habitat. Which will most likely result in colonization by large herbivores and carnivores?
Choices:
A. saplings and trees
B. grasses and shrubs
C. lichens and mosses
D. seedlings and bushes
|
Correct answer: A
|
science
|
Mercury_7142853
|
{
"text": [
"saplings and trees",
"grasses and shrubs",
"lichens and mosses",
"seedlings and bushes"
],
"label": [
"A",
"B",
"C",
"D"
]
}
|
A
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
What kind of structure contains the largest known single cell?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
What kind of structure contains the largest known single cell?
|
egg
|
science
| null | null | null |
sperm
|
proteins
|
Ovaries
|
egg
|
The cells you have learned about so far are much smaller than the period at the end of this sentence, so they are normally measured on a very small scale. The smallest prokaryotic cell currently known has a diameter of only 400 nm. Eukaryotic cells normally range between 1– 100µm in diameter. The mouse cells in Figure above are about 10 µm in diameter. One exception, however, is eggs . Eggs contain the largest known single cell, and the ostrich egg is the largest of them all. The ostrich egg in Figure above is over 10,000 times larger than the mouse cell.
| null | null | null |
How does the writer feel about the pretty young lady?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
On Christmas morning, I went to the Cockhedge Mall. People there were all busy buying their last minute requirements. I needed to buy a birthday card for my son-in-law whose birthday is the 29th of December. Picking up a few more things as well as my cared I went to join the line for the express checkout which was for people who only had a few items in a basket and not a trolley load. This line was next to the Customer Service desk.
Seemingly waiting quite a long time, I was jogged out of my thoughts by a voice behind me making comments on the things I bought.
It was so funny when I realized that she was describing the contents of my basket. The owner of the voice was a very pretty young lady. I said to her that I was going to buy a box of Christmas cookies but the only ones left were not to my liking. The lady told me that just opposite Cockhedge in Superdrug they had lots of cookies. I said, "I'm not going to bother now. I had enough of shops and I'm going home."
The assistant from the Customer Service came across at this time saying "If there is anyone in the line with a few items in their basket, none of which needed to be weighed, I will check out their groceries at the desk." Because I had the sprouts which needed to be weighted, the young lady accepted the offer and walked away waving goodbye.
Eventually my turn came at the checkout. I was walking away when I met my new friend once again who handed me a beautiful box of Christmas cookies. With a big hug she said "Hope you have a lovely Christmas." She had been into Superdrug to buy me the cookies while I was still queuing in Cockhedge.
What a generosity to a stranger! I was so surprised you could have knocked me down with a feather. My Good Samaritan would never know what a joyful Christmas day I had with my family. Telling them this story, as we ate around the table, kept everyone _
Question:
How does the writer feel about the pretty young lady?
Choices:
A. Worried.
B. Satisfied.
C. Grateful
D. Proud.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high20318.txt
|
On Christmas morning, I went to the Cockhedge Mall. People there were all busy buying their last minute requirements. I needed to buy a birthday card for my son-in-law whose birthday is the 29th of December. Picking up a few more things as well as my cared I went to join the line for the express checkout which was for people who only had a few items in a basket and not a trolley load. This line was next to the Customer Service desk.
Seemingly waiting quite a long time, I was jogged out of my thoughts by a voice behind me making comments on the things I bought.
It was so funny when I realized that she was describing the contents of my basket. The owner of the voice was a very pretty young lady. I said to her that I was going to buy a box of Christmas cookies but the only ones left were not to my liking. The lady told me that just opposite Cockhedge in Superdrug they had lots of cookies. I said, "I'm not going to bother now. I had enough of shops and I'm going home."
The assistant from the Customer Service came across at this time saying "If there is anyone in the line with a few items in their basket, none of which needed to be weighed, I will check out their groceries at the desk." Because I had the sprouts which needed to be weighted, the young lady accepted the offer and walked away waving goodbye.
Eventually my turn came at the checkout. I was walking away when I met my new friend once again who handed me a beautiful box of Christmas cookies. With a big hug she said "Hope you have a lovely Christmas." She had been into Superdrug to buy me the cookies while I was still queuing in Cockhedge.
What a generosity to a stranger! I was so surprised you could have knocked me down with a feather. My Good Samaritan would never know what a joyful Christmas day I had with my family. Telling them this story, as we ate around the table, kept everyone _
|
[
"Worried.",
"Satisfied.",
"Grateful",
"Proud."
] |
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