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David doesn't know the way to the hospital and asks _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
David comes from the train station and he doesn't know where to go. This is the first time he comes to this town. He comes to see his good friend, Peter. Peter is a doctor. He works in a hospital. But David doesn't know where the hospital is.
He walks in the street. He passes a bank, a post office, a hotel and at last he goes to a school. Some students are coming out, so he asks one of the students, "Excuse me. Which is the way to People's Hospital?"
"Well, I know, you can go along this street, take the second turning on the right, and then take the third turning on your left. It's next to a museum."
"I'm sorry I can't follow you."
"Well, I just live near there, and my mother works in that hospital, too. I'm going home now. Will you go with me? I'll take you there."
"That's great! Thank you very much!"
"Then, let's go to the bus stop. And we'll take the No.12 bus there."
Question:
David doesn't know the way to the hospital and asks _ .
Choices:
A. a policeman
B. a teacher
C. a student
D. a doctor | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle865.txt | David comes from the train station and he doesn't know where to go. This is the first time he comes to this town. He comes to see his good friend, Peter. Peter is a doctor. He works in a hospital. But David doesn't know where the hospital is.
He walks in the street. He passes a bank, a post office, a hotel and at last he goes to a school. Some students are coming out, so he asks one of the students, "Excuse me. Which is the way to People's Hospital?"
"Well, I know, you can go along this street, take the second turning on the right, and then take the third turning on your left. It's next to a museum."
"I'm sorry I can't follow you."
"Well, I just live near there, and my mother works in that hospital, too. I'm going home now. Will you go with me? I'll take you there."
"That's great! Thank you very much!"
"Then, let's go to the bus stop. And we'll take the No.12 bus there." | [
"a policeman",
"a teacher",
"a student",
"a doctor"
] |
Max loves to play video games. He played for 2 hours on Wednesday and the same time on Thursday. On Friday his friends came to play together with him, so Max spent over three hours more on playing than on Wednesday. How many hours on average has Max spent playing video games during these three days? | Max played on Friday three hours more than on Wednesday, so he played for 2 + 3 = <<2+3=5>>5 hours.
In total he played 2 + 2 + 5 = <<2+2+5=9>>9 hours.
He was playing for three days, so on average, he spent 9 / 3 = <<9/3=3>>3 hours playing video games every day.
#### 3 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | Max loves to play video games. He played for 2 hours on Wednesday and the same time on Thursday. On Friday his friends came to play together with him, so Max spent over three hours more on playing than on Wednesday. How many hours on average has Max spent playing video games during these three days? | Max played on Friday three hours more than on Wednesday, so he played for 2 + 3 = <<2+3=5>>5 hours.
In total he played 2 + 2 + 5 = <<2+2+5=9>>9 hours.
He was playing for three days, so on average, he spent 9 / 3 = <<9/3=3>>3 hours playing video games every day.
#### 3 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
The Zanskar Ski School _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Do you have any skiing equipment you are no longer need? A ski school in the far north of India could put it to good use.
In March we published a photo story about the extraordinary Zsnskar region in northern India,which is cut off from the outside world for more than seven months of the year,and only accessible via a frozen river.We also included information about the limited use of skiing in the region and the recent creation of the Zanskar Ski School:
"Despite the difficulties of travelling through the region when the snow comes,skiing hasn't traditionally been used as a means of transport by the locals,largely because trees don't grow here,so there is little in the way of raw materials from which to make skis.In 1995,a group of British scientists in the region noticed the lack of skis and one of them returned to set up the Zanskar Ski School in Padam.The school provides lessons for a small fee and rents skis to the local people.Among the benefits that the school hopes to bring are improved education--children often find it difficult to get to school through the deep snow--and the possibility of offering ski tours to tourists in the future.So far,more than 300 local people have received training,and local doctors and policemen regularly borrow skis."
But,what we weren't able to include in the article is that the ski school is always on the look out for old skiing equipment--particularly of a size suitable for children--and,I thought.now the European ski season is drawing to a close,there might be a few of you out there who have some old equipment you'd like to see go to a good home.If that's the ease you can get in touch with the school via their website www.zanskarskischooL.org.
Question:
The Zanskar Ski School _ .
Choices:
A. has donated money to the local community
B. makes it easier for the students to attend school
C. provides special training to the tourists
D. has borrowed many skis from Europe | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high22184.txt | Do you have any skiing equipment you are no longer need? A ski school in the far north of India could put it to good use.
In March we published a photo story about the extraordinary Zsnskar region in northern India,which is cut off from the outside world for more than seven months of the year,and only accessible via a frozen river.We also included information about the limited use of skiing in the region and the recent creation of the Zanskar Ski School:
"Despite the difficulties of travelling through the region when the snow comes,skiing hasn't traditionally been used as a means of transport by the locals,largely because trees don't grow here,so there is little in the way of raw materials from which to make skis.In 1995,a group of British scientists in the region noticed the lack of skis and one of them returned to set up the Zanskar Ski School in Padam.The school provides lessons for a small fee and rents skis to the local people.Among the benefits that the school hopes to bring are improved education--children often find it difficult to get to school through the deep snow--and the possibility of offering ski tours to tourists in the future.So far,more than 300 local people have received training,and local doctors and policemen regularly borrow skis."
But,what we weren't able to include in the article is that the ski school is always on the look out for old skiing equipment--particularly of a size suitable for children--and,I thought.now the European ski season is drawing to a close,there might be a few of you out there who have some old equipment you'd like to see go to a good home.If that's the ease you can get in touch with the school via their website www.zanskarskischooL.org. | [
"has donated money to the local community",
"makes it easier for the students to attend school",
"provides special training to the tourists",
"has borrowed many skis from Europe"
] |
Why did the elder son die? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Jack was a skilled artist with a wife and two sons. One night, his elder son had a stomachache . Thinking it was only some common intestinal disorders, neither Jack nor his wife took it seriously. But the boy died suddenly that night.
Knowing the death could have been avoided if he had only realized the seriousness of the situation, Jack always felt guilty. His wife left him a short time later, leaving him alone with his six-year-old younger son. The hurt and pain of the two situations were more than that Jack could stand, so he turned to alcohol for help. Later, Jack began to lose everything he had --- his land, house, etc. Finally Jack died alone in a small bar. Hearing of Jack's death, I thought, "What a totally wasted life! What a complete failure!"
As time went by, I knew Jack's younger son who grew into an adult, Ernie. He is one of the kindest and most loving men I have ever known. I saw the love between Ernie and his children, thinking that kindness and caring had to come from somewhere. One day, I asked him what his father had done so that he became such a special person. Ernie said quietly, "As a child until I left home at 18, Jack came into my room every night, gave me a kiss and said, 'love you, son'."
Question:
Why did the elder son die?
Choices:
A. Because the elder son didn't want to go to the hospital.
B. Because Jack and his wife did not take it seriously.
C. Because the hospital was very far from their home.
D. Because Jack was not at home that time. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle7380.txt | Jack was a skilled artist with a wife and two sons. One night, his elder son had a stomachache . Thinking it was only some common intestinal disorders, neither Jack nor his wife took it seriously. But the boy died suddenly that night.
Knowing the death could have been avoided if he had only realized the seriousness of the situation, Jack always felt guilty. His wife left him a short time later, leaving him alone with his six-year-old younger son. The hurt and pain of the two situations were more than that Jack could stand, so he turned to alcohol for help. Later, Jack began to lose everything he had --- his land, house, etc. Finally Jack died alone in a small bar. Hearing of Jack's death, I thought, "What a totally wasted life! What a complete failure!"
As time went by, I knew Jack's younger son who grew into an adult, Ernie. He is one of the kindest and most loving men I have ever known. I saw the love between Ernie and his children, thinking that kindness and caring had to come from somewhere. One day, I asked him what his father had done so that he became such a special person. Ernie said quietly, "As a child until I left home at 18, Jack came into my room every night, gave me a kiss and said, 'love you, son'." | [
"Because the elder son didn't want to go to the hospital.",
"Because Jack and his wife did not take it seriously.",
"Because the hospital was very far from their home.",
"Because Jack was not at home that time."
] |
when you want to wrap gifts, you can use _ paper. | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Now more and more people like to visit South Korea. People are interested in the tradition,clothes,songs,movies,TV series and presents.Do you want to know good manners about giving gifts?In South Korea,you should remember these things when you are giving a gift.
1.Wrap gift nicely. You can wrap gifts in red or yellow paper because these are lucky colors.In their minds,yellow or pink means happiness.Do not wrap gifts in green,white,or black paper.Learn to use the correct color when you wrap gifts.
2.Do not buy four gifts. In their minds,the number 4 is unlucky. So you should not prepare 4 things as a gift. The number 7 is lucky, so giving 7 small gifts is lucky.
3.Use both hands when you give a gift. If you use one hand to give a gift, people will think you are rude. Of course, people who receive a gift should use both hands, too.
Question:
when you want to wrap gifts, you can use _ paper.
Choices:
A. yellow
B. green
C. white
D. black | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle4111.txt | Now more and more people like to visit South Korea. People are interested in the tradition,clothes,songs,movies,TV series and presents.Do you want to know good manners about giving gifts?In South Korea,you should remember these things when you are giving a gift.
1.Wrap gift nicely. You can wrap gifts in red or yellow paper because these are lucky colors.In their minds,yellow or pink means happiness.Do not wrap gifts in green,white,or black paper.Learn to use the correct color when you wrap gifts.
2.Do not buy four gifts. In their minds,the number 4 is unlucky. So you should not prepare 4 things as a gift. The number 7 is lucky, so giving 7 small gifts is lucky.
3.Use both hands when you give a gift. If you use one hand to give a gift, people will think you are rude. Of course, people who receive a gift should use both hands, too. | [
"yellow",
"green",
"white",
"black"
] |
Ryan Stewart will have to _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
In the past, people who graduated from college felt proud of their academic achievements and felt confident that their degree would help them to find a good job.
However, in the past five years the job market has changed greatly. This year's college graduates are facing one of the worst job markets. For example, Ryan Stewart, a graduate of San Jose State University, got a degree in religious studies, but no job _ He points out that many people already working are getting laid off and don't have jobs, so it's even harder for new college graduates to find jobs.
Five years ago, the future looked bright for the class of 2006. There were many high-tech job chances. Graduates received many job offers, and they were able to get jobs with high salaries and benefits such as insurance and paid vacations. However, "Times have changed and it's a new market," according to an officer of the San Jose State Career Center.
The officer says students who do find jobs started preparing two years ago. They worked during summer vacations, they have had several short-time jobs, and they've majored in one of the few fields that are still hot, like chemical engineering, accounting, or nursing, where average starting salaries have actually increased over last year. Other popular fields (like information system management, computer science, and political science) have seen big declines in starting salaries.
Ryan Stewart (he had hoped to become a teacher) may go back to school in order to become a college teacher. He thinks college teaching could be a good career even in a bad economy.
In conclusion, _ For now, they can only hope the value of their degree will increase over time.
Question:
Ryan Stewart will have to _ .
Choices:
A. go back to school
B. get a job teaching
C. change his major
D. become a religious leader | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high12358.txt | In the past, people who graduated from college felt proud of their academic achievements and felt confident that their degree would help them to find a good job.
However, in the past five years the job market has changed greatly. This year's college graduates are facing one of the worst job markets. For example, Ryan Stewart, a graduate of San Jose State University, got a degree in religious studies, but no job _ He points out that many people already working are getting laid off and don't have jobs, so it's even harder for new college graduates to find jobs.
Five years ago, the future looked bright for the class of 2006. There were many high-tech job chances. Graduates received many job offers, and they were able to get jobs with high salaries and benefits such as insurance and paid vacations. However, "Times have changed and it's a new market," according to an officer of the San Jose State Career Center.
The officer says students who do find jobs started preparing two years ago. They worked during summer vacations, they have had several short-time jobs, and they've majored in one of the few fields that are still hot, like chemical engineering, accounting, or nursing, where average starting salaries have actually increased over last year. Other popular fields (like information system management, computer science, and political science) have seen big declines in starting salaries.
Ryan Stewart (he had hoped to become a teacher) may go back to school in order to become a college teacher. He thinks college teaching could be a good career even in a bad economy.
In conclusion, _ For now, they can only hope the value of their degree will increase over time. | [
"go back to school",
"get a job teaching",
"change his major",
"become a religious leader"
] |
From the passage,we can learn that | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Johnny the Explorer
Johnny was three when he ran away from home for the first time.Somebody left the garden gate open.Johnny wandered out,crossed some fields and,two hours later,arrived in the next village.He was just able to give his name and address.
By the time be was seven,Johnny used to disappear from home two to three times a year.Sometimes he covered quite long distances on foot.Sometimes he got on a bus or even a train,and simply sat there until someone asked for his ticket.Generally the police brought him home."Why do you do it?"they used to ask."I just like seeing places,"Johnny told them.
Johnny continued to "see places"although everyone tried to stop him.His parents used to watch him closely,and so did his teachers;but sooner or later Johnny managed to slip away.As he grew older,his favorite trick was to hide on a long distance truck.Sometimes he trayelled hundreds of miles before anyone discovered him.
It is hardly surprising that eventually Johnny managed to board a plane.He was twelve at the time.It was a cargo plane and a few hours later,Johnny found himself in Cairo.How did he get on board? No one knows! According to Johnny himself,it was easy:he just went into the airport,walked along some passages and got on board the nearest plane.
In spite of all this,Johnny did well at school.He enjoyed mathematics and languages and,perhaps not surprisingly,he was especially good at geography."What do you want to be when you grow up?" his teachers asked him."An explorer!" he answered."But it,s difficult to become an explorer in this modern age,"they tried to tell him.But it was no use:Johnny knew what he wanted!
Just before he left school,Johnny saw a notice in a daily paper.A long journey was about to go to Brazil to travel up the Amazon River.There were jobs for three young people"willing to work hard and with a sense of adventure".Johnny applied,and two months later,he was on his way to Brazil.
Question:
From the passage,we can learn that
Choices:
A. Johnny worked for a daily paper
B. Johnny lacked a sense of adventure
C. Johnny went exploring along the Amazon River
D. Johnny went to Brazil two months after he finished school | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high17603.txt | Johnny the Explorer
Johnny was three when he ran away from home for the first time.Somebody left the garden gate open.Johnny wandered out,crossed some fields and,two hours later,arrived in the next village.He was just able to give his name and address.
By the time be was seven,Johnny used to disappear from home two to three times a year.Sometimes he covered quite long distances on foot.Sometimes he got on a bus or even a train,and simply sat there until someone asked for his ticket.Generally the police brought him home."Why do you do it?"they used to ask."I just like seeing places,"Johnny told them.
Johnny continued to "see places"although everyone tried to stop him.His parents used to watch him closely,and so did his teachers;but sooner or later Johnny managed to slip away.As he grew older,his favorite trick was to hide on a long distance truck.Sometimes he trayelled hundreds of miles before anyone discovered him.
It is hardly surprising that eventually Johnny managed to board a plane.He was twelve at the time.It was a cargo plane and a few hours later,Johnny found himself in Cairo.How did he get on board? No one knows! According to Johnny himself,it was easy:he just went into the airport,walked along some passages and got on board the nearest plane.
In spite of all this,Johnny did well at school.He enjoyed mathematics and languages and,perhaps not surprisingly,he was especially good at geography."What do you want to be when you grow up?" his teachers asked him."An explorer!" he answered."But it,s difficult to become an explorer in this modern age,"they tried to tell him.But it was no use:Johnny knew what he wanted!
Just before he left school,Johnny saw a notice in a daily paper.A long journey was about to go to Brazil to travel up the Amazon River.There were jobs for three young people"willing to work hard and with a sense of adventure".Johnny applied,and two months later,he was on his way to Brazil. | [
"Johnny worked for a daily paper",
"Johnny lacked a sense of adventure",
"Johnny went exploring along the Amazon River",
"Johnny went to Brazil two months after he finished school"
] |
What can we learn about David Suchet? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Read the following three passages.Each passage is followed by several questions or unfinished statements.For each of them there are 4 choices marked A, B, C and D.Choose the one that fits best according to the information given in the passage.
The River Thames was once described as "biologically dead". A waterway polluted with so much industrial waste that no wildlife could survive in it.
But today it has become a thriving natural habitat and a team of conservationists restoring the famous river have been offered a top environment award for their work.
Ncarly 40 miles of the river have been improved in the last five years through almost 400 Environment Agency restoration projects. As a result, the river is now home to some 125 species of fish, while many others are returning. The river mouth supports shellfisheries and is a nursery ground for bass stocks, and the water quality of the Thames has improved.
Alastair Driver, the Environment Agency's national conservation manager, said that in the last 150 years, the Thames had been polluted seriously and that it had taken thousands of people decades to restore it to its current condition. "Strict regulations for polluting industries and our work with farmers, businesses and water companies to reduce pollution and improve water quality have helped to make the Thames a living river once again." But he warned that the river's recovery was still " _ ", since it was under the pressure from a growing population and climate change. He said advanced projects and cooperation with various people and organizations aim at dealing with the problems the Thames faces and ensuring it still a famous river for many centuries to come.
Actor, David Suchet, a skillful boater and chairman of the River Thames Alliance, said, "I am fortunate in my life to have traveled widely and enjoyed many other rivers worldwide. But the River Thames is priceless and it is one of the most glittering jewels in the crown of our English heritage."
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said, "The Thames is one of our most precious resources, so I am excited to see that efforts to improve and preserve its good health are being praised on the world stage."
The PS 220,000 prize, awarded at the International Rive Symposium in Australia, will go to the Thames Rivers Restoration Trust.
Question:
What can we learn about David Suchet?
Choices:
A. He said some factories have been regulated to reduce pollutants.
B. He is an actor who is good at boating.
C. He has traveled to al rivers in the world.
D. He is a manager of the Environment Agency. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high20677.txt | Read the following three passages.Each passage is followed by several questions or unfinished statements.For each of them there are 4 choices marked A, B, C and D.Choose the one that fits best according to the information given in the passage.
The River Thames was once described as "biologically dead". A waterway polluted with so much industrial waste that no wildlife could survive in it.
But today it has become a thriving natural habitat and a team of conservationists restoring the famous river have been offered a top environment award for their work.
Ncarly 40 miles of the river have been improved in the last five years through almost 400 Environment Agency restoration projects. As a result, the river is now home to some 125 species of fish, while many others are returning. The river mouth supports shellfisheries and is a nursery ground for bass stocks, and the water quality of the Thames has improved.
Alastair Driver, the Environment Agency's national conservation manager, said that in the last 150 years, the Thames had been polluted seriously and that it had taken thousands of people decades to restore it to its current condition. "Strict regulations for polluting industries and our work with farmers, businesses and water companies to reduce pollution and improve water quality have helped to make the Thames a living river once again." But he warned that the river's recovery was still " _ ", since it was under the pressure from a growing population and climate change. He said advanced projects and cooperation with various people and organizations aim at dealing with the problems the Thames faces and ensuring it still a famous river for many centuries to come.
Actor, David Suchet, a skillful boater and chairman of the River Thames Alliance, said, "I am fortunate in my life to have traveled widely and enjoyed many other rivers worldwide. But the River Thames is priceless and it is one of the most glittering jewels in the crown of our English heritage."
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said, "The Thames is one of our most precious resources, so I am excited to see that efforts to improve and preserve its good health are being praised on the world stage."
The PS 220,000 prize, awarded at the International Rive Symposium in Australia, will go to the Thames Rivers Restoration Trust. | [
"He said some factories have been regulated to reduce pollutants.",
"He is an actor who is good at boating.",
"He has traveled to al rivers in the world.",
"He is a manager of the Environment Agency."
] |
The text is most probably taken from a _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Although many Chinese students say that their knowledge of English grammar is good ,most would admit that their spoken English is poor .Whenever I speak to a Chinese student they always say, "My spoken English is poor." However ,their spoken English does not have to remain "poor" ! I would like to suggest that there may be some reasons for their problems with spoken English.
First, they fail to find suitable words to express themselves due to a limited vocabulary .
Obviously the better answer is to expand their vocabulary. However ,you can speak with a limited vocabulary, if your attitude is positive .Others will follow you as long as you use the words that you know.
Second ,they are afraid of making mistakes. Sometimes they make mistakes when they are speaking because they are shy and nervous .Yet students should remember that their goal should be FLUENCY NOT ACCURACY. Your aim in writing is to be accurate following the rules for grammar and using the right words and spelling them correctly .However ,in speaking your aim is fluency. You want to get your message across ,to talk to someone in English ,as quickly and as well as you can ,even though sometimes you may use a wrong word or tense ,but it doesn't matter because the person you are speaking to will understand you and make allowances(,)for any mistakes he hears.
The third reason is that not enough attention is paid to listening .You have one mouth but two ears! All that hearing was necessary for you to start speaking.
Fourth ,most Chinese students are reactive rather than proactive language learners .Instead of actively seeking out opportunities to improve their spoken English they passively wait for speaking opportunities to come to them and wonder why their English always remains poor .If you have this proactive outlook ,then you will see English opportunities wherever you go.
If you do not use your English beyond the classroom you will forget what English you know .Remember: USE IT OR LOSE IT! You can learn how to speak English better by speaking English more.
Question:
The text is most probably taken from a _ .
Choices:
A. teacher's diary
B. report on study
C. sports newspaper
D. movie magazine | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high15096.txt | Although many Chinese students say that their knowledge of English grammar is good ,most would admit that their spoken English is poor .Whenever I speak to a Chinese student they always say, "My spoken English is poor." However ,their spoken English does not have to remain "poor" ! I would like to suggest that there may be some reasons for their problems with spoken English.
First, they fail to find suitable words to express themselves due to a limited vocabulary .
Obviously the better answer is to expand their vocabulary. However ,you can speak with a limited vocabulary, if your attitude is positive .Others will follow you as long as you use the words that you know.
Second ,they are afraid of making mistakes. Sometimes they make mistakes when they are speaking because they are shy and nervous .Yet students should remember that their goal should be FLUENCY NOT ACCURACY. Your aim in writing is to be accurate following the rules for grammar and using the right words and spelling them correctly .However ,in speaking your aim is fluency. You want to get your message across ,to talk to someone in English ,as quickly and as well as you can ,even though sometimes you may use a wrong word or tense ,but it doesn't matter because the person you are speaking to will understand you and make allowances(,)for any mistakes he hears.
The third reason is that not enough attention is paid to listening .You have one mouth but two ears! All that hearing was necessary for you to start speaking.
Fourth ,most Chinese students are reactive rather than proactive language learners .Instead of actively seeking out opportunities to improve their spoken English they passively wait for speaking opportunities to come to them and wonder why their English always remains poor .If you have this proactive outlook ,then you will see English opportunities wherever you go.
If you do not use your English beyond the classroom you will forget what English you know .Remember: USE IT OR LOSE IT! You can learn how to speak English better by speaking English more. | [
"teacher's diary",
"report on study",
"sports newspaper",
"movie magazine"
] |
It can be inferred that Colin's sister hoped that Colin would _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
There are many idioms in English. An idiom is a phrase that we can't understand from the meaning of each word. The following are some of them.
As the crow flies
When a bird flies from place to place, it takes the most direct route. But when people drive, they have to follow roads and often go farther. When people give a distance "as the crow flies", they mean the shortest distance between the two points, not the distance you would have to travel by following roads.
As Dan and his mum drove along the river, they could see the beach on the opposite side. Dan asked "How far is it to the beach?"
"It's only about a quarter of a mile as the crow flies" his mother said.
Blow hot and cold
In one of Aesop's Fables, a man blows on his fingers to warm them up and then blows on his soup to cool it down. In both cases, the man is opening his mouth, but what comes out is different. If a person says one thing and later says the opposite, we say that the person is blowing hot and cold.
"Is Felicia going to try out for the soccer team this year?" Stacy asked.
"I don't know," Tricia replied." Last week she was saying yes, but this week she's saying no. She's really blowing hot and cold."
Break the ice
Nowadays people use the phrase to refer to ending an awkward silence by beginning a conversation.
It was the first day of summer camp. The four girls began to make their beds in silence. None of the girls knew each other, and no one knew what to say. Finally, one of them broke the ice by saying" Hey, where's everybody from?"
Bury the hatchet
In native American culture, when two nations agreed to end their war, they buried the hatchet. So to bury the hatchet is to make peace with someone else.
Colin could not excuse his sister for breaking his tennis racket. Finally, his sister said, "Colin, can't we bury the hatchet?"
Question:
It can be inferred that Colin's sister hoped that Colin would _ .
Choices:
A. buy a new tennis racket
B. stay away from her
C. forgive her mistake
D. make an apology to her | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high14045.txt | There are many idioms in English. An idiom is a phrase that we can't understand from the meaning of each word. The following are some of them.
As the crow flies
When a bird flies from place to place, it takes the most direct route. But when people drive, they have to follow roads and often go farther. When people give a distance "as the crow flies", they mean the shortest distance between the two points, not the distance you would have to travel by following roads.
As Dan and his mum drove along the river, they could see the beach on the opposite side. Dan asked "How far is it to the beach?"
"It's only about a quarter of a mile as the crow flies" his mother said.
Blow hot and cold
In one of Aesop's Fables, a man blows on his fingers to warm them up and then blows on his soup to cool it down. In both cases, the man is opening his mouth, but what comes out is different. If a person says one thing and later says the opposite, we say that the person is blowing hot and cold.
"Is Felicia going to try out for the soccer team this year?" Stacy asked.
"I don't know," Tricia replied." Last week she was saying yes, but this week she's saying no. She's really blowing hot and cold."
Break the ice
Nowadays people use the phrase to refer to ending an awkward silence by beginning a conversation.
It was the first day of summer camp. The four girls began to make their beds in silence. None of the girls knew each other, and no one knew what to say. Finally, one of them broke the ice by saying" Hey, where's everybody from?"
Bury the hatchet
In native American culture, when two nations agreed to end their war, they buried the hatchet. So to bury the hatchet is to make peace with someone else.
Colin could not excuse his sister for breaking his tennis racket. Finally, his sister said, "Colin, can't we bury the hatchet?" | [
"buy a new tennis racket",
"stay away from her",
"forgive her mistake",
"make an apology to her"
] |
Early the next _ her son ran into the kitchen and shouted. | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Mrs. Brown had a small garden behind her house and in the spring she planted some vegetables in it. She looked after them very carefully, and when the summer came, they looked very nice. One evening Mrs. Brown looked at her vegetables and said, "Tomorrow I am going to pick them and we can eat them." But early the next morning, her son ran into the kitchen and shouted, "Mother, mother! Come quickly! Our neighbor's ducks are in the garden and they are eating our vegetables!" Mrs. Brown ran out, but it was too late. All the vegetables are finished! Mrs. Brown cried, and her neighbor was very sorry, but that was the end of the vegetables. Then a few days before Christmas, the neighbor brought Mrs. Brown a beautiful fat duck. And on it was a piece of paper with the words, "ENJOY YOUR VEGETABLES!"
Question:
Early the next _ her son ran into the kitchen and shouted.
Choices:
A. morning
B. afternoon
C. evening
D. night | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle1956.txt | Mrs. Brown had a small garden behind her house and in the spring she planted some vegetables in it. She looked after them very carefully, and when the summer came, they looked very nice. One evening Mrs. Brown looked at her vegetables and said, "Tomorrow I am going to pick them and we can eat them." But early the next morning, her son ran into the kitchen and shouted, "Mother, mother! Come quickly! Our neighbor's ducks are in the garden and they are eating our vegetables!" Mrs. Brown ran out, but it was too late. All the vegetables are finished! Mrs. Brown cried, and her neighbor was very sorry, but that was the end of the vegetables. Then a few days before Christmas, the neighbor brought Mrs. Brown a beautiful fat duck. And on it was a piece of paper with the words, "ENJOY YOUR VEGETABLES!" | [
"morning",
"afternoon",
"evening",
"night"
] |
Liu Qiyuan quit his job and built his "ark" because _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Once again, rumors are spreading. Judgment Day, this time, is set to happen on December 21st, 2012. The date originated from the Mayan calendar, but actually gained popularity through the hit movie, "2012".
How will the world end? And how do we know the exact date? There are many theories: A meteoroid from outer space; a solar storm; a shift in the earth's poles; bla bla bla. They all supposedly pointed to the date of December 21st, 2012. Unfortunately, none of it is true.
Zhu Jin, director of Beijing Planetarium, said, "For earth itself, the end will be billions of years away from now.And for us humans, there is a very small chance that we may be affected by some astronomical factors.However, we don't have the ability to foresee such events so far.So when someone tells you the world is going to end on an exact date, it must be fake."
But the truth hasn't stopped people from believing. In the sci-fi movie "2012", the director imagined the end of the world based on the Mayan calendar. The film earned nearly 770 million US dollars worldwide. Ning Hong, Hebei Province, said. "The movie 2012 did get one thing right. There are arks being made in China, But they're not being built secretly inside the mountains.They are constructed here in the courtyard of a factory."
In April, Liu Qiyuan quit his furniture business and devoted himself to developing these huge round balls. He doesn't believe the end is near, but he wants to be prepared just in case.
Liu Qiyuan, the "Ark" builder, said, "The concept originated twenty years ago. The Tangshan earthquake had flattened our house, so I wanted to build a shelter that wouldn't fall. Then in 2004, I saw the tsunami in Indonesia that killed so many people.Then I realized it should be something that could withstand the earthquake and float on water."
Liu is hoping to use his invention as a life boat on the sea.He's planning to test his product on the water next year.
It turns out that rumor, though false, is good for business. Doomsday discounts and products are hot on many online stores. While it's surely attracted attention, many complain that it misleads consumers. Their purpose is to promote products. If they believe the world is going to end, who would buy things? Money would be useless, too.
Question:
Liu Qiyuan quit his job and built his "ark" because _ .
Choices:
A. he wanted to make preparations for destructive natural disasters
B. he was tired of making money from his furniture business
C. he was almost killed in Indonesia in 2004
D. he believed that the world was going to end on Dec. 21, 2012 | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high17108.txt | Once again, rumors are spreading. Judgment Day, this time, is set to happen on December 21st, 2012. The date originated from the Mayan calendar, but actually gained popularity through the hit movie, "2012".
How will the world end? And how do we know the exact date? There are many theories: A meteoroid from outer space; a solar storm; a shift in the earth's poles; bla bla bla. They all supposedly pointed to the date of December 21st, 2012. Unfortunately, none of it is true.
Zhu Jin, director of Beijing Planetarium, said, "For earth itself, the end will be billions of years away from now.And for us humans, there is a very small chance that we may be affected by some astronomical factors.However, we don't have the ability to foresee such events so far.So when someone tells you the world is going to end on an exact date, it must be fake."
But the truth hasn't stopped people from believing. In the sci-fi movie "2012", the director imagined the end of the world based on the Mayan calendar. The film earned nearly 770 million US dollars worldwide. Ning Hong, Hebei Province, said. "The movie 2012 did get one thing right. There are arks being made in China, But they're not being built secretly inside the mountains.They are constructed here in the courtyard of a factory."
In April, Liu Qiyuan quit his furniture business and devoted himself to developing these huge round balls. He doesn't believe the end is near, but he wants to be prepared just in case.
Liu Qiyuan, the "Ark" builder, said, "The concept originated twenty years ago. The Tangshan earthquake had flattened our house, so I wanted to build a shelter that wouldn't fall. Then in 2004, I saw the tsunami in Indonesia that killed so many people.Then I realized it should be something that could withstand the earthquake and float on water."
Liu is hoping to use his invention as a life boat on the sea.He's planning to test his product on the water next year.
It turns out that rumor, though false, is good for business. Doomsday discounts and products are hot on many online stores. While it's surely attracted attention, many complain that it misleads consumers. Their purpose is to promote products. If they believe the world is going to end, who would buy things? Money would be useless, too. | [
"he wanted to make preparations for destructive natural disasters",
"he was tired of making money from his furniture business",
"he was almost killed in Indonesia in 2004",
"he believed that the world was going to end on Dec. 21, 2012"
] |
What gas can be generated by reacting sodium bromide with elemental chlorine? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What gas can be generated by reacting sodium bromide with elemental chlorine? | elemental bromine gas | science | null | null | null | gaseous bromine gas | Molecular Bromine Gas | photons bromine gas | elemental bromine gas | Elemental bromine gas can be generated by reacting sodium bromide with elemental chlorine. The other product is sodium chloride. Write a balanced chemical equation for this reaction. Saylor URL: http://www. saylor. org/books. | null | null | null |
The writer mainly wants to tell us that _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
This is new for me and I don't know what to say really, so I just want to have a try.I was always a runner and in pretty good shape for most of my life.Then unluckily, I couldn't get myself out to run.
I put on weight and it made me feel worse about myself.I found it was much harder to begin to run again after a few years than it used to be and I tried my best through even the shortest, slowest jog.
I was out in a run the other day and I had almost decided to give up before I heard someone say ,"You can do it ! It's hard ,but you can do it !"there was a lady walking the other way and had the biggest smile on her face.
Those words encouraged me at a time when I was ready to give up.I finished my run and now every time I feel like giving up ,I can "hear"her encouragement.
I've never seen her again ,so I've never been able to thank her and let her know that something so simple as a few words of encouragement from a stranger influenced (and still influence)me so much.
Question:
The writer mainly wants to tell us that _ .
Choices:
A. Practice makes perfect
B. Many hands make light work
C. We should take care of ourselves
D. Encouragement is very important in hard times | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high13017.txt | This is new for me and I don't know what to say really, so I just want to have a try.I was always a runner and in pretty good shape for most of my life.Then unluckily, I couldn't get myself out to run.
I put on weight and it made me feel worse about myself.I found it was much harder to begin to run again after a few years than it used to be and I tried my best through even the shortest, slowest jog.
I was out in a run the other day and I had almost decided to give up before I heard someone say ,"You can do it ! It's hard ,but you can do it !"there was a lady walking the other way and had the biggest smile on her face.
Those words encouraged me at a time when I was ready to give up.I finished my run and now every time I feel like giving up ,I can "hear"her encouragement.
I've never seen her again ,so I've never been able to thank her and let her know that something so simple as a few words of encouragement from a stranger influenced (and still influence)me so much. | [
"Practice makes perfect",
"Many hands make light work",
"We should take care of ourselves",
"Encouragement is very important in hard times"
] |
A student plants rosebushes in her front yard. The student is frequently seen pulling weeds from the base of the rosebushes. What is the most likely reason that the weeds are pulled? | null | Answer this science question and explain your reasoning. | A student plants rosebushes in her front yard. The student is frequently seen pulling weeds from the base of the rosebushes. What is the most likely reason that the weeds are pulled?
Choices:
A. Weeds add fertilizer to the soil.
B. Weeds use nutrients the roses need to grow.
C. Weeds increase the bacteria in the soil.
D. Weeds consume most of the oxygen. | Correct answer: B | science | Mercury_SC_406048 | {
"text": [
"Weeds add fertilizer to the soil.",
"Weeds use nutrients the roses need to grow.",
"Weeds increase the bacteria in the soil.",
"Weeds consume most of the oxygen."
],
"label": [
"A",
"B",
"C",
"D"
]
} | B | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Apple sold 100 iPhones at their New York store today for an average cost of $1000. They also sold 20 iPads for an average cost of $900 and 80 Apple TVs for an average cost of $200. What was the average cost across all products sold today? | The sales for iPhones were 100 iPhones * $1000 per iPhone on average = $<<100*1000=100000>>100,000
The sales for iPads today were 20 iPads * $900 per iPad = $<<20*900=18000>>18,000
The sales for Apple TV’s today were 80 * $200 = $<<80*200=16000>>16,000
The total sales for Apple at their New York store today was $100,000 + $18,000 + $16,000 = $<<100000+18000+16000=134000>>134,000
The total number of products sold was 100 + 20 + 80 = <<100+20+80=200>>200
The average cost per product sold was $134,000 total sales / 200 total products = $<<134000/200=670>>670
#### 670 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | Apple sold 100 iPhones at their New York store today for an average cost of $1000. They also sold 20 iPads for an average cost of $900 and 80 Apple TVs for an average cost of $200. What was the average cost across all products sold today? | The sales for iPhones were 100 iPhones * $1000 per iPhone on average = $<<100*1000=100000>>100,000
The sales for iPads today were 20 iPads * $900 per iPad = $<<20*900=18000>>18,000
The sales for Apple TV’s today were 80 * $200 = $<<80*200=16000>>16,000
The total sales for Apple at their New York store today was $100,000 + $18,000 + $16,000 = $<<100000+18000+16000=134000>>134,000
The total number of products sold was 100 + 20 + 80 = <<100+20+80=200>>200
The average cost per product sold was $134,000 total sales / 200 total products = $<<134000/200=670>>670
#### 670 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
According to the handbook, to get a Learner License in Australia, an applicant must do the following EXCEPT _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Do many people you know drive a car? How do you get a license to drive a car in your hometown? Head the following handbook and you will find out how to get a learner License and how to drive safely in Australia.
About your Learner License
To prepare new and young drivers for the complex task of driving, all learner driver applicants must successfully complete a special "Road Ready" course to qualify for their Licenses.
About the Road Ready Course
In the Road Ready course, you will take part in exercises to help raise awareness of the complexities of safe driving.You will he assessed on your level of participation and understanding of the topics.The final stage of the course is computerized, multiple choice road rules knowledge test.
The course is conducted over several sessions and takes up to 15 hours to complete.
Obtaining a Learner License
Any person aged 15 years and 9 months or more may apply for a Learner License to drive a car. The Learner License is valid for 24 months but must be held for a minimum of six months.The driver must attain the age of 17 years before attempting a practical driving test.
To obtain a Learner License an applicant must:
*Provide proof of identity, age and residence.
*Complete and pass a Road Ready course.
*Pass a knowledge test on the road rules and safe driving practices.
*Pass an eyesight test.
When driving, learner drivers must be accompanied by a person holding a FULL license.Learner plates must be displayed on the front and the back of the vehicle while it is being driven by the learner.
Drive and Survive, Avoid Driver Fatigue
Driving when you are fatigued can be deadly.30% of single vehicle crashes in country areas involve
a fatigued driver.
For long trips over 2 hours:
*Have plenty of rest breaks at least every two hours.Have a coffee break or walk around and stretch your muscles.
*Slay somewhere overnight if it's a really long distance.
*Don't drive when you would normally be asleep.
*Get a good night's sleep before the trip.
*Share the driving.
*Take a passenger who will chat and keep you alert.
*Don't drink and drive.Before and during the trip eat properly, avoid any alcohol and don't take medicine that may cause tiredness.
*When you feel sleepy, stop and sleep.
Remember that you can become drowsy even on short trips.If you have been working or partying hard, avoid driving if possible.
Question:
According to the handbook, to get a Learner License in Australia, an applicant must do the following EXCEPT _ .
Choices:
A. finish and pass a Road Ready course
B. pass a knowledge test on the road rules and safe driving practices
C. provide proof of identity, marriage and educational background
D. take an eyesight test and meet the requirements | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high17441.txt | Do many people you know drive a car? How do you get a license to drive a car in your hometown? Head the following handbook and you will find out how to get a learner License and how to drive safely in Australia.
About your Learner License
To prepare new and young drivers for the complex task of driving, all learner driver applicants must successfully complete a special "Road Ready" course to qualify for their Licenses.
About the Road Ready Course
In the Road Ready course, you will take part in exercises to help raise awareness of the complexities of safe driving.You will he assessed on your level of participation and understanding of the topics.The final stage of the course is computerized, multiple choice road rules knowledge test.
The course is conducted over several sessions and takes up to 15 hours to complete.
Obtaining a Learner License
Any person aged 15 years and 9 months or more may apply for a Learner License to drive a car. The Learner License is valid for 24 months but must be held for a minimum of six months.The driver must attain the age of 17 years before attempting a practical driving test.
To obtain a Learner License an applicant must:
*Provide proof of identity, age and residence.
*Complete and pass a Road Ready course.
*Pass a knowledge test on the road rules and safe driving practices.
*Pass an eyesight test.
When driving, learner drivers must be accompanied by a person holding a FULL license.Learner plates must be displayed on the front and the back of the vehicle while it is being driven by the learner.
Drive and Survive, Avoid Driver Fatigue
Driving when you are fatigued can be deadly.30% of single vehicle crashes in country areas involve
a fatigued driver.
For long trips over 2 hours:
*Have plenty of rest breaks at least every two hours.Have a coffee break or walk around and stretch your muscles.
*Slay somewhere overnight if it's a really long distance.
*Don't drive when you would normally be asleep.
*Get a good night's sleep before the trip.
*Share the driving.
*Take a passenger who will chat and keep you alert.
*Don't drink and drive.Before and during the trip eat properly, avoid any alcohol and don't take medicine that may cause tiredness.
*When you feel sleepy, stop and sleep.
Remember that you can become drowsy even on short trips.If you have been working or partying hard, avoid driving if possible. | [
"finish and pass a Road Ready course",
"pass a knowledge test on the road rules and safe driving practices",
"provide proof of identity, marriage and educational background",
"take an eyesight test and meet the requirements"
] |
On her way home the writer _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
That cold January night, I was growing sick of my life in San Francisco. There I was, walking home at one in the morning after a tiring practice at the theatre. With opening night only a week ago, I was still learning my lines. I was having trouble dealing with my part-time job at the bank and my acting at night at the same time. As I walked, I thought seriously about giving up both acting and San Francisco. City life had become too much for me.
As I walked down empty streets under tall buildings, I felt very small and cold. I began running, both to keep warm and to keep away from any possible robbers . Very few people were still out except a few sad-looking homeless people under blankets.
About a block from my apartment , I heard a sound behind me. I turned quickly, half expecting to see someone with a knife or a gun. The street was empty. All I saw was a shining streetlight. Still, the noise had made me nervous, so I started to run faster. Not until I reached my apartment building and unlocked the door did I realize what the noise had been. It had been my wallet falling to the sidewalk.
Suddenly I wasn't cold or tired anymore. I ran out of the door and back to where I'd heard the noise. Although I searched the sidewalk anxiously for fifteen minutes, my wallet was nowhere to be found.
Just as I was about to give up the search, I heard the garbage truck pull up to the sidewalk next to me. When a voice called from the inside, " Alisa Camacho?" I thought I was dreaming. How could this man know my name? the door opened, and out jumped a small red-haired man with an amused look in his eye. "Is this what you're looking for?" he asked, holding up a small square shape.
It was nearly 3 A.M. by the time I got into bed. I wouldn't get much sleep that night, but I had gotten my wallet back. I also had gotten back some enjoyment of city life. I realized that the city couldn't be a bad place as long as people were wiling to help each other.
Question:
On her way home the writer _ .
Choices:
A. lost her wallet unknowingly
B. was stopped by a garbage truck driver
C. was robbed of her wallet by an armed man
D. found some homeless people following her | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high722.txt | That cold January night, I was growing sick of my life in San Francisco. There I was, walking home at one in the morning after a tiring practice at the theatre. With opening night only a week ago, I was still learning my lines. I was having trouble dealing with my part-time job at the bank and my acting at night at the same time. As I walked, I thought seriously about giving up both acting and San Francisco. City life had become too much for me.
As I walked down empty streets under tall buildings, I felt very small and cold. I began running, both to keep warm and to keep away from any possible robbers . Very few people were still out except a few sad-looking homeless people under blankets.
About a block from my apartment , I heard a sound behind me. I turned quickly, half expecting to see someone with a knife or a gun. The street was empty. All I saw was a shining streetlight. Still, the noise had made me nervous, so I started to run faster. Not until I reached my apartment building and unlocked the door did I realize what the noise had been. It had been my wallet falling to the sidewalk.
Suddenly I wasn't cold or tired anymore. I ran out of the door and back to where I'd heard the noise. Although I searched the sidewalk anxiously for fifteen minutes, my wallet was nowhere to be found.
Just as I was about to give up the search, I heard the garbage truck pull up to the sidewalk next to me. When a voice called from the inside, " Alisa Camacho?" I thought I was dreaming. How could this man know my name? the door opened, and out jumped a small red-haired man with an amused look in his eye. "Is this what you're looking for?" he asked, holding up a small square shape.
It was nearly 3 A.M. by the time I got into bed. I wouldn't get much sleep that night, but I had gotten my wallet back. I also had gotten back some enjoyment of city life. I realized that the city couldn't be a bad place as long as people were wiling to help each other. | [
"lost her wallet unknowingly",
"was stopped by a garbage truck driver",
"was robbed of her wallet by an armed man",
"found some homeless people following her"
] |
What are alkenes organic compounds that contain one or more double or triple bonds between carbon atoms described as? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What are alkenes organic compounds that contain one or more double or triple bonds between carbon atoms described as? | unsaturated | science | null | null | null | strong | saturated | insulated | unsaturated | Alkenes Organic compounds that contain one or more double or triple bonds between carbon atoms are described as unsaturated. You have likely heard of unsaturated fats. These are complex organic molecules with long chains of carbon atoms, which contain at least one double bond between carbon atoms. Unsaturated hydrocarbon molecules that contain one or more double bonds are called alkenes. Carbon atoms linked by a double bond are bound together by two bonds, one σ bond and one π bond. Double and triple bonds give rise to a different geometry around the carbon atom that participates in them, leading to important differences in molecular shape and properties. The differing geometries are responsible for the different properties of unsaturated versus saturated fats. Ethene, C2H4, is the simplest alkene. Each carbon atom in ethene, commonly called ethylene, has a trigonal planar structure. The second member of the series is propene (propylene) (Figure 20.7); the butene isomers follow in the series. Four carbon atoms in the chain of butene allows for the formation of isomers based on the position of the double bond, as well as a new form of isomerism. | null | null | null |
Kelly was scared before the relay race because she was afraid that _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Kelly's favorite subject is P.E. But she has a hard time in P.E. class. She is not good at jumping very far, she has trouble throwing a ball, and she can't run really fast. Sometimes, some kids make fun of her. So why does Kelly love P.E. class?
The reason is that her teacher Mr. Burns always tells her to do her best. Though she only runs for a few minutes, Mr. Burns says, "Good job! Next time you will be able to go a little longer." Mr. Burns even put a small box on the floor so Kelly would be able to practice jumping over it.
That night when Kelly finished dinner, she put three boxes and began practicing jumping over them. She made it! Kelly thought to herself, "Tomorrow I will be able to jump over those boxes in P.E. class."
And sure enough, Kelly jumped over three boxes in class the next day. The other kids said to her, "Good job!"
There was a relay race on Tuesday. Kelly was scared that she would not be able to go very far. But when Mr. Burns said, "Ready! Set! Go!", Kelly thought to herself, "I can do it." When Kelly ran around the track , she heard many cheers and kids shouting, "Go Kelly! You can do it!" That was all she needed to hear. Kelly ran fast. She finished first! The kids cheered for her. Kelly felt so good. "Thank you Mr. Burns," said Kelly. "Kelly, you ran the race, not me." "Yes, but you always said I could do it."
Question:
Kelly was scared before the relay race because she was afraid that _ .
Choices:
A. she would fall
B. she would not run very far
C. other kids would make fun of her
D. other kids would run faster than her | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle4984.txt | Kelly's favorite subject is P.E. But she has a hard time in P.E. class. She is not good at jumping very far, she has trouble throwing a ball, and she can't run really fast. Sometimes, some kids make fun of her. So why does Kelly love P.E. class?
The reason is that her teacher Mr. Burns always tells her to do her best. Though she only runs for a few minutes, Mr. Burns says, "Good job! Next time you will be able to go a little longer." Mr. Burns even put a small box on the floor so Kelly would be able to practice jumping over it.
That night when Kelly finished dinner, she put three boxes and began practicing jumping over them. She made it! Kelly thought to herself, "Tomorrow I will be able to jump over those boxes in P.E. class."
And sure enough, Kelly jumped over three boxes in class the next day. The other kids said to her, "Good job!"
There was a relay race on Tuesday. Kelly was scared that she would not be able to go very far. But when Mr. Burns said, "Ready! Set! Go!", Kelly thought to herself, "I can do it." When Kelly ran around the track , she heard many cheers and kids shouting, "Go Kelly! You can do it!" That was all she needed to hear. Kelly ran fast. She finished first! The kids cheered for her. Kelly felt so good. "Thank you Mr. Burns," said Kelly. "Kelly, you ran the race, not me." "Yes, but you always said I could do it." | [
"she would fall",
"she would not run very far",
"other kids would make fun of her",
"other kids would run faster than her"
] |
Which of the following would be a good title for this article? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
At one time or another we have all stopped to think about the weather. Some days the weather is good. Some days the weather is bad. Sometimes a day that seems bad turns out better than you thought it would. There are ways of understanding the weather. One way is to study the clouds. No two clouds are ever alike. We can see the different kinds of clouds and watch them for signs of changing weather. To forecast the weather, there are three things about clouds. you should look for: movement, colour, and change. As a rule, the higher the clouds, the better the weather. And the lower the clouds, the worse the weather is likely to be. Fair-weather cumulus clouds* are another sign of good weather. These are clouds we often see on warm summer days. Clouds can tell you if a storm is on the way. If the thick, fluffy cumulus clouds get bigger early in the day, then you know it will rain. If there is a sudden, cool and dark thunder* cloud appears, then a storm is about to break out. Colours in the sky tell us about the weather, too. A golden ring around the moon warns us that a storm is on the way. A watery yellow sunset is a sign that rain may be near. The rainbow* has a message, too. The colours of the rainbow come from the sun rays shining through falling rain. If you see the sun in the east and a rainbow in the west, the rain may be coming your way. If the sun is in the west and the rainbow is in the east, the rain will be moving away from you.
Question:
Which of the following would be a good title for this article?
Choices:
A. The Story of Weather Forecast
B. Fine Weather and Bad Weather
C. Weather Changes
D. Different Kinds of Clouds | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle1353.txt | At one time or another we have all stopped to think about the weather. Some days the weather is good. Some days the weather is bad. Sometimes a day that seems bad turns out better than you thought it would. There are ways of understanding the weather. One way is to study the clouds. No two clouds are ever alike. We can see the different kinds of clouds and watch them for signs of changing weather. To forecast the weather, there are three things about clouds. you should look for: movement, colour, and change. As a rule, the higher the clouds, the better the weather. And the lower the clouds, the worse the weather is likely to be. Fair-weather cumulus clouds* are another sign of good weather. These are clouds we often see on warm summer days. Clouds can tell you if a storm is on the way. If the thick, fluffy cumulus clouds get bigger early in the day, then you know it will rain. If there is a sudden, cool and dark thunder* cloud appears, then a storm is about to break out. Colours in the sky tell us about the weather, too. A golden ring around the moon warns us that a storm is on the way. A watery yellow sunset is a sign that rain may be near. The rainbow* has a message, too. The colours of the rainbow come from the sun rays shining through falling rain. If you see the sun in the east and a rainbow in the west, the rain may be coming your way. If the sun is in the west and the rainbow is in the east, the rain will be moving away from you. | [
"The Story of Weather Forecast",
"Fine Weather and Bad Weather",
"Weather Changes",
"Different Kinds of Clouds"
] |
The doctor asked the young man _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
This story is about a young man. He worked hard at his lessons. He was too busy. He didn't have time to rest, so he was ill. Every night, when he went to bed, he closed his eyes and tried to sleep . But he couldn't. He thought: "I must go to see the doctor." He said to the doctor. "I can't go to sleep at night." "Try counting numbers. When you reach one thousand, you'll be asleep." The next day the man came back to the doctor's office. "Well," said the doctor, "How are you today?"
"Yes, he said," I tried counting one, two, three. . . up to one thousand. But when I reached five hundred and sixty-nine, I began to feel sleepy . I had to get up and drank some tea. Then I went on counting up to one thousand. But I still couldn't fall asleep.
Question:
The doctor asked the young man _ .
Choices:
A. to count numbers before he went to bed
B. to put all numbers from 1 to 1000 together
C. to count numbers while he was lying in bed
D. to go to bed earlier | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle35.txt | This story is about a young man. He worked hard at his lessons. He was too busy. He didn't have time to rest, so he was ill. Every night, when he went to bed, he closed his eyes and tried to sleep . But he couldn't. He thought: "I must go to see the doctor." He said to the doctor. "I can't go to sleep at night." "Try counting numbers. When you reach one thousand, you'll be asleep." The next day the man came back to the doctor's office. "Well," said the doctor, "How are you today?"
"Yes, he said," I tried counting one, two, three. . . up to one thousand. But when I reached five hundred and sixty-nine, I began to feel sleepy . I had to get up and drank some tea. Then I went on counting up to one thousand. But I still couldn't fall asleep. | [
"to count numbers before he went to bed",
"to put all numbers from 1 to 1000 together",
"to count numbers while he was lying in bed",
"to go to bed earlier"
] |
_ can tell you where the user is on the earth exactly. | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The Internet, mobile phones and iPads are parts of our lives now. Technology is greatly affecting all ways of our lives, from the ways we work to the ways we play. And it even causes a number of social problems such as cloning humans.
We have had lots of technology and it has changed our lives a lot. We are sure that humans will continue to use more and more technology. Here are some examples of modern technology that will change our ideas and will affect our lives greatly.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
It's a system that uses radio signals from satellites to show exact information. It tells you where the user is on the earth in all weather conditions. It's made up of three parts: satellites, control equipments on land and receivers.
Space Technology
Russian and American scientists have worked together for the International Space Station, (ISS) for a long time. They hope the ISS will provide a long-lasting lab. Such a lab will bring humans limitless advantages. It's even hoped that one day space technology will take humans to their new houses in space.
Underwater Robot
Hercules is a kind of underwater robot with some high technology equipments. It will be used to search for ancient ships which were destroyed into the deep sea during their journey long ago.
The world is changing so quickly that it's hard for us to catch up with all the new inventions because they seem to come out every month. It's important for us to learn about new technology and the role that it plays in our lives. So we should be willing to accept modem technology, or we will fall behind the times.
Question:
_ can tell you where the user is on the earth exactly.
Choices:
A. Satellites
B. Receivers
C. Global Positioning System
D. Underwater Robot | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle2230.txt | The Internet, mobile phones and iPads are parts of our lives now. Technology is greatly affecting all ways of our lives, from the ways we work to the ways we play. And it even causes a number of social problems such as cloning humans.
We have had lots of technology and it has changed our lives a lot. We are sure that humans will continue to use more and more technology. Here are some examples of modern technology that will change our ideas and will affect our lives greatly.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
It's a system that uses radio signals from satellites to show exact information. It tells you where the user is on the earth in all weather conditions. It's made up of three parts: satellites, control equipments on land and receivers.
Space Technology
Russian and American scientists have worked together for the International Space Station, (ISS) for a long time. They hope the ISS will provide a long-lasting lab. Such a lab will bring humans limitless advantages. It's even hoped that one day space technology will take humans to their new houses in space.
Underwater Robot
Hercules is a kind of underwater robot with some high technology equipments. It will be used to search for ancient ships which were destroyed into the deep sea during their journey long ago.
The world is changing so quickly that it's hard for us to catch up with all the new inventions because they seem to come out every month. It's important for us to learn about new technology and the role that it plays in our lives. So we should be willing to accept modem technology, or we will fall behind the times. | [
"Satellites",
"Receivers",
"Global Positioning System",
"Underwater Robot"
] |
In the beginning, people used to _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The first chocolate was eaten by people in Central and South America hundreds of years ago. In those days, people did not really eat chocolate; the cocoa bean was used to make a chocolate drink that the people enjoyed very much. Much later the cocoa bean was brought to Europe and people there also came to love the taste of it.
In 1824, John Cadbury opened a small shop in Birmingham. One of the items he sold was cocoa powder to be made into drinks. In 1831, he opened a small factory to make cocoa powder from cocoa beans. John Cadbury believed that alcohol was an important cause of people's being poor, and he wanted to encourage people to drink chocolate instead. A few years later a man called Joseph Fry invented a way to make chocolate bars, and so for the first time people had the chance to eat chocolate instead of only drinking it. At first, chocolate was luxury and only the rich people could buy it. Later, as more and more chocolate bars were produced and sold, they became cheaper.
However, at first, only plain chocolate was produced. Milk chocolate came later and this was made by adding milk or milk powder to the chocolate. Cadbury introduced their first milk chocolate bars in 1897. Their most famous chocolate, Cadbury's Milk Bar, was introduced in 1905. It has been a best-seller in Britain and around the world for nearly 100 years. The Cadbury factory is still in Birmingham and the chocolate produced there is eaten all over the world. Every year, thousands of visitors visit the factory to see how chocolate is made.
Question:
In the beginning, people used to _ .
Choices:
A. drink the chocolate
B. eat and drink the chocolate
C. eat the chocolate bars
D. enjoy the chocolate every day | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high21995.txt | The first chocolate was eaten by people in Central and South America hundreds of years ago. In those days, people did not really eat chocolate; the cocoa bean was used to make a chocolate drink that the people enjoyed very much. Much later the cocoa bean was brought to Europe and people there also came to love the taste of it.
In 1824, John Cadbury opened a small shop in Birmingham. One of the items he sold was cocoa powder to be made into drinks. In 1831, he opened a small factory to make cocoa powder from cocoa beans. John Cadbury believed that alcohol was an important cause of people's being poor, and he wanted to encourage people to drink chocolate instead. A few years later a man called Joseph Fry invented a way to make chocolate bars, and so for the first time people had the chance to eat chocolate instead of only drinking it. At first, chocolate was luxury and only the rich people could buy it. Later, as more and more chocolate bars were produced and sold, they became cheaper.
However, at first, only plain chocolate was produced. Milk chocolate came later and this was made by adding milk or milk powder to the chocolate. Cadbury introduced their first milk chocolate bars in 1897. Their most famous chocolate, Cadbury's Milk Bar, was introduced in 1905. It has been a best-seller in Britain and around the world for nearly 100 years. The Cadbury factory is still in Birmingham and the chocolate produced there is eaten all over the world. Every year, thousands of visitors visit the factory to see how chocolate is made. | [
"drink the chocolate",
"eat and drink the chocolate",
"eat the chocolate bars",
"enjoy the chocolate every day"
] |
Mr. Hunt found _ while he was waiting for his wife. | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Mr. Hunt was living in a village and he wanted to go to an office one day. He got into his car and drove to the city. He went there without any trouble and stopped in front of the door. He locked his car and started to go into the office, but then he turned around and went back to his car. "I've left my keys in it!" he said to himself. Then he called his wife and said, "Excuse me, but I've locked my keys in my car, please bring your keys to me."
Mrs. Hunt got into their second car and drove thirty kilometers to her husband. But while Mr. Hunt was waiting, he walked around his car and tried the other door. It was not locked. He locked it quickly before his wife arrived.
,.
Question:
Mr. Hunt found _ while he was waiting for his wife.
Choices:
A. his keys in his pocket
B. he didn't lock both of the doors of the car
C. he got to a wrong office
D. he could get his keys without his wife's help | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle7464.txt | Mr. Hunt was living in a village and he wanted to go to an office one day. He got into his car and drove to the city. He went there without any trouble and stopped in front of the door. He locked his car and started to go into the office, but then he turned around and went back to his car. "I've left my keys in it!" he said to himself. Then he called his wife and said, "Excuse me, but I've locked my keys in my car, please bring your keys to me."
Mrs. Hunt got into their second car and drove thirty kilometers to her husband. But while Mr. Hunt was waiting, he walked around his car and tried the other door. It was not locked. He locked it quickly before his wife arrived.
,. | [
"his keys in his pocket",
"he didn't lock both of the doors of the car",
"he got to a wrong office",
"he could get his keys without his wife's help"
] |
_ doesn't have long hair. | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Liu Hong is from China. She is a nice girl. Her eyes are big and her mouth is small. She has a big family . Her father is Liu Jie. And her mother's name is Deng Hua. They are very nice. Liu Hong has a sister and brother(,). Her sister is Liu Hui, and her brother is Liu Bin. Liu Hui has long hair and a round face. But Liu Bin has short curly hair and a long face. They are students.
, .
Question:
_ doesn't have long hair.
Choices:
A. Liu Hong
B. Liu Bin
C. Liu Hui
D. Deng Hua | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle2608.txt | Liu Hong is from China. She is a nice girl. Her eyes are big and her mouth is small. She has a big family . Her father is Liu Jie. And her mother's name is Deng Hua. They are very nice. Liu Hong has a sister and brother(,). Her sister is Liu Hui, and her brother is Liu Bin. Liu Hui has long hair and a round face. But Liu Bin has short curly hair and a long face. They are students.
, . | [
"Liu Hong",
"Liu Bin",
"Liu Hui",
"Deng Hua"
] |
The best title for the passage may be_. | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
At least eight babies in East China'sprefix = st1 /AnhuiProvincehave died since last year. they died of serious deficiency disease which happened to them because of fake milk powders.
More than 100 other babies in Fuyang, mostly between three and five months old, are still in poor nutrition after drinking different kinds of cheap milk powders produced in North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province and Beijing.
The baby victims were born healthy, but they became thinner and thinner, and had large heads for their bodies after fake milk powders were fed to them.
"My girl, the first child of mine, died when she was only four months old after drinking the 'Haobaobei'milk powder."said Zhang Linwei, a 32-year-old villager of the Wangzhuang Village in Fuyang.
Zhang found that his daughter got ill after the girl didn't want to drink the milk powder any more half a month before.
"Before that , I though my daughter's face was becoming fatter and fatter because she was fed well and grew fast."the baby's father said.
The girl died nine days later after she was sent to hospital and all of the family's savings were spent on her medical treatment.
"It is like a terrible dream. I never thought that my baby would _ like this ."he said.
Zhang said he tried to telephone and write to the producer of the milk powder by the address on the packing bag but never made it.
"The fake milk powders only have 5-6 per cent protein and the lowest is has only 1 per cent. For babies, drinking such fake milk powder is no different from drinking water,"Zhang Fangjun, said a medical expert with the Fuyang People's Hospital.
"Such so-called milk powders cannot afford any nutrition for babies' growth," Zhang said.
Question:
The best title for the passage may be_.
Choices:
A. Serious Deficiency Disease
B. Sick Babies in Fuyang
C. Fake milk powders 'kill' babies
D. Big Head Disease | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high17793.txt | At least eight babies in East China'sprefix = st1 /AnhuiProvincehave died since last year. they died of serious deficiency disease which happened to them because of fake milk powders.
More than 100 other babies in Fuyang, mostly between three and five months old, are still in poor nutrition after drinking different kinds of cheap milk powders produced in North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province and Beijing.
The baby victims were born healthy, but they became thinner and thinner, and had large heads for their bodies after fake milk powders were fed to them.
"My girl, the first child of mine, died when she was only four months old after drinking the 'Haobaobei'milk powder."said Zhang Linwei, a 32-year-old villager of the Wangzhuang Village in Fuyang.
Zhang found that his daughter got ill after the girl didn't want to drink the milk powder any more half a month before.
"Before that , I though my daughter's face was becoming fatter and fatter because she was fed well and grew fast."the baby's father said.
The girl died nine days later after she was sent to hospital and all of the family's savings were spent on her medical treatment.
"It is like a terrible dream. I never thought that my baby would _ like this ."he said.
Zhang said he tried to telephone and write to the producer of the milk powder by the address on the packing bag but never made it.
"The fake milk powders only have 5-6 per cent protein and the lowest is has only 1 per cent. For babies, drinking such fake milk powder is no different from drinking water,"Zhang Fangjun, said a medical expert with the Fuyang People's Hospital.
"Such so-called milk powders cannot afford any nutrition for babies' growth," Zhang said. | [
"Serious Deficiency Disease",
"Sick Babies in Fuyang",
"Fake milk powders 'kill' babies",
"Big Head Disease"
] |
Colbert is building a treehouse out of wooden planks. The treehouse needs 200 wooden planks. A quarter of these planks come from Colbert’s storage, half of these planks come from Colbert’s parents, 20 planks come from Colbert’s friends and he buys the rest from the store. How many planks of wood does he need to buy from the store to finish his treehouse? | In Colbert’s storage, there are 200 wooden planks / 4 = <<200/4=50>>50 wooden planks.
From his parents, there are 200 wooden planks / 2 = <<200/2=100>>100 wooden planks.
So in total, Colbert has not had to buy 50 wooden planks from storage + 100 wooden planks from his parents + 20 wooden planks from his friends = <<50+100+20=170>>170 wooden planks.
He therefore still needs to buy 200 needed wooden planks – 170 owned wooden planks = <<200-170=30>>30 wooden planks.
#### 30 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | Colbert is building a treehouse out of wooden planks. The treehouse needs 200 wooden planks. A quarter of these planks come from Colbert’s storage, half of these planks come from Colbert’s parents, 20 planks come from Colbert’s friends and he buys the rest from the store. How many planks of wood does he need to buy from the store to finish his treehouse? | In Colbert’s storage, there are 200 wooden planks / 4 = <<200/4=50>>50 wooden planks.
From his parents, there are 200 wooden planks / 2 = <<200/2=100>>100 wooden planks.
So in total, Colbert has not had to buy 50 wooden planks from storage + 100 wooden planks from his parents + 20 wooden planks from his friends = <<50+100+20=170>>170 wooden planks.
He therefore still needs to buy 200 needed wooden planks – 170 owned wooden planks = <<200-170=30>>30 wooden planks.
#### 30 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Which of the following can be the best title for the text? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
It's 8:00 a.m.James Butters gives,18-month-old Thomas his milk,then breakfast.After getting Thomas into his outdoor clothes, they head for the park to watch birds and play on the grass.With lunchtime drawing near,they're back home for an afternoon of drawing, playing with cars,or maybe watching some children's programs.
James isn't Thomas'dad.He is a nanny -a man nanny obviously,humorously termed a"manny"--specially trained and in his third nannying position.At 27,he cares for Thomas,and another boy of a simliar age."It's much freer than an office job,"he says, "and you're getting to see children develop and grow.You become very close to them,for sure.I don't think I'm special or better than a woman nanny; everyone has their own ap- proach.But I'm unusual.Friends laughed when I started studying nursery nursing.In my class,I was the only man among 70 women.Somehow,I made it,"he said.
Although it's not yet common to find men in traditional nannying courses,things are changing.In the United States,parents are employing young mannies,sometimes to care for babies,but more often as active role models to get their children away from the TV and the computer.From rollerblading friends to summer swimming mannies,these are the big brothers who are always willing to play,largely because they're paid for it.It is catching on here in Britain,too.Earlier this year,Norland Nanny College welcomed its first full-time man student,19-year-old Peter Cummins in Wales.While some families find it difficult to accept the idea of a young man in a traditional nannying role,man nannies are increasingly popular.
Question:
Which of the following can be the best title for the text?
Choices:
A. A New Profession for Men
B. Changes in Tradition
C. Mannies and Nannies
D. Babies and Their Mannies | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high17637.txt | It's 8:00 a.m.James Butters gives,18-month-old Thomas his milk,then breakfast.After getting Thomas into his outdoor clothes, they head for the park to watch birds and play on the grass.With lunchtime drawing near,they're back home for an afternoon of drawing, playing with cars,or maybe watching some children's programs.
James isn't Thomas'dad.He is a nanny -a man nanny obviously,humorously termed a"manny"--specially trained and in his third nannying position.At 27,he cares for Thomas,and another boy of a simliar age."It's much freer than an office job,"he says, "and you're getting to see children develop and grow.You become very close to them,for sure.I don't think I'm special or better than a woman nanny; everyone has their own ap- proach.But I'm unusual.Friends laughed when I started studying nursery nursing.In my class,I was the only man among 70 women.Somehow,I made it,"he said.
Although it's not yet common to find men in traditional nannying courses,things are changing.In the United States,parents are employing young mannies,sometimes to care for babies,but more often as active role models to get their children away from the TV and the computer.From rollerblading friends to summer swimming mannies,these are the big brothers who are always willing to play,largely because they're paid for it.It is catching on here in Britain,too.Earlier this year,Norland Nanny College welcomed its first full-time man student,19-year-old Peter Cummins in Wales.While some families find it difficult to accept the idea of a young man in a traditional nannying role,man nannies are increasingly popular. | [
"A New Profession for Men",
"Changes in Tradition",
"Mannies and Nannies",
"Babies and Their Mannies"
] |
Which of the following statements about Thanksgiving Day is FALSE? | A | 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 was held in Massachusetts in 1621.After a year off great hardship,the colonist wanted to give thanks to God for their first harvest.They invited their Indian friends to join,them in a big feast . Today the holiday is still celebrated as a day for giving thanks.But it Wasn't a regular national holiday until President Lincoln declared that the last Thursday in November would thereafter be Thanksgiving Day in 1863.It is a day of 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 exchanges of greeting.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 politics.If weather permits,some of the more athletic men go outside to play ball with the children.Then everyone will sit down to dinner.in which traditional Thanksgiving foods such as stuffed turkey ,sweet potatoes,chestnuts ,and pumpkin pie are served. After dinner,people will sit around and talk.
Question:
Which of the following statements about Thanksgiving Day is FALSE?
Choices:
A. It falls on the same day in November every year.
B. It is the most traditional American holiday after 1863.
C. It is a regular national holiday after 1863.
D. It is a day of family reunion. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high23282.txt | Thanksgiving Day is always celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.It is the most traditional American holiday.The first Thanksgiving was held in Massachusetts in 1621.After a year off great hardship,the colonist wanted to give thanks to God for their first harvest.They invited their Indian friends to join,them in a big feast . Today the holiday is still celebrated as a day for giving thanks.But it Wasn't a regular national holiday until President Lincoln declared that the last Thursday in November would thereafter be Thanksgiving Day in 1863.It is a day of 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 exchanges of greeting.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 politics.If weather permits,some of the more athletic men go outside to play ball with the children.Then everyone will sit down to dinner.in which traditional Thanksgiving foods such as stuffed turkey ,sweet potatoes,chestnuts ,and pumpkin pie are served. After dinner,people will sit around and talk. | [
"It falls on the same day in November every year.",
"It is the most traditional American holiday after 1863.",
"It is a regular national holiday after 1863.",
"It is a day of family reunion."
] |
What Kenneth J. Sher says suggests that _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
A four-year study of 200 college students found that those who drink heavily and started drinking at an early age demonstrate poor decision-making skills, just like long-term, chronic alcoholics. Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia believe early onset binge drinking negatively affects psychological development.
The researches examined college students between the ages of 18 and 22. After three years, they tested them using the Iowa Gambling Test, which measures the tendency to make immediate (disadvantageous) or long-term (advantageous) choices.
Based on the students' reported drinking habits, they were grouped into four categories: low binge drinkers, moderate binge drinkers, increasing binge drinkers and stable or high binge drinkers.
"Students in the stable or high alcohol use category, who had longer histories of binge drinking, made riskier and less advantageous choices, which reflect problems associated with planning for the future," the researchers reported.
The study also found that only students who started binge drinking when they were younger showed impairment on the task.
"There is reason to think that heavy binge drinking during adolescence, when the brain is still rapidly developing, may have some negative legacy on psychological development," said Kenneth J. Sher of MU's Midwest Alcoholism Research Center in a news release. "The interesting thing is that if we were to just look at binge drinkers and how impaired they are in the decision-making process as juniors, we'd really be obscuring the important issue, which is how long they've been binge drinkers and / or how early they started."
Question:
What Kenneth J. Sher says suggests that _ .
Choices:
A. he is quite clear about what the important issue is
B. if binger drinkers started late, there would be no bad effect
C. the important issue is how impaired the students are in decision-making
D. only early binge drinkers will have their decision-making ability affected | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high2751.txt | A four-year study of 200 college students found that those who drink heavily and started drinking at an early age demonstrate poor decision-making skills, just like long-term, chronic alcoholics. Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia believe early onset binge drinking negatively affects psychological development.
The researches examined college students between the ages of 18 and 22. After three years, they tested them using the Iowa Gambling Test, which measures the tendency to make immediate (disadvantageous) or long-term (advantageous) choices.
Based on the students' reported drinking habits, they were grouped into four categories: low binge drinkers, moderate binge drinkers, increasing binge drinkers and stable or high binge drinkers.
"Students in the stable or high alcohol use category, who had longer histories of binge drinking, made riskier and less advantageous choices, which reflect problems associated with planning for the future," the researchers reported.
The study also found that only students who started binge drinking when they were younger showed impairment on the task.
"There is reason to think that heavy binge drinking during adolescence, when the brain is still rapidly developing, may have some negative legacy on psychological development," said Kenneth J. Sher of MU's Midwest Alcoholism Research Center in a news release. "The interesting thing is that if we were to just look at binge drinkers and how impaired they are in the decision-making process as juniors, we'd really be obscuring the important issue, which is how long they've been binge drinkers and / or how early they started." | [
"he is quite clear about what the important issue is",
"if binger drinkers started late, there would be no bad effect",
"the important issue is how impaired the students are in decision-making",
"only early binge drinkers will have their decision-making ability affected"
] |
Which of the following statements is true? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
J.K. Rowling had reused her magic and brought Dumbledore back to life.
A spokesperson for the author confirmed Rowling had sent a letter and a package to a Texas teenager who optimistically found strength in the words of a Harry Potter film after witnessing the murder of her family.
Fifteen-yiear-old Cassidy Stay lost both parent s and four _ to a gunman in Texas last month. Cassidy was shot in the head and survived the gunshot wound only because she played dead. Authorities had called her survival a miracle.
Cassidy had seen the unimaginable tragedy, but was still thinking about happiness. At the memorial( ) for her family, Cassidy gave a speech in front of the media saying she believed her family was "in a much better place."
Quoting the words of Dumbledore, the wise headmaster of Hogwarts, she said, "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."
The same day Cassidy gave her speech, a Facebook page called "We want J.K. Rowling to meet Cassidy Stay" formed and quickly draw public attention.
The creator of the page claimed to know a friend of Cassidy's who "confirmed that J.K. Rowling did write Cassidy a personal letter under the name of 'Dumbledor'. She also sent a wand, an acceptance letter to Hogwarts with a school supply list, along with the 3rdbook with Rowling's autograph."
Question:
Which of the following statements is true?
Choices:
A. J.K. Rowling brought Dumbledore back to life for a new book.
B. There were seven people in Cassidy's family before the tragedy.
C. J.K. Rowling met Cassidy when Cassidy gave a speech at the memorial for her family.
D. Cassidy survived the gunshot accidentally. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high9791.txt | J.K. Rowling had reused her magic and brought Dumbledore back to life.
A spokesperson for the author confirmed Rowling had sent a letter and a package to a Texas teenager who optimistically found strength in the words of a Harry Potter film after witnessing the murder of her family.
Fifteen-yiear-old Cassidy Stay lost both parent s and four _ to a gunman in Texas last month. Cassidy was shot in the head and survived the gunshot wound only because she played dead. Authorities had called her survival a miracle.
Cassidy had seen the unimaginable tragedy, but was still thinking about happiness. At the memorial( ) for her family, Cassidy gave a speech in front of the media saying she believed her family was "in a much better place."
Quoting the words of Dumbledore, the wise headmaster of Hogwarts, she said, "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."
The same day Cassidy gave her speech, a Facebook page called "We want J.K. Rowling to meet Cassidy Stay" formed and quickly draw public attention.
The creator of the page claimed to know a friend of Cassidy's who "confirmed that J.K. Rowling did write Cassidy a personal letter under the name of 'Dumbledor'. She also sent a wand, an acceptance letter to Hogwarts with a school supply list, along with the 3rdbook with Rowling's autograph." | [
"J.K. Rowling brought Dumbledore back to life for a new book.",
"There were seven people in Cassidy's family before the tragedy.",
"J.K. Rowling met Cassidy when Cassidy gave a speech at the memorial for her family.",
"Cassidy survived the gunshot accidentally."
] |
The student got a zero at the beginning because _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
One day,I received a call from a colleague.He was about to give a student a zero for his answer to a physical problem,while the student claimed a perfect score.I was elected as their arbiter .I read the examination problem,"Show how it is possible to determine the height of a tall building with the aid of a barometer ." The student had answered,"Take the barometer to the top of the building,attach a long rope to it,lower it to the street,and then bring it up and measure the length of the rope.The length of it is the height of the building."
The student had really answered the question completely,but the answer didn't confirm his competence in physics.I suggested the student try again.I gave him six minutes to answer the question,warning that the answer should show some knowledge of physics.Five minutes later,he said he had many answers and dashed off one,which read "Take the barometer to the top of the building and lean over the edge of the roof.Drop the barometer,timing its fall with a stopwatch,then use the physical formula to calculate the height of the building."
At this point,my colleague had to accept it,and then the student made almost full marks.I couldn't help asking the student what the other answers were.He listed many others,and then added,"Probably the best one is to take the barometer to the administrator and say to him,'Sir,here is a fine barometer.If you tell me the height of the building,I will give it to you.'"
Then,I asked the student if he really did not know the conventional answer to this question.He admitted that he did,but said that he was fed up with high school and college instructors trying to teach him how to think.
The name of the student was Bohr who later was famous all over the world.He won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922.
Question:
The student got a zero at the beginning because _ .
Choices:
A. the teacher wasn't satisfied with him
B. his answer wasn't complete or correct
C. the teacher didn't fully understand his answer
D. his answer didn't show his knowledge of physics | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high13939.txt | One day,I received a call from a colleague.He was about to give a student a zero for his answer to a physical problem,while the student claimed a perfect score.I was elected as their arbiter .I read the examination problem,"Show how it is possible to determine the height of a tall building with the aid of a barometer ." The student had answered,"Take the barometer to the top of the building,attach a long rope to it,lower it to the street,and then bring it up and measure the length of the rope.The length of it is the height of the building."
The student had really answered the question completely,but the answer didn't confirm his competence in physics.I suggested the student try again.I gave him six minutes to answer the question,warning that the answer should show some knowledge of physics.Five minutes later,he said he had many answers and dashed off one,which read "Take the barometer to the top of the building and lean over the edge of the roof.Drop the barometer,timing its fall with a stopwatch,then use the physical formula to calculate the height of the building."
At this point,my colleague had to accept it,and then the student made almost full marks.I couldn't help asking the student what the other answers were.He listed many others,and then added,"Probably the best one is to take the barometer to the administrator and say to him,'Sir,here is a fine barometer.If you tell me the height of the building,I will give it to you.'"
Then,I asked the student if he really did not know the conventional answer to this question.He admitted that he did,but said that he was fed up with high school and college instructors trying to teach him how to think.
The name of the student was Bohr who later was famous all over the world.He won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922. | [
"the teacher wasn't satisfied with him",
"his answer wasn't complete or correct",
"the teacher didn't fully understand his answer",
"his answer didn't show his knowledge of physics"
] |
Remember not to expect too much of yourself when looking forward to the future because _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
In all one's lifetime it is oneself that one spends the most time being with or dealing with. But it is exactly oneself that one has the least understanding of.
When you are going upwards in life you tend to overestimate yourself. It seems that everything you seek for is within your reach. When you are going downhill you tend to underestimate yourself, mistaking difficulties for your own incompetence.
To get a thorough understanding of oneself is to gain a correct view of oneself-aware of both one's strengths and shortages. You may look forward hopefully to the future but be sure not to expect too much, for ideals can never be fully realized. You may be courageous to meet challenges but it should be clear to you where to direct your efforts. That's to say so long as you have a perfect knowledge of yourself there won't be difficulties you can't overcome.
To get a thorough understanding of oneself needs self-appreciation. Whether you think you are a towering tree or a blade of grass, a high mountain or a small stone, you represent a state of nature that has its own value. If you earnestly admire yourself you'll have a real sense of self-appreciation, which will give you confidence. As soon as you gain full confidence in yourself, you'll be enabled to fight and overcome any adversity.
To get a thorough understanding of oneself also requires doing oneself a favor when it's needed. In time of sadness, do yourself a favor by sharing it with your friends so as to change a gloomy mood into a cheerful one; in time of tiredness, do yourself a favor by getting a good sleep. As you are aware, what a person physically has is but a human body that's vulnerable when exposed to the elements. So if you fall ill, it's up to you to take a good care of yourself.
In a word, to get a thorough understanding of oneself is to get a full control of one's life. Then one will find one's life full of color and flavor.
Question:
Remember not to expect too much of yourself when looking forward to the future because _ .
Choices:
A. your shortages might stop you succeeding
B. ideals can never be turned into realities
C. you are likely to lack enough courage
D. you haven't understood yourself quite well | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high11380.txt | In all one's lifetime it is oneself that one spends the most time being with or dealing with. But it is exactly oneself that one has the least understanding of.
When you are going upwards in life you tend to overestimate yourself. It seems that everything you seek for is within your reach. When you are going downhill you tend to underestimate yourself, mistaking difficulties for your own incompetence.
To get a thorough understanding of oneself is to gain a correct view of oneself-aware of both one's strengths and shortages. You may look forward hopefully to the future but be sure not to expect too much, for ideals can never be fully realized. You may be courageous to meet challenges but it should be clear to you where to direct your efforts. That's to say so long as you have a perfect knowledge of yourself there won't be difficulties you can't overcome.
To get a thorough understanding of oneself needs self-appreciation. Whether you think you are a towering tree or a blade of grass, a high mountain or a small stone, you represent a state of nature that has its own value. If you earnestly admire yourself you'll have a real sense of self-appreciation, which will give you confidence. As soon as you gain full confidence in yourself, you'll be enabled to fight and overcome any adversity.
To get a thorough understanding of oneself also requires doing oneself a favor when it's needed. In time of sadness, do yourself a favor by sharing it with your friends so as to change a gloomy mood into a cheerful one; in time of tiredness, do yourself a favor by getting a good sleep. As you are aware, what a person physically has is but a human body that's vulnerable when exposed to the elements. So if you fall ill, it's up to you to take a good care of yourself.
In a word, to get a thorough understanding of oneself is to get a full control of one's life. Then one will find one's life full of color and flavor. | [
"your shortages might stop you succeeding",
"ideals can never be turned into realities",
"you are likely to lack enough courage",
"you haven't understood yourself quite well"
] |
Our present wonderful world has been built up by _ | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Scientific Progress
Most scientific progress is the result of careful consideration of work that has already been done. The wonderful world which lies before us today has been put up by hardworking men with clear heads and inventive mind, and these who follow them along life's road will improve on their efforts. It is sometimes necessary to question and even to disbelieve some of the statements made by experts. Action or experiment can often end an argument or achieve a breakthrough.
When men were wondering whether it was possible to reach India by sailing westwards from Europe, and whether there was any land on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, Christopher Columbus decides to act. He gathered some men, invited them to go on board his three ships, and set out across the dangerous waters of the Atlantic Ocean. He was successful in finding land, but it was not India. The result of his action was that the arguments came to the end.
Any young man who wishes to do research must be courageous enough to question old beliefs and do some original thinking about them. Although we seem to know so much, there are many things we don't know. Even when we pull an atom to pieces, we do not really know what the pieces are, we often do not reach the reality behind what we discover, and the more we learn, the better we realize our ignorance.
Question:
Our present wonderful world has been built up by _
Choices:
A. men who do not believe in others but themselves
B. those who work hard and dare to break way from old ideas
C. those who can make improvements on other people's work
D. men who work extremely hard in following their teachers | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high15280.txt | Scientific Progress
Most scientific progress is the result of careful consideration of work that has already been done. The wonderful world which lies before us today has been put up by hardworking men with clear heads and inventive mind, and these who follow them along life's road will improve on their efforts. It is sometimes necessary to question and even to disbelieve some of the statements made by experts. Action or experiment can often end an argument or achieve a breakthrough.
When men were wondering whether it was possible to reach India by sailing westwards from Europe, and whether there was any land on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, Christopher Columbus decides to act. He gathered some men, invited them to go on board his three ships, and set out across the dangerous waters of the Atlantic Ocean. He was successful in finding land, but it was not India. The result of his action was that the arguments came to the end.
Any young man who wishes to do research must be courageous enough to question old beliefs and do some original thinking about them. Although we seem to know so much, there are many things we don't know. Even when we pull an atom to pieces, we do not really know what the pieces are, we often do not reach the reality behind what we discover, and the more we learn, the better we realize our ignorance. | [
"men who do not believe in others but themselves",
"those who work hard and dare to break way from old ideas",
"those who can make improvements on other people's work",
"men who work extremely hard in following their teachers"
] |
The purpose of showing the case of alligators is to prove _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Even if we have an extremely healthy diet and lifestyle, the human body is programmed to wear out at a maximum of about 120 years, and usually less. We all have a biological clock inside us which determines the moment when our organs cease to function properly. This is because our cells have stopped renewing themselves and our body can no longer repair itself. This is also the moment when we are more likely to begin to suffer from the diseases of old age such as arthritis and Alzheimer's. However, rapid advances in DNA research are beginning to throw light on the secrets of the ageing process. By the end of this century we could literally have the power of life over death.
Although it has long been accepted that humans have a fixed lifespan, it is also a fact that certain other organisms, such as reptiles and amphibians, appear to _ . The only reason we do not see 500-year-old alligators is because in the wild their lives are always in danger, from man, from pollution and from other animals. When they are kept in zoos they do not seem to age at all after they are fully grown. The same is true of some species of fish, which grow indefinitely and show no signs of ageing. The existence of animals with no fixed lifespan seems to indicate that an age gene really does exist. It is this gene which scientists are searching for, which may delay or repair damage to the body caused by ageing.
Another new area of research involves the oxidation theory, which says that ageing is caused by the same process that makes iron rust. In controlled experiments, the lifespans of certain animals were shown to be lengthened with anti-oxidants; for example, the lifespan of mice can be increased by 30%. Antioxidants are already being used in face creams and other cosmetics, and they are likely to play an important part in keeping people physically young.
Perhaps the most immediate advance we are likely to see in the battle to halt the ageing process will be organ replacement. By the year 2020 it is likely that we will be replacing injured bones or even organs like livers and kidneys with ones "grown" in laboratories. By 2050 perhaps every organ in the body, except the brain, will have become commercially available. Recent experiments also show that it may one day be possible to "grow" new organs inside our body to replace worn-out ones, something which lizards and alligators already do.
Suddenly immortality(,) seems within reach. We can begin to imagine a future where we are born, we grow to maturity, but we never grow old and die. But do we really want to live forever?
Question:
The purpose of showing the case of alligators is to prove _ .
Choices:
A. alligators are in danger in the wild because of the threat from man, pollution and other animals
B. it is widely accepted that humans have a fixed lifespan
C. there exists an age gene which may control ageing
D. the age gene damages the body | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high3869.txt | Even if we have an extremely healthy diet and lifestyle, the human body is programmed to wear out at a maximum of about 120 years, and usually less. We all have a biological clock inside us which determines the moment when our organs cease to function properly. This is because our cells have stopped renewing themselves and our body can no longer repair itself. This is also the moment when we are more likely to begin to suffer from the diseases of old age such as arthritis and Alzheimer's. However, rapid advances in DNA research are beginning to throw light on the secrets of the ageing process. By the end of this century we could literally have the power of life over death.
Although it has long been accepted that humans have a fixed lifespan, it is also a fact that certain other organisms, such as reptiles and amphibians, appear to _ . The only reason we do not see 500-year-old alligators is because in the wild their lives are always in danger, from man, from pollution and from other animals. When they are kept in zoos they do not seem to age at all after they are fully grown. The same is true of some species of fish, which grow indefinitely and show no signs of ageing. The existence of animals with no fixed lifespan seems to indicate that an age gene really does exist. It is this gene which scientists are searching for, which may delay or repair damage to the body caused by ageing.
Another new area of research involves the oxidation theory, which says that ageing is caused by the same process that makes iron rust. In controlled experiments, the lifespans of certain animals were shown to be lengthened with anti-oxidants; for example, the lifespan of mice can be increased by 30%. Antioxidants are already being used in face creams and other cosmetics, and they are likely to play an important part in keeping people physically young.
Perhaps the most immediate advance we are likely to see in the battle to halt the ageing process will be organ replacement. By the year 2020 it is likely that we will be replacing injured bones or even organs like livers and kidneys with ones "grown" in laboratories. By 2050 perhaps every organ in the body, except the brain, will have become commercially available. Recent experiments also show that it may one day be possible to "grow" new organs inside our body to replace worn-out ones, something which lizards and alligators already do.
Suddenly immortality(,) seems within reach. We can begin to imagine a future where we are born, we grow to maturity, but we never grow old and die. But do we really want to live forever? | [
"alligators are in danger in the wild because of the threat from man, pollution and other animals",
"it is widely accepted that humans have a fixed lifespan",
"there exists an age gene which may control ageing",
"the age gene damages the body"
] |
What does the story seem to tell you? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The date was like any other day in his life. After school Michael walked past the shop on the street corner. He stopped to look at the front row of shoes. And he felt sorry for himself. He really wanted to have them for his birthday.
He sadly walked away and thought of what to tell his mother. He knew she would give anything he liked if she could. But he also knew very well she had little money. He decided not to go home immediately, as he looked worried and his mother would notice it. So he went to the park where he sat on the grass. Then he saw a boy in a wheelchair. He noticed that the boy moved the wheel with his hands. Michael looked at him carefully and was surprised to see the boy had no feet. He looked down his own feet. "It is much better to be without shoes than without feet." He thought. There was no reason for him to feel so sorry and sad. He went away and smiled, thinking he was more lucky in life.
Question:
What does the story seem to tell you?
Choices:
A. Why feet are more important than shoes.
B. How a child learned to talk in a wheel chair
C. .Being poor is not necessarily a bad thing.
D. Life often taught poor people good lessons. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high19422.txt | The date was like any other day in his life. After school Michael walked past the shop on the street corner. He stopped to look at the front row of shoes. And he felt sorry for himself. He really wanted to have them for his birthday.
He sadly walked away and thought of what to tell his mother. He knew she would give anything he liked if she could. But he also knew very well she had little money. He decided not to go home immediately, as he looked worried and his mother would notice it. So he went to the park where he sat on the grass. Then he saw a boy in a wheelchair. He noticed that the boy moved the wheel with his hands. Michael looked at him carefully and was surprised to see the boy had no feet. He looked down his own feet. "It is much better to be without shoes than without feet." He thought. There was no reason for him to feel so sorry and sad. He went away and smiled, thinking he was more lucky in life. | [
"Why feet are more important than shoes.",
"How a child learned to talk in a wheel chair",
".Being poor is not necessarily a bad thing.",
"Life often taught poor people good lessons."
] |
The price of an iPhone fell 10% in a particular month and another 20% in the second month. If the initial price was $1000, calculate the price after the second month. | In the first month, the price of the iPhone fell by 10/100*$1000=$<<10/100*1000=100>>100
The new price after the first month is $1000-$100 = $<<1000-100=900>>900
In the second month, the price fell 20% further by 20/100*$900 = $<<20/100*900=180>>180
The new price after the second month is $900-$180 = $<<900-180=720>>720
#### 720 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | The price of an iPhone fell 10% in a particular month and another 20% in the second month. If the initial price was $1000, calculate the price after the second month. | In the first month, the price of the iPhone fell by 10/100*$1000=$<<10/100*1000=100>>100
The new price after the first month is $1000-$100 = $<<1000-100=900>>900
In the second month, the price fell 20% further by 20/100*$900 = $<<20/100*900=180>>180
The new price after the second month is $900-$180 = $<<900-180=720>>720
#### 720 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
You many find the above advertisements _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Read the advertisements carefully. Then answer the questions that follow.
INTERESTED IN CHILDCARE?
Qualified person or preschool teacher needed for busy childcare center, south of the river. Full-time work guaranteed. Immediate start necessary. The candidate must be able to work as a co-operative team member, Phone 6345 2345 for an interview and fax resume to 6345 2346.
WE NEED OFFICE CLEANERS!
Three people are required for professional cleaning in the CBD area. Working hours from 5:00 p. m. on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays. Approximately five hours per shift. A good record is necessary. Experience preferred. Phone 6345 7843 now.
WANT TO WORK AS A DENTAL NURSE?
This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified dental nurse with a confident and cheerful personality to work in the School Dental health Scheme. You must be able to get along well with children because work involves talking to groups about dental health practices. For further information, visit our website: _ And fax your resume to 6234 4567.
FLORIST WANTED!
Are you a creative and trained florist with at least two years of experience? Then this may be just what you are seeking. The city's leading Florist Artist Studio needs another part-time member on their wedding team. Please phone 6098 7888 now!
Question:
You many find the above advertisements _ .
Choices:
A. in a store window
B. in a school magazine
C. in a newspaper
D. on a company notice-board | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high2779.txt | Read the advertisements carefully. Then answer the questions that follow.
INTERESTED IN CHILDCARE?
Qualified person or preschool teacher needed for busy childcare center, south of the river. Full-time work guaranteed. Immediate start necessary. The candidate must be able to work as a co-operative team member, Phone 6345 2345 for an interview and fax resume to 6345 2346.
WE NEED OFFICE CLEANERS!
Three people are required for professional cleaning in the CBD area. Working hours from 5:00 p. m. on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays. Approximately five hours per shift. A good record is necessary. Experience preferred. Phone 6345 7843 now.
WANT TO WORK AS A DENTAL NURSE?
This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified dental nurse with a confident and cheerful personality to work in the School Dental health Scheme. You must be able to get along well with children because work involves talking to groups about dental health practices. For further information, visit our website: _ And fax your resume to 6234 4567.
FLORIST WANTED!
Are you a creative and trained florist with at least two years of experience? Then this may be just what you are seeking. The city's leading Florist Artist Studio needs another part-time member on their wedding team. Please phone 6098 7888 now! | [
"in a store window",
"in a school magazine",
"in a newspaper",
"on a company notice-board"
] |
What is the author's purpose in writing the passage? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Silence is unnatural to man.He begins life with a cry and ends it in stillness.In between he does all he can to make a noise in the world, and he fears silence more than anything else.Even his conversation is an attempt to prevent a fearful silence.If he is introduced to another person, and a number of pauses occur in the conversation, he regards himself as a failure, a worthless person, and is full of envy of the emptiest headed chatterbox .He knows that ninety-nine percent of human conversation means no more than _ , but he is anxious to join in the buzz and to prove that he is a man and not a waxwork figure .
The aim of conversation is not, for the most part, to communicate ideas; it is to keep up the buzzing sound. There are, it must be admitted, different qualities of buzz; there is even a buzz that is as annoying as the continuous noise made by a mosquito .But at a dinner party one would rather be a mosquito than a quiet person. Most buzzing, fortunately, is pleasant to the ear, and some of it is pleasant even to the mind. He would be a foolish man if he waited until he had a wise thought to take part in the buzzing -with his neighbors.
Those who hate to pick up the weather as a conversational opening seem to me not to know the reason why human beings wish to talk. Very few human beings join in a conversation in the hope of learning anything new. Some of them are content if they are merely allowed to go on making a noise into other people's ears, though they have nothing to tell them except that they have seen two or three new plays or that they had food in a Swiss hotel. At the end of an evening during which they have said nothing meaningful for a long time, they just prove themselves to be successful conservationists.
Question:
What is the author's purpose in writing the passage?
Choices:
A. To persuade people to stop making noises.
B. To explain why people keep talking.
C. To discuss why people like talking about weather.
D. To encourage people to join in conversations. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high3114.txt | Silence is unnatural to man.He begins life with a cry and ends it in stillness.In between he does all he can to make a noise in the world, and he fears silence more than anything else.Even his conversation is an attempt to prevent a fearful silence.If he is introduced to another person, and a number of pauses occur in the conversation, he regards himself as a failure, a worthless person, and is full of envy of the emptiest headed chatterbox .He knows that ninety-nine percent of human conversation means no more than _ , but he is anxious to join in the buzz and to prove that he is a man and not a waxwork figure .
The aim of conversation is not, for the most part, to communicate ideas; it is to keep up the buzzing sound. There are, it must be admitted, different qualities of buzz; there is even a buzz that is as annoying as the continuous noise made by a mosquito .But at a dinner party one would rather be a mosquito than a quiet person. Most buzzing, fortunately, is pleasant to the ear, and some of it is pleasant even to the mind. He would be a foolish man if he waited until he had a wise thought to take part in the buzzing -with his neighbors.
Those who hate to pick up the weather as a conversational opening seem to me not to know the reason why human beings wish to talk. Very few human beings join in a conversation in the hope of learning anything new. Some of them are content if they are merely allowed to go on making a noise into other people's ears, though they have nothing to tell them except that they have seen two or three new plays or that they had food in a Swiss hotel. At the end of an evening during which they have said nothing meaningful for a long time, they just prove themselves to be successful conservationists. | [
"To persuade people to stop making noises.",
"To explain why people keep talking.",
"To discuss why people like talking about weather.",
"To encourage people to join in conversations."
] |
What die NOT Steve Jobs encourage students to do in his speech? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
As a senior high school student, my-future is always on my mind. To-be exact,thoughts of the future have kept me up count.less nights and made me worrv enough to do poorly on more than one test. Because of this, words of wisdom are a scurce of comfort.Steve Jobs gave a speech to Stanford's graduating.class in 2005 and his words resound re-peatedly in my mind whenever I think about my future.
It started when l became a junior, when college came into view. It's the first big step to making your life your own. So when Jobs discussed his life as a student, some fears were eased. He, too, felt the need to attend college to make something of himself. He faced what many are extremely afraid of: uncertainty. His lack of understanding caused him to stop attending college and focus on what he felt was important. His story had a happy ending, of course, since he certainly turned out well.
This doesn't mean that students shouldn't attend college, but rather that theyshouldn't worry so much. You'll get where you neecl to go, even if your path is a bit morewinding than you'd like.
Jobs.talked about the hardships in his work. His love of his work helped him carry on and he got wh.ere he was meant to be, which restates the point: don't panic.One particular part of his speech stayed with me. Steve Jobs quoted thc saying"Stay hungry, stay foolisll" and it has become my motto. Staying foolish is realizing thatyou are still a fool, no matter how much you've learned or experienced. There is alwaysmore to explore. Staying hungry is wanting to find those things about which you are stilluneducated.
Steve Jobs' level of success is possible to achieve, and I aim to prove that. With the will power to go into the world living every day like it's my last and allowing the future to take care of itself, 1 will do great things. In the last moments of my life, I'll be proud of what I have done and hope to have all the wisdom -a person could wish for.
Question:
What die NOT Steve Jobs encourage students to do in his speech?
Choices:
A. Be content with what they know.
B. Harve the desice to learn more.
C. Stay calm in the face of hardships
D. Be modest so as to learn more. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high23378.txt | As a senior high school student, my-future is always on my mind. To-be exact,thoughts of the future have kept me up count.less nights and made me worrv enough to do poorly on more than one test. Because of this, words of wisdom are a scurce of comfort.Steve Jobs gave a speech to Stanford's graduating.class in 2005 and his words resound re-peatedly in my mind whenever I think about my future.
It started when l became a junior, when college came into view. It's the first big step to making your life your own. So when Jobs discussed his life as a student, some fears were eased. He, too, felt the need to attend college to make something of himself. He faced what many are extremely afraid of: uncertainty. His lack of understanding caused him to stop attending college and focus on what he felt was important. His story had a happy ending, of course, since he certainly turned out well.
This doesn't mean that students shouldn't attend college, but rather that theyshouldn't worry so much. You'll get where you neecl to go, even if your path is a bit morewinding than you'd like.
Jobs.talked about the hardships in his work. His love of his work helped him carry on and he got wh.ere he was meant to be, which restates the point: don't panic.One particular part of his speech stayed with me. Steve Jobs quoted thc saying"Stay hungry, stay foolisll" and it has become my motto. Staying foolish is realizing thatyou are still a fool, no matter how much you've learned or experienced. There is alwaysmore to explore. Staying hungry is wanting to find those things about which you are stilluneducated.
Steve Jobs' level of success is possible to achieve, and I aim to prove that. With the will power to go into the world living every day like it's my last and allowing the future to take care of itself, 1 will do great things. In the last moments of my life, I'll be proud of what I have done and hope to have all the wisdom -a person could wish for. | [
"Be content with what they know.",
"Harve the desice to learn more.",
"Stay calm in the face of hardships",
"Be modest so as to learn more."
] |
The author thinks "mini-examples" are useful because they _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Critical thinking is an important skill that can increase students' ability to learn in any situation. This can be applied to traditional education, or directly in a career related role. Many teachers find it such a valuable skill that they give their students a critical thinking question every day. Developing this ability can mean the difference between "just passing a course" and "understanding the material well enough" so that what students learn from _ will follow them throughout their life.
Some characteristics of a critical thinker that teachers should encourage are;
-asking questions as a reaction to something read or discussed;
-determining the "deeper meaning" of a particular passage or topic;
-providing input and opinions to topics as a direct result of analysis and research;
-reasoning in an effort to develop an argument of your own opinion.
It is important for a student to understand more than definition . One way to truly understand an idea is to have hands-on practice, and to apply concepts learned in a textbook. Such "mini-examples" will interest a student and improve their understanding of a topic. This is how life-long skills can be developed.
Teachers that use critical thinking practices in the classroom can "go above and beyond" by asking questions that promote a greater comprehension of the material. Instructors should be able to challenge students and create an environment where they are analyzing material and gaining a better understanding. This will make the classroom move in a direction for learning. It can also help students to stay interested in the course material, as they always have a new concept to consider.
At the same time, students benefit greatly from developing critical thinking skills. When learned early on, these skills can be used throughout their college education. Students can understand how to consider a topic, analyze it, and discuss it from different points of view. These are skills that will benefit them when they are part of the workforce as well.
Question:
The author thinks "mini-examples" are useful because they _ .
Choices:
A. assist students to better remember definitions
B. give students hands-on practice
C. help to keep students interested
D. help students develop concepts | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high7756.txt | Critical thinking is an important skill that can increase students' ability to learn in any situation. This can be applied to traditional education, or directly in a career related role. Many teachers find it such a valuable skill that they give their students a critical thinking question every day. Developing this ability can mean the difference between "just passing a course" and "understanding the material well enough" so that what students learn from _ will follow them throughout their life.
Some characteristics of a critical thinker that teachers should encourage are;
-asking questions as a reaction to something read or discussed;
-determining the "deeper meaning" of a particular passage or topic;
-providing input and opinions to topics as a direct result of analysis and research;
-reasoning in an effort to develop an argument of your own opinion.
It is important for a student to understand more than definition . One way to truly understand an idea is to have hands-on practice, and to apply concepts learned in a textbook. Such "mini-examples" will interest a student and improve their understanding of a topic. This is how life-long skills can be developed.
Teachers that use critical thinking practices in the classroom can "go above and beyond" by asking questions that promote a greater comprehension of the material. Instructors should be able to challenge students and create an environment where they are analyzing material and gaining a better understanding. This will make the classroom move in a direction for learning. It can also help students to stay interested in the course material, as they always have a new concept to consider.
At the same time, students benefit greatly from developing critical thinking skills. When learned early on, these skills can be used throughout their college education. Students can understand how to consider a topic, analyze it, and discuss it from different points of view. These are skills that will benefit them when they are part of the workforce as well. | [
"assist students to better remember definitions",
"give students hands-on practice",
"help to keep students interested",
"help students develop concepts"
] |
Backpacks are useful for tourists because _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Look at your classmates around you. You all wear the same uniform and similar sneakers. Do you want to stand out among them? A fashionable and useful backpack can be a great idea!
Backpacks are lightweight and easy to carry.
They are great tools for students. They help you to stay organized. You can keep school things, books and personal items like cell phones and keys neatly . With a _ backpack, you can also stand out among your classmates.
Tourists also love backpacks. With convenient backpacks, backpackers can move freely from one place to another. Meanwhile, they can also free their hands to do other things like taking photos.
But in the very beginning backpacks were not what we see today.
It is thought that US hiker Dick Kelty invented the first modern backpack in 1951. He used nylon and aluminum tubing to make backpacks lightweight. Then he added shoulder straps and waist straps to transfer much of the weight to the hips .
Today, backpacks come in different styles.
Rolling backpacks have wheels on the bottom. Users can pull them along the ground if they are too heavy to carry on their shoulders.
And with more people bringing laptops to school and work, backpacks also offer space for lightweight electronics.
Question:
Backpacks are useful for tourists because _ .
Choices:
A. they have wheels on the bottom
B. it frees tourists' hands to do other things
C. tourists can feel fashionable
D. they make tourists feel special | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle3420.txt | Look at your classmates around you. You all wear the same uniform and similar sneakers. Do you want to stand out among them? A fashionable and useful backpack can be a great idea!
Backpacks are lightweight and easy to carry.
They are great tools for students. They help you to stay organized. You can keep school things, books and personal items like cell phones and keys neatly . With a _ backpack, you can also stand out among your classmates.
Tourists also love backpacks. With convenient backpacks, backpackers can move freely from one place to another. Meanwhile, they can also free their hands to do other things like taking photos.
But in the very beginning backpacks were not what we see today.
It is thought that US hiker Dick Kelty invented the first modern backpack in 1951. He used nylon and aluminum tubing to make backpacks lightweight. Then he added shoulder straps and waist straps to transfer much of the weight to the hips .
Today, backpacks come in different styles.
Rolling backpacks have wheels on the bottom. Users can pull them along the ground if they are too heavy to carry on their shoulders.
And with more people bringing laptops to school and work, backpacks also offer space for lightweight electronics. | [
"they have wheels on the bottom",
"it frees tourists' hands to do other things",
"tourists can feel fashionable",
"they make tourists feel special"
] |
Which of the following is the best title for the passage? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Born in a fishing village in Japan, Fujiyama, 25, recalls a childhood dominated by health concerns. Doctors told his parents that he had a hole in his heart and "they didn't think I had a lot longer to live". But during a later visit to the doctor, his family learned the hole had closed. "Somehow I was cured and I became a normal kid," Fujiyama says. "And I had a second chance."
During his second year at the University of Mary Washington, he volunteered in Honduras with a campus group and was struck by the extreme poverty he saw--barefoot children collecting cans and sleeping in the streets. Fujiyama realized he could help give other children their own second chance.
Today, his organization, Students Helping Honduras, brings education and community projects to children and families in need.
He started by telling his friends about his experience and collecting spare change at his two campus jobs. "When I had my very first meeting, only two people showed up," he says. "I knew I had to keep fighting." He persuaded his younger sister, Cosmo, to join the cause. "She's dynamite,." He says. "When she talks in front of a crowd, she can move mountains. Knowing that she was behind it, I knew I could do anything." Since 2006, the _ organization has grown to 25 campuses and raised more than $750,000 to fund projects, including the construction of two schools and the establishment of scholarships to help young women attend college.
Fujiyama says students are deeply committed to the organization. They raise money and then travel to Honduras to help building houses. While Fujiyama spends his summers in Honduras working alongside volunteers, he spends a large portion of the year on the road visiting colleges to raise funds. Cosmo Fujiyama, 23, lives in Honduras full time to coordinate the group's building efforts on the ground.
Students Helping Honduras is working with community members of Siete de Abril to build a new village. Many of the families lost their belongings in Hurricane Mitch in 1998. A lot of them didn't have access to clean water or health care, and they didn't have a school. Fujiyama's group helped build 44 homes in the village named "Sunshine Village". The organization is also raising funds to build a water tower, an eco-friendly sanitation system and a library.
Question:
Which of the following is the best title for the passage?
Choices:
A. Help the people in need
B. Students lend a hand in America
C. Fujiyama helps build "Sunshine Village"
D. Fujiyama gives poor people in Honduras a second chance | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high15213.txt | Born in a fishing village in Japan, Fujiyama, 25, recalls a childhood dominated by health concerns. Doctors told his parents that he had a hole in his heart and "they didn't think I had a lot longer to live". But during a later visit to the doctor, his family learned the hole had closed. "Somehow I was cured and I became a normal kid," Fujiyama says. "And I had a second chance."
During his second year at the University of Mary Washington, he volunteered in Honduras with a campus group and was struck by the extreme poverty he saw--barefoot children collecting cans and sleeping in the streets. Fujiyama realized he could help give other children their own second chance.
Today, his organization, Students Helping Honduras, brings education and community projects to children and families in need.
He started by telling his friends about his experience and collecting spare change at his two campus jobs. "When I had my very first meeting, only two people showed up," he says. "I knew I had to keep fighting." He persuaded his younger sister, Cosmo, to join the cause. "She's dynamite,." He says. "When she talks in front of a crowd, she can move mountains. Knowing that she was behind it, I knew I could do anything." Since 2006, the _ organization has grown to 25 campuses and raised more than $750,000 to fund projects, including the construction of two schools and the establishment of scholarships to help young women attend college.
Fujiyama says students are deeply committed to the organization. They raise money and then travel to Honduras to help building houses. While Fujiyama spends his summers in Honduras working alongside volunteers, he spends a large portion of the year on the road visiting colleges to raise funds. Cosmo Fujiyama, 23, lives in Honduras full time to coordinate the group's building efforts on the ground.
Students Helping Honduras is working with community members of Siete de Abril to build a new village. Many of the families lost their belongings in Hurricane Mitch in 1998. A lot of them didn't have access to clean water or health care, and they didn't have a school. Fujiyama's group helped build 44 homes in the village named "Sunshine Village". The organization is also raising funds to build a water tower, an eco-friendly sanitation system and a library. | [
"Help the people in need",
"Students lend a hand in America",
"Fujiyama helps build \"Sunshine Village\"",
"Fujiyama gives poor people in Honduras a second chance"
] |
Before accepting her blindness, the writer tried her best to relieve the pain EXCEPT . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
I lost my left eye just after my first birthday -- I'd fallen seriously ill. My artificial eye was very convincing and I usually wore glasses over it -- even my boyfriend, Mick, didn't really notice. I told him I was blind in one eye just before we got married -- I was 19 at the time. He said he didn't care and that he loved me just the same.
The day before we married, I was at my parents' house, when my other eye suddenly went blurry . My dad phoned the doctor, who told him it was probably nerves and I'd be fine by morning. He was right -- when I awoke, I was able to read my good luck cards.
The wedding photographer arrived just as I was putting on my dress and I was called into the garden for a pre-ceremony photo. There was no time even to look in a mirror. Afterwards, we drove straight to the church.
It was a sunny day, and as we approached I could see all our friends waiting. The service was delightful, and Mick and I went into the minister's office to sign the register -- the last thing I ever wrote with my sight.
It was only when we reached the hotel, where the reception was taking place, that I started to feel strange. As we waited to greet our guests, my sight started to become blurry again and I really had to concentrate as our friends and family lined up to congratulate us. Afterwards, we went into the reception room, so the photographer could take our picture as we pretended to cut the cake. That's when the pain started.
"Don't let anyone know!"my mum said. She'd always blamed herself for the loss of my other eye, wishing she'd taken me to the doctor earlier. Only a few family members had ever been told -- even my close friends had beennone the wiser.
So even as the pain became more severe, I carried on as if nothing was happening. I'd waited so long for this day, and everyone seemed so happy, I didn't want to spoil things.
I couldn't make anything out, but I managed tostay calm and made it through the meal and the speeches. I suppose it's normal for the bride and groom to stay close together after a wedding, and Mick led me around properly. We took regular dance lessons, so the first dance passed without incident, Mick leading me in a slow, graceful waltz.
Afterwards, we left the building to see if a bit of air would improve the situation, but it didn't help, and nor did a lie-down. I still thought the blurriness would pass, as it had the night before. But I finally accepted that things just weren't going to get better on their own -- I was in so much pain.
Mick sent for a doctor, who took one look at me and called for an ambulance. At the hospital, I remember a nurse bursting into tears when she saw me arrive -- I still had confetti in my hair.
I was diagnosed with glaucoma, a disease in the eye that causes terrible pressure -- it was unrelated to the problems I'd had as a child, just a coincidence. An operation to try to save my sight seemed successful at first -- as the bandages were removed, I remember seeing a vase of flowers at the end of the bed. But it's the last thing I ever saw.
It was hard, but I coped, and nearly 40 years on I feel I've had a full and active life. There are sights I'll always feel sad not to have seen -- the face of the daughter and my grandchildren. I'll always regret not finding the time to look in the mirror on the morning of my wedding, too -- despite everything that happened, I have happy memories of the ceremony.
Question:
Before accepting her blindness, the writer tried her best to relieve the pain EXCEPT .
Choices:
A. walking out to get some fresh air
B. lying down to have a rest
C. taking some effective pills
D. asking a doctor for help | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high19527.txt | I lost my left eye just after my first birthday -- I'd fallen seriously ill. My artificial eye was very convincing and I usually wore glasses over it -- even my boyfriend, Mick, didn't really notice. I told him I was blind in one eye just before we got married -- I was 19 at the time. He said he didn't care and that he loved me just the same.
The day before we married, I was at my parents' house, when my other eye suddenly went blurry . My dad phoned the doctor, who told him it was probably nerves and I'd be fine by morning. He was right -- when I awoke, I was able to read my good luck cards.
The wedding photographer arrived just as I was putting on my dress and I was called into the garden for a pre-ceremony photo. There was no time even to look in a mirror. Afterwards, we drove straight to the church.
It was a sunny day, and as we approached I could see all our friends waiting. The service was delightful, and Mick and I went into the minister's office to sign the register -- the last thing I ever wrote with my sight.
It was only when we reached the hotel, where the reception was taking place, that I started to feel strange. As we waited to greet our guests, my sight started to become blurry again and I really had to concentrate as our friends and family lined up to congratulate us. Afterwards, we went into the reception room, so the photographer could take our picture as we pretended to cut the cake. That's when the pain started.
"Don't let anyone know!"my mum said. She'd always blamed herself for the loss of my other eye, wishing she'd taken me to the doctor earlier. Only a few family members had ever been told -- even my close friends had beennone the wiser.
So even as the pain became more severe, I carried on as if nothing was happening. I'd waited so long for this day, and everyone seemed so happy, I didn't want to spoil things.
I couldn't make anything out, but I managed tostay calm and made it through the meal and the speeches. I suppose it's normal for the bride and groom to stay close together after a wedding, and Mick led me around properly. We took regular dance lessons, so the first dance passed without incident, Mick leading me in a slow, graceful waltz.
Afterwards, we left the building to see if a bit of air would improve the situation, but it didn't help, and nor did a lie-down. I still thought the blurriness would pass, as it had the night before. But I finally accepted that things just weren't going to get better on their own -- I was in so much pain.
Mick sent for a doctor, who took one look at me and called for an ambulance. At the hospital, I remember a nurse bursting into tears when she saw me arrive -- I still had confetti in my hair.
I was diagnosed with glaucoma, a disease in the eye that causes terrible pressure -- it was unrelated to the problems I'd had as a child, just a coincidence. An operation to try to save my sight seemed successful at first -- as the bandages were removed, I remember seeing a vase of flowers at the end of the bed. But it's the last thing I ever saw.
It was hard, but I coped, and nearly 40 years on I feel I've had a full and active life. There are sights I'll always feel sad not to have seen -- the face of the daughter and my grandchildren. I'll always regret not finding the time to look in the mirror on the morning of my wedding, too -- despite everything that happened, I have happy memories of the ceremony. | [
"walking out to get some fresh air",
"lying down to have a rest",
"taking some effective pills",
"asking a doctor for help"
] |
Which of the following is true about the new body scanners to be used in Europe?. | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The European Union on Monday prohibited the use of X-ray body scanners in European airports, parting ways with the U. S. Transportation Security Administration, which has used hundreds of the scanners as a way to screen millions of airline passengers for explosives hidden under clothing.
The European Commission, which enforces common policies of the EU's 27 member countries, adopted the rule "in order not to risk doing harm to citizens' health and safety."
As a ProPublica/PBS NewsHour investigation detailed earlier this month, X-ray body scanners use ionizing radiation ,a form of energy that has been shown to damage DMA and cause cancer. Although the amount of radiation is extremely low, equal to the radiation a person would receive in a few minutes of flying, several research studies have concluded that a small number of cancer cases would result from scanning hundreds of millions of passengers a year.
European countries will be allowed to use an alternative body scanner relying on radio frequency waves, which have not been linked to cancer. The U. S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has also used hundreds of those machines --known as millimeter-wave scanners --in U. S. airports. But unlike Europe, it has decided to use both types of scanners.
The TSA would not comment specifically on the EU 's decision. But in a statement, TSA spokesman Mike McCarthy said, "As one of our many layers of security, TSA uses the most advanced technology available to provide the best opportunity to detect dangerous items, such as explosives.
" We strictly test our technology to ensure it meets our high detection and safety standards before it is placed in airports," he continued. "Since January 2010, advanced imaging technology has detected more than 300 dangerous or illegal items on passengers in U. S. airports nationwide."
Body scanners have been controversial in the United States since they were first used in prisons in the late 1990s and then in airports for tests after 9/11.
Question:
Which of the following is true about the new body scanners to be used in Europe?.
Choices:
A. They will risk doing harm to passengers.
B. They use ionizing radiation heavily.
C. Their radiation is extremely high.
D. They won't risk causing cancer. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high19330.txt | The European Union on Monday prohibited the use of X-ray body scanners in European airports, parting ways with the U. S. Transportation Security Administration, which has used hundreds of the scanners as a way to screen millions of airline passengers for explosives hidden under clothing.
The European Commission, which enforces common policies of the EU's 27 member countries, adopted the rule "in order not to risk doing harm to citizens' health and safety."
As a ProPublica/PBS NewsHour investigation detailed earlier this month, X-ray body scanners use ionizing radiation ,a form of energy that has been shown to damage DMA and cause cancer. Although the amount of radiation is extremely low, equal to the radiation a person would receive in a few minutes of flying, several research studies have concluded that a small number of cancer cases would result from scanning hundreds of millions of passengers a year.
European countries will be allowed to use an alternative body scanner relying on radio frequency waves, which have not been linked to cancer. The U. S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has also used hundreds of those machines --known as millimeter-wave scanners --in U. S. airports. But unlike Europe, it has decided to use both types of scanners.
The TSA would not comment specifically on the EU 's decision. But in a statement, TSA spokesman Mike McCarthy said, "As one of our many layers of security, TSA uses the most advanced technology available to provide the best opportunity to detect dangerous items, such as explosives.
" We strictly test our technology to ensure it meets our high detection and safety standards before it is placed in airports," he continued. "Since January 2010, advanced imaging technology has detected more than 300 dangerous or illegal items on passengers in U. S. airports nationwide."
Body scanners have been controversial in the United States since they were first used in prisons in the late 1990s and then in airports for tests after 9/11. | [
"They will risk doing harm to passengers.",
"They use ionizing radiation heavily.",
"Their radiation is extremely high.",
"They won't risk causing cancer."
] |
Which of these activities is used to conserve water? | null | Answer this science question and explain your reasoning. | Which of these activities is used to conserve water?
Choices:
A. planting crops that survive in droughts
B. running water while brushing teeth
C. washing vehicles frequently
D. watering grass after a rainfall | Correct answer: A | science | Mercury_SC_405725 | {
"text": [
"planting crops that survive in droughts",
"running water while brushing teeth",
"washing vehicles frequently",
"watering grass after a rainfall"
],
"label": [
"A",
"B",
"C",
"D"
]
} | A | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Which is true of the seasonal weather patterns of places that are at the same latitude? | null | Answer this science question and explain your reasoning. | Which is true of the seasonal weather patterns of places that are at the same latitude?
Choices:
A. They have the same wind patterns.
B. They have the same amount of rain.
C. They have the same intensity of sunlight.
D. They have the same kinds of severe weather. | Correct answer: C | science | Mercury_SC_416424 | {
"text": [
"They have the same wind patterns.",
"They have the same amount of rain.",
"They have the same intensity of sunlight.",
"They have the same kinds of severe weather."
],
"label": [
"A",
"B",
"C",
"D"
]
} | C | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
What's the best title for this passage? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Fear is an emotion like others such as happiness, anger, hurt, sadness. We need emotions to process information we receive and decide how to respond. Being afraid of fast cars, for example, is something that might protect us from harm. Being afraid of the consequence of a choice may prevent us getting into trouble.
Fears in young children commonly center on certain animals like snakes or big dogs. Fears are caused often because of experiences or ideas expressed by others, and at times, the media. Many normal fears during the early years, like men with beards, or large dogs, disappear with age. Those relating to personal failure and ridicule remain through adulthood and may need special help to overcome.
Children's fears are often _ , but that doesn't mean they should be ignored. They need to be recognized and accepted as real for that child. Only when we help children understand their fears can they grow normally in their ability to deal with them.
Research shows that as a child grows up, the center of his fears changes a lot. Things like divorce, a teacher who "shouted at me", people with guns, bullies, big boys, or "making fun of me" top the list of childhood fears.
We can not always prevent these experiences from happening, but it's essential that children be allowed to freely express their emotions without judgment. Sympathy and a caring listener will help ease the pain of these fears. Read books and stories to your child about children who have experienced similar fears. This helps children talk about their fears and find ways to cope. With all emotions, fears become less of a problem for children as they gain self-confidence and they find that fear is normal and can be dealt with.
Question:
What's the best title for this passage?
Choices:
A. How to Overcome Children's Fears
B. Children's Fears
C. The kind of Children's Fears
D. The Bad Effects of Fears | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high5704.txt | Fear is an emotion like others such as happiness, anger, hurt, sadness. We need emotions to process information we receive and decide how to respond. Being afraid of fast cars, for example, is something that might protect us from harm. Being afraid of the consequence of a choice may prevent us getting into trouble.
Fears in young children commonly center on certain animals like snakes or big dogs. Fears are caused often because of experiences or ideas expressed by others, and at times, the media. Many normal fears during the early years, like men with beards, or large dogs, disappear with age. Those relating to personal failure and ridicule remain through adulthood and may need special help to overcome.
Children's fears are often _ , but that doesn't mean they should be ignored. They need to be recognized and accepted as real for that child. Only when we help children understand their fears can they grow normally in their ability to deal with them.
Research shows that as a child grows up, the center of his fears changes a lot. Things like divorce, a teacher who "shouted at me", people with guns, bullies, big boys, or "making fun of me" top the list of childhood fears.
We can not always prevent these experiences from happening, but it's essential that children be allowed to freely express their emotions without judgment. Sympathy and a caring listener will help ease the pain of these fears. Read books and stories to your child about children who have experienced similar fears. This helps children talk about their fears and find ways to cope. With all emotions, fears become less of a problem for children as they gain self-confidence and they find that fear is normal and can be dealt with. | [
"How to Overcome Children's Fears",
"Children's Fears",
"The kind of Children's Fears",
"The Bad Effects of Fears"
] |
How did Yuuki save the villagers from the disaster? | D | 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:
How did Yuuki save the villagers from the disaster?
Choices:
A. He told them about the earthquake.
B. He explained why the sea was flowing out.
C. He told the village chief to warn the people.
D. He set fire to the rice field. | Answer: D | 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!" | [
"He told them about the earthquake.",
"He explained why the sea was flowing out.",
"He told the village chief to warn the people.",
"He set fire to the rice field."
] |
All the following arguments can be found in the passage EXCEPT that_. | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Do you have any strong opinion on co-educational or single-sex schools?
A supporter of co-educational schools would probably say that schools should be like the societies they belong to .In Hong Kong , men and women mix socially on a day-to-day basis .In many fields men are even likely to have female bosses .It is ,therefore, desirable that boys and girls grow up together ,go to school together ,and prepare themselves for a society that does not value sexual separation.
Some would go on to argue further that growing up with members of the opposite sex is important for personal development .Regular contact can remove the strange ideas about the opposite-sex and lead to more natural relationships .Single-sex conditions are seen as leading to more extreme opinions, and possibly even as encouraging homosexuality ,though there is no proof that this is the case.
Those who are against coeducation often also fix their attention on the sexual side .Some parents fear that close contact with members of the opposite sex is dangerous for teenagers .They want their children to be attentive to their studies .Such parents feel uncomfortable with modern ways and the free mixing of the sexes.
A stronger argument comes from research into school results .Girls grow up earlier than boys ,tend to be more orderly and are likely to be better at languages .In a mixed class ,boys who might do well in a single-sex class become discouraged and take on the rule of troublemaker .Certainly in the UK this situation has greatly alarmed the government for it to be encouraging co-educational schools to have some single-sex classes .In the UK the best schools are all single-sex ,strongly suggesting that co-education is not the best answer .This may ,however ,not be as simple as it looks .It may simply be that the famous old schools that attract the best students happen to be single-sex ,rather than that being single-sex makes them better schools.
Question:
All the following arguments can be found in the passage EXCEPT that_.
Choices:
A. co-education can produce a society-like situation
B. co-educational schools may lead to love affairs between boys and girls
C. co-education will help develop a better understanding about the opposite sex
D. co-education can make boys perform well in mixed classes | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high21669.txt | Do you have any strong opinion on co-educational or single-sex schools?
A supporter of co-educational schools would probably say that schools should be like the societies they belong to .In Hong Kong , men and women mix socially on a day-to-day basis .In many fields men are even likely to have female bosses .It is ,therefore, desirable that boys and girls grow up together ,go to school together ,and prepare themselves for a society that does not value sexual separation.
Some would go on to argue further that growing up with members of the opposite sex is important for personal development .Regular contact can remove the strange ideas about the opposite-sex and lead to more natural relationships .Single-sex conditions are seen as leading to more extreme opinions, and possibly even as encouraging homosexuality ,though there is no proof that this is the case.
Those who are against coeducation often also fix their attention on the sexual side .Some parents fear that close contact with members of the opposite sex is dangerous for teenagers .They want their children to be attentive to their studies .Such parents feel uncomfortable with modern ways and the free mixing of the sexes.
A stronger argument comes from research into school results .Girls grow up earlier than boys ,tend to be more orderly and are likely to be better at languages .In a mixed class ,boys who might do well in a single-sex class become discouraged and take on the rule of troublemaker .Certainly in the UK this situation has greatly alarmed the government for it to be encouraging co-educational schools to have some single-sex classes .In the UK the best schools are all single-sex ,strongly suggesting that co-education is not the best answer .This may ,however ,not be as simple as it looks .It may simply be that the famous old schools that attract the best students happen to be single-sex ,rather than that being single-sex makes them better schools. | [
"co-education can produce a society-like situation",
"co-educational schools may lead to love affairs between boys and girls",
"co-education will help develop a better understanding about the opposite sex",
"co-education can make boys perform well in mixed classes"
] |
Why was the Russian pilot arrested? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
(ALAUDDIN VALLEY) -- Russia's relationship with Tajikistan has _ following an incident involving a Russian pilot who was arrested -- after making an emergency landing in the Central Asian nation.
Russia responded by beginning to drive out Tajik guest workers, a move that threatens Tajikistan's entire economy. In total, some 700,000 Tajik citizens work in Russia. In the past quarter, they sent home some $742 million in remittances . Overall, the money guest workers send back makes up half of the republic's government budget.
The Alauddin Valley is in the Fann Mountains in eastern Tajikistan. The place long held an attraction for Russian writers and adventurers. Later, during the Soviet era, it was a popular tourist destination. Yet establishing a strong relationship with the people of the mountainous region is not easy.
Men are seldom seen in the area. Nearly every family has at least one breadwinner working in Russia, if not more. The farm work falls to the women, who divide it up among themselves.
Each summer, the village chooses the most experienced and skilled women to take all of the cows (up to 300 of them) to the summer pastures high up on in the mountains. The women spend four months there with their children since there is no one to leave the children with. They milk the cows and prepare products for the winter: cheese, butter and so on. These fermented goods get them through the winter when snow and avalanches cut off all contact with civilization.
Residents here generally have two questions for visiting Russians. The first one is obvious: Is President Dmitri Medvedev going to limit the entry of Tajik guest workers? The second question is less obvious: Are there cows in Moscow? The Alauddin Valley's women truly can't imagine life without either.
Question:
Why was the Russian pilot arrested?
Choices:
A. Because he stole a plane in Tajikistan.
B. Because he didn't land in Tajikistan safely.
C. Because he landed in Tajikistan without permission.
D. Because he refused to return to Russian. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high21487.txt | (ALAUDDIN VALLEY) -- Russia's relationship with Tajikistan has _ following an incident involving a Russian pilot who was arrested -- after making an emergency landing in the Central Asian nation.
Russia responded by beginning to drive out Tajik guest workers, a move that threatens Tajikistan's entire economy. In total, some 700,000 Tajik citizens work in Russia. In the past quarter, they sent home some $742 million in remittances . Overall, the money guest workers send back makes up half of the republic's government budget.
The Alauddin Valley is in the Fann Mountains in eastern Tajikistan. The place long held an attraction for Russian writers and adventurers. Later, during the Soviet era, it was a popular tourist destination. Yet establishing a strong relationship with the people of the mountainous region is not easy.
Men are seldom seen in the area. Nearly every family has at least one breadwinner working in Russia, if not more. The farm work falls to the women, who divide it up among themselves.
Each summer, the village chooses the most experienced and skilled women to take all of the cows (up to 300 of them) to the summer pastures high up on in the mountains. The women spend four months there with their children since there is no one to leave the children with. They milk the cows and prepare products for the winter: cheese, butter and so on. These fermented goods get them through the winter when snow and avalanches cut off all contact with civilization.
Residents here generally have two questions for visiting Russians. The first one is obvious: Is President Dmitri Medvedev going to limit the entry of Tajik guest workers? The second question is less obvious: Are there cows in Moscow? The Alauddin Valley's women truly can't imagine life without either. | [
"Because he stole a plane in Tajikistan.",
"Because he didn't land in Tajikistan safely.",
"Because he landed in Tajikistan without permission.",
"Because he refused to return to Russian."
] |
The main idea of the article is _ | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
First it was jogging. Then aerobics . Not too long ago, Americans discovered race walking.
Now Americans are into a newfitnesscraze. They'retaking up bicycling. Over hills and down mountainsides and across quiet country roads, Americans are busily rolling along.
The number of adults who ride for fitness is around 17 million, an increase of 70 percent over four years ago. Twice as many women as men are coming to the sport. Americans arefalling in love withbiking because it has speed, the benefitsofjoggingand beautiful scenery.
Bicycling is a very appropriate sport, which is important to people who injured their knees while jogging or whosejointsareachingfrom aerobics. And biking is a real awakening for people who have been into race walking in the past. Race walking isas dull as watching paint dry.
The most popular kind of bicycle for people who are new to the sport is the mountain bike, which has afixed framewith wide tires andupright handles. Mountain bikes also have manygears to make it easier to climb hills. About 5 million Americans ride mountain bikes, compared with 200,000 who rode them only five years ago.
Costsrangefrom about $130 for abottom-of-the-linebicycle to more than $2,700 for an expensive bicycle.
Mountain biking has attracted somepeoplewho race down the sides of mountainslike a bat out of hell. But most riders ride slowly and theyrarelyventurefar from home.
The biking craze has brought an unexpected profit to clothing and bicycle accessory makers. Last year, bikers paid $ 630 million for biking clothes and accessories.
Bicycling seems likely to continue its fantastic growth.
Question:
The main idea of the article is _
Choices:
A. riding a bicycle is one of the most dangerous sports in prefix = st1 /America.
B. Americans are rolling along.
C. bicycling is the latest fitness craze to hit America.
D. most people in Americawant to own a hand-made bicycle that can cost more than $ 2,700. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high17768.txt | First it was jogging. Then aerobics . Not too long ago, Americans discovered race walking.
Now Americans are into a newfitnesscraze. They'retaking up bicycling. Over hills and down mountainsides and across quiet country roads, Americans are busily rolling along.
The number of adults who ride for fitness is around 17 million, an increase of 70 percent over four years ago. Twice as many women as men are coming to the sport. Americans arefalling in love withbiking because it has speed, the benefitsofjoggingand beautiful scenery.
Bicycling is a very appropriate sport, which is important to people who injured their knees while jogging or whosejointsareachingfrom aerobics. And biking is a real awakening for people who have been into race walking in the past. Race walking isas dull as watching paint dry.
The most popular kind of bicycle for people who are new to the sport is the mountain bike, which has afixed framewith wide tires andupright handles. Mountain bikes also have manygears to make it easier to climb hills. About 5 million Americans ride mountain bikes, compared with 200,000 who rode them only five years ago.
Costsrangefrom about $130 for abottom-of-the-linebicycle to more than $2,700 for an expensive bicycle.
Mountain biking has attracted somepeoplewho race down the sides of mountainslike a bat out of hell. But most riders ride slowly and theyrarelyventurefar from home.
The biking craze has brought an unexpected profit to clothing and bicycle accessory makers. Last year, bikers paid $ 630 million for biking clothes and accessories.
Bicycling seems likely to continue its fantastic growth. | [
"riding a bicycle is one of the most dangerous sports in prefix = st1 /America.",
"Americans are rolling along.",
"bicycling is the latest fitness craze to hit America.",
"most people in Americawant to own a hand-made bicycle that can cost more than $ 2,700."
] |
He was a different man at home because _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
My grandfather was a teacher.He was the headmaster of a school for boys between the ages of thirteen and eighteen.I know that he was a kind and gentle man at heart,because when I was young (and he was old),he gave me presents and seated me on his knees,and told me stories.But I believe the boys at his school were afraid of him.
At school,when he walked into a classroom full of noisy boys,those boys went red in the faces,and looked down at their shoes.If a boy brought his poor,careless work,which was not the best that boy could do,my grandfather picked up the boy's work and threw it across the room,shouting,"Do it all again,and bring it back early tomorrow morning!" If the boy was late,or if he forgot to bring the work,he had to do it again.My grandfather never forgot.
He was a very different man at school,from the man I saw day by day in his own home.
Question:
He was a different man at home because _ .
Choices:
A. he didn't get angry at school like he did at home
B. he was not as gentle as at home
C. he didn't throw books about at school like he did at home
D. he didn't get angry at home | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high18622.txt | My grandfather was a teacher.He was the headmaster of a school for boys between the ages of thirteen and eighteen.I know that he was a kind and gentle man at heart,because when I was young (and he was old),he gave me presents and seated me on his knees,and told me stories.But I believe the boys at his school were afraid of him.
At school,when he walked into a classroom full of noisy boys,those boys went red in the faces,and looked down at their shoes.If a boy brought his poor,careless work,which was not the best that boy could do,my grandfather picked up the boy's work and threw it across the room,shouting,"Do it all again,and bring it back early tomorrow morning!" If the boy was late,or if he forgot to bring the work,he had to do it again.My grandfather never forgot.
He was a very different man at school,from the man I saw day by day in his own home. | [
"he didn't get angry at school like he did at home",
"he was not as gentle as at home",
"he didn't throw books about at school like he did at home",
"he didn't get angry at home"
] |
A movie theater charges $5 for matinee tickets, $7 for evening tickets, and $10 for opening night tickets. A bucket of popcorn costs $10. On Friday, they had 32 matinee customers, 40 evening customers, and 58 customers for an opening night showing of a movie. If half the customers bought popcorn, how much money in dollars did the theater make on Friday night? | The movie theater made 5 * 32 = $<<5*32=160>>160 in matinee tickets.
It made 7 * 40 = $<<7*40=280>>280 in evening tickets.
It made 10 * 58 = $<<10*58=580>>580 in opening night tickets.
There were 32 + 40 + 58 = <<32+40+58=130>>130 customers.
Half of the customers bought popcorn, so 130 / 2 = <<130/2=65>>65 bought popcorn.
Thus, the theater made 10 * 65 = $<<10*65=650>>650 from popcorn.
Therefore, in all, the theater made 160 + 280 + 580 + 650 = $<<160+280+580+650=1670>>1670 on Friday night.
#### 1670 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | A movie theater charges $5 for matinee tickets, $7 for evening tickets, and $10 for opening night tickets. A bucket of popcorn costs $10. On Friday, they had 32 matinee customers, 40 evening customers, and 58 customers for an opening night showing of a movie. If half the customers bought popcorn, how much money in dollars did the theater make on Friday night? | The movie theater made 5 * 32 = $<<5*32=160>>160 in matinee tickets.
It made 7 * 40 = $<<7*40=280>>280 in evening tickets.
It made 10 * 58 = $<<10*58=580>>580 in opening night tickets.
There were 32 + 40 + 58 = <<32+40+58=130>>130 customers.
Half of the customers bought popcorn, so 130 / 2 = <<130/2=65>>65 bought popcorn.
Thus, the theater made 10 * 65 = $<<10*65=650>>650 from popcorn.
Therefore, in all, the theater made 160 + 280 + 580 + 650 = $<<160+280+580+650=1670>>1670 on Friday night.
#### 1670 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
What's the best title for the passage? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
In any family with more than one child, children seem to naturally compete for their parents' love and attention. Parents say they love every child equally. But is that true?
Susan, founder of a consulting firm in Chicago, interviewed 216 women and found that even though none of her questions asked directly about a parent favoring one child over another, about two-third of the women said there was a favored child. And they also remembered their experience when they were young. One of the women said, "My mother always liked my brother better, and he got to summer camp in 1968 and I didn't.
Plumez, who interviewed parents with both biological children ( ) and adoptive children for an adoption book in 2008, found that what matters most is whether your temperaments ( ) are pleasing. "In some cases, parents would say they felt closer to their adopted children, "she says. "Some parents like the children with characters similar to theirs. Two people who are shy and withdrawn might get along well, unless the shy parent doesn't like that aspect of themselves and they try to push the naturally withdrawn child to be more _ ."
It could be a result of gender, birth order or how easy or difficult a child's temperament may be, but a parent's different treatment has far-reaching effects. Studies have found that less-favored children may suffer emotionally, with decreased self-esteem and behavioral problems in children. Favoritism is a reason for the next generation not to like each other.
Experts say it's not realistic to say everyone should be treated equally, because no two people are the same and they related differently to others.
"It does not mean the parent loves or likes one child more. It has to do with which one of them is independent," says psychologist Lauriet Kramer of the University of Illinois.
Question:
What's the best title for the passage?
Choices:
A. Parents' favoritism can affect children deeply
B. Why do parents show favoritism to children?
C. Parents should give attention to all their children
D. Building a harmonious family is important to children | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high14468.txt | In any family with more than one child, children seem to naturally compete for their parents' love and attention. Parents say they love every child equally. But is that true?
Susan, founder of a consulting firm in Chicago, interviewed 216 women and found that even though none of her questions asked directly about a parent favoring one child over another, about two-third of the women said there was a favored child. And they also remembered their experience when they were young. One of the women said, "My mother always liked my brother better, and he got to summer camp in 1968 and I didn't.
Plumez, who interviewed parents with both biological children ( ) and adoptive children for an adoption book in 2008, found that what matters most is whether your temperaments ( ) are pleasing. "In some cases, parents would say they felt closer to their adopted children, "she says. "Some parents like the children with characters similar to theirs. Two people who are shy and withdrawn might get along well, unless the shy parent doesn't like that aspect of themselves and they try to push the naturally withdrawn child to be more _ ."
It could be a result of gender, birth order or how easy or difficult a child's temperament may be, but a parent's different treatment has far-reaching effects. Studies have found that less-favored children may suffer emotionally, with decreased self-esteem and behavioral problems in children. Favoritism is a reason for the next generation not to like each other.
Experts say it's not realistic to say everyone should be treated equally, because no two people are the same and they related differently to others.
"It does not mean the parent loves or likes one child more. It has to do with which one of them is independent," says psychologist Lauriet Kramer of the University of Illinois. | [
"Parents' favoritism can affect children deeply",
"Why do parents show favoritism to children?",
"Parents should give attention to all their children",
"Building a harmonious family is important to children"
] |
Alissa used discarded paper to make notepads for her friends. She would fold 5 pieces of letter-size paper 3 times then cut along the edges to form smaller note papers. She would then stack these smaller note papers and staple them together. How long would 1 notepad last if someone wrote 10 notes per day? | Alissa folding it 3 times makes 2 × 2 × 2 = <<2*2*2=8>>8 pieces of note-size paper per letter-size paper.
So 5 pieces of letter-size paper make 5 × 8 = <<5*8=40>>40 pieces of note-size paper.
1 note pad would last 40 ÷ 10 = <<40/10=4>>4 days if someone wrote 10 notes a day.
#### 4 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | Alissa used discarded paper to make notepads for her friends. She would fold 5 pieces of letter-size paper 3 times then cut along the edges to form smaller note papers. She would then stack these smaller note papers and staple them together. How long would 1 notepad last if someone wrote 10 notes per day? | Alissa folding it 3 times makes 2 × 2 × 2 = <<2*2*2=8>>8 pieces of note-size paper per letter-size paper.
So 5 pieces of letter-size paper make 5 × 8 = <<5*8=40>>40 pieces of note-size paper.
1 note pad would last 40 ÷ 10 = <<40/10=4>>4 days if someone wrote 10 notes a day.
#### 4 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
What is the writer's purpose in writing the passage? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Being busy can become a way of life. Our lives are always filled with emails and text messages. They make us feel wanted and important, but in a tiring and empty way. Being busy has a dangerous allure . If you are busy all the time, it's hard to sit quietly with your thoughts or to really feel what you're feeling. Whynot let everything become a choice -- how we spend time, who we reply to and how much or little we write?
Many of us are busy becauseour self-worth goes up when people make demands on our time. Whydon't we free ourselves from needing, or even wanting? Why don't we make the best use of the time and space to be productive in a way that it best serves us? That may be consciously keeping ourselves not busy. In fact many great discoverieswere made by people who built white space into their day.
Imagine asking "How are you?" to one of the most successful people you know like Warren Buffet. I've never heard anyone at that level answer "busy" though most people believe they are.
What are they doing differently?
First, they aim to project an image that things are under control. Second, they actually have things under control. They've had excellent staff, implemented thoughtful processes and they spend time only on critical tasks that require their attention. They make high-level strategic decisions with a large effect.
It's time to end the glory of being busy and spend time setting up processes that make sense, rather than simply working more hours. To do this, you need to change yourway of thinking. It's cool to say you're busy, but it's better to be busy helping someone carry a stroller up the subway stairs or busy finishing a book.
How to free us from the trendof being busy? Start with small steps. For one day, be mindful of every daily activity. Consider each thing a choice and decide proactively if it's necessary or simply a habit you can get rid of or do in half the time. Next, stop saying how busy you are. Then, figure out what you want to achieve with your day and begin doing it. Put your time and energy where you want it to be.
Question:
What is the writer's purpose in writing the passage?
Choices:
A. To advise us to be freedfrom the trend of being busy.
B. To warn us about the danger of leading a busy life.
C. To show us ways to feel good about being busy.
D. To tell us how to fit into the busy modern life. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle7024.txt | Being busy can become a way of life. Our lives are always filled with emails and text messages. They make us feel wanted and important, but in a tiring and empty way. Being busy has a dangerous allure . If you are busy all the time, it's hard to sit quietly with your thoughts or to really feel what you're feeling. Whynot let everything become a choice -- how we spend time, who we reply to and how much or little we write?
Many of us are busy becauseour self-worth goes up when people make demands on our time. Whydon't we free ourselves from needing, or even wanting? Why don't we make the best use of the time and space to be productive in a way that it best serves us? That may be consciously keeping ourselves not busy. In fact many great discoverieswere made by people who built white space into their day.
Imagine asking "How are you?" to one of the most successful people you know like Warren Buffet. I've never heard anyone at that level answer "busy" though most people believe they are.
What are they doing differently?
First, they aim to project an image that things are under control. Second, they actually have things under control. They've had excellent staff, implemented thoughtful processes and they spend time only on critical tasks that require their attention. They make high-level strategic decisions with a large effect.
It's time to end the glory of being busy and spend time setting up processes that make sense, rather than simply working more hours. To do this, you need to change yourway of thinking. It's cool to say you're busy, but it's better to be busy helping someone carry a stroller up the subway stairs or busy finishing a book.
How to free us from the trendof being busy? Start with small steps. For one day, be mindful of every daily activity. Consider each thing a choice and decide proactively if it's necessary or simply a habit you can get rid of or do in half the time. Next, stop saying how busy you are. Then, figure out what you want to achieve with your day and begin doing it. Put your time and energy where you want it to be. | [
"To advise us to be freedfrom the trend of being busy.",
"To warn us about the danger of leading a busy life.",
"To show us ways to feel good about being busy.",
"To tell us how to fit into the busy modern life."
] |
If your house is on fire, you must _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
According to a new survey, students' safety has become a big problem. Nearly 50% of students say they are worried about robbery on the way to and from school. Now in main big cities in China, some schools have taught an unusual lesson: self-protection. Students like this lesson because there are no exams or boring classes. And they can learn how to save lives and know how to get away from danger before it really happens.
Chen Haoyu, a teacher at Beijing No. 25 Middle School, gives young students advice on how to deal with danger.
If you are robbed
Keep calm if you can not cry for help or run away. Give the robber your money. Try to remember
what the robber looks like and tell the police later.
If you are in a traffic accident
If a car hits you, you should remember the car number. If it is a bicycle, try to call your parents before you let the rider go. This is because you don't know how seriously you are hurt.
If it is raining hard and there is lighting
Don't stay in high places and stay away from trees.
If there is a fire
Get away as fast as yon can. Put wet things on your body and try to find an exit . Do not take the lift.
If someone is drowning
If you can't swim, don't get into the water. Cry out for help.
Remember that danger is never as far away as you think. Take care of yourself at all time!
Question:
If your house is on fire, you must _ .
Choices:
A. put dry things on your body
B. run quickly and take the lift
C. run away and find an exit as quickly as you can
D. take everything you have and then run away | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle7862.txt | According to a new survey, students' safety has become a big problem. Nearly 50% of students say they are worried about robbery on the way to and from school. Now in main big cities in China, some schools have taught an unusual lesson: self-protection. Students like this lesson because there are no exams or boring classes. And they can learn how to save lives and know how to get away from danger before it really happens.
Chen Haoyu, a teacher at Beijing No. 25 Middle School, gives young students advice on how to deal with danger.
If you are robbed
Keep calm if you can not cry for help or run away. Give the robber your money. Try to remember
what the robber looks like and tell the police later.
If you are in a traffic accident
If a car hits you, you should remember the car number. If it is a bicycle, try to call your parents before you let the rider go. This is because you don't know how seriously you are hurt.
If it is raining hard and there is lighting
Don't stay in high places and stay away from trees.
If there is a fire
Get away as fast as yon can. Put wet things on your body and try to find an exit . Do not take the lift.
If someone is drowning
If you can't swim, don't get into the water. Cry out for help.
Remember that danger is never as far away as you think. Take care of yourself at all time! | [
"put dry things on your body",
"run quickly and take the lift",
"run away and find an exit as quickly as you can",
"take everything you have and then run away"
] |
From the passage we know that | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Money is all surrounding us.Every day, we see it, use it, and it is on the tip of our tongue.Did you ever stop to take into consideration where the money that you carry around every day comes from?
Making new money is a very unique job and no easy task.It has up to 65 steps When the money in circulation gets dirty and worn out, it is replaced with new money The old money is taken from banks and brought to places where it is destroyed Usually, the old money is burned.The burned money is replaced by new paper money
If old money is being replaced, then new money is printed in a place called a mint .Large sheets 01 paper are printed with many pictures of some currency .These large sheets are cut into individual bills.The individual bills are then put together in big stacks and then sent to banks.
Sometimes the mint will make a new bill with a new picture (portraits of statesman and places of interest are favoured) or a new colour. It is not easy for the government to make a new bill. It takes a long time, and there are many steps to go through before a new bill can be sent to banks, first, people m the government decide that a new kind of bill is needed Then, they ask and artist to design the new bill.A different artist cuts the new picture into a soft piece of metal called a die.The dies are made and put onto large printing machines.Then, very special paper is used, which no one but the mint can have.Along with this special paper, the mint also prints currency using special colours.After the dies print the new currency onto the paper, the bills are cut, stacked, and sent off to the banks.
Question:
From the passage we know that
Choices:
A. banks make new money
B. it takes 65 procedures to make new money
C. mints decide what kind of bill is needed
D. old money that is not used is forever stored in a special place | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high15074.txt | Money is all surrounding us.Every day, we see it, use it, and it is on the tip of our tongue.Did you ever stop to take into consideration where the money that you carry around every day comes from?
Making new money is a very unique job and no easy task.It has up to 65 steps When the money in circulation gets dirty and worn out, it is replaced with new money The old money is taken from banks and brought to places where it is destroyed Usually, the old money is burned.The burned money is replaced by new paper money
If old money is being replaced, then new money is printed in a place called a mint .Large sheets 01 paper are printed with many pictures of some currency .These large sheets are cut into individual bills.The individual bills are then put together in big stacks and then sent to banks.
Sometimes the mint will make a new bill with a new picture (portraits of statesman and places of interest are favoured) or a new colour. It is not easy for the government to make a new bill. It takes a long time, and there are many steps to go through before a new bill can be sent to banks, first, people m the government decide that a new kind of bill is needed Then, they ask and artist to design the new bill.A different artist cuts the new picture into a soft piece of metal called a die.The dies are made and put onto large printing machines.Then, very special paper is used, which no one but the mint can have.Along with this special paper, the mint also prints currency using special colours.After the dies print the new currency onto the paper, the bills are cut, stacked, and sent off to the banks. | [
"banks make new money",
"it takes 65 procedures to make new money",
"mints decide what kind of bill is needed",
"old money that is not used is forever stored in a special place"
] |
What is the passage mainly about? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
When I was four years old, I wanted nothing more in life than to play the piano. My best friend Betty had a piano. But Betty hardly played it at all. She would rather play hide-and-seek. It didn't seem fair.
One day my mother came to pick me up from Betty's house. "Watch this!" I told her. Then I ran to play a song I had learned that morning. I was so proud of what I'd learned. "That's nice, Jenny," she said. "But we can't afford a piano."
When I turned six, my mother bought me a recorder . The problem was that I didn't love the recorder. When I played the recorder, I didn't feel anything special inside. I asked my mother if we could have a piano. "We still can't afford one," she said. "One day, I promise."
In the sixth grade, my mother traded in the recorder for a real clarinet . I like the clarinet more, but it still wasn't a piano. It wasn't the music that was inside of me.
One day, when I was in the seventh grade, my mother cut an ad out of the newspaper. We drove to a stranger's home in Providence, Rhode Island. The woman had a beautiful, dark wood piano from Russia. It was called an upright piano because it was tall. It was so shiny that it looked like it was wet. "We'll take it," my mother said. "It has a nice sound."
After that, I played the piano every single day.When I left for school in the morning, I would leave the sheet music open on the piano. When I got home, I would walk straight to the piano and sit down and start playing the sheet music. I even played if I stayed home sick. I had finally found the music inside of me.
Do you struggle with music? Have you been given an instrument to play, but you just can't play it? Maybe you think you're just no good or that you don't have any musical talent. Don't get discouraged. It's not true! We all have music inside of us, even if it's just what we listen to. Now it's up to you to find the right way to set that music free.
Question:
What is the passage mainly about?
Choices:
A. How Jenny found the music inside of her.
B. What benefits Jenny got from making music.
C. How Jenny learned to play musical instruments.
D. What trouble Jenny had taking up music as a hobby. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle5457.txt | When I was four years old, I wanted nothing more in life than to play the piano. My best friend Betty had a piano. But Betty hardly played it at all. She would rather play hide-and-seek. It didn't seem fair.
One day my mother came to pick me up from Betty's house. "Watch this!" I told her. Then I ran to play a song I had learned that morning. I was so proud of what I'd learned. "That's nice, Jenny," she said. "But we can't afford a piano."
When I turned six, my mother bought me a recorder . The problem was that I didn't love the recorder. When I played the recorder, I didn't feel anything special inside. I asked my mother if we could have a piano. "We still can't afford one," she said. "One day, I promise."
In the sixth grade, my mother traded in the recorder for a real clarinet . I like the clarinet more, but it still wasn't a piano. It wasn't the music that was inside of me.
One day, when I was in the seventh grade, my mother cut an ad out of the newspaper. We drove to a stranger's home in Providence, Rhode Island. The woman had a beautiful, dark wood piano from Russia. It was called an upright piano because it was tall. It was so shiny that it looked like it was wet. "We'll take it," my mother said. "It has a nice sound."
After that, I played the piano every single day.When I left for school in the morning, I would leave the sheet music open on the piano. When I got home, I would walk straight to the piano and sit down and start playing the sheet music. I even played if I stayed home sick. I had finally found the music inside of me.
Do you struggle with music? Have you been given an instrument to play, but you just can't play it? Maybe you think you're just no good or that you don't have any musical talent. Don't get discouraged. It's not true! We all have music inside of us, even if it's just what we listen to. Now it's up to you to find the right way to set that music free. | [
"How Jenny found the music inside of her.",
"What benefits Jenny got from making music.",
"How Jenny learned to play musical instruments.",
"What trouble Jenny had taking up music as a hobby."
] |
What do we know about the kids who like asking questions? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Do your kids ask a lot of questions? If they do, that's great. Because that's how children learn. Some of these questions may be easy to answer. Others may be hard. And they want to get the right answers. Do your kids ask such questions?
*Why is the sky blue? Why is the sunset red?
*Why are leaves green?
*Why do leaves change color in autumn?
*How do airplanes fly?
Can you answer these questions? If not, don't worry. Though Science Made Simple can't help with all of life's important questions, it can help with those. In this fast changing world, the more your children know about science, the better.
Get the help you need now, and every month you can get Science Made Simple online for only $11.95 for 10 issues . Click here: questions @sciencemadesimple. Com for more information. Remember, if you are not happy with your first issue, we will give back all your money.
Question:
What do we know about the kids who like asking questions?
Choices:
A. They're clever but lazy.
B. They often ask easy questions.
C. They are good at subjects.
D. They want to get right answers. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle761.txt | Do your kids ask a lot of questions? If they do, that's great. Because that's how children learn. Some of these questions may be easy to answer. Others may be hard. And they want to get the right answers. Do your kids ask such questions?
*Why is the sky blue? Why is the sunset red?
*Why are leaves green?
*Why do leaves change color in autumn?
*How do airplanes fly?
Can you answer these questions? If not, don't worry. Though Science Made Simple can't help with all of life's important questions, it can help with those. In this fast changing world, the more your children know about science, the better.
Get the help you need now, and every month you can get Science Made Simple online for only $11.95 for 10 issues . Click here: questions @sciencemadesimple. Com for more information. Remember, if you are not happy with your first issue, we will give back all your money. | [
"They're clever but lazy.",
"They often ask easy questions.",
"They are good at subjects.",
"They want to get right answers."
] |
_ American parents disagree with the rule that students can't bring mobile phones to school. | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Have you felt annoyed when a mobile phone rings during the class? Something must be done to stop this. Now in New York City, USA, a rule is carried out* in schools. Students can't even bring mobile phones to school. Is it a good thing or not?
Anxious* parents say that mobile phones are an important tool* in holding New York City's families together.
"I worry about it," said Elizabeth Lorris Ritter, a mother of a middle school kid. "It's necessary in our everyday life. We have a washing machine*, we have running water, and we have mobile phones. A number of Americans think mobile phones connect* them to children on buses, getting out from subways, walking through unknown* places.
"I have her call me when she gets out school," said Lindsay Walt, a schoolgirl's mother. "No one in New York is going to let their children go to school without a mobile phone.
What about the mobile phone owners, the students? Most of the students said that mobile phones were necessary and the mobile phone was like an extra* hand or foot for them.
"I feel so bored," said May Chom, 14. "There is also no way to listen to music on the way to school without my phone. It will be a really, really boring trip.
Question:
_ American parents disagree with the rule that students can't bring mobile phones to school.
Choices:
A. Some.
B. Many
C. Few
D. No | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle1929.txt | Have you felt annoyed when a mobile phone rings during the class? Something must be done to stop this. Now in New York City, USA, a rule is carried out* in schools. Students can't even bring mobile phones to school. Is it a good thing or not?
Anxious* parents say that mobile phones are an important tool* in holding New York City's families together.
"I worry about it," said Elizabeth Lorris Ritter, a mother of a middle school kid. "It's necessary in our everyday life. We have a washing machine*, we have running water, and we have mobile phones. A number of Americans think mobile phones connect* them to children on buses, getting out from subways, walking through unknown* places.
"I have her call me when she gets out school," said Lindsay Walt, a schoolgirl's mother. "No one in New York is going to let their children go to school without a mobile phone.
What about the mobile phone owners, the students? Most of the students said that mobile phones were necessary and the mobile phone was like an extra* hand or foot for them.
"I feel so bored," said May Chom, 14. "There is also no way to listen to music on the way to school without my phone. It will be a really, really boring trip. | [
"Some.",
"Many",
"Few",
"No"
] |
The passage doesn't tell us whether the writer's father can _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
My father is seventy-five years old this year. But he looks very young. He looks like a sixty-year-old man. Now he can do everything all by himself. For example, he cooks, washes clothes, does the housework and so on.
Every morning, my father goes out with a radio. He listens to the music or the news and goes to the park to play taijiquan. In the park, he talks and laughs with other old people. After coming back from the park, he begins to have breakfast and then he goes to the university for the old. He learns drawing there. In the afternoon, he plays on the computer for about one or two hours. After supper he watches TV and learns about the world. He goes to bed at about eight o'clock. He never stays up. He likes to share his ways of keeping healthy with others.
Are you healthy? If not, what do you learn from my father's secret of keeping healthy?
,.
Question:
The passage doesn't tell us whether the writer's father can _ .
Choices:
A. play taijiquan
B. swim
C. wash clothes
D. cook | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle3654.txt | My father is seventy-five years old this year. But he looks very young. He looks like a sixty-year-old man. Now he can do everything all by himself. For example, he cooks, washes clothes, does the housework and so on.
Every morning, my father goes out with a radio. He listens to the music or the news and goes to the park to play taijiquan. In the park, he talks and laughs with other old people. After coming back from the park, he begins to have breakfast and then he goes to the university for the old. He learns drawing there. In the afternoon, he plays on the computer for about one or two hours. After supper he watches TV and learns about the world. He goes to bed at about eight o'clock. He never stays up. He likes to share his ways of keeping healthy with others.
Are you healthy? If not, what do you learn from my father's secret of keeping healthy?
,. | [
"play taijiquan",
"swim",
"wash clothes",
"cook"
] |
In addition to your favorite food in Ellen's Stardust Diner, you can also _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Visit New York City with your kids where there are numerous things to do which will entertain their spirits and feed their minds.
*The Whispering Gallery
Make your way to the Whispering Gallery. Kids can get a lot of fun there. Once inside the gallery, place one person facing the corner at one end of the room and then place another person facing the corner at the opposite end. Ask one of them to whisper a phrase or a quick sentence and the person at the opposite end will be able to hear every word that was said.
E.42nd St. New York, NY 10017
212-771-5322
grandcentralterminal.com
*American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History was founded in 1869. In addition to its impressive exhibits, permanent attractions bring the cool feeling to kids. They can enter the Fossil Halls and take in the impressive dinosaur skeletons. And the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life educates kids on the fragility of the ocean.
Central Park West at 79th St. New York, NY 10024
212-769-5606
amnh.org
*The Scholastic Store
Most parents want their children to read, and moreover, to enjoy reading. The Scholastic Store helps to make that wish a reality by publishing well-written stories that appeal to children, such as Clifford the Big Red Dog, the Magic School Bus and Harry Potter, the Scholastic Store will delight your children.
557 Broadway. New York, NY 10012
212-343-6100
scholastic.com
*Ellen's Stardust Diner
The restaurant is a place where each person in your family can find something to eat. A diverse menu will satisfy every one's appetite. Arugula salads, grilled cheese burgers and meatloaf are all on this varied menu. The hall of beauty queens, a drive-in theatre can add to the unique dining experience.
1650 Broadway, corner of 51st St. New York, NY 10019
212-956-5151
ellensstardustdiner.com
Question:
In addition to your favorite food in Ellen's Stardust Diner, you can also _ .
Choices:
A. make some good friends
B. meet many beautiful queens
C. receive the first-class service
D. enjoy some entertaining programs | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high3835.txt | Visit New York City with your kids where there are numerous things to do which will entertain their spirits and feed their minds.
*The Whispering Gallery
Make your way to the Whispering Gallery. Kids can get a lot of fun there. Once inside the gallery, place one person facing the corner at one end of the room and then place another person facing the corner at the opposite end. Ask one of them to whisper a phrase or a quick sentence and the person at the opposite end will be able to hear every word that was said.
E.42nd St. New York, NY 10017
212-771-5322
grandcentralterminal.com
*American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History was founded in 1869. In addition to its impressive exhibits, permanent attractions bring the cool feeling to kids. They can enter the Fossil Halls and take in the impressive dinosaur skeletons. And the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life educates kids on the fragility of the ocean.
Central Park West at 79th St. New York, NY 10024
212-769-5606
amnh.org
*The Scholastic Store
Most parents want their children to read, and moreover, to enjoy reading. The Scholastic Store helps to make that wish a reality by publishing well-written stories that appeal to children, such as Clifford the Big Red Dog, the Magic School Bus and Harry Potter, the Scholastic Store will delight your children.
557 Broadway. New York, NY 10012
212-343-6100
scholastic.com
*Ellen's Stardust Diner
The restaurant is a place where each person in your family can find something to eat. A diverse menu will satisfy every one's appetite. Arugula salads, grilled cheese burgers and meatloaf are all on this varied menu. The hall of beauty queens, a drive-in theatre can add to the unique dining experience.
1650 Broadway, corner of 51st St. New York, NY 10019
212-956-5151
ellensstardustdiner.com | [
"make some good friends",
"meet many beautiful queens",
"receive the first-class service",
"enjoy some entertaining programs"
] |
What type of organisms do not need blood? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What type of organisms do not need blood? | single-celled | science | null | null | null | marine | cold-blooded | vertebrate | single-celled | Single-celled organisms do not need blood. They obtain nutrients directly from and excrete wastes directly into their environment. The human organism cannot do that. Our large, complex bodies need blood to deliver nutrients to and remove wastes from our trillions of cells. The heart pumps blood throughout the body in a network of blood vessels. Together, these three components—blood, heart, and vessels—makes up the cardiovascular system. This chapter focuses on the medium of transport: blood. | null | null | null |
Mark Twain left school at 12 to _ | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Mark Twain left school when he was twelve. He had little school education but had to live. He made millions of dollars by writing whose real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens, but he is better known all over the world as Mark Twain, his penname.
Mark Twain was born in 1835 and he was not a healthy baby. In fact, he was not expected to live through the first winter. But with his mother's tender care, he managed to survive. As a boy, he caused much trouble for his parents.
After his father's death in 1847, Mark Twain began to work for a printer, who only provided him with food and clothing. Then, he worked as a printer, a river-boat pilot and later joined the army. But shortly after that he became a miner. During this period, he started to write short stories. Afterwards he became a full-time writer.
In 1870, Mark Twain got married. In the years that followed he wrote many books including Tom Sawyer in 1876, and Huckleberry Finn in 1884, which made him famous, and brought him a great fortune.
Unfortunately, Mark Twain got into debts in bad investments and he had to write large numbers of stories to pay these debts. In 1904, his wife died and then three of their children passed away.
At the age of 70, his hair was completely white. He bought many white suits and neckties. He wore nothing but white from head to foot until his death on April 21, 1910.(260 words)
Question:
Mark Twain left school at 12 to _
Choices:
A. write stories
B. make a living
C. join the army
D. work as a printer | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high13261.txt | Mark Twain left school when he was twelve. He had little school education but had to live. He made millions of dollars by writing whose real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens, but he is better known all over the world as Mark Twain, his penname.
Mark Twain was born in 1835 and he was not a healthy baby. In fact, he was not expected to live through the first winter. But with his mother's tender care, he managed to survive. As a boy, he caused much trouble for his parents.
After his father's death in 1847, Mark Twain began to work for a printer, who only provided him with food and clothing. Then, he worked as a printer, a river-boat pilot and later joined the army. But shortly after that he became a miner. During this period, he started to write short stories. Afterwards he became a full-time writer.
In 1870, Mark Twain got married. In the years that followed he wrote many books including Tom Sawyer in 1876, and Huckleberry Finn in 1884, which made him famous, and brought him a great fortune.
Unfortunately, Mark Twain got into debts in bad investments and he had to write large numbers of stories to pay these debts. In 1904, his wife died and then three of their children passed away.
At the age of 70, his hair was completely white. He bought many white suits and neckties. He wore nothing but white from head to foot until his death on April 21, 1910.(260 words) | [
"write stories",
"make a living",
"join the army",
"work as a printer"
] |
The author suggests that old people should _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
There are two dangers to be guarded against in old age. One of these is undue absorption in the past. It does not do to live in memories, in regrets for the good old days, or in sadness about friends who are dead. One's thoughts must be directed to the future and to things about which there is something to be done.
It is unwise to be too attached to the youth in the hope of sucking vigor from its vitality. When your children are grown up they want to live their own lives, and if you continue to be as interested in them as you were when they were young, you are likely to become a burden to them, unless they are cold to you.
I think that a successful old age is easiest for those who have strong impersonal interests involving appropriate activities. It is in this sphere that long experience is really fruitful, and it is in this sphere that the wisdom born of experience can be exercised without being oppressive. It is no use telling grown-up children not to make mistakes, both because they will not believe you, and because mistakes are an essential part of education. But if you are one of those who are incapable of impersonal interests, you may find that your life will be empty unless you concern yourself with you children and grandchildren. In that case you must realize that while you can still _ them material services, such as making them an allowance or knitting them jumpers, you must not expect that they will enjoy your company.
Some old people are afraid of death. But in fact the best way is to make your interests gradually wider and ore impersonal. An individual human existence should be like a river-small at fist, rushing passionately past rocks and over waterfalls. Gradually the river grows wider and the banks move back and in the end they become mixed in the sea without any visible break.
The old man who can see life in this way will not suffer from the fear of growing old and death.
Question:
The author suggests that old people should _ .
Choices:
A. develop impersonal interests with proper activities.
B. tell their children not to make mistakes
C. concern themselves with their children
D. not give their children an allowance | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high4264.txt | There are two dangers to be guarded against in old age. One of these is undue absorption in the past. It does not do to live in memories, in regrets for the good old days, or in sadness about friends who are dead. One's thoughts must be directed to the future and to things about which there is something to be done.
It is unwise to be too attached to the youth in the hope of sucking vigor from its vitality. When your children are grown up they want to live their own lives, and if you continue to be as interested in them as you were when they were young, you are likely to become a burden to them, unless they are cold to you.
I think that a successful old age is easiest for those who have strong impersonal interests involving appropriate activities. It is in this sphere that long experience is really fruitful, and it is in this sphere that the wisdom born of experience can be exercised without being oppressive. It is no use telling grown-up children not to make mistakes, both because they will not believe you, and because mistakes are an essential part of education. But if you are one of those who are incapable of impersonal interests, you may find that your life will be empty unless you concern yourself with you children and grandchildren. In that case you must realize that while you can still _ them material services, such as making them an allowance or knitting them jumpers, you must not expect that they will enjoy your company.
Some old people are afraid of death. But in fact the best way is to make your interests gradually wider and ore impersonal. An individual human existence should be like a river-small at fist, rushing passionately past rocks and over waterfalls. Gradually the river grows wider and the banks move back and in the end they become mixed in the sea without any visible break.
The old man who can see life in this way will not suffer from the fear of growing old and death. | [
"develop impersonal interests with proper activities.",
"tell their children not to make mistakes",
"concern themselves with their children",
"not give their children an allowance"
] |
What can we infer about the master according to the passage? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
There once was a master who went to India. In those times, we didn't have the communications or airplanes or many kinds of transportation that we do now. So the master went to India on foot. He had never been to India before; perhaps he came from Persia. And when he got there, he saw a lot of fruit. In India they have plenty of fruit to sell, but much of it is expensive because they can't grow much due to the water situation. So he saw one basket, a big basket of some very red, long fruit. And it was the cheapest in the shop, not expensive at all.
So he went up and asked, "How much per kilo?" And the shopkeeper said, "Two rupees ." Two rupees in India is nothing; it's like dirt. So he bought a whole kilogram of the fruit and started eating it. But after he ate some of it: Oh, my God! His eyes watered, his mouth watered and burned, his eyes were burning, his head was burning and his face became red. As he coughed and choked and gasped for breath, he jumped up and down, saying, "Ah! Ah! Ah!"But he still continued to eat the fruit! Some people who were looking at him shook their heads and said, "You're crazy, man. Those are chilies ! You can't eat so many; they're not good for you! People use them as a condiment , but only a little bit to put into food for taste. You can't just eat them by the handful like that; they're not fruit!" So the stupid master said, "No, I can't stop! I paid money for them, and now I'll eat them. It's my money!"
And you think that master was stupid, right? Similarly, we sometimes do a lot of things like that. We invest money, time or effort in a relationship, business or job. And even though it's been a long time, bitter experience tells us it won't work, and we know there's no more hope that things will change in the future -- this we definitely know by intuition -- we still continue just because we've invested money, time, effort and love into it. Just like the man who ate the chilies and suffered so much but couldn't stop because he didn't want to waste the money he'd paid.
Question:
What can we infer about the master according to the passage?
Choices:
A. He is very wise in spending his money.
B. He came from Persia with someone else.
C. He walked to India for the first time.
D. He is a very rich and honest man. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high9367.txt | There once was a master who went to India. In those times, we didn't have the communications or airplanes or many kinds of transportation that we do now. So the master went to India on foot. He had never been to India before; perhaps he came from Persia. And when he got there, he saw a lot of fruit. In India they have plenty of fruit to sell, but much of it is expensive because they can't grow much due to the water situation. So he saw one basket, a big basket of some very red, long fruit. And it was the cheapest in the shop, not expensive at all.
So he went up and asked, "How much per kilo?" And the shopkeeper said, "Two rupees ." Two rupees in India is nothing; it's like dirt. So he bought a whole kilogram of the fruit and started eating it. But after he ate some of it: Oh, my God! His eyes watered, his mouth watered and burned, his eyes were burning, his head was burning and his face became red. As he coughed and choked and gasped for breath, he jumped up and down, saying, "Ah! Ah! Ah!"But he still continued to eat the fruit! Some people who were looking at him shook their heads and said, "You're crazy, man. Those are chilies ! You can't eat so many; they're not good for you! People use them as a condiment , but only a little bit to put into food for taste. You can't just eat them by the handful like that; they're not fruit!" So the stupid master said, "No, I can't stop! I paid money for them, and now I'll eat them. It's my money!"
And you think that master was stupid, right? Similarly, we sometimes do a lot of things like that. We invest money, time or effort in a relationship, business or job. And even though it's been a long time, bitter experience tells us it won't work, and we know there's no more hope that things will change in the future -- this we definitely know by intuition -- we still continue just because we've invested money, time, effort and love into it. Just like the man who ate the chilies and suffered so much but couldn't stop because he didn't want to waste the money he'd paid. | [
"He is very wise in spending his money.",
"He came from Persia with someone else.",
"He walked to India for the first time.",
"He is a very rich and honest man."
] |
While filming near the water hole,the author and his team . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Recently I went to the Tsavo National Park in northern Kenya for a film. We set off early for a distant water hole. A huge elephant,covered with dry mud,drank calmly and deeply. He might have traveled 50 km to reach the water. He wasn-t going to hurry now. He-d drink a while and then rest in the shade, and then drink again-or so we thought. What actually happened was that he drank deeply and stepped away. Then he suddenly fell down. Within minutes he was dead.
We called animal doctor Jeremiah Poghon immediately. He removed the head of a poisoned arrow from the eLephant s body,and let out over 100 litters of pus -the result of the elephants meeting with a poacher months before.
Today's poacher shoots from a blind. He fires an arrow,covered with poison,into the body of an elephant. If the poacher is lucky,the elephant might die in an hour or two; if not,he might have to follow the elephant for days before it dies. Often the arrow head fails to kill the elephant at once-it doesn't mean the poison won't finally kill the elephant,but it will be a slow death. Living in Tsavo through these times,l could see the results of poaching from time to time.
When I think about the death of that elephant,what stays with me is the extraordinary silence after the shocking sound of his body hitting the ground. I took some comfort from the knowledge that as the dead body returned to the soil,some animals would benefit-but I couldn't escape the feeling that with the death of such a large animal,the world seemed a poorer and emptier place.
Question:
While filming near the water hole,the author and his team .
Choices:
A. knew the elephant was injured
B. found the elephant acted violently
C. tried their best to save the elephant
D. thought the elephant was in good condition | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high19194.txt | Recently I went to the Tsavo National Park in northern Kenya for a film. We set off early for a distant water hole. A huge elephant,covered with dry mud,drank calmly and deeply. He might have traveled 50 km to reach the water. He wasn-t going to hurry now. He-d drink a while and then rest in the shade, and then drink again-or so we thought. What actually happened was that he drank deeply and stepped away. Then he suddenly fell down. Within minutes he was dead.
We called animal doctor Jeremiah Poghon immediately. He removed the head of a poisoned arrow from the eLephant s body,and let out over 100 litters of pus -the result of the elephants meeting with a poacher months before.
Today's poacher shoots from a blind. He fires an arrow,covered with poison,into the body of an elephant. If the poacher is lucky,the elephant might die in an hour or two; if not,he might have to follow the elephant for days before it dies. Often the arrow head fails to kill the elephant at once-it doesn't mean the poison won't finally kill the elephant,but it will be a slow death. Living in Tsavo through these times,l could see the results of poaching from time to time.
When I think about the death of that elephant,what stays with me is the extraordinary silence after the shocking sound of his body hitting the ground. I took some comfort from the knowledge that as the dead body returned to the soil,some animals would benefit-but I couldn't escape the feeling that with the death of such a large animal,the world seemed a poorer and emptier place. | [
"knew the elephant was injured",
"found the elephant acted violently",
"tried their best to save the elephant",
"thought the elephant was in good condition"
] |
According to the passage, which of the following statements is TRUE? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
On the day Apple debuted the often-delayed white-colored iPhone 4, the company's marketing department gave a nod to the product's troubled history.
"Finally." read the big headline Thursday above a picture of the white phone on the homepage of Apple. com.
The white model was supposed to ship alongside the black one at the iPhone 4's launch last June. But design and manufacturing complications delayed the process by 10 months, catching Apple off guard, executives say.
As CNN reported last month, earlier test models of the white iPhone 4 produced unclear photos, especially when the flash was used. Its whiteness confused the proximity sensor , which detects when the phone is held next to someone's head and turns off the touch screen to save battery life.
These problems weren't present in older iPhones that came in white because they didn't have flash photography; the proximity sensor was unaffected because the front side of previous models was black.
"We thought we were there a year ago, or less than that, when we launched the iPhone 4, and we weren't," Philip Schiller, Apple's chief marketing executive, said in an interview. "It's not as simple as making something white. There's a lot more that goes into both the material science of it --how it holds up over time...but also in how it all works with the sensors. "
Ticonderoga Securities analyst Brian White predicts that the white model could help drive sales of Apple's phones. He says Apple could sell 1 million to 1. 5 million every three months until the next iPhone model is
, which is expected to be this fall.
Forty-five people were lined up at Apple's flagship New York store Thursday morning to buy white iPhones, according to a CNN Money report.
Question:
According to the passage, which of the following statements is TRUE?
Choices:
A. There are multi-colored models of iPhone 4.
B. The same design problems were also found in older white iPhones.
C. IPhone4 will be launched this fall.
D. Originally designers thought they could solve the problems before iPhone 4 was launched. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high15858.txt | On the day Apple debuted the often-delayed white-colored iPhone 4, the company's marketing department gave a nod to the product's troubled history.
"Finally." read the big headline Thursday above a picture of the white phone on the homepage of Apple. com.
The white model was supposed to ship alongside the black one at the iPhone 4's launch last June. But design and manufacturing complications delayed the process by 10 months, catching Apple off guard, executives say.
As CNN reported last month, earlier test models of the white iPhone 4 produced unclear photos, especially when the flash was used. Its whiteness confused the proximity sensor , which detects when the phone is held next to someone's head and turns off the touch screen to save battery life.
These problems weren't present in older iPhones that came in white because they didn't have flash photography; the proximity sensor was unaffected because the front side of previous models was black.
"We thought we were there a year ago, or less than that, when we launched the iPhone 4, and we weren't," Philip Schiller, Apple's chief marketing executive, said in an interview. "It's not as simple as making something white. There's a lot more that goes into both the material science of it --how it holds up over time...but also in how it all works with the sensors. "
Ticonderoga Securities analyst Brian White predicts that the white model could help drive sales of Apple's phones. He says Apple could sell 1 million to 1. 5 million every three months until the next iPhone model is
, which is expected to be this fall.
Forty-five people were lined up at Apple's flagship New York store Thursday morning to buy white iPhones, according to a CNN Money report. | [
"There are multi-colored models of iPhone 4.",
"The same design problems were also found in older white iPhones.",
"IPhone4 will be launched this fall.",
"Originally designers thought they could solve the problems before iPhone 4 was launched."
] |
What produces the centripetal force to keep the earth orbiting the sun? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What produces the centripetal force to keep the earth orbiting the sun? | gravity | science | null | null | null | weight | heat | motion | gravity | Centripetal force is, simply, the force that causes centripetal acceleration. Objects that move in uniform circular motion all have an acceleration toward the center of the circle and therefore, they must also suffer a force toward the center of the circle. That force is the centripetal force. For orbiting satellites, such as the moon orbiting the earth or the earth orbiting the sun, the centripetal force is produced by gravity. When an Olympic hammer thrower whirls a massive ball on a chain, the centripetal force is created by the athlete and transmitted by the chain. | null | null | null |
What can be inferred from the fact that Liang Kun had to resign his job according to the text? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
We chat with our colleagues all the time when we have lunch, gossip in the tearoom, or leave work together. Sharing your personal life brings you closer to your coworkers and builds trust within your team. But revealing too much about yourself to colleagues, managers or human resources staff can cause difficulties and even endanger your work.
It's important to keep the right balance between getting along with colleagues and maintaining your privacy. "Communication in the office is tricky and complicated. You can neither spread chatter, nor be too silent and shut yourself off from others," said Yang Yudan, deputy HR director at P&G.
According to her, there are several safe topics to talk about with colleagues during the break, such as the weather or movies. Women like to talk about makeup and clothing, while men are fond of sports and online games. But discussing your private life, such as relationship, habits or health conditions, is a potential minefield.
Liang Kun, 26, had to resign from his job at a trading company in Guangzhou last week after discussing his income with colleagues during a lunch break. "I didn't realize it was such a serious issue until a senior member of staff went to find the boss, asking why I got a higher salary than her," said Liang. "Then our HR told me that according to the employee handbook it is forbidden to talk about salary in the office." HR expert Yang also reminds us that paychecks are your own business. It is unwise to share this information with others, no matter how close you are.
To summarize, Yang advises office workers to be more aware of the image they project when talking to colleagues, "When you share your personal life, it will be recorded on your invisible resume and may slow down your career progressing."
Question:
What can be inferred from the fact that Liang Kun had to resign his job according to the text?
Choices:
A. It was unwise for him to share information with others.
B. He broke the rules made by the company.
C. He was such an honest person that he told the truth.
D. He treated his colleagues as family members. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high5965.txt | We chat with our colleagues all the time when we have lunch, gossip in the tearoom, or leave work together. Sharing your personal life brings you closer to your coworkers and builds trust within your team. But revealing too much about yourself to colleagues, managers or human resources staff can cause difficulties and even endanger your work.
It's important to keep the right balance between getting along with colleagues and maintaining your privacy. "Communication in the office is tricky and complicated. You can neither spread chatter, nor be too silent and shut yourself off from others," said Yang Yudan, deputy HR director at P&G.
According to her, there are several safe topics to talk about with colleagues during the break, such as the weather or movies. Women like to talk about makeup and clothing, while men are fond of sports and online games. But discussing your private life, such as relationship, habits or health conditions, is a potential minefield.
Liang Kun, 26, had to resign from his job at a trading company in Guangzhou last week after discussing his income with colleagues during a lunch break. "I didn't realize it was such a serious issue until a senior member of staff went to find the boss, asking why I got a higher salary than her," said Liang. "Then our HR told me that according to the employee handbook it is forbidden to talk about salary in the office." HR expert Yang also reminds us that paychecks are your own business. It is unwise to share this information with others, no matter how close you are.
To summarize, Yang advises office workers to be more aware of the image they project when talking to colleagues, "When you share your personal life, it will be recorded on your invisible resume and may slow down your career progressing." | [
"It was unwise for him to share information with others.",
"He broke the rules made by the company.",
"He was such an honest person that he told the truth.",
"He treated his colleagues as family members."
] |
What's the problem for some species moving up mountains? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Four decades ago a group of college students visited the mountains of Borneo to examine moth populations. Now a team of British scientists, including a member of the original trip, has returned to the same sites to repeat the survey. They have found that, due to rising temperatures, the insects now live 68 meters higher.
Global warming is forcing tropical species uphill to escape the rising temperatures at a rate of nearly 2 meters a year, the new study from Borneo suggests.
Since this was the only chance to repeat the original survey, the scientist did everything they could to do it exactly the same way, going at the same time of year, in July and August, using photographs to find the exact original sites of the moth traps.
"While this is the first study of insects, a few other studies of tropical species are starting to appear," said Thomas. "If you look across all those studies, you'll find the same results, and it's extremely difficult to think of any other explanation for them."
While some species might survive by finding places on the mountains with temperatures similar to those of their original habitats, others may run out of habitat on the rocky peaks, warns the study.
In a paper in the journal Naturein 2004, Thomas and 13 other experts analyzed the habitats of 1,100 species on five continents, and estimated that on average one quarter were at risk of extinction.
Last year a paper published in the Public Library of Science in the US warned that the risk of extinction in the tropics was becoming more and more serious. The authors, Jana and Steven Vamosi, estimated that 20-45% of tropical species were at risk of extinction.
Question:
What's the problem for some species moving up mountains?
Choices:
A. There'll be too little space.
B. The temperature will be much too low.
C. They will be at greater risk of extinction.
D. They'll find it hard to adapt to the environment. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high2881.txt | Four decades ago a group of college students visited the mountains of Borneo to examine moth populations. Now a team of British scientists, including a member of the original trip, has returned to the same sites to repeat the survey. They have found that, due to rising temperatures, the insects now live 68 meters higher.
Global warming is forcing tropical species uphill to escape the rising temperatures at a rate of nearly 2 meters a year, the new study from Borneo suggests.
Since this was the only chance to repeat the original survey, the scientist did everything they could to do it exactly the same way, going at the same time of year, in July and August, using photographs to find the exact original sites of the moth traps.
"While this is the first study of insects, a few other studies of tropical species are starting to appear," said Thomas. "If you look across all those studies, you'll find the same results, and it's extremely difficult to think of any other explanation for them."
While some species might survive by finding places on the mountains with temperatures similar to those of their original habitats, others may run out of habitat on the rocky peaks, warns the study.
In a paper in the journal Naturein 2004, Thomas and 13 other experts analyzed the habitats of 1,100 species on five continents, and estimated that on average one quarter were at risk of extinction.
Last year a paper published in the Public Library of Science in the US warned that the risk of extinction in the tropics was becoming more and more serious. The authors, Jana and Steven Vamosi, estimated that 20-45% of tropical species were at risk of extinction. | [
"There'll be too little space.",
"The temperature will be much too low.",
"They will be at greater risk of extinction.",
"They'll find it hard to adapt to the environment."
] |
The best title for this passage would be _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Internet use appears to cause a decline in psychological well-being , according to research at Carnegie Mellon University.
Even people who spent just a few hours a week on the Internet experienced more depression and loneliness than those who logged on less frequently, the two-year study showed. And it wasn't that people who were already feeling bad spent more time on the Internet, but that using the Net actually appeared to cause the bad feeling.
Researchers are puzzling over the results, which were completely contrary to their expectations. They expected that the net would prove socially healthier than television, since the Net allows users to choose their information and to communicate with others.
The fact that Internet use reduces time available for family and friends may account for the drop in well-being, researchers suggested. Faceless, bodiless "virtual" communication may be less psychologically satisfying than actual conversation, and the relationship formed through it may be shallower. Another possibility is that exposure to the wider world via the Net makes users less satisfied with their lives.
"But it's important to remember this is not about the technology _ ; it's about how it is used," says psychologist Christine Riley of Intel, one of the study's sponsors. "It really points to the need for considering social effects in terms of how you design applications and services for technology."
Question:
The best title for this passage would be _ .
Choices:
A. Internet may Cause Depression
B. The Dark Side of Internet
C. How to Use Technology Properly
D. The Importance of Psychological Well-being | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high14651.txt | Internet use appears to cause a decline in psychological well-being , according to research at Carnegie Mellon University.
Even people who spent just a few hours a week on the Internet experienced more depression and loneliness than those who logged on less frequently, the two-year study showed. And it wasn't that people who were already feeling bad spent more time on the Internet, but that using the Net actually appeared to cause the bad feeling.
Researchers are puzzling over the results, which were completely contrary to their expectations. They expected that the net would prove socially healthier than television, since the Net allows users to choose their information and to communicate with others.
The fact that Internet use reduces time available for family and friends may account for the drop in well-being, researchers suggested. Faceless, bodiless "virtual" communication may be less psychologically satisfying than actual conversation, and the relationship formed through it may be shallower. Another possibility is that exposure to the wider world via the Net makes users less satisfied with their lives.
"But it's important to remember this is not about the technology _ ; it's about how it is used," says psychologist Christine Riley of Intel, one of the study's sponsors. "It really points to the need for considering social effects in terms of how you design applications and services for technology." | [
"Internet may Cause Depression",
"The Dark Side of Internet",
"How to Use Technology Properly",
"The Importance of Psychological Well-being"
] |
Which of the following words can best describe a manager's image in the author's mind? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
In prison you spend the majority of your time in an 8*10 cell. At work you spend most of your time in a 6*8 cubicle . In prison you get three meals a day. At work you only get a break for one meal and you have to pay for it. In prison you get time off for good behavior. At work you get rewarded for good behavior with more work.
In prison a guard locks and unlocks all the doors for you. At work you carry around a security card and unlock and open all doors yourself. In prison you can watch TV and play games. At work you get fired for watching TV and playing games (or being on the Internet). In prison you get your own toilet. At work you have to share. In prison they allow your family and friends to visit. At work you cannot even speak to your family and friends.
In prison all expenses are paid by taxpayers with no work required. At work you get to pay all the expenses to go to work and then they deduct taxes from your salary to pay for prisoners. In prison you spend most of your life looking through bars , waiting to get out. At work you spend most of your time waiting to get out and inside bars. In prison there are wardens who are often sadistic . At work they are called managers.
Question:
Which of the following words can best describe a manager's image in the author's mind?
Choices:
A. Cruel.
B. Strict.
C. Kind.
D. Serious. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high23532.txt | In prison you spend the majority of your time in an 8*10 cell. At work you spend most of your time in a 6*8 cubicle . In prison you get three meals a day. At work you only get a break for one meal and you have to pay for it. In prison you get time off for good behavior. At work you get rewarded for good behavior with more work.
In prison a guard locks and unlocks all the doors for you. At work you carry around a security card and unlock and open all doors yourself. In prison you can watch TV and play games. At work you get fired for watching TV and playing games (or being on the Internet). In prison you get your own toilet. At work you have to share. In prison they allow your family and friends to visit. At work you cannot even speak to your family and friends.
In prison all expenses are paid by taxpayers with no work required. At work you get to pay all the expenses to go to work and then they deduct taxes from your salary to pay for prisoners. In prison you spend most of your life looking through bars , waiting to get out. At work you spend most of your time waiting to get out and inside bars. In prison there are wardens who are often sadistic . At work they are called managers. | [
"Cruel.",
"Strict.",
"Kind.",
"Serious."
] |
What does the passage mainly tell us? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
For many men, the idea that they have a better sense of direction than women has been improved by a scientific study.
Researchers from Norway scanned on the brains of volunteers as they completed navigation tasks to discover men are more skillful at finding their way because they use a separate part of their brain. According to lead researcher Dr. Cal Pintzka from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), men and women have different navigational strategies.
Med use basic directions--the use of north, south, east and west--during navigation to a greater degree. Men's sense of direction was more effective. They quite simply got to their destination faster. "If they're going to the Students Society building in Trodheim, for example, men usually go into the general direction where it is located." Dr. Pintzka explained.
Women usually orient themselves along a route to get there, for example, go past the hairdresser and then up the street and turn right after the shore.
The study shows that using the basic directions is more efficient because it is a more flexible strategy. The destination can be reached faster because the strategy depends less on where you start.
Meanwhile, the study also shows both men and women use large areas of the brain when they navigate, but some areas were different. The man used the hippocampus more, whereas women use their frontal areas to a greater extent. That degrees with the fact that the hippocampus is necessary to make use of basic directions. Losing one's sense of direction is one of the first symptoms in Alzheimer's disease.
Understanding how men and women use different brain areas and strategies to navigate, researchers will be able to enhance the understand of the disease's development, and develop coping strategies for those already affected.
Question:
What does the passage mainly tell us?
Choices:
A. Getting to the destination is no more a difficult thing.
B. Men have a better sense of direction than women.
C. Alzheimer's disease can be prevented effectively.
D. Hippocampus is playing a key role in navigation. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high13535.txt | For many men, the idea that they have a better sense of direction than women has been improved by a scientific study.
Researchers from Norway scanned on the brains of volunteers as they completed navigation tasks to discover men are more skillful at finding their way because they use a separate part of their brain. According to lead researcher Dr. Cal Pintzka from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), men and women have different navigational strategies.
Med use basic directions--the use of north, south, east and west--during navigation to a greater degree. Men's sense of direction was more effective. They quite simply got to their destination faster. "If they're going to the Students Society building in Trodheim, for example, men usually go into the general direction where it is located." Dr. Pintzka explained.
Women usually orient themselves along a route to get there, for example, go past the hairdresser and then up the street and turn right after the shore.
The study shows that using the basic directions is more efficient because it is a more flexible strategy. The destination can be reached faster because the strategy depends less on where you start.
Meanwhile, the study also shows both men and women use large areas of the brain when they navigate, but some areas were different. The man used the hippocampus more, whereas women use their frontal areas to a greater extent. That degrees with the fact that the hippocampus is necessary to make use of basic directions. Losing one's sense of direction is one of the first symptoms in Alzheimer's disease.
Understanding how men and women use different brain areas and strategies to navigate, researchers will be able to enhance the understand of the disease's development, and develop coping strategies for those already affected. | [
"Getting to the destination is no more a difficult thing.",
"Men have a better sense of direction than women.",
"Alzheimer's disease can be prevented effectively.",
"Hippocampus is playing a key role in navigation."
] |
In order to take advantage of smart home technology, people _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
In the near future, all housework will be done without having a robot maid. Smart home technology will allow all sorts of electronics and appliances to be able to communicate with each other and perform various tasks. Whenever someone wants to have a snack, but does not feel like making something, why not have the refrigerator suggest something based on what it has inside of it. Not only that, it would communicate with the microwave to prepare the cooking power and time for that particular dish.
Nearly all major appliances in the future will take advantage of this technology through home networks and the Internet. Smart home technology is a way for ordinary electronics and appliances to communicate with each other, consumers, and even manufacturers. Many consider a smart home to be one that is networked. Others feel it is a home that has appliances that will allow the consumer to do little or no work, but a smart home really is all of that combined, and more. Not only will all consumer products be networked, but they will also make life easier and more entertaining. Smart home technology is currently being developed and carried out for all rooms in the house, in particular the kitchen and the living room.
Many of today's products are becoming "smart." Kitchen refrigerators, microwaves, and stoves are using this technology. Even washers and dryers have the technology today to be more automated to fit people's needs. Products in the bathroom will even start to use smart home technology. Electric razors, toilets, and showers will have some sort of automation built in. Smart home technology is still in its early stages but will soon make a great effect on everyone's lives.
Question:
In order to take advantage of smart home technology, people _ .
Choices:
A. only need ordinary electronics and appliances
B. have to buy consumer products from a special manufacturer
C. have to buy their appliances on the Internet
D. make their electronics and appliances smart first | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high20821.txt | In the near future, all housework will be done without having a robot maid. Smart home technology will allow all sorts of electronics and appliances to be able to communicate with each other and perform various tasks. Whenever someone wants to have a snack, but does not feel like making something, why not have the refrigerator suggest something based on what it has inside of it. Not only that, it would communicate with the microwave to prepare the cooking power and time for that particular dish.
Nearly all major appliances in the future will take advantage of this technology through home networks and the Internet. Smart home technology is a way for ordinary electronics and appliances to communicate with each other, consumers, and even manufacturers. Many consider a smart home to be one that is networked. Others feel it is a home that has appliances that will allow the consumer to do little or no work, but a smart home really is all of that combined, and more. Not only will all consumer products be networked, but they will also make life easier and more entertaining. Smart home technology is currently being developed and carried out for all rooms in the house, in particular the kitchen and the living room.
Many of today's products are becoming "smart." Kitchen refrigerators, microwaves, and stoves are using this technology. Even washers and dryers have the technology today to be more automated to fit people's needs. Products in the bathroom will even start to use smart home technology. Electric razors, toilets, and showers will have some sort of automation built in. Smart home technology is still in its early stages but will soon make a great effect on everyone's lives. | [
"only need ordinary electronics and appliances",
"have to buy consumer products from a special manufacturer",
"have to buy their appliances on the Internet",
"make their electronics and appliances smart first"
] |
To children their fathers are usually very _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Children, especially boys, tend to idealise their fathers when they are young.Every little boy wants to grow up to be just like his father, and every little girl thinks her father is the smartest man on the earth. It's not very easy to be a good father, but it's not that difficult either. Children will truly enjoy spending time with their fathers, not just when they are kids, but even when they are adults.
Not all children communicate well with their fathers. Communication is often left to mothers, while fathers dispense advice as and when necessary. Don't expect all conversations to centre around the dinner table. Go to your children's bedrooms and talk to them about school, their teachers or their friends. Remember that the conversation cannot be one-sided. When your children open up to you, you also need to open up to them.
If your children come home from school feeling upset, go up to them and ask them what is the matter. And if it is something which seems to you to be a silly reason to be upset, don't voice your opinion. It may be silly to you, but to your children it is important enough. So don't wave the topic away by telling them not to bother about such stupid things. Simply discussing their problems with them will help them feel better.
Don't shy away from having discussions about your teenage children's love lives. Generally speaking, your children are definitely not going to discuss _ details with you. Try to let them know that you are relaxed about topics on love. Tell your children how you met your wife. It is perfectly normal for children to go through feelings for the opposite sex as they grow up, and by keeping the topic closed for discussion, you are only shutting them off from discussing their feelings with you. All they will do is turn to their friends.
Question:
To children their fathers are usually very _ .
Choices:
A. important
B. great
C. serious
D. strong | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high12365.txt | Children, especially boys, tend to idealise their fathers when they are young.Every little boy wants to grow up to be just like his father, and every little girl thinks her father is the smartest man on the earth. It's not very easy to be a good father, but it's not that difficult either. Children will truly enjoy spending time with their fathers, not just when they are kids, but even when they are adults.
Not all children communicate well with their fathers. Communication is often left to mothers, while fathers dispense advice as and when necessary. Don't expect all conversations to centre around the dinner table. Go to your children's bedrooms and talk to them about school, their teachers or their friends. Remember that the conversation cannot be one-sided. When your children open up to you, you also need to open up to them.
If your children come home from school feeling upset, go up to them and ask them what is the matter. And if it is something which seems to you to be a silly reason to be upset, don't voice your opinion. It may be silly to you, but to your children it is important enough. So don't wave the topic away by telling them not to bother about such stupid things. Simply discussing their problems with them will help them feel better.
Don't shy away from having discussions about your teenage children's love lives. Generally speaking, your children are definitely not going to discuss _ details with you. Try to let them know that you are relaxed about topics on love. Tell your children how you met your wife. It is perfectly normal for children to go through feelings for the opposite sex as they grow up, and by keeping the topic closed for discussion, you are only shutting them off from discussing their feelings with you. All they will do is turn to their friends. | [
"important",
"great",
"serious",
"strong"
] |
Which of the following do you think has been discussed in the part before this selection? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Without proper planning,tourism can cause problems.For example,too many tourists can crowd public places that are also enjoyed by the inhabitants of the country.If tourists create too much traffic,the inhabitants become annoyed and unhappy.They begin to dislike tourists and to treat them impolitely.They forget how much tourism can help the country's economy.It is important to think about the people of a destination country and how tourism affects them.Tourism should help a country keep the customs and beauty that attract tourists.Tourism should also advance the wealth and happiness of local
.
Too much tourism can be a problem.If tourism grows too quickly,people must leave other jobs to work in the tourism industry.This means that other parts of the country's economy can suffer.
On the other hand,if there is not enough tourism,people can lose jobs.Businesses can also lose money.It costs a great deal of money to build large hotels.Airports,first-class roads,and other support facilities needed by tourist attractions.For example,a major international class tourism hotel can cost as much as 50 thousand dollars per room to build.If this room is not used most of the time,the owners of the hotel will lose money.
Building a hotel is just a beginning.There must be many other support facilities as well,including roads to get to the hotel,electricity,sewers to handle waste,and water.All of these support facilities cost money.If they are not used because there are not enough tourists,jobs and money are lost.
Question:
Which of the following do you think has been discussed in the part before this selection?
Choices:
A. It is extremely important to develop tourism.
B. Building roads and hotels is important.
C. Support facilities are highly necessary.
D. Planning is of great importance to tourism. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high15744.txt | Without proper planning,tourism can cause problems.For example,too many tourists can crowd public places that are also enjoyed by the inhabitants of the country.If tourists create too much traffic,the inhabitants become annoyed and unhappy.They begin to dislike tourists and to treat them impolitely.They forget how much tourism can help the country's economy.It is important to think about the people of a destination country and how tourism affects them.Tourism should help a country keep the customs and beauty that attract tourists.Tourism should also advance the wealth and happiness of local
.
Too much tourism can be a problem.If tourism grows too quickly,people must leave other jobs to work in the tourism industry.This means that other parts of the country's economy can suffer.
On the other hand,if there is not enough tourism,people can lose jobs.Businesses can also lose money.It costs a great deal of money to build large hotels.Airports,first-class roads,and other support facilities needed by tourist attractions.For example,a major international class tourism hotel can cost as much as 50 thousand dollars per room to build.If this room is not used most of the time,the owners of the hotel will lose money.
Building a hotel is just a beginning.There must be many other support facilities as well,including roads to get to the hotel,electricity,sewers to handle waste,and water.All of these support facilities cost money.If they are not used because there are not enough tourists,jobs and money are lost. | [
"It is extremely important to develop tourism.",
"Building roads and hotels is important.",
"Support facilities are highly necessary.",
"Planning is of great importance to tourism."
] |
Carlos _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Are you looking for something fun? Would you like to help other people in your free time? Then join us and be a volunteer .
We have volunteer jobs for people of all ages. Anyone, between the age of 12 and 80, can become a volunteer.
You can help people in many ways. Nursing homes need volunteers to take care of old people. Hospitals need volunteers to look after children while their parents see a doctor. Animal lovers can help take care of those dogs and cats without homes. There is something that out volunteers want to tell you.
"As a volunteer, I don't want to get anything. Seeing the children's happy faces, I am happy, too." said Carlos, an old woman of 62.
" I often played computer games in my free time before. Now I help middle-aged people learn how to use computers." said another volunteer at the age of 18.
If everyone gives a hand, we'll have a better world to live in.
Interested? Call us on 1-800-555-5756 or visit our website: www.active.com.
Question:
Carlos _ .
Choices:
A. wants to get something as a volunteer.
B. likes playing computer games.
C. like her work as a volunteer very much.
D. Is helping middle-aged people learn how to use computers. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle609.txt | Are you looking for something fun? Would you like to help other people in your free time? Then join us and be a volunteer .
We have volunteer jobs for people of all ages. Anyone, between the age of 12 and 80, can become a volunteer.
You can help people in many ways. Nursing homes need volunteers to take care of old people. Hospitals need volunteers to look after children while their parents see a doctor. Animal lovers can help take care of those dogs and cats without homes. There is something that out volunteers want to tell you.
"As a volunteer, I don't want to get anything. Seeing the children's happy faces, I am happy, too." said Carlos, an old woman of 62.
" I often played computer games in my free time before. Now I help middle-aged people learn how to use computers." said another volunteer at the age of 18.
If everyone gives a hand, we'll have a better world to live in.
Interested? Call us on 1-800-555-5756 or visit our website: www.active.com. | [
"wants to get something as a volunteer.",
"likes playing computer games.",
"like her work as a volunteer very much.",
"Is helping middle-aged people learn how to use computers."
] |
The anatomy of primate eyes shows they tend to rely more on vision than what sense, which is dominant in many other mammals? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | The anatomy of primate eyes shows they tend to rely more on vision than what sense, which is dominant in many other mammals? | smell | science | null | null | null | hearing | taste | touch | smell | Primates usually rely more on the sense of vision rather than the sense of smell, which is the dominant sense in many other mammals. The importance of vision in primates is reflected by the bony socket that surrounds and protects the primate eye. Primates have widely spaced eyes in the same plane that give them stereoscopic (3-D) vision, needed for judging distances. Some primates, including humans, have also evolved color vision. | null | null | null |
What message did Locke express in his first speech in Beijing? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Gary Locke, 61, who comes from a Chinese background and even looks Chinese, become the new US ambassador to China.
"I can think of nobody who is more qualified than Gary Locke." President Obama said. Locke's new position is clearly a sign that US President is trying to improve relations with China.
When he made his first speech to the Chinese press in Beijing, Locke said, " I think, being a Chinese-American, I have a greater understanding of the US government."
Before becoming ambassador to China, Locke was US secretary of commerce . This means he has plenty of trade experience, which will be useful in building economic links between the two countries.
Locke's grandfather went to the United States over a century ago to work as a houseboy for a family in Washington State in exchange for English lessons. His father moved to US as a teenager.
"I'm going back to the birthplace of my grandfather, my father and my mom, and I'll be doing so as a devoted diplomat for America, the country where I was born and raised," Locke said.
,A.B.C.D . (4;1.5,6)
Question:
What message did Locke express in his first speech in Beijing?
Choices:
A. He is proud of his parents and his grandfather.
B. He will work for both China and the United States.
C. He will represent the US government.
D. He was still not ready for his new job. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high23330.txt | Gary Locke, 61, who comes from a Chinese background and even looks Chinese, become the new US ambassador to China.
"I can think of nobody who is more qualified than Gary Locke." President Obama said. Locke's new position is clearly a sign that US President is trying to improve relations with China.
When he made his first speech to the Chinese press in Beijing, Locke said, " I think, being a Chinese-American, I have a greater understanding of the US government."
Before becoming ambassador to China, Locke was US secretary of commerce . This means he has plenty of trade experience, which will be useful in building economic links between the two countries.
Locke's grandfather went to the United States over a century ago to work as a houseboy for a family in Washington State in exchange for English lessons. His father moved to US as a teenager.
"I'm going back to the birthplace of my grandfather, my father and my mom, and I'll be doing so as a devoted diplomat for America, the country where I was born and raised," Locke said.
,A.B.C.D . (4;1.5,6) | [
"He is proud of his parents and his grandfather.",
"He will work for both China and the United States.",
"He will represent the US government.",
"He was still not ready for his new job."
] |
What advice does the author give to college students? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The question of whether our government should promote science and technology or the liberal arts in higher education isn't an either/or proposition ,although the current emphasis on preparing young Americans for STEM(science,technology,engineering,maths)-related fields can make it seem that way.
The latest congressional report acknowledges the critical importance of technical training,but also states firmly that the study of the humanities and social sciences must remain central components of America's educational system at all levels.Both are critical to producing citizens who can participate effectively in our democratic society,become creative leaders,and benefit from the spiritual enrichment that the reflection on the great ideas of mankind over time provides.
Parents and students who have invested heavily in higher education worry about graduates' job prospects as technological advances and changes in domestic and global markets transform professions in ways that reduce wages and cut jobs.Under these circumstances,it's natural to look for what may appear to be the most "practical" way out of the problem "Major in a subject designed to get you a job" seems the obvious answer to some,though this ignores the fact that many disciplines in the humanities characterized as "soft" often,in fact,lead to employment and success in the long run.Indeed,according to surveys,employers have expressed a preference for students who have received a broadly-based education that has taught them to write well,think critically,research creatively,and communicate easily.
Moreover,students should be prepared not just for their first job,but for their 4th and 5th jobs,as there's little reason to doubt that people entering the workforce today will be called upon to play many different roles over the course of their careers.The ones who will do the best in this new environment will be those whose educations have prepared them to be flexible.The ability to draw upon every available tool and insight--picked up from science,arts,and technology--to solve the problems of the future,and take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves,will be helpful to them and the United States.
Question:
What advice does the author give to college students?
Choices:
A. Seize opportunities to explore their potential.
B. Try to take a variety of practical courses.
C. Adopt a flexible approach to solving problems.
D. catch asmany chances as possible to change their jobs. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high12572.txt | The question of whether our government should promote science and technology or the liberal arts in higher education isn't an either/or proposition ,although the current emphasis on preparing young Americans for STEM(science,technology,engineering,maths)-related fields can make it seem that way.
The latest congressional report acknowledges the critical importance of technical training,but also states firmly that the study of the humanities and social sciences must remain central components of America's educational system at all levels.Both are critical to producing citizens who can participate effectively in our democratic society,become creative leaders,and benefit from the spiritual enrichment that the reflection on the great ideas of mankind over time provides.
Parents and students who have invested heavily in higher education worry about graduates' job prospects as technological advances and changes in domestic and global markets transform professions in ways that reduce wages and cut jobs.Under these circumstances,it's natural to look for what may appear to be the most "practical" way out of the problem "Major in a subject designed to get you a job" seems the obvious answer to some,though this ignores the fact that many disciplines in the humanities characterized as "soft" often,in fact,lead to employment and success in the long run.Indeed,according to surveys,employers have expressed a preference for students who have received a broadly-based education that has taught them to write well,think critically,research creatively,and communicate easily.
Moreover,students should be prepared not just for their first job,but for their 4th and 5th jobs,as there's little reason to doubt that people entering the workforce today will be called upon to play many different roles over the course of their careers.The ones who will do the best in this new environment will be those whose educations have prepared them to be flexible.The ability to draw upon every available tool and insight--picked up from science,arts,and technology--to solve the problems of the future,and take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves,will be helpful to them and the United States. | [
"Seize opportunities to explore their potential.",
"Try to take a variety of practical courses.",
"Adopt a flexible approach to solving problems.",
"catch asmany chances as possible to change their jobs."
] |
In England, people prefer to eat _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Have you wondered about the amount of time we spend talking about food and been surprised? We are always asking questions such as "Have you ever eaten?" and "What did you have for lunch?"Yet, if you travel from one country to another, you might find that other nations think differently about food. People plan to think that what they eat is normal and what everyone else eats is strange. In most parts of Asia, for example, no meal is complete without rice but in England, rice is the exception and people prefer to eat potatoes, in the Middle East, bread accompanies every meal.
Eating, like so many things we do, becomes a habit that is difficult to change. The Americans seem to like drinking lots of orange juice and coffee; the English prefer to drink tea four or five times a day; the Australians prefer to drink a lot of beer; the French, like wine every day.
People in different countries also like eating different kinds of meat and even within countries, different regions will have different likes and dislikes, especially in large countries like China and the former Soviet Union. In Hong Kong and the south of China, some people enjoy eating snakes but in the north of China, most people refuse to eat them. The French think that horse meat is delicious but most English people are terrified at the thought of eating it. The New Zealanders eat a lot of lamb and mutton, but never goat. The Japanese say that they do not like eating lamb and mutton because of their smell, but that they really enjoy eating raw fish more than anything else.
So it seems that there is often very little common sense about what is nicest to eat or drink in different parts of the world although we may talk on the subject of food for hours. However, as people everywhere enjoy eating what they have always eaten, there seems very little point in trying to change traditional eating habits.
Question:
In England, people prefer to eat _ .
Choices:
A. rice
B. potatoes
C. corn
D. bread | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high9649.txt | Have you wondered about the amount of time we spend talking about food and been surprised? We are always asking questions such as "Have you ever eaten?" and "What did you have for lunch?"Yet, if you travel from one country to another, you might find that other nations think differently about food. People plan to think that what they eat is normal and what everyone else eats is strange. In most parts of Asia, for example, no meal is complete without rice but in England, rice is the exception and people prefer to eat potatoes, in the Middle East, bread accompanies every meal.
Eating, like so many things we do, becomes a habit that is difficult to change. The Americans seem to like drinking lots of orange juice and coffee; the English prefer to drink tea four or five times a day; the Australians prefer to drink a lot of beer; the French, like wine every day.
People in different countries also like eating different kinds of meat and even within countries, different regions will have different likes and dislikes, especially in large countries like China and the former Soviet Union. In Hong Kong and the south of China, some people enjoy eating snakes but in the north of China, most people refuse to eat them. The French think that horse meat is delicious but most English people are terrified at the thought of eating it. The New Zealanders eat a lot of lamb and mutton, but never goat. The Japanese say that they do not like eating lamb and mutton because of their smell, but that they really enjoy eating raw fish more than anything else.
So it seems that there is often very little common sense about what is nicest to eat or drink in different parts of the world although we may talk on the subject of food for hours. However, as people everywhere enjoy eating what they have always eaten, there seems very little point in trying to change traditional eating habits. | [
"rice",
"potatoes",
"corn",
"bread"
] |
What's the writer's attitude towards the new device? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
What will power your house in the future? According to scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US, it might be artificial leaves.
Natural leaves can change sunlight and water into energy. It is known as photosynthesis . Now researchers have found a way to imitate this process.
The artificial leaf developed by Daniel Nocera and his colleagues at MIT can be seen as a special silicon chip with catalysts . Similar to natural leaves, it can split water into hydrogen and oxygen when put into a bucket of water. The hydrogen and oxygen gases are then stored in a fuel cell, using those two materials to produce electricity, located either on top of a house or beside the house.
Though the leaf is shaped like a poker card, scientists stated that it is promising to be an inexpensive somtoe of electricity in developing countries. "One can imagine villages in India and Africa not long from now purchasing an affordable basic power system based on this technology," said an American scientist, Docera.
An artificial leaf is not a new idea. The first artificial leaf was invented in 1997 but too expensive and unstable for practical use. The new leaf, however, is made of cheap materials, easy to use and highly stable. In laboratory studies, Nocera showed that an artificial leaf could operate continuously for at least 45 hours.
The wonderful improvements come from Nocera's recent discovery of several powerful new, inexpensive catalysts. These catalysts make the energy transformation inside the leaf more efficient with water and sunlight. Right now, the new leaf is about 10 times more effective at carrying out photosynthesis than a natural one. Besides, the device can run in whatever water is available.
Hopefully, each home could possible have the access to the new application in the future.
Question:
What's the writer's attitude towards the new device?
Choices:
A. Negative.
B. Optimistic.
C. Doubtful.
D. Uncertain. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high21843.txt | What will power your house in the future? According to scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US, it might be artificial leaves.
Natural leaves can change sunlight and water into energy. It is known as photosynthesis . Now researchers have found a way to imitate this process.
The artificial leaf developed by Daniel Nocera and his colleagues at MIT can be seen as a special silicon chip with catalysts . Similar to natural leaves, it can split water into hydrogen and oxygen when put into a bucket of water. The hydrogen and oxygen gases are then stored in a fuel cell, using those two materials to produce electricity, located either on top of a house or beside the house.
Though the leaf is shaped like a poker card, scientists stated that it is promising to be an inexpensive somtoe of electricity in developing countries. "One can imagine villages in India and Africa not long from now purchasing an affordable basic power system based on this technology," said an American scientist, Docera.
An artificial leaf is not a new idea. The first artificial leaf was invented in 1997 but too expensive and unstable for practical use. The new leaf, however, is made of cheap materials, easy to use and highly stable. In laboratory studies, Nocera showed that an artificial leaf could operate continuously for at least 45 hours.
The wonderful improvements come from Nocera's recent discovery of several powerful new, inexpensive catalysts. These catalysts make the energy transformation inside the leaf more efficient with water and sunlight. Right now, the new leaf is about 10 times more effective at carrying out photosynthesis than a natural one. Besides, the device can run in whatever water is available.
Hopefully, each home could possible have the access to the new application in the future. | [
"Negative.",
"Optimistic.",
"Doubtful.",
"Uncertain."
] |
We can guess that the rest of the passage will tell us _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
On December 8, 1980, John Lennon -an English musician who rose to fame as one of the founding members of Liverpool pop band The Beatles - was shot dead outside his New York apartment.
In the 1960s and 70s, Lennon was one of the most iconic men on the planet. Some 30 years ago on from his death, he is still respected by many people in the West.
The Beatles, formed in 1960 in Liverpool, were one of the most commercial successful acts on the history of pop music, with, according to some estimates, global record sales over 1.1 billion.
The band conveyed the progressive ideals in which many young people of the time believed.
In the 1960s and 70s, widespread tension developed in both British and American society, regarding issues such as women's rights and the Vietnam War.
Lennon in particular became known for his message of peace and for his opposition to the war in Vietnam. This led to an attempt by former US president Richard Nixon to drive him away from the US. Lennon's second-wife Yoko Ono was also politically active.
Lennon was also hugely admired for his musical abilities. Along with fellow-Beatle Paul, Lennon and McCartney were the Beatle's song-writing team.
After Lennon was shot by crazy fan Mark Chapman,one of his most iconic songs, Imagine, became a humanist anthem .
Lennon's legacy survived his death and continued till this day. In 2008, he was ranked the fifth greater singer of all time in US-based Rolling Stone magazine.
Former possessions of Lennon or furnishings from his homes continue to be sold for vast sums.
In an auction to be held next week in London, lines written by Lennon on the back of a demand for an outstanding bill are expected to sell for PS350,000(3.7 million yuan).
In August, a bathroom from his last home in Britain, was auctioned for PS9,500. And in 2009, a British film describing his early years before the Beatles began, was one of the most successful films of the years in the UK.
But do Lennon and his music continue to resonate with the young people of today?
Question:
We can guess that the rest of the passage will tell us _ .
Choices:
A. why Lennon and his music are still popular with today's young people
B. why Lennon and his music spoil today's generations of young people
C. that today's generations of young people don't like Lennon's songs
D. that today's generations of young people like Lennon's songs better | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high11761.txt | On December 8, 1980, John Lennon -an English musician who rose to fame as one of the founding members of Liverpool pop band The Beatles - was shot dead outside his New York apartment.
In the 1960s and 70s, Lennon was one of the most iconic men on the planet. Some 30 years ago on from his death, he is still respected by many people in the West.
The Beatles, formed in 1960 in Liverpool, were one of the most commercial successful acts on the history of pop music, with, according to some estimates, global record sales over 1.1 billion.
The band conveyed the progressive ideals in which many young people of the time believed.
In the 1960s and 70s, widespread tension developed in both British and American society, regarding issues such as women's rights and the Vietnam War.
Lennon in particular became known for his message of peace and for his opposition to the war in Vietnam. This led to an attempt by former US president Richard Nixon to drive him away from the US. Lennon's second-wife Yoko Ono was also politically active.
Lennon was also hugely admired for his musical abilities. Along with fellow-Beatle Paul, Lennon and McCartney were the Beatle's song-writing team.
After Lennon was shot by crazy fan Mark Chapman,one of his most iconic songs, Imagine, became a humanist anthem .
Lennon's legacy survived his death and continued till this day. In 2008, he was ranked the fifth greater singer of all time in US-based Rolling Stone magazine.
Former possessions of Lennon or furnishings from his homes continue to be sold for vast sums.
In an auction to be held next week in London, lines written by Lennon on the back of a demand for an outstanding bill are expected to sell for PS350,000(3.7 million yuan).
In August, a bathroom from his last home in Britain, was auctioned for PS9,500. And in 2009, a British film describing his early years before the Beatles began, was one of the most successful films of the years in the UK.
But do Lennon and his music continue to resonate with the young people of today? | [
"why Lennon and his music are still popular with today's young people",
"why Lennon and his music spoil today's generations of young people",
"that today's generations of young people don't like Lennon's songs",
"that today's generations of young people like Lennon's songs better"
] |
A campaign is being launched in Berlin _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Opposition is growing to the Berlin Zoo's plans to find a new home for Knut, the moneymaking celebrity polar bear whose popularity has been exploited by environmentalists and even Canadian tourism promoters.
No longer cute, and just days before his second birthday, Knut will be given a new home that is expected to include a potential mating partner.
The Berlin Zoo, facing the global economic crisis, can't afford the estimated $ 13 million it would take to acquire a female and a new home for them to share. "It's time for him to go--the sooner he gets a new home the better," said senior bear keeper Heiner Kloes.
But some Berliners are beginning a campaign, collecting petition signatures and arguing that he's a tourist draw and a symbol as important as the Brandenburg Gate. "He means a lot to many people. When you're with him you forget your problems," Hartmut Wiedenroth, co-founder of the campaign, told Spiegel Online.
Knut became an international celebrity in 2007, drawing huge crowds to his cage and _ sales of thousands of Knut toys and Knut-shaped candies.
The Vancouver-based Canadian Tourism Commission made Knut a major part of its "Canada--Keep Exploring" campaign to draw tourists to the country-- and especially to polar bear country in northern Manitoba to see them in their natural habitat. Environmentalists also used the bear to promote the fight against global warming.
But Knut's popularity diminished as his size increased to 210 kilograms, He was photographed at one point snapping at a child near his cage. In September his keeper, Thomas Doerflein, died of a heart attack. Doerflein, who became a celebrity himself after nursing the tiny ball of white fur when Knut's mother rejected him, had been re-assigned shortly after Knut's first birthday. Some animal rights critics said Knut has been showing unusually aggressive behavior because of his unnatural upbringing.
Question:
A campaign is being launched in Berlin _ .
Choices:
A. in order to keep Knut in the zoo
B. by selling Knut-shaped candies
C. to draw tourists to northern Manitoba
D. to warn people of global warming | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high10059.txt | Opposition is growing to the Berlin Zoo's plans to find a new home for Knut, the moneymaking celebrity polar bear whose popularity has been exploited by environmentalists and even Canadian tourism promoters.
No longer cute, and just days before his second birthday, Knut will be given a new home that is expected to include a potential mating partner.
The Berlin Zoo, facing the global economic crisis, can't afford the estimated $ 13 million it would take to acquire a female and a new home for them to share. "It's time for him to go--the sooner he gets a new home the better," said senior bear keeper Heiner Kloes.
But some Berliners are beginning a campaign, collecting petition signatures and arguing that he's a tourist draw and a symbol as important as the Brandenburg Gate. "He means a lot to many people. When you're with him you forget your problems," Hartmut Wiedenroth, co-founder of the campaign, told Spiegel Online.
Knut became an international celebrity in 2007, drawing huge crowds to his cage and _ sales of thousands of Knut toys and Knut-shaped candies.
The Vancouver-based Canadian Tourism Commission made Knut a major part of its "Canada--Keep Exploring" campaign to draw tourists to the country-- and especially to polar bear country in northern Manitoba to see them in their natural habitat. Environmentalists also used the bear to promote the fight against global warming.
But Knut's popularity diminished as his size increased to 210 kilograms, He was photographed at one point snapping at a child near his cage. In September his keeper, Thomas Doerflein, died of a heart attack. Doerflein, who became a celebrity himself after nursing the tiny ball of white fur when Knut's mother rejected him, had been re-assigned shortly after Knut's first birthday. Some animal rights critics said Knut has been showing unusually aggressive behavior because of his unnatural upbringing. | [
"in order to keep Knut in the zoo",
"by selling Knut-shaped candies",
"to draw tourists to northern Manitoba",
"to warn people of global warming"
] |
Which word can best describe the author's feeling of the adventure? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Last summer I was lucky enough to participate in a volunteer adventure to Kenya, in association with Virgin Atlantic's Be the Change programme and children's charity, Free the Children. The moment I read the e-mail saying that I had been accepted into Free the Children's Virgin Atlantic scholarship trip to Kenya, I had no idea how much it was going to change my life. I thought the trip would be a great way to learn about life in one of the most rural areas of Kenya, but I never thought about how deeply I might be affected by this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
When we entered the Masai Mara, the first thing that struck me was how unbelievably beautiful it was. As I looked closer to it, I realized there was something even more beautiful: the people. I have never been to a place where the saying "the people are what make the place" was more true.
The way they wave at you excitedly as you drive past, shouting "Jambo, Jambo!" is something that I have never experienced. They are always smiling and welcoming and it made me realize that, if everyone were to act like this, the world would be a much happier place.
The most amazing thing about the trip was that we weren't treated like tourists for one second. We were able to experience every little detail. We built foundations, carried ten litres of water...
The one thing I will never forget is visiting Emorijoi Primary School. Let me describe it like this: As soon as you entered into the gate, you would hear someone shouting your name. Then you looked around and realized that it was the same little girl that you were playing football with the last time you visited.
There are literally no words to explain how much I miss Kenya. It feels like there is a piece of string attaching me to everyone that I met there. They will stay with me forever and always be in my heart.
Question:
Which word can best describe the author's feeling of the adventure?
Choices:
A. Calm
B. Unexpected
C. Upset
D. Threatened | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high10279.txt | Last summer I was lucky enough to participate in a volunteer adventure to Kenya, in association with Virgin Atlantic's Be the Change programme and children's charity, Free the Children. The moment I read the e-mail saying that I had been accepted into Free the Children's Virgin Atlantic scholarship trip to Kenya, I had no idea how much it was going to change my life. I thought the trip would be a great way to learn about life in one of the most rural areas of Kenya, but I never thought about how deeply I might be affected by this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
When we entered the Masai Mara, the first thing that struck me was how unbelievably beautiful it was. As I looked closer to it, I realized there was something even more beautiful: the people. I have never been to a place where the saying "the people are what make the place" was more true.
The way they wave at you excitedly as you drive past, shouting "Jambo, Jambo!" is something that I have never experienced. They are always smiling and welcoming and it made me realize that, if everyone were to act like this, the world would be a much happier place.
The most amazing thing about the trip was that we weren't treated like tourists for one second. We were able to experience every little detail. We built foundations, carried ten litres of water...
The one thing I will never forget is visiting Emorijoi Primary School. Let me describe it like this: As soon as you entered into the gate, you would hear someone shouting your name. Then you looked around and realized that it was the same little girl that you were playing football with the last time you visited.
There are literally no words to explain how much I miss Kenya. It feels like there is a piece of string attaching me to everyone that I met there. They will stay with me forever and always be in my heart. | [
"Calm",
"Unexpected",
"Upset",
"Threatened"
] |
What does Chaplin comedy depend on? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
About the year 1900, a dark-haired boy named Charlie Chaplin was often seen waiting outside the back entrances of London theatres. He looked thin and hurry. He was hoping to get work in show business. He could sing and dance, and above all, he knew how to make people laugh. But he couldn't get work and therefore wandered about the city streets. Sometimes he was sent away to a home for children who had no parents.
But twenty years later, this same Chaplin became the greatest, best-known, and best-loved comedian in the world. Any regular visitor to the cinema, must have seen some of Charlie Chaplin's films. People everywhere have sat and laughed at them until the tears ran down their faces. Even people who don't understand English can enjoy his films, because they are mostly silent. It isn't what he says that makes us laugh. His comedy doesn't depend upon words or language. It depends upon little actions which mean the thing to people all over the word. Acting out without words, of common human situations plays an important part in the dances and plays in many countries. It's a kind of the world language.
Chaplin lived most of his life in America and died in Switzerland on Christmas Day 1977, at the age of eighty-eight. There was sadness all over the world at the news of his death.
Question:
What does Chaplin comedy depend on?
Choices:
A. words and language
B. music and dance
C. story and background
D. action, a kind of the world language | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high8392.txt | About the year 1900, a dark-haired boy named Charlie Chaplin was often seen waiting outside the back entrances of London theatres. He looked thin and hurry. He was hoping to get work in show business. He could sing and dance, and above all, he knew how to make people laugh. But he couldn't get work and therefore wandered about the city streets. Sometimes he was sent away to a home for children who had no parents.
But twenty years later, this same Chaplin became the greatest, best-known, and best-loved comedian in the world. Any regular visitor to the cinema, must have seen some of Charlie Chaplin's films. People everywhere have sat and laughed at them until the tears ran down their faces. Even people who don't understand English can enjoy his films, because they are mostly silent. It isn't what he says that makes us laugh. His comedy doesn't depend upon words or language. It depends upon little actions which mean the thing to people all over the word. Acting out without words, of common human situations plays an important part in the dances and plays in many countries. It's a kind of the world language.
Chaplin lived most of his life in America and died in Switzerland on Christmas Day 1977, at the age of eighty-eight. There was sadness all over the world at the news of his death. | [
"words and language",
"music and dance",
"story and background",
"action, a kind of the world language"
] |
Which full moon should be called blue moon according to the original definition? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Once in a blue moon, there is one on New Year's Eve. Revelers ringing in 2010 will be treated to a so-called blue moon. According to popular definition, a blue moon is the second full moon in a month. But don't expect it to be blue - the name has nothing to do with the color of our closest celestial neighbor. A full moon occurred on December 2. It will appear again on Thursday in time for the New Year's countdown.
The New Year's Eve blue moon will be visible in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America and Africa. For partygoers in Australia and Asia, the full moon does not show up until New Year's Day, making January a blue moon month for them.
A full moon occurs every 29.5 days, and most years have 12. On average, an extra full moon in a month - a blue moon - occurs every 2.5 years. The last time there was a lunar double take was in May 2007. New Year's Eve blue moons are rarer, occurring every 19 years. The last time was in 1990; the next one won't come again until 2028.
"Blue moons have no astronomical significance," said Greg Laughlin, an astronomer at the University of California. "`Blue moon' is just a name in the same sense as a `hunter's moon'(a full moon in octorber) or a `harvest moon,'" Laughlin said in an e-mail.
The popular definition of blue moon came about after a writer for Sky & Telescope magazine in 1946 misinterpreted the Maine Farmer's Almanac and labeled a blue moon as the second full moon in a month. In fact, the almanac defined a blue moon as the third full moon in a season with four full moons.
Question:
Which full moon should be called blue moon according to the original definition?
Choices:
A. The second full moon in a month with two full moons.
B. The third full moon in a month with three full moons.
C. The second full moon in a season with four full moons.
D. The third full moon in a season with four full moons. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high3311.txt | Once in a blue moon, there is one on New Year's Eve. Revelers ringing in 2010 will be treated to a so-called blue moon. According to popular definition, a blue moon is the second full moon in a month. But don't expect it to be blue - the name has nothing to do with the color of our closest celestial neighbor. A full moon occurred on December 2. It will appear again on Thursday in time for the New Year's countdown.
The New Year's Eve blue moon will be visible in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America and Africa. For partygoers in Australia and Asia, the full moon does not show up until New Year's Day, making January a blue moon month for them.
A full moon occurs every 29.5 days, and most years have 12. On average, an extra full moon in a month - a blue moon - occurs every 2.5 years. The last time there was a lunar double take was in May 2007. New Year's Eve blue moons are rarer, occurring every 19 years. The last time was in 1990; the next one won't come again until 2028.
"Blue moons have no astronomical significance," said Greg Laughlin, an astronomer at the University of California. "`Blue moon' is just a name in the same sense as a `hunter's moon'(a full moon in octorber) or a `harvest moon,'" Laughlin said in an e-mail.
The popular definition of blue moon came about after a writer for Sky & Telescope magazine in 1946 misinterpreted the Maine Farmer's Almanac and labeled a blue moon as the second full moon in a month. In fact, the almanac defined a blue moon as the third full moon in a season with four full moons. | [
"The second full moon in a month with two full moons.",
"The third full moon in a month with three full moons.",
"The second full moon in a season with four full moons.",
"The third full moon in a season with four full moons."
] |
Percius has a collection of marbles. 40% of them are clear. 20% are black, and the remainder are all the other colors. A friend of his asks if he can take five marbles. On average, how many marbles of other colors will his friend end up getting? | 40% of the marbles are of other colors because 100 - 20 - 40 = <<100-20-40=40>>40
The friend will on average get 2 other colored marbles because 5 x .4 = <<5*.4=2>>2
#### 2 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | Percius has a collection of marbles. 40% of them are clear. 20% are black, and the remainder are all the other colors. A friend of his asks if he can take five marbles. On average, how many marbles of other colors will his friend end up getting? | 40% of the marbles are of other colors because 100 - 20 - 40 = <<100-20-40=40>>40
The friend will on average get 2 other colored marbles because 5 x .4 = <<5*.4=2>>2
#### 2 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
The hardest natural substance, diamond is a form of what element? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | The hardest natural substance, diamond is a form of what element? | carbon | science | null | null | null | hydrogen | zirconium | zenon | carbon | Diamond is a form of carbon in which each carbon atom is covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms. This forms a strong, rigid, three-dimensional structure (see Figure below ). Diamond is the hardest natural substance, and no other natural substance can scratch it. This property makes diamonds useful for cutting and grinding tools as well as for rings and other jewelry (see Figure below ). | null | null | null |
The rise in greenhouse gases has what effect on the temperature of earth? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | The rise in greenhouse gases has what effect on the temperature of earth? | it increases | science | null | null | null | it drops | no effect | more moderate | it increases | The rise in greenhouse gases due to human actions is too much of a good thing. It increases the greenhouse effect and causes Earth’s average temperature to rise. Rising global temperatures, in turn, are melting polar ice caps and glaciers. Figure below shows how much smaller the Arctic ice cap was in 2012 than it was in 1984. With more liquid water on Earth’s surface, sea levels are rising. | null | null | null |
What attitude does J.K. Rowling expect her readers to have towards Robert Galbraiths? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Sales of crime novel The Cuckoo's Calling have rocketed since its author Robert Galbraith was unmasked as JK Rowling, according to The Bookseller.
It said 17,662 hardback copies were sold between 14 and 20 July, up from just 43 copies the previous week, according to Nielsen BookScan data. The Cuckoo's Calling was the week's bestselling hardback novel, despite some booksellers running out of stock.
The Harry Potter author was identified in a newspaper article last week. On a website Rowling said 8,500 English language copies had been sold in all forms, including e-books, before her unmasking.
The author added that she had received two offers from television production companies. "The situation was becoming increasingly complicated, largely because Robert was doing rather better than we had expected him to," she said. "But we all still hoped to keep the secret a little longer. Robert's success during his first three months as a published writer (discounting sales made after I was found out) actually compares favourably with JK Rowling's success over the similar period of her career."
However, the Bookseller reported the hardback had sold fewer than 500 copies in its three-month period on sale before the Sunday Times' expose. The recent sales were not enough to send The Cuckoo's Calling to the top spot in the official UK top 50, instead landing it in third place.
The Rowling revelation coincided with the paperback release of The Casual Vacancy -- her first official post-Potter work--which sold 19,548 copies in the same week, making the book number two in the sales chart. Neither title managed to draw John Grisham's The Racketeer from the top of the chart, which shifted 24,222 copies -- a 19% drop on the previous week.
Elsewhere on the Robert Galbraith website, Rowling has revealed the reason she chose her pen name. She said she picked Robert because US senator Robert F Kennedy was her "hero" and she had never used the name in one of her earlier books.
"I can only hope all the real Robert Galbraiths out there will be as forgiving as the real Harry Potters have been," she wrote. A follow-up to The Cuckoo's Calling has been finished and should be published next year, the author added.
Question:
What attitude does J.K. Rowling expect her readers to have towards Robert Galbraiths?
Choices:
A. Complimentary.
B. Acceptable.
C. Sympathetic.
D. Skeptical. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high17782.txt | Sales of crime novel The Cuckoo's Calling have rocketed since its author Robert Galbraith was unmasked as JK Rowling, according to The Bookseller.
It said 17,662 hardback copies were sold between 14 and 20 July, up from just 43 copies the previous week, according to Nielsen BookScan data. The Cuckoo's Calling was the week's bestselling hardback novel, despite some booksellers running out of stock.
The Harry Potter author was identified in a newspaper article last week. On a website Rowling said 8,500 English language copies had been sold in all forms, including e-books, before her unmasking.
The author added that she had received two offers from television production companies. "The situation was becoming increasingly complicated, largely because Robert was doing rather better than we had expected him to," she said. "But we all still hoped to keep the secret a little longer. Robert's success during his first three months as a published writer (discounting sales made after I was found out) actually compares favourably with JK Rowling's success over the similar period of her career."
However, the Bookseller reported the hardback had sold fewer than 500 copies in its three-month period on sale before the Sunday Times' expose. The recent sales were not enough to send The Cuckoo's Calling to the top spot in the official UK top 50, instead landing it in third place.
The Rowling revelation coincided with the paperback release of The Casual Vacancy -- her first official post-Potter work--which sold 19,548 copies in the same week, making the book number two in the sales chart. Neither title managed to draw John Grisham's The Racketeer from the top of the chart, which shifted 24,222 copies -- a 19% drop on the previous week.
Elsewhere on the Robert Galbraith website, Rowling has revealed the reason she chose her pen name. She said she picked Robert because US senator Robert F Kennedy was her "hero" and she had never used the name in one of her earlier books.
"I can only hope all the real Robert Galbraiths out there will be as forgiving as the real Harry Potters have been," she wrote. A follow-up to The Cuckoo's Calling has been finished and should be published next year, the author added. | [
"Complimentary.",
"Acceptable.",
"Sympathetic.",
"Skeptical."
] |
New land can be created when what happens to a volcano? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | New land can be created when what happens to a volcano? | it erupts | science | null | null | null | it stays dormant | it evolves | it dies | it erupts | New land can be created by volcanic eruptions. | null | null | null |
With 3G, you can do the following EXCEPT _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Thirdgeneration mobile phones, known as 3G, are the next big step for the telecom industry. Data speed in 3G networks is much quicker than present technology. This means users can have highspeed Internet access and enjoy video and CDquality music on their phones.
"Mobile data is not a dream; it's not an option but a requirement." said Len Lauer, head of a US communications company,Sprint PCS,at a 3G conference in Bangkok earlier this month.
With 3G, you can forget about text messages telling you yesterday's news; a 3G phone can receive video news programs, updated four times a day. Internet access will also be much quicker, making it easier to surf the Web on your phone than on your computer at home.
Facetoface video calls
And don't worry about getting lost. 3G phones offer map services so you can find a new restaurant just by pressing a few keys on your handset.
However, the most impressive part of 3G technology is video calling. With live twoday video communication, you can have facetoface talks with friends and family on your mobile phone.
Many European countries have already launched the service. In May 2000 the US Government issued five licenses to run 3G wireless services, while the first 3G phones arrived in Italy in March this year.
International telecom companies can't wait to sell 3G in China, the world's largest mobile telecommunications market. But they will have to be patient. At the moment, China is busy testing its 3Gbased technologies, networks and services. This will be followed by a trial period before the phones can finally hit the shops.
"We need to create a pool of 3G customers before the largescale commercial launch of the service." said Fan Yunjun, marketing manager for Beijing Mobile. "We expect that the 3G licenses will be issued late next year. "
Question:
With 3G, you can do the following EXCEPT _ .
Choices:
A. find your way easily
B. learn what's going on in the world
C. make your computer run faster
D. make facetoface video telephone calls | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high22331.txt | Thirdgeneration mobile phones, known as 3G, are the next big step for the telecom industry. Data speed in 3G networks is much quicker than present technology. This means users can have highspeed Internet access and enjoy video and CDquality music on their phones.
"Mobile data is not a dream; it's not an option but a requirement." said Len Lauer, head of a US communications company,Sprint PCS,at a 3G conference in Bangkok earlier this month.
With 3G, you can forget about text messages telling you yesterday's news; a 3G phone can receive video news programs, updated four times a day. Internet access will also be much quicker, making it easier to surf the Web on your phone than on your computer at home.
Facetoface video calls
And don't worry about getting lost. 3G phones offer map services so you can find a new restaurant just by pressing a few keys on your handset.
However, the most impressive part of 3G technology is video calling. With live twoday video communication, you can have facetoface talks with friends and family on your mobile phone.
Many European countries have already launched the service. In May 2000 the US Government issued five licenses to run 3G wireless services, while the first 3G phones arrived in Italy in March this year.
International telecom companies can't wait to sell 3G in China, the world's largest mobile telecommunications market. But they will have to be patient. At the moment, China is busy testing its 3Gbased technologies, networks and services. This will be followed by a trial period before the phones can finally hit the shops.
"We need to create a pool of 3G customers before the largescale commercial launch of the service." said Fan Yunjun, marketing manager for Beijing Mobile. "We expect that the 3G licenses will be issued late next year. " | [
"find your way easily",
"learn what's going on in the world",
"make your computer run faster",
"make facetoface video telephone calls"
] |
The writer mentions the app to show _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
If you could leave a farewell video for your loved ones that they'd see only if you died, would you do it? I think I would.
I read about an app that helps people create a video to be published on a social-networking site only after death. Of course you don't need an app since it's easy to make your own video with smartphones, laptops and computers. But how many people do you know who would actually go ahead and leave "If I die" footage ?
My father died unexpectedly on Christmas Eve three years ago and I've since longed for one more time to talk to him and hear his voice. Imagine if he had left such a video. I would see him again, hear his laughter and benefit from his parting words and advice.
I don't think people, unless they have a terminal illness, go through life thinking they'd better leave a video in case of an _ death. But it is an opportunity to say all the things you want to say before it's too late.
Still, some say that such a video robs loved ones of their own memories of you. Any special images they have would be superimposed by the video image you've created. Others think it's scaring and might be tempting fate.
I expect my video would consist of reminders to my children: Be safe; be[:++Z+X+X+K]mindful of your surroundings; exercise good judgment; speak up; it never hurts to ask; don't waste time and "call when you get there". And in addition, I would repeat what I always tell them: I need to know where you are, every-step-of-the-way. That would make them laugh.
Readers, would you find comfort in knowing you've said your farewells and left something concrete for your loved ones? What messages would you leave for family and friends?
Question:
The writer mentions the app to show _ .
Choices:
A. the app is out of date now
B. smartphones are better tools to make videos
C. it is not convenient to make a video with the app
D. how he was inspired to get the idea of creating a video before death | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high12292.txt | If you could leave a farewell video for your loved ones that they'd see only if you died, would you do it? I think I would.
I read about an app that helps people create a video to be published on a social-networking site only after death. Of course you don't need an app since it's easy to make your own video with smartphones, laptops and computers. But how many people do you know who would actually go ahead and leave "If I die" footage ?
My father died unexpectedly on Christmas Eve three years ago and I've since longed for one more time to talk to him and hear his voice. Imagine if he had left such a video. I would see him again, hear his laughter and benefit from his parting words and advice.
I don't think people, unless they have a terminal illness, go through life thinking they'd better leave a video in case of an _ death. But it is an opportunity to say all the things you want to say before it's too late.
Still, some say that such a video robs loved ones of their own memories of you. Any special images they have would be superimposed by the video image you've created. Others think it's scaring and might be tempting fate.
I expect my video would consist of reminders to my children: Be safe; be[:++Z+X+X+K]mindful of your surroundings; exercise good judgment; speak up; it never hurts to ask; don't waste time and "call when you get there". And in addition, I would repeat what I always tell them: I need to know where you are, every-step-of-the-way. That would make them laugh.
Readers, would you find comfort in knowing you've said your farewells and left something concrete for your loved ones? What messages would you leave for family and friends? | [
"the app is out of date now",
"smartphones are better tools to make videos",
"it is not convenient to make a video with the app",
"how he was inspired to get the idea of creating a video before death"
] |
Which of the following best describes the author's learning experience? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
I decided to go back to school in the fall of 2008 after not being happy with my current job and financial status. I obtained my Associate's Degree in May 2002 in Commercial Arts. After graduation, I had trouble obtaining a job in that field. For years, I was going from one job to another feeling unfilled, and I was not satisfied with the instability.
I decided to go back to school for either International Business or Psychology. I weighed the pros and cons of both professions and Psychology won. I like helping my friends and family, when they go through hard situations in their life by giving them sound advice and being honest with them. Also, I was interested in "the mind".
I was searching for online schools because my work schedule at my current job would not allow me to attend a regular class. I was nervous about starting online classes because I heard mixed stories from other friends who were taking online classes. I decided to do it anyway to experience something different. I wanted to find an online school that was affordable and reputable. Through my search, I discovered Walden University, which is specially for working adults who want to obtain a bachelor's degree or higher. The process of getting accepted was easy, which included writing an essay on why I wanted to attend their school, transferring my previous credits, etc.
I am currently enrolled in the Bachelors program for psychology, and I am paying for college via financial-aid loans and grants. This experience has been interesting yet trying as sometimes it was difficult to balance work, school and home life. I learned a lot about psychology and myself. For example, I like writing about current events, relationships and traveling. I thought my English composition was ordinary, but after taking a few classes at Walden University, I improved my English composition and it made me feel confident enough to start writing professionally so I became a freelance writer. Currently, I am only three classes away from obtaining my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology! It was one of the best decisions I made in my life.
Question:
Which of the following best describes the author's learning experience?
Choices:
A. Dull and challenging.
B. Interesting and easy.
C. Interesting and challenging.
D. Dull and easy | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high5145.txt | I decided to go back to school in the fall of 2008 after not being happy with my current job and financial status. I obtained my Associate's Degree in May 2002 in Commercial Arts. After graduation, I had trouble obtaining a job in that field. For years, I was going from one job to another feeling unfilled, and I was not satisfied with the instability.
I decided to go back to school for either International Business or Psychology. I weighed the pros and cons of both professions and Psychology won. I like helping my friends and family, when they go through hard situations in their life by giving them sound advice and being honest with them. Also, I was interested in "the mind".
I was searching for online schools because my work schedule at my current job would not allow me to attend a regular class. I was nervous about starting online classes because I heard mixed stories from other friends who were taking online classes. I decided to do it anyway to experience something different. I wanted to find an online school that was affordable and reputable. Through my search, I discovered Walden University, which is specially for working adults who want to obtain a bachelor's degree or higher. The process of getting accepted was easy, which included writing an essay on why I wanted to attend their school, transferring my previous credits, etc.
I am currently enrolled in the Bachelors program for psychology, and I am paying for college via financial-aid loans and grants. This experience has been interesting yet trying as sometimes it was difficult to balance work, school and home life. I learned a lot about psychology and myself. For example, I like writing about current events, relationships and traveling. I thought my English composition was ordinary, but after taking a few classes at Walden University, I improved my English composition and it made me feel confident enough to start writing professionally so I became a freelance writer. Currently, I am only three classes away from obtaining my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology! It was one of the best decisions I made in my life. | [
"Dull and challenging.",
"Interesting and easy.",
"Interesting and challenging.",
"Dull and easy"
] |
The reason accounting for the hesitation to accept the idea of the Enviropig is _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Farm-raised pigs are dirty, smelly animals that get no respect. They're also an environmental hazard. Their manure contains phosphorus ,which, when it rains, runs off into lakes and rivers, consuming oxygen, killing fish, stimulating algae overgrowth and emitting greenhouse gases.
Doing away with the pig is not an option. Pigs provide more dietary protein, more cheaply, to more people than any other animal. Northern Europe still maintains the highest pig-to-human ratio in the world (2-1 in Denmark), but East Asia is catching up. During the 1990s, pork production doubled in Vietnam and grew by 70 percent in China--along densely populated coastlines, pig density exceeds 100 animals per square kilometer. The resulting pollution is "threatening fragile coastal marine habitats including mangroves ,coral reefs and sea grasses ,"according to a report released in February by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
As it turns out, there is a solution to the pig problem, but it requires a change of mind-set among environmentalists and the public. Two Canadian scientists have created a pig whose manure doesn't contain very much phosphorus at all. If this variety of pig were adopted widely, It could greatly reduce a major source of pollution. But the Enviropig, as they call it, is the product of genetic modification--which is anathema to many Westerners.
The Enviropig is one of many new technologies that are putting environmentalists and organic-food supporters in _ : should they remain categorically opposed to genetically modified (GM)foods even at the expense of the environment? Elsewhere, trees grown for paper could be made amenable to much more efficient processing, reducing both energy usage and toxic chemical bleach in waste water from paper mills. The most significant GM applications will be ones that help lessen the problem of agriculture , which accounts for 38percent of the world's landmass and is crowding out natural ecosystems and species habitats.
Chances are, farmers will continue to grow their polluting organic pork, their allergenic organic soy and their neurotoxin sprayed organic apples. Worse still, they will make sure that no one else gets a choice in the matter of improving the conditions of life on earth--unless, that is, others rise up and demand an alternative.
Question:
The reason accounting for the hesitation to accept the idea of the Enviropig is _ .
Choices:
A. the poor technology
B. the high cost
C. the moral concept
D. the doubt from the public | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high20560.txt | Farm-raised pigs are dirty, smelly animals that get no respect. They're also an environmental hazard. Their manure contains phosphorus ,which, when it rains, runs off into lakes and rivers, consuming oxygen, killing fish, stimulating algae overgrowth and emitting greenhouse gases.
Doing away with the pig is not an option. Pigs provide more dietary protein, more cheaply, to more people than any other animal. Northern Europe still maintains the highest pig-to-human ratio in the world (2-1 in Denmark), but East Asia is catching up. During the 1990s, pork production doubled in Vietnam and grew by 70 percent in China--along densely populated coastlines, pig density exceeds 100 animals per square kilometer. The resulting pollution is "threatening fragile coastal marine habitats including mangroves ,coral reefs and sea grasses ,"according to a report released in February by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
As it turns out, there is a solution to the pig problem, but it requires a change of mind-set among environmentalists and the public. Two Canadian scientists have created a pig whose manure doesn't contain very much phosphorus at all. If this variety of pig were adopted widely, It could greatly reduce a major source of pollution. But the Enviropig, as they call it, is the product of genetic modification--which is anathema to many Westerners.
The Enviropig is one of many new technologies that are putting environmentalists and organic-food supporters in _ : should they remain categorically opposed to genetically modified (GM)foods even at the expense of the environment? Elsewhere, trees grown for paper could be made amenable to much more efficient processing, reducing both energy usage and toxic chemical bleach in waste water from paper mills. The most significant GM applications will be ones that help lessen the problem of agriculture , which accounts for 38percent of the world's landmass and is crowding out natural ecosystems and species habitats.
Chances are, farmers will continue to grow their polluting organic pork, their allergenic organic soy and their neurotoxin sprayed organic apples. Worse still, they will make sure that no one else gets a choice in the matter of improving the conditions of life on earth--unless, that is, others rise up and demand an alternative. | [
"the poor technology",
"the high cost",
"the moral concept",
"the doubt from the public"
] |
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