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According to the passage,children with high IQs _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Children are often far more gifted than what their parents or teachers can realize.IQ tests do not measure creative talents.By depending on them to measure intelligence,therefore,we miss out on the talents of many of our most gifted youngsters.Most children start life with valuable creative potential.Unfortunately,many of them have it knocked out of them,so to speak,by the time they reach the 4th grade.It is not that parents and teachers deliberately squelch creativity;or rather,they fail to recognize it.By simply observing the child at work or at play,you may detect creativity,if you look for the following key signs:
*Curiosity.The child's questioning is persistent and purposeful.He is not content with given explanations,and he would rather dig under the surface.
*Flexibility.If one approach doesn't work,the child quickly thinks of another.
*Sensitivity to Problem.He is quick to see gaps in information.He is sensitive to contradictions between prior rules and what he hears or reads.
*Selffeeling.He has a feeling of being somebody in particular.He is selfmotivated,selfdirected,and can work alone for long periods provided it's on his own project.
*Originality.He has surprising,uncommon,interesting ideas.His drawings and stories have a style that marks them as his own.
*Insight.He has easy access to realms of the mind that noncreative people visit only in their dreams.He toys with ideas that easily come to him.
Qualities like these count very little in IQ tests,which measure memory,vocabulary,mathematical ability and general reasoning.These abilities are valuable,and the creative child does usually have them.However,the child with a socalled genius IQ of 180 is in reality no more likely to be a genius than the child with a slightly aboveaverage IQ of 120.In fact,evidence suggests that some children with high IQs may develop memory and logical reasoning powers at the expense of insight,imagination,and adventurous qualities that are essential to geniuses.
Question:
According to the passage,children with high IQs _ .
Choices:
A. may lack the qualities essential to geniuses
B. will probably turn into geniuses
C. are more likely to be geniuses than those with low IQs
D. also have qualities essential to geniuses | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high7645.txt | Children are often far more gifted than what their parents or teachers can realize.IQ tests do not measure creative talents.By depending on them to measure intelligence,therefore,we miss out on the talents of many of our most gifted youngsters.Most children start life with valuable creative potential.Unfortunately,many of them have it knocked out of them,so to speak,by the time they reach the 4th grade.It is not that parents and teachers deliberately squelch creativity;or rather,they fail to recognize it.By simply observing the child at work or at play,you may detect creativity,if you look for the following key signs:
*Curiosity.The child's questioning is persistent and purposeful.He is not content with given explanations,and he would rather dig under the surface.
*Flexibility.If one approach doesn't work,the child quickly thinks of another.
*Sensitivity to Problem.He is quick to see gaps in information.He is sensitive to contradictions between prior rules and what he hears or reads.
*Selffeeling.He has a feeling of being somebody in particular.He is selfmotivated,selfdirected,and can work alone for long periods provided it's on his own project.
*Originality.He has surprising,uncommon,interesting ideas.His drawings and stories have a style that marks them as his own.
*Insight.He has easy access to realms of the mind that noncreative people visit only in their dreams.He toys with ideas that easily come to him.
Qualities like these count very little in IQ tests,which measure memory,vocabulary,mathematical ability and general reasoning.These abilities are valuable,and the creative child does usually have them.However,the child with a socalled genius IQ of 180 is in reality no more likely to be a genius than the child with a slightly aboveaverage IQ of 120.In fact,evidence suggests that some children with high IQs may develop memory and logical reasoning powers at the expense of insight,imagination,and adventurous qualities that are essential to geniuses. | [
"may lack the qualities essential to geniuses",
"will probably turn into geniuses",
"are more likely to be geniuses than those with low IQs",
"also have qualities essential to geniuses"
] |
Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The popular college rankings focus primarily on prestige as measured by the SAT scores of incoming students and how many applicants are turned away. An initiative started last fall by the Obama administration could help families go beyond these limited, and far too easily exploited, indexes to learn quickly and easily how a college is compared with its competitors nationally on important criteria like graduation rates, what a degree actually costs and how much debt a student can expect to run up by graduation day.
If the federal government makes it legally necessary to disclose this information in a clear and consistent way, as it should, families will be better able to make informed college choices. And this will help put pressure on colleges that perform poorly to improve.
Critics may regard this initiative as an example of government overreach. But given that the federal government spends nearly $190 billion a year on higher education aid to students, it has a legitimate interest in making sure that the money flows to the schools that best meet their responsibilities to families and students.
Congress has taken some steps to require greater transparency from colleges. The 1990 Student Right to Know Act, for example, required colleges and universities that receive federal aid to disclose graduation rates. And the 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act required schools to offer a way for consumers to determine actual costs after student aid is taken into account.
But many colleges have done a poor job of obeying federal disclosure rules, and much of the available information is not in one place. The administration's new efforts would enforce reporting requirements and provide some new tools.
President Obama wants to expand campus-based aid to about $10 billion from the current $2.7 billion. He has proposed moving money away from colleges that fail to control tuition increases or provide good value to others that do a better job. That is a worthy idea in principle, but he will need strong data-based evidence to determine how colleges are doing.
The transparency initiatives are a good place to start and should be embraced by both parties in Congress. If students and families, facing higher tuition and rising debt, are to make sound choices, they need more and better information.
Question:
Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?
Choices:
A. Critics agree that the government should require colleges to obey the disclosure rules.
B. Congress has approved and made the transparency initiatives a law.
C. SAT scores alone do not determine one's choice of college.
D. Students and families find it very difficult to choose their ideal colleges now. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high15736.txt | The popular college rankings focus primarily on prestige as measured by the SAT scores of incoming students and how many applicants are turned away. An initiative started last fall by the Obama administration could help families go beyond these limited, and far too easily exploited, indexes to learn quickly and easily how a college is compared with its competitors nationally on important criteria like graduation rates, what a degree actually costs and how much debt a student can expect to run up by graduation day.
If the federal government makes it legally necessary to disclose this information in a clear and consistent way, as it should, families will be better able to make informed college choices. And this will help put pressure on colleges that perform poorly to improve.
Critics may regard this initiative as an example of government overreach. But given that the federal government spends nearly $190 billion a year on higher education aid to students, it has a legitimate interest in making sure that the money flows to the schools that best meet their responsibilities to families and students.
Congress has taken some steps to require greater transparency from colleges. The 1990 Student Right to Know Act, for example, required colleges and universities that receive federal aid to disclose graduation rates. And the 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act required schools to offer a way for consumers to determine actual costs after student aid is taken into account.
But many colleges have done a poor job of obeying federal disclosure rules, and much of the available information is not in one place. The administration's new efforts would enforce reporting requirements and provide some new tools.
President Obama wants to expand campus-based aid to about $10 billion from the current $2.7 billion. He has proposed moving money away from colleges that fail to control tuition increases or provide good value to others that do a better job. That is a worthy idea in principle, but he will need strong data-based evidence to determine how colleges are doing.
The transparency initiatives are a good place to start and should be embraced by both parties in Congress. If students and families, facing higher tuition and rising debt, are to make sound choices, they need more and better information. | [
"Critics agree that the government should require colleges to obey the disclosure rules.",
"Congress has approved and made the transparency initiatives a law.",
"SAT scores alone do not determine one's choice of college.",
"Students and families find it very difficult to choose their ideal colleges now."
] |
The author wrote the passage in order to _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The energy crisis has made people aware of how the careless use of the earth's energy has brought the whole world to the edge of disaster. The over-development of motor transport, with its increase of more cars, more traveling, has contributed to the near-destruction of our cities and the pollution not only of local air but also of the earth's atmosphere.
Our present situation is unlike natural disasters of the past. Worldwide energy use has brought us to a state where long-range planning is vital. What we need is not a continuation of our present serious state, which endangers the future of our country, our children, and our earth, but a movement forward in order to work rapidly and effectively on planetary problems.
This country has been failing back under the continuing exposures of loss of morality and the revelation that lawbreaking has reached into the highest place in the land. There is a strong demand for morality to turn for the better and for some devotion that is vast enough and yet personal enough to enlist the devotion of all. In the past it has been only in a way in defense of their own country and their own benefits that people have been able to devote themselves wholeheartedly.
This is the first time that we have been asked to defend ourselves and what we hold dear in cooperation with all the other people of this planet, who share with us the same endangered air and the same endangered oceans. There is a common need to reassess our present course, to change that course and to employ new methods through which the world can survive. This is a priceless opportunity.
To grasp it, we need a widespread understanding of nature if the crisis we and the world are facing is no passing inconvenience, no byproduct of the ambitions of the oil-producing countries, no environmentalists' only fears, no byproduct of any present system of government. What we face is the result of the invention of the last four hundred years. What we need is a transformed life style. This new life style can flow directly from science and technology, but its acceptance depends on a sincere devotion to finding a higher quality of life for the world's children and future generation.
Question:
The author wrote the passage in order to _ .
Choices:
A. make a recommendation for a transformed life style
B. limit ambitions of the people of the whole world
C. demand devotion to nature and future generation
D. encourage awareness of the decline of morality | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high5375.txt | The energy crisis has made people aware of how the careless use of the earth's energy has brought the whole world to the edge of disaster. The over-development of motor transport, with its increase of more cars, more traveling, has contributed to the near-destruction of our cities and the pollution not only of local air but also of the earth's atmosphere.
Our present situation is unlike natural disasters of the past. Worldwide energy use has brought us to a state where long-range planning is vital. What we need is not a continuation of our present serious state, which endangers the future of our country, our children, and our earth, but a movement forward in order to work rapidly and effectively on planetary problems.
This country has been failing back under the continuing exposures of loss of morality and the revelation that lawbreaking has reached into the highest place in the land. There is a strong demand for morality to turn for the better and for some devotion that is vast enough and yet personal enough to enlist the devotion of all. In the past it has been only in a way in defense of their own country and their own benefits that people have been able to devote themselves wholeheartedly.
This is the first time that we have been asked to defend ourselves and what we hold dear in cooperation with all the other people of this planet, who share with us the same endangered air and the same endangered oceans. There is a common need to reassess our present course, to change that course and to employ new methods through which the world can survive. This is a priceless opportunity.
To grasp it, we need a widespread understanding of nature if the crisis we and the world are facing is no passing inconvenience, no byproduct of the ambitions of the oil-producing countries, no environmentalists' only fears, no byproduct of any present system of government. What we face is the result of the invention of the last four hundred years. What we need is a transformed life style. This new life style can flow directly from science and technology, but its acceptance depends on a sincere devotion to finding a higher quality of life for the world's children and future generation. | [
"make a recommendation for a transformed life style",
"limit ambitions of the people of the whole world",
"demand devotion to nature and future generation",
"encourage awareness of the decline of morality"
] |
What is the author's intention by writing this passage? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Learn a Foreign Language
Spend the time!
The more time you spend with the language, the faster you will learn. This means listening, reading, writing, speaking, and studying words and phrases. This does not mean sitting in class looking out the window, nor listening to other students who do not speak well, nor getting explanations in your own language about how the language works. This means spending time enjoyably connected to the language you are learning.
Listen and read every day!
Listen wherever you are on your MP3 player. Read what you are listening to. Listen to and read things that you like, things that you can mostly understand, or even partly understand. If you keep listening and reading you will get used to the language. One hour of listening or reading is more effective than many hours of class time.
Focus on words and phrases!
Build up your vocabulary, you'll need lots. Start to notice words and how they come together as phrases. Learn these words and phrases through your listening and reading. Read online, using online dictionaries, and make your own vocabulary lists for review. Soon you will run into your new words and phrases elsewhere. Gradually you will be able to use them. Do not worry about how accurately you speak until you have _ plenty of words through listening and reading.
Take responsibility for your own learning!
If you do not want to learn the language, you won't. If you do want to learn the language, take control. Choose content of interest, which you want to listen to and read. Seek out the words and phrases that you need to understand your listening and reading. Do not wait for someone else to show you the language, nor to tell you what to do. Discover the language by yourself, like a child growing up. Talk when you feel like it. Write when you feel like it. A teacher cannot teach you to become fluent, but you can learn to become fluent if you want to.
Relax and enjoy yourself!
Do not worry about what you cannot remember, or cannot yet understand, or cannot yet say. It does not matter. You are learning and improving. The language will gradually become clearer in your brain, just make sure you spend enough time with the language. That is the greatest guarantee of success.
Question:
What is the author's intention by writing this passage?
Choices:
A. To make a comparison about which is the best way to learn a foreign language.
B. To make an advertisement for some foreign language training centre.
C. To introduce the effective ways to learn a foreign language.
D. To encourage students to learn a foreign language well. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high21064.txt | Learn a Foreign Language
Spend the time!
The more time you spend with the language, the faster you will learn. This means listening, reading, writing, speaking, and studying words and phrases. This does not mean sitting in class looking out the window, nor listening to other students who do not speak well, nor getting explanations in your own language about how the language works. This means spending time enjoyably connected to the language you are learning.
Listen and read every day!
Listen wherever you are on your MP3 player. Read what you are listening to. Listen to and read things that you like, things that you can mostly understand, or even partly understand. If you keep listening and reading you will get used to the language. One hour of listening or reading is more effective than many hours of class time.
Focus on words and phrases!
Build up your vocabulary, you'll need lots. Start to notice words and how they come together as phrases. Learn these words and phrases through your listening and reading. Read online, using online dictionaries, and make your own vocabulary lists for review. Soon you will run into your new words and phrases elsewhere. Gradually you will be able to use them. Do not worry about how accurately you speak until you have _ plenty of words through listening and reading.
Take responsibility for your own learning!
If you do not want to learn the language, you won't. If you do want to learn the language, take control. Choose content of interest, which you want to listen to and read. Seek out the words and phrases that you need to understand your listening and reading. Do not wait for someone else to show you the language, nor to tell you what to do. Discover the language by yourself, like a child growing up. Talk when you feel like it. Write when you feel like it. A teacher cannot teach you to become fluent, but you can learn to become fluent if you want to.
Relax and enjoy yourself!
Do not worry about what you cannot remember, or cannot yet understand, or cannot yet say. It does not matter. You are learning and improving. The language will gradually become clearer in your brain, just make sure you spend enough time with the language. That is the greatest guarantee of success. | [
"To make a comparison about which is the best way to learn a foreign language.",
"To make an advertisement for some foreign language training centre.",
"To introduce the effective ways to learn a foreign language.",
"To encourage students to learn a foreign language well."
] |
A farmer is growing corn. For every 4 seeds he plants, he gets one ear of corn, that he can sell for $.1. It costs $.5 for a bag with 100 seeds. If he makes $40 in profit, how many ears did he sell? | A single seed costs $.005 because .5 / 100 = <<.5/100=.005>>.005
It costs $.02 cents to grow an ear of corn because .005 x 4 = <<.005*4=.02>>.02
On each ear of corn he makes $.098 profit because .1 - .02 = .08
He sold 500 ears because 40 / .08 = <<40/.08=500>>500
#### 500 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | A farmer is growing corn. For every 4 seeds he plants, he gets one ear of corn, that he can sell for $.1. It costs $.5 for a bag with 100 seeds. If he makes $40 in profit, how many ears did he sell? | A single seed costs $.005 because .5 / 100 = <<.5/100=.005>>.005
It costs $.02 cents to grow an ear of corn because .005 x 4 = <<.005*4=.02>>.02
On each ear of corn he makes $.098 profit because .1 - .02 = .08
He sold 500 ears because 40 / .08 = <<40/.08=500>>500
#### 500 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Jed’s family wants to buy 6 different board games. Each board game costs $15 and Jed paid using a $100 bill. If the cashier gave Jed only $5 bills for his change, how many bills did Jed receive? | Jed paid $15 x 6 = $<<15*6=90>>90 for the 6 board games.
He has $100 - $90 = $<<100-90=10>>10 change.
Therefore, Jed received$ 10/$5 = <<10/5=2>>2 $5 bills.
#### 2 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | Jed’s family wants to buy 6 different board games. Each board game costs $15 and Jed paid using a $100 bill. If the cashier gave Jed only $5 bills for his change, how many bills did Jed receive? | Jed paid $15 x 6 = $<<15*6=90>>90 for the 6 board games.
He has $100 - $90 = $<<100-90=10>>10 change.
Therefore, Jed received$ 10/$5 = <<10/5=2>>2 $5 bills.
#### 2 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
All compounds, whether ionic or covalent, must be what? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | All compounds, whether ionic or covalent, must be what? | electrically neutral | science | null | null | null | metallic neutral | abnormal neutral | organic neutral | electrically neutral | When chemists synthesize a new compound, they may not yet know its molecular or structural formula. In such cases, they usually begin by determining itsempirical formula, the relative numbers of atoms of the elements in a compound, reduced to the smallest whole numbers. Because the empirical formula is based on experimental measurements of the numbers of atoms in a sample of the compound, it shows only the ratios of the numbers of the elements present. The difference betweenempirical and molecular formulas can be illustrated with butane, a covalent compound used as the fuel in disposable lighters. The molecular formula for butane is C4H10. The ratio of carbon atoms to hydrogen atoms in butane is 4:10, which can be reduced to 2:5. The empirical formula for butane is therefore C2H5. The formula unit is the absolutegrouping of atoms or ions represented by the empirical formula of a compound, either ionic or covalent. Butane, for example, has the empirical formula C2H5, but it contains two C2H5 formula units, giving a molecular formula of C4H10. Because ionic compounds do not contain discrete molecules, empirical formulas are used to indicate their compositions. All compounds, whether ionic or covalent, must be electrically neutral. Consequently, the positive and negative charges in a formula unit must exactly cancel each other. If the cation and the anion have charges of equal. | null | null | null |
According to the passage we can say that _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Al Ossinger,an experienced mountain guide,knew it was time to leave Longs Peak in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park,and get off'quickly.The sky had turned threatening dark,and his ice ax at times gave out upset sounds.Suddenly,as Ossinger was crossing a large mass of rock,both hands pressed against it for balance,there was a roar,a flash of light and an electric current charged through his arms.
"In that second. I thought 1 was finished,"he said,"Then I realized 1 was still there--the jolt hadn't knocked me off.My body and legs were all right,but my arms were paralyzed from the shoulder down.''Fortunately Ossinger was able to continue down and soon the feeling began to return to his shoulders,upper arms,and,two hours later,his fingertips.Ossinger was a lucky man.
A single stroke of lightning,which is usually three to four miles long,travels at speeds of up to 100,000 miles per second.In a single flash,it can carry 100 million volts of electricity and reach a temperature of 55,000 degrees Fahrenheit,five times hotter than the surface of the sun.During its brief life span,lightning carries enough energy to power a 100-watt light bulb for as long as three months.If you find yourself unlucky enough to be near lightning's path,you could suffer a direct hit,sending electrical current though your body for some 5 00 milli-seconds.Because of the short duration,severe burns aren't common and the resulting burns are usually superficial .
According to the national Weather Service,more people have been killed by lightning in the United States during the past 30 years,an average of 87 a year-than by either tornadoes or hurricanes,484 people were injured in 1994 alone.These"swords from the sky" are also responsible for an estimated$100 million to$300 million of property damage a year.During the 1980s an average of 5502 wildfires a year were sparked by lightning on national forest lands alone.
Earth is struck by at 1east 100 of these flashes every second-more than 8.6 million strikes a day.For all its destructive power,lightning has its good sides too.It's likely that humans discovered fire from some early lightning-sparked flames.And all that activity above the earth may help create ozone ,which protects us from the sun's harmful rays.Lightning dancing across a summer night sky is a force to be respected and appreciated-from a distance.
Question:
According to the passage we can say that _ .
Choices:
A. people caught by lightning may go disabled at once
B. 1ightning strikes may do harms to human beings
C. more forest fires will be caused by lightning
D. 1ightning is a rich energy resource to humans | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high23049.txt | Al Ossinger,an experienced mountain guide,knew it was time to leave Longs Peak in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park,and get off'quickly.The sky had turned threatening dark,and his ice ax at times gave out upset sounds.Suddenly,as Ossinger was crossing a large mass of rock,both hands pressed against it for balance,there was a roar,a flash of light and an electric current charged through his arms.
"In that second. I thought 1 was finished,"he said,"Then I realized 1 was still there--the jolt hadn't knocked me off.My body and legs were all right,but my arms were paralyzed from the shoulder down.''Fortunately Ossinger was able to continue down and soon the feeling began to return to his shoulders,upper arms,and,two hours later,his fingertips.Ossinger was a lucky man.
A single stroke of lightning,which is usually three to four miles long,travels at speeds of up to 100,000 miles per second.In a single flash,it can carry 100 million volts of electricity and reach a temperature of 55,000 degrees Fahrenheit,five times hotter than the surface of the sun.During its brief life span,lightning carries enough energy to power a 100-watt light bulb for as long as three months.If you find yourself unlucky enough to be near lightning's path,you could suffer a direct hit,sending electrical current though your body for some 5 00 milli-seconds.Because of the short duration,severe burns aren't common and the resulting burns are usually superficial .
According to the national Weather Service,more people have been killed by lightning in the United States during the past 30 years,an average of 87 a year-than by either tornadoes or hurricanes,484 people were injured in 1994 alone.These"swords from the sky" are also responsible for an estimated$100 million to$300 million of property damage a year.During the 1980s an average of 5502 wildfires a year were sparked by lightning on national forest lands alone.
Earth is struck by at 1east 100 of these flashes every second-more than 8.6 million strikes a day.For all its destructive power,lightning has its good sides too.It's likely that humans discovered fire from some early lightning-sparked flames.And all that activity above the earth may help create ozone ,which protects us from the sun's harmful rays.Lightning dancing across a summer night sky is a force to be respected and appreciated-from a distance. | [
"people caught by lightning may go disabled at once",
"1ightning strikes may do harms to human beings",
"more forest fires will be caused by lightning",
"1ightning is a rich energy resource to humans"
] |
If a child wants to experience something related to spaceflight, where can he go? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Are you looking for some interesting and meaningful places to take your kids to? Here are some places for you to choose before they grow up:
Alaska
Not to sound cool, but "it's a good chance to experience a trip through the icebergs. There are over 100,000 glaciers in Alaska, more than anywhere else in the world combined. You can also spot whales and other wildlife, visit the famous Denali National Park, enjoy the landscapes and even learn about the roughly 20 different native languages Spoken there
New York City
You definitely don't want to be chasing after your shopaholic teens in Manhattan, so plan your trip to _ Apple when the kids are still young enough to enjoy the family-friendly trips! There are several family-friendly Broadway shows to see. You can also bring them for a walk in Central Park, pay a visit to the giant M&M'S store in Times Square, take a City Sightseeing Cruise, get on a boat to see the Statue of Liberty, visit the Brooklyn Children's Museum, and even enjoy a yummy street hot dog
Cape Canaveral
There are few things m the world as cool as rockets that fly to the outer space, so obviously ,a visit to Cape Canaveral's Kennedy Space Centre is one of the coolest trips you can you're your children on. Though you won't see any more launches from this space station and its retired rockets, you can find out what it feels like to be in the Shuttle Launch Experience flight simulator Plus, it's only one hour away from Orlando, Florida, so if you visit Disney World as well, this quick side trip will be an easy one to make.
The Canadian Rockies
If you happen to visit the Canadian portion of the nor them Rocky Mountains, a visit to Banff National Park will certainly not disappoint you. There are so many great activities for the whole family to enjoy like wildlife viewing, spaceflight tours, fishing, horseback riding, and hiking. Let your children experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies and learn more about the history of this impressive UNESCO World Heritage site.
Question:
If a child wants to experience something related to spaceflight, where can he go?
Choices:
A. Alaska and New York City.
B. Alaska and Cape Canaveral.
C. Cape Canaveral and the Canadian Rockies.
D. New York city and Cape Canaveral. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high9910.txt | Are you looking for some interesting and meaningful places to take your kids to? Here are some places for you to choose before they grow up:
Alaska
Not to sound cool, but "it's a good chance to experience a trip through the icebergs. There are over 100,000 glaciers in Alaska, more than anywhere else in the world combined. You can also spot whales and other wildlife, visit the famous Denali National Park, enjoy the landscapes and even learn about the roughly 20 different native languages Spoken there
New York City
You definitely don't want to be chasing after your shopaholic teens in Manhattan, so plan your trip to _ Apple when the kids are still young enough to enjoy the family-friendly trips! There are several family-friendly Broadway shows to see. You can also bring them for a walk in Central Park, pay a visit to the giant M&M'S store in Times Square, take a City Sightseeing Cruise, get on a boat to see the Statue of Liberty, visit the Brooklyn Children's Museum, and even enjoy a yummy street hot dog
Cape Canaveral
There are few things m the world as cool as rockets that fly to the outer space, so obviously ,a visit to Cape Canaveral's Kennedy Space Centre is one of the coolest trips you can you're your children on. Though you won't see any more launches from this space station and its retired rockets, you can find out what it feels like to be in the Shuttle Launch Experience flight simulator Plus, it's only one hour away from Orlando, Florida, so if you visit Disney World as well, this quick side trip will be an easy one to make.
The Canadian Rockies
If you happen to visit the Canadian portion of the nor them Rocky Mountains, a visit to Banff National Park will certainly not disappoint you. There are so many great activities for the whole family to enjoy like wildlife viewing, spaceflight tours, fishing, horseback riding, and hiking. Let your children experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies and learn more about the history of this impressive UNESCO World Heritage site. | [
"Alaska and New York City.",
"Alaska and Cape Canaveral.",
"Cape Canaveral and the Canadian Rockies.",
"New York city and Cape Canaveral."
] |
Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage? _ | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Little Mark is only 6, but he has an IQ of 200, a genius among geniuses. _ His parents must keep him intellectually simulated while making sure he is like any other little boy.
Mark has been attracted by the way how the world works since he was a baby. When he was 3, Mark was reading fluently, mostly self-taught. His parents haven't been able to keep him away from books since.
"I tried many times to stop him reading. We worry about his crazy fond of reading because he constantly wants to read every-thing whatever it is."
A psychologist at the Centre for gifted children tested Mark and gave him an IQ of 200. The average child of Mark's age has an IQ of 100. At 200, Mark is a genius-even compared with other child geniuses.
"With children like Mark you can tell that's a bright child as soon as they walk in. They just have this sort of intensity, and maybe they're not so good at communicating with people," the psychologist said. "He will never fit perfectly into a class where he's with children of his age."But Mark's mother worries about the "socially isolated" labels. "Nobody wants their child to grow up with that image. I want him to communicate with others freely, but not to be frustrated academically, so it's really hard to find a balance," she says.
Helen Dudeney from the Talented and Gifted Children Association says Mark is one in a million with such a high IQ. She points out that geniuses are still rare and difficult for the public education system to handle. "The lack of coping comes because teachers aren't trained in teaching gifted children," says Dudeney.
Helen believes it's also extremely important for them to be recognized and supported in their talents. Mark's parents are trying to figure out how best to help Mark. At the moment, there are few options. Mark finds first year work boring and simple, but he must learn to complete the work. His mother says, "We just want to be happy. Just to have a happy childhood and want to go to school every day."
Question:
Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage? _
Choices:
A. Mark's parents are very satisfied with his love for reading.
B. Mark began to teach himself reading at the age of 3.
C. Many child geniuses are not good at communicating with others.
D. It is hard for parents to bring up a genius. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high1812.txt | Little Mark is only 6, but he has an IQ of 200, a genius among geniuses. _ His parents must keep him intellectually simulated while making sure he is like any other little boy.
Mark has been attracted by the way how the world works since he was a baby. When he was 3, Mark was reading fluently, mostly self-taught. His parents haven't been able to keep him away from books since.
"I tried many times to stop him reading. We worry about his crazy fond of reading because he constantly wants to read every-thing whatever it is."
A psychologist at the Centre for gifted children tested Mark and gave him an IQ of 200. The average child of Mark's age has an IQ of 100. At 200, Mark is a genius-even compared with other child geniuses.
"With children like Mark you can tell that's a bright child as soon as they walk in. They just have this sort of intensity, and maybe they're not so good at communicating with people," the psychologist said. "He will never fit perfectly into a class where he's with children of his age."But Mark's mother worries about the "socially isolated" labels. "Nobody wants their child to grow up with that image. I want him to communicate with others freely, but not to be frustrated academically, so it's really hard to find a balance," she says.
Helen Dudeney from the Talented and Gifted Children Association says Mark is one in a million with such a high IQ. She points out that geniuses are still rare and difficult for the public education system to handle. "The lack of coping comes because teachers aren't trained in teaching gifted children," says Dudeney.
Helen believes it's also extremely important for them to be recognized and supported in their talents. Mark's parents are trying to figure out how best to help Mark. At the moment, there are few options. Mark finds first year work boring and simple, but he must learn to complete the work. His mother says, "We just want to be happy. Just to have a happy childhood and want to go to school every day." | [
"Mark's parents are very satisfied with his love for reading.",
"Mark began to teach himself reading at the age of 3.",
"Many child geniuses are not good at communicating with others.",
"It is hard for parents to bring up a genius."
] |
What's the author's attitude towards the situation to sandstorms' problems? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
As most people know, in the past few years, sandstorms have swept across many cities and areas of North China, polluting the air and disturbing daily lives of human beings. People look dirty and suffer many kinds of illnesses, such as breath difficulty. The sandstorm is such a serious problem that it has not only _ the industrial and agricultural development of our country but also caused a lot of trouble to the living conditions of the Chinese people. It is expected that effective measures should be taken as soon as possible through our joint efforts to limit its occurrence.
So what should we do with the frightening sandstorms? Some experts put forward practical suggestions as follows: For one thing, more funs ought to be put into tree planting and forest protection so as to keep more water resources within the surface of the earth. For another, governments of all countries should make laws on environmental protection.For example, banning the use of throw-away chopsticks and punishing illegal tree cutting. Scientists should also study and find ways to cut down the degree of its destruction and to improve the whole environment.
How people look forward to sunny days with little breeze touching their faces now and forever! Nevertheless, I am fully confident that the golden days can come back so long as everyone tried his best to protect natural environment from today on.
Question:
What's the author's attitude towards the situation to sandstorms' problems?
Choices:
A. Unconfident
B. Optimistic
C. Regretful
D. Satisfied | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high3236.txt | As most people know, in the past few years, sandstorms have swept across many cities and areas of North China, polluting the air and disturbing daily lives of human beings. People look dirty and suffer many kinds of illnesses, such as breath difficulty. The sandstorm is such a serious problem that it has not only _ the industrial and agricultural development of our country but also caused a lot of trouble to the living conditions of the Chinese people. It is expected that effective measures should be taken as soon as possible through our joint efforts to limit its occurrence.
So what should we do with the frightening sandstorms? Some experts put forward practical suggestions as follows: For one thing, more funs ought to be put into tree planting and forest protection so as to keep more water resources within the surface of the earth. For another, governments of all countries should make laws on environmental protection.For example, banning the use of throw-away chopsticks and punishing illegal tree cutting. Scientists should also study and find ways to cut down the degree of its destruction and to improve the whole environment.
How people look forward to sunny days with little breeze touching their faces now and forever! Nevertheless, I am fully confident that the golden days can come back so long as everyone tried his best to protect natural environment from today on. | [
"Unconfident",
"Optimistic",
"Regretful",
"Satisfied"
] |
.From the passage, we know _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Most people want to work, but in today's word ,it is more difficult to find work for everybody.The economics of the world need to grow by 4% each year just to keep the old number of jobs for people.
Often this is not possible,and so more people are out of work.
Some people have no jobs now because new machines can do the work of many people do in a short time.Also, machines do not ask for more money and longer holidays. In all the countries of the world, machines are taking work from people ,not only in factories but also on the farms.
One machine can often do the work of forty people. About 75,000 people are moving to the cities a day to look for jobs ,but only 70% of them can find jobs .
Question:
.From the passage, we know _ .
Choices:
A. it's not possible for everybody to find work.
B. Machines can only take work from people in factories.
C. In the future , there will be enough jobs for everybody
D. Machines will do the work instead of people | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle1038.txt | Most people want to work, but in today's word ,it is more difficult to find work for everybody.The economics of the world need to grow by 4% each year just to keep the old number of jobs for people.
Often this is not possible,and so more people are out of work.
Some people have no jobs now because new machines can do the work of many people do in a short time.Also, machines do not ask for more money and longer holidays. In all the countries of the world, machines are taking work from people ,not only in factories but also on the farms.
One machine can often do the work of forty people. About 75,000 people are moving to the cities a day to look for jobs ,but only 70% of them can find jobs . | [
"it's not possible for everybody to find work.",
"Machines can only take work from people in factories.",
"In the future , there will be enough jobs for everybody",
"Machines will do the work instead of people"
] |
What does Tom usually do after school? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Jenny is a nice girl. She likes to playing soccer. And she watches soccer games on TV every day. But she doesn't like playing baseball. She has some friends in her class. They are Tom, Mary, Susan and Linda.
Tom likes playing ping - pong. He has some nice ping - pong bats, He usually plays ping - pong with his friends after school. Mary likes playing volleyball. She is in a volleyball club .But she doesn't like playing basketball. Susan likes singing. She has many CDs. They are in her desk. Linda is ten years old. She doesn't like doing any sports, but she likes making model planes.
Question:
What does Tom usually do after school?
Choices:
A. Play games with friends.
B. Play ping - pong with friends.
C. Make model planes by himself.
D. Play volleyball with classmates. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle6522.txt | Jenny is a nice girl. She likes to playing soccer. And she watches soccer games on TV every day. But she doesn't like playing baseball. She has some friends in her class. They are Tom, Mary, Susan and Linda.
Tom likes playing ping - pong. He has some nice ping - pong bats, He usually plays ping - pong with his friends after school. Mary likes playing volleyball. She is in a volleyball club .But she doesn't like playing basketball. Susan likes singing. She has many CDs. They are in her desk. Linda is ten years old. She doesn't like doing any sports, but she likes making model planes. | [
"Play games with friends.",
"Play ping - pong with friends.",
"Make model planes by himself.",
"Play volleyball with classmates."
] |
Which of the following statements is TRUE about Cherry Carl? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
My name is Cherry Carl, and I retired in June, 2003, after 35 years as a teacher and Language Arts Specialist in Santee, California. However, I continued my role as an instructor at the University of California, San Diego, in the Reading Specialist Certification Program until June, 2009.
I wasn't ready to retire. Teaching is in my blood! (My mother always reminded me that when I was little, I dragged the neighborhood kids in to play school whether they wanted to or not!) I still have the strong desire to make a difference for teachers, parents, and students. I'm passionate about the joy of knowing how to read and write and want every child to have the experience of closing a book with a sigh, "Wow, that was a good book!" The only way they can do that is by having the necessary skills and strategies to become independent readers. This website has been created to provide resources and materials for classroom teachers, reading and resource specialists, speech therapists, parents and students in the area of language arts. Please feel free to download and print anything that catches your eye, but please make sure to leave my name on the poetry and worksheets!
If you have specific needs or suggestions, please don't hesitate to a sk. I'm always open to new ideas and requests. That's how the site continues to grow. You can email me at carl1404@msn.com.
Thank you so much for your heartfelt messages and testimonials. You and your children are the reason that I maintain the site and I will continue to offer the materials with little or no fees.
Question:
Which of the following statements is TRUE about Cherry Carl?
Choices:
A. She became a teacher at the age of 35.
B. She was interested in teaching as a child.
C. She is still a teacher in a middle school now.
D. She gave up teaching totally 35 years ago. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high16416.txt | My name is Cherry Carl, and I retired in June, 2003, after 35 years as a teacher and Language Arts Specialist in Santee, California. However, I continued my role as an instructor at the University of California, San Diego, in the Reading Specialist Certification Program until June, 2009.
I wasn't ready to retire. Teaching is in my blood! (My mother always reminded me that when I was little, I dragged the neighborhood kids in to play school whether they wanted to or not!) I still have the strong desire to make a difference for teachers, parents, and students. I'm passionate about the joy of knowing how to read and write and want every child to have the experience of closing a book with a sigh, "Wow, that was a good book!" The only way they can do that is by having the necessary skills and strategies to become independent readers. This website has been created to provide resources and materials for classroom teachers, reading and resource specialists, speech therapists, parents and students in the area of language arts. Please feel free to download and print anything that catches your eye, but please make sure to leave my name on the poetry and worksheets!
If you have specific needs or suggestions, please don't hesitate to a sk. I'm always open to new ideas and requests. That's how the site continues to grow. You can email me at carl1404@msn.com.
Thank you so much for your heartfelt messages and testimonials. You and your children are the reason that I maintain the site and I will continue to offer the materials with little or no fees. | [
"She became a teacher at the age of 35.",
"She was interested in teaching as a child.",
"She is still a teacher in a middle school now.",
"She gave up teaching totally 35 years ago."
] |
What is Tian Liang's daughter expected to do in the show? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
In a nation with a one-child family planning policy, it's understandable for parents to worry over whether they are petting their children. Are the children truly as fragile as sometimes made out to be?
The concern has been brought into focus with the popularity of a hit reality TV series, Hunan TV's Dad! Where Are We Going? and Zhejiang TV's First Time In Life. In both, children as young as three have become new public figures. In the show First Time In Life, children chosen from ordinary families are given small tasks to complete by themselves;the ongoing Dad! show centers on five celebrity fathers and their children who are forced to live a simple life in rural areas, far outside their comfort zone.
Regardless of their family background, the children's reactions to new environments have struck the public.
In one episode of Dad! , the five-year-old daughter of former Olympic diving champion Tian Liang cries and hides behind her father when they arrive at a rural village. In an episode of the other series, a young girl in Tianjin breaks down into a tearful fit after being asked by her father to go out alone to buy eggs and a pancake.
In the eyes of some observers, these kids show no sense of independence, and the reason is put down to parents who are overly sheltering. But television viewers and parents were heartened when the sobbing Tianjin girl finally wiped away her tears as she returned holding the pancake. In the case of Tian's daughter, she eventually began to take care of her younger companions and learned to seek help from people she didn't know.
The father of the Tianjin girl felt "delightfully shocked" and said. "She used to have to be accompanied by her mother or grandmother. Now she has the courage to do it all by herself. "
The shows have led many parents to change how they raise their children. Shanghai mother Liang Jing said she would try to "give some training" to her shy son, asking him to tidy up his toys. Lin Yi, a parenting expert in Beijing, said giving kids a chance to do things for themselves helps to raise their sense of achievement, which carries benefits throughout their lives. "
Question:
What is Tian Liang's daughter expected to do in the show?
Choices:
A. Go out to buy something alone.
B. Hide in a safe place to avoid a danger.
C. Make friends with strange adults.
D. Live in a rural village with her father. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high17330.txt | In a nation with a one-child family planning policy, it's understandable for parents to worry over whether they are petting their children. Are the children truly as fragile as sometimes made out to be?
The concern has been brought into focus with the popularity of a hit reality TV series, Hunan TV's Dad! Where Are We Going? and Zhejiang TV's First Time In Life. In both, children as young as three have become new public figures. In the show First Time In Life, children chosen from ordinary families are given small tasks to complete by themselves;the ongoing Dad! show centers on five celebrity fathers and their children who are forced to live a simple life in rural areas, far outside their comfort zone.
Regardless of their family background, the children's reactions to new environments have struck the public.
In one episode of Dad! , the five-year-old daughter of former Olympic diving champion Tian Liang cries and hides behind her father when they arrive at a rural village. In an episode of the other series, a young girl in Tianjin breaks down into a tearful fit after being asked by her father to go out alone to buy eggs and a pancake.
In the eyes of some observers, these kids show no sense of independence, and the reason is put down to parents who are overly sheltering. But television viewers and parents were heartened when the sobbing Tianjin girl finally wiped away her tears as she returned holding the pancake. In the case of Tian's daughter, she eventually began to take care of her younger companions and learned to seek help from people she didn't know.
The father of the Tianjin girl felt "delightfully shocked" and said. "She used to have to be accompanied by her mother or grandmother. Now she has the courage to do it all by herself. "
The shows have led many parents to change how they raise their children. Shanghai mother Liang Jing said she would try to "give some training" to her shy son, asking him to tidy up his toys. Lin Yi, a parenting expert in Beijing, said giving kids a chance to do things for themselves helps to raise their sense of achievement, which carries benefits throughout their lives. " | [
"Go out to buy something alone.",
"Hide in a safe place to avoid a danger.",
"Make friends with strange adults.",
"Live in a rural village with her father."
] |
How is a camel like? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The hottest place in the world is the Sahara Desert in Africa. But there are deserts in many other places: in America, in Asia and in Australia. In 1917 the temperature in Death Valley, in the United States, was over 48degC every day for six weeks. That's very hot!
But deserts are not always hot. After dark, deserts are very cold.
Not many animals and plants can live in a desert, because it doesn't rain very often. But one animal likes the desert -- the camel. It has big feet to walk on the sand. It can live for a long time without water. Sometimes it doesn't drink anything for weeks -- so it gets very thirsty! When it finds water it can drink 100 liters at a time.
Question:
How is a camel like?
Choices:
A. It has big nose
B. It can drink much water.
C. It can't live for 7 days without water.
D. It can live for 100 years. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle264.txt | The hottest place in the world is the Sahara Desert in Africa. But there are deserts in many other places: in America, in Asia and in Australia. In 1917 the temperature in Death Valley, in the United States, was over 48degC every day for six weeks. That's very hot!
But deserts are not always hot. After dark, deserts are very cold.
Not many animals and plants can live in a desert, because it doesn't rain very often. But one animal likes the desert -- the camel. It has big feet to walk on the sand. It can live for a long time without water. Sometimes it doesn't drink anything for weeks -- so it gets very thirsty! When it finds water it can drink 100 liters at a time. | [
"It has big nose",
"It can drink much water.",
"It can't live for 7 days without water.",
"It can live for 100 years."
] |
The wrong statement of the following is _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Three wishes
A man and his wife were very poor. They kept hoping for new clothes and good food. The man enjoyed eating, and he especially liked cakes. One night an old woman came to their house and told them she would let them have three wishes. They could wish for anything they wanted.
The man had just finished eating a piece of bread for his dinner, but he was still hungry. He said, "I wish I had a big cake!"
Suddenly a cake appeared on his plate.
"You fool!" His wife cried. "You could have wished for a house full of wonderful food, but you wished for a cake. I wish that cake was on the end of your foolish nose! "
Immediately the cake stuck to the end of his nose.
Then the man and his wife started blaming each other. "It's your fault!" the man cried. "No, it's your fault!" she answered. What could they do? The cake was still stuck to the husband's nose.
"Oh!" the wife cried. "I wish none of this had ever happened!"
Immediately the cake was gone, and the man was saying, "I'm still hungry. How I wish I had
some cakes! "
But of course nothing happened.
Question:
The wrong statement of the following is _ .
Choices:
A. the man wished that the cake were not on his nose
B. the wife made two wishes, which worked
C. the wife wanted her husband to wish for more than a big cake
D. the man made his wishes before dinner | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high20628.txt | Three wishes
A man and his wife were very poor. They kept hoping for new clothes and good food. The man enjoyed eating, and he especially liked cakes. One night an old woman came to their house and told them she would let them have three wishes. They could wish for anything they wanted.
The man had just finished eating a piece of bread for his dinner, but he was still hungry. He said, "I wish I had a big cake!"
Suddenly a cake appeared on his plate.
"You fool!" His wife cried. "You could have wished for a house full of wonderful food, but you wished for a cake. I wish that cake was on the end of your foolish nose! "
Immediately the cake stuck to the end of his nose.
Then the man and his wife started blaming each other. "It's your fault!" the man cried. "No, it's your fault!" she answered. What could they do? The cake was still stuck to the husband's nose.
"Oh!" the wife cried. "I wish none of this had ever happened!"
Immediately the cake was gone, and the man was saying, "I'm still hungry. How I wish I had
some cakes! "
But of course nothing happened. | [
"the man wished that the cake were not on his nose",
"the wife made two wishes, which worked",
"the wife wanted her husband to wish for more than a big cake",
"the man made his wishes before dinner"
] |
We can learn from the passage that _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
If you ask someone why he or she wears clothes, the answer will probably be "to keep warm and to cover my body". These are the basic reasons why clothes are worn, but people also want to look attractive and appear successful to others.
If people only wore clothes for warmth and to cover their bodies, most clothes would be simple and cheap. In most Western countries, however, clothes are sometimes very expensive. The main reason for this is not the cost of the cloth or the cost of making the clothes. The clothes are expensive because of fashion .
Successful businessmen, for example, often wear very expensive suits, shirts and ties. Sometimes they pay thousands of dollars for a suit and hundreds of dollars for a tie. It's just a suit and a tie but they pay these prices because of the famous name of the designer. A suit costing much less would be just as warm and would cover the wearer's body just as well.
Fashion is always changing, which means those who want to be fashionable have to buy new clothes every few months, even if last month's clothes have only been worn once or twice. Some people have wardrobes full of clothes that have hardly been worn but are no longer in fashion. Being fashionable, therefore, can be a very expensive pastime !
Question:
We can learn from the passage that _ .
Choices:
A. expensive clothes are not worth their prices
B. fashion is not always changing
C. expensive clothes are warmer
D. fashion designers like expensive clothes | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high24120.txt | If you ask someone why he or she wears clothes, the answer will probably be "to keep warm and to cover my body". These are the basic reasons why clothes are worn, but people also want to look attractive and appear successful to others.
If people only wore clothes for warmth and to cover their bodies, most clothes would be simple and cheap. In most Western countries, however, clothes are sometimes very expensive. The main reason for this is not the cost of the cloth or the cost of making the clothes. The clothes are expensive because of fashion .
Successful businessmen, for example, often wear very expensive suits, shirts and ties. Sometimes they pay thousands of dollars for a suit and hundreds of dollars for a tie. It's just a suit and a tie but they pay these prices because of the famous name of the designer. A suit costing much less would be just as warm and would cover the wearer's body just as well.
Fashion is always changing, which means those who want to be fashionable have to buy new clothes every few months, even if last month's clothes have only been worn once or twice. Some people have wardrobes full of clothes that have hardly been worn but are no longer in fashion. Being fashionable, therefore, can be a very expensive pastime ! | [
"expensive clothes are not worth their prices",
"fashion is not always changing",
"expensive clothes are warmer",
"fashion designers like expensive clothes"
] |
Who took the pictures? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
One weekend, a wife and a husband went to visit a shop in London. After they got back home, they couldn't find their camera. They thought the camera must be in the shop. After a few weeks,they went to that shop again and the boss gave their camera back to them.
When their picture of the camera came out, the husband saw two pictures he did not take. One isa man standing at the door of the shop. In his hand there is a piece of paper with some words onit "I find your camera". The other is a boy with a piece of paper in his hand. There are somewords on the paper too, "I take the pictures."
Question:
Who took the pictures?
Choices:
A. The boss.
B. The man.
C. The boy.
D. The wife. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle7288.txt | One weekend, a wife and a husband went to visit a shop in London. After they got back home, they couldn't find their camera. They thought the camera must be in the shop. After a few weeks,they went to that shop again and the boss gave their camera back to them.
When their picture of the camera came out, the husband saw two pictures he did not take. One isa man standing at the door of the shop. In his hand there is a piece of paper with some words onit "I find your camera". The other is a boy with a piece of paper in his hand. There are somewords on the paper too, "I take the pictures." | [
"The boss.",
"The man.",
"The boy.",
"The wife."
] |
Janet buys 45-pound containers of cat litter for $21 each. If her cat litter box holds 15 pounds of cat litter, and she changes out the litter weekly, how much will it cost, in dollars, for her to buy enough litter to last 210 days? | If she changes the box weekly, then in 210 days, she will change the box 210/7=<<210/7=30>>30 times.
At 15 pounds of litter for every box change, she will require 30*15=<<30*15=450>>450 pounds of cat litter in 210 days.
If she buys 45-pound containers, then for 450 pounds she will need to buy 450/45=<<450/45=10>>10 containers of litter.
At $21 per container, to buy enough cat litter for 210 days, it will cost 10 * $21 = $210
#### 210 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | Janet buys 45-pound containers of cat litter for $21 each. If her cat litter box holds 15 pounds of cat litter, and she changes out the litter weekly, how much will it cost, in dollars, for her to buy enough litter to last 210 days? | If she changes the box weekly, then in 210 days, she will change the box 210/7=<<210/7=30>>30 times.
At 15 pounds of litter for every box change, she will require 30*15=<<30*15=450>>450 pounds of cat litter in 210 days.
If she buys 45-pound containers, then for 450 pounds she will need to buy 450/45=<<450/45=10>>10 containers of litter.
At $21 per container, to buy enough cat litter for 210 days, it will cost 10 * $21 = $210
#### 210 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Some people don't like shopping online because they _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Nowadays, shopping online becomes a new way of shopping. It is getting more and more popular. Many people like doing some shopping through Internet.
Why is shopping online becoming more and more popular? First, it provides lots of advantages . There are many goods on the Internet. People can find anything they want. The price on the Internet is usually cheaper than that in the store. People can save some money.Second, more and more people have their own computers and they join their computers with the Internet. So it is possible for many of them to do shopping through the Internet. People don't need to go to the shop themselves. They can save a lot of time.
But, a coin has two sides. Customers can only see the pictures of the goods on the Internet. And they can't enjoy the pleasure of buying things in a large supermarket or a wonderful shopping center. Maybe shopping online makes people boring. So some people don't like this new wayof shopping. They are worried about the safety of shopping online.
Question:
Some people don't like shopping online because they _ .
Choices:
A. havetopay moremoney
B. mustsendtheirmoneyfirstonline
C. don'thaveenoughtime
D. are worried about the safety | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle7313.txt | Nowadays, shopping online becomes a new way of shopping. It is getting more and more popular. Many people like doing some shopping through Internet.
Why is shopping online becoming more and more popular? First, it provides lots of advantages . There are many goods on the Internet. People can find anything they want. The price on the Internet is usually cheaper than that in the store. People can save some money.Second, more and more people have their own computers and they join their computers with the Internet. So it is possible for many of them to do shopping through the Internet. People don't need to go to the shop themselves. They can save a lot of time.
But, a coin has two sides. Customers can only see the pictures of the goods on the Internet. And they can't enjoy the pleasure of buying things in a large supermarket or a wonderful shopping center. Maybe shopping online makes people boring. So some people don't like this new wayof shopping. They are worried about the safety of shopping online. | [
"havetopay moremoney",
"mustsendtheirmoneyfirstonline",
"don'thaveenoughtime",
"are worried about the safety"
] |
This passage would most likely to be found _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Tim Burton attempts to work his gothic magic over one of the best loved stories of all time--Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There.
Alice, now 19, attends a party at a Victorian estate, only to find she is about to be proposed to by a rich suitor in front of hundreds of snooty society types. She runs off, following a white rabbit into a hole and ending up in Wonderland--a place she visited many years before, yet she doesn't remember. The white rabbit claims to have come back for Alice because she is the only one who can slay the Jabberwock, the beast who guards the Red Queen's empire. Alice remains completely unaware of why she is in Wonderland, and is confused about the fact that she had once visited Wonderland years before.
Now, Wonderland has changed into a dark, scarier place than it used to be. Alice then _ an adventure of self discovery, and to save Wonderland from the Red Queen's reign of terror with the help of her Wonderland friends.
Question:
This passage would most likely to be found _ .
Choices:
A. on a film poster
B. in a government document
C. in a novel
D. in an entertainment magazine | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high4735.txt | Tim Burton attempts to work his gothic magic over one of the best loved stories of all time--Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There.
Alice, now 19, attends a party at a Victorian estate, only to find she is about to be proposed to by a rich suitor in front of hundreds of snooty society types. She runs off, following a white rabbit into a hole and ending up in Wonderland--a place she visited many years before, yet she doesn't remember. The white rabbit claims to have come back for Alice because she is the only one who can slay the Jabberwock, the beast who guards the Red Queen's empire. Alice remains completely unaware of why she is in Wonderland, and is confused about the fact that she had once visited Wonderland years before.
Now, Wonderland has changed into a dark, scarier place than it used to be. Alice then _ an adventure of self discovery, and to save Wonderland from the Red Queen's reign of terror with the help of her Wonderland friends. | [
"on a film poster",
"in a government document",
"in a novel",
"in an entertainment magazine"
] |
At the end of the passage the author suggests that _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Many scientists today are convinced that life exists elsewhere in the universe---life probably much like that on our own planet. They reason in the following way.
As far as astronomers can determine, the entire universe is built of the same matter. They have no reason to doubt that matter obeys the same laws in every part of the universe. Therefore, it is reasonable to guess that other stars, with their own planets, were born in the same way as our own solar system. What we know of life on earth suggests that life will arise wherever the proper conditions exist.
Life requires the right amount and kind of atmosphere. This eliminates all those planets in the universe that are not about the same size and weight as the earth. A smaller planet would lose its atmosphere; a larger one would hold too much of it.
Life also requires a steady supply of heat and light. This eliminates double stars, or stars that flare up suddenly. Only single stars that are steady sources of heat and light like our sun would qualify.
Finally, life could evolve only if the planet is just the right distance from its sun. With a weaker sun than our own, the planet would have to be closer to it. With a stronger sun, it would have to be farther away.
If we suppose that every star in the universe has a family of planets, then how many planets might support life? First, eliminate those stars that are not like our sun. Next eliminate most of their planets; they are either too far from or too close to their suns. Then eliminate all those planets which are not the same size and weight as the earth. Finally, remember that the proper conditions do not necessarily mean that life actually does exist on a planet. It may not have begun yet, or it may have already died out.
This process of elimination seems to leave very few planets on which earthlike life might be found. However, even if life could exist on only one planet in a million, there are so many billions of planets that this would still leave a vast number on which life could exist.
Question:
At the end of the passage the author suggests that _ .
Choices:
A. it is impossible for life to exist on planets.
B. earthlike life could only exist on a few planets.
C. life could exist on only one planet in a million.
D. life could exist on a great number of planets. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high23542.txt | Many scientists today are convinced that life exists elsewhere in the universe---life probably much like that on our own planet. They reason in the following way.
As far as astronomers can determine, the entire universe is built of the same matter. They have no reason to doubt that matter obeys the same laws in every part of the universe. Therefore, it is reasonable to guess that other stars, with their own planets, were born in the same way as our own solar system. What we know of life on earth suggests that life will arise wherever the proper conditions exist.
Life requires the right amount and kind of atmosphere. This eliminates all those planets in the universe that are not about the same size and weight as the earth. A smaller planet would lose its atmosphere; a larger one would hold too much of it.
Life also requires a steady supply of heat and light. This eliminates double stars, or stars that flare up suddenly. Only single stars that are steady sources of heat and light like our sun would qualify.
Finally, life could evolve only if the planet is just the right distance from its sun. With a weaker sun than our own, the planet would have to be closer to it. With a stronger sun, it would have to be farther away.
If we suppose that every star in the universe has a family of planets, then how many planets might support life? First, eliminate those stars that are not like our sun. Next eliminate most of their planets; they are either too far from or too close to their suns. Then eliminate all those planets which are not the same size and weight as the earth. Finally, remember that the proper conditions do not necessarily mean that life actually does exist on a planet. It may not have begun yet, or it may have already died out.
This process of elimination seems to leave very few planets on which earthlike life might be found. However, even if life could exist on only one planet in a million, there are so many billions of planets that this would still leave a vast number on which life could exist. | [
"it is impossible for life to exist on planets.",
"earthlike life could only exist on a few planets.",
"life could exist on only one planet in a million.",
"life could exist on a great number of planets."
] |
The author mainly wants to tell us _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
San Francisco has long been a favorite place for travelers who are ready to learn languages.The mild year-round climate, shops and restaurants, bars and night-life, and some of the most beautiful scene in the US attract many visitors to this relaxing and welcoming city.Students are sure to find the San Francisco Bay Area an interesting, safe and friendly place in which they can live and study.This is the most important.
English School in San Francisco is located in the heart of the city.It is one of the best San Francisco English language schools.You can see views of the city from your classroom! Many buses stop less than a five-minute walk from the school, which is also just a two-minute walk from the famous Union Square, San Francisco Shopping Centre, the Financial District, Yerba Buena gardens and the Museum of Modern Art.The school is minutes away from the cable cars to Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf and a boat ride on the bay.
San Francisco is a great place to study English and learn about American culture, offering excellent opportunities in sports, entertainment and arts.The city borders excellent beaches, and you can sail or surf all year round.
San Francisco has more restaurants than any other city in the US, and is the home of many theaters, music and dance companies, as well as museums.Just walking through the many areas of San Francisco, you are certain to find something wonderful.
Question:
The author mainly wants to tell us _ .
Choices:
A. about English schools in the US
B. the places around English School
C. about the beautiful scenery in San Francisco
D. San Francisco is a good place to learn language | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high11786.txt | San Francisco has long been a favorite place for travelers who are ready to learn languages.The mild year-round climate, shops and restaurants, bars and night-life, and some of the most beautiful scene in the US attract many visitors to this relaxing and welcoming city.Students are sure to find the San Francisco Bay Area an interesting, safe and friendly place in which they can live and study.This is the most important.
English School in San Francisco is located in the heart of the city.It is one of the best San Francisco English language schools.You can see views of the city from your classroom! Many buses stop less than a five-minute walk from the school, which is also just a two-minute walk from the famous Union Square, San Francisco Shopping Centre, the Financial District, Yerba Buena gardens and the Museum of Modern Art.The school is minutes away from the cable cars to Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf and a boat ride on the bay.
San Francisco is a great place to study English and learn about American culture, offering excellent opportunities in sports, entertainment and arts.The city borders excellent beaches, and you can sail or surf all year round.
San Francisco has more restaurants than any other city in the US, and is the home of many theaters, music and dance companies, as well as museums.Just walking through the many areas of San Francisco, you are certain to find something wonderful. | [
"about English schools in the US",
"the places around English School",
"about the beautiful scenery in San Francisco",
"San Francisco is a good place to learn language"
] |
It can be learned from the passage that top performers are not _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Fourteen - year - old Richie Hawley had spent five years studying violin at the Community School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles when he took part in a violin contest. Ninety two young people were invited to the contest and Hawley came out first.
The contest could have been the perfect setup for fear, worrying about mistakes, and trying to impress the judges.But Hawley says he did pretty well in staying calm. "I couldn't be thinking about how many mistakes I'd make--it would distract me from playing," he says."I didn't even remember trying to impress people while I played. It's almost as if they weren't there. I just wanted to make music."
Hawley is a winner. But he didn't become a winner by concentrating on winning. He did it by concentrating on playing well.
"The important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part," said the founder of the modern Olympics, Pierre de Coubertin."The important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."
A characteristic of high performers is their intense, pleasurable concentration on work, rather than on their competitors or future glory or money, says Dr.Charles Garfield, who has studied 1,500 achievers in business, science, sports, the arts, and professions."They are interested in winning, but they're most interested in self-development, testing their limits."
One of the most surprising things about top performers is how many losses they've had and how much they've learned from each. "Not one of the 1,500 I studied defined losing as failing," Garfield says."They kept calling their losses 'setbacks'."
A healthy attitude toward setbacks is essential to winning, experts agree.
"The worst thing you can do if you've had a setback is to let yourself get stuck in a prolonged depression. You should analyze carefully what went wrong, identify specific things you did right and give yourself credit for them." Garfield believes that most people don't give themselves enough praise. He even suggests keeping a diary of all the positive things you've done on the way to a goal.
Question:
It can be learned from the passage that top performers are not _ .
Choices:
A. interested in winning
B. free of losses
C. accustomed to failures
D. concerned about setbacks | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high4253.txt | Fourteen - year - old Richie Hawley had spent five years studying violin at the Community School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles when he took part in a violin contest. Ninety two young people were invited to the contest and Hawley came out first.
The contest could have been the perfect setup for fear, worrying about mistakes, and trying to impress the judges.But Hawley says he did pretty well in staying calm. "I couldn't be thinking about how many mistakes I'd make--it would distract me from playing," he says."I didn't even remember trying to impress people while I played. It's almost as if they weren't there. I just wanted to make music."
Hawley is a winner. But he didn't become a winner by concentrating on winning. He did it by concentrating on playing well.
"The important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part," said the founder of the modern Olympics, Pierre de Coubertin."The important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."
A characteristic of high performers is their intense, pleasurable concentration on work, rather than on their competitors or future glory or money, says Dr.Charles Garfield, who has studied 1,500 achievers in business, science, sports, the arts, and professions."They are interested in winning, but they're most interested in self-development, testing their limits."
One of the most surprising things about top performers is how many losses they've had and how much they've learned from each. "Not one of the 1,500 I studied defined losing as failing," Garfield says."They kept calling their losses 'setbacks'."
A healthy attitude toward setbacks is essential to winning, experts agree.
"The worst thing you can do if you've had a setback is to let yourself get stuck in a prolonged depression. You should analyze carefully what went wrong, identify specific things you did right and give yourself credit for them." Garfield believes that most people don't give themselves enough praise. He even suggests keeping a diary of all the positive things you've done on the way to a goal. | [
"interested in winning",
"free of losses",
"accustomed to failures",
"concerned about setbacks"
] |
We should thank our parents because | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
There is an old Chinese saying, " _ That means if someone helps you a bit, you should remember it and thank them gratefully in return.
We should live in a world of gratitude. We should prove it with actions, not just words. We thank people who hurt us, because they teach us important things. We thank people who give us up, because we learn how to be independent. We thank people who selfish ,because we learn the importance of being kind. Of course, we should thank people who help us. We should thank people who teach us. We should thank people who care about us.
We thank our parents. They work hard all the time in order to give their sons and daughters a better life. They cook meals for us, they do the chores for us, they always give us food and clothes, they teach us what is right and what is wrong.
We thank our teachers who give us dreams. They teach us a lot of things but they ask for nothing from us. We are well-educated of them.
There are a lot of people that we should be grateful to in our life. We should find a way to thank them.
Question:
We should thank our parents because
Choices:
A. they work hard for us all the time
B. they give us everything they can
C. they teach us what is right or not
D. A,B and C | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle5251.txt | There is an old Chinese saying, " _ That means if someone helps you a bit, you should remember it and thank them gratefully in return.
We should live in a world of gratitude. We should prove it with actions, not just words. We thank people who hurt us, because they teach us important things. We thank people who give us up, because we learn how to be independent. We thank people who selfish ,because we learn the importance of being kind. Of course, we should thank people who help us. We should thank people who teach us. We should thank people who care about us.
We thank our parents. They work hard all the time in order to give their sons and daughters a better life. They cook meals for us, they do the chores for us, they always give us food and clothes, they teach us what is right and what is wrong.
We thank our teachers who give us dreams. They teach us a lot of things but they ask for nothing from us. We are well-educated of them.
There are a lot of people that we should be grateful to in our life. We should find a way to thank them. | [
"they work hard for us all the time",
"they give us everything they can",
"they teach us what is right or not",
"A,B and C"
] |
Which system carries out long-distance transport of materials between the root and shoot systems? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | Which system carries out long-distance transport of materials between the root and shoot systems? | vascular tissue system | science | null | null | null | perceptual tissue system | circulatory tissue system | reproductive tissue system | vascular tissue system | null | null | null | |
How can people start conversations with strangers? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
If you are visiting England, you will notice that English have many customs and traditions that are different from those in China.
This guide provides help for anyone visiting England for the first time.
Standing in the queue
English people like to form queue.They think it is the fair way to behave.People wait in a queue in shops and at bus stops.People will think you are very rude if you don't join the queue.
Please, Thank You, Excuse Me and Sorry
It is good manners to say "please" and "thank you".If someone is in your way and you would like them to move, say "excuse me" and they will move.If you bump into someone or you are in their way say "sorry".They will probably say "sorry", too, even if it was your mistake.Saying "sorry" does not always mean you think you were wrong.Someone it is just a polite thing to say.
Meeting a new person
When people meet for the first time, the usual custom is to shake hands.The next time you meet that person, you can just say hello.English people don't usually hug or kiss unless they know each other really well.
Talking to people
English people find it difficult to start conversations with strangers.They like to be private so if they are on buses or trains, they usually sit as far away from other people as possible.If you want to start a conversation, the topic that English people are always happy to talk about is the weather.So you need to be able to say "Isn't it warm (sunny/windy/wet/foggy) today?" or "Do you think it's going to rain/clear up?" This is much better than asking about politics, religion or how much people earn!
Question:
How can people start conversations with strangers?
Choices:
A. They can talk about politics and religion.
B. They can talk about the weather.
C. They can talk about "Please, Thank You, Excuse Me and Sorry"
D. They can talk about everything. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle6116.txt | If you are visiting England, you will notice that English have many customs and traditions that are different from those in China.
This guide provides help for anyone visiting England for the first time.
Standing in the queue
English people like to form queue.They think it is the fair way to behave.People wait in a queue in shops and at bus stops.People will think you are very rude if you don't join the queue.
Please, Thank You, Excuse Me and Sorry
It is good manners to say "please" and "thank you".If someone is in your way and you would like them to move, say "excuse me" and they will move.If you bump into someone or you are in their way say "sorry".They will probably say "sorry", too, even if it was your mistake.Saying "sorry" does not always mean you think you were wrong.Someone it is just a polite thing to say.
Meeting a new person
When people meet for the first time, the usual custom is to shake hands.The next time you meet that person, you can just say hello.English people don't usually hug or kiss unless they know each other really well.
Talking to people
English people find it difficult to start conversations with strangers.They like to be private so if they are on buses or trains, they usually sit as far away from other people as possible.If you want to start a conversation, the topic that English people are always happy to talk about is the weather.So you need to be able to say "Isn't it warm (sunny/windy/wet/foggy) today?" or "Do you think it's going to rain/clear up?" This is much better than asking about politics, religion or how much people earn! | [
"They can talk about politics and religion.",
"They can talk about the weather.",
"They can talk about \"Please, Thank You, Excuse Me and Sorry\"",
"They can talk about everything."
] |
Which of the following statements is true according to the passage? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Easter Eggs
Easter falls officially on the Sunday following the first full moon after March 21. The name Easter itself derives from Europe, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of springtime and sunrise. Christians relate the rising of the sun to resurrection of Jesus, Son of God, and therefore Easter, like Easter, represents rebirth of the soul.
It is because of this association of the holiday with rebirth that the egg has long been its chief symbol. The egg was a symbol of spring and fertility (for the egg is the original germ from which all life proceeds) long before the Christian era. The ancient Persians, Greeks and Chinese exchanged eggs at their spring festivals. In Christian times the egg took on a new meaning, symbolizing Christ's tomb---a cold and hard casket from which new life finally broke forth in triumph. In modern times the egg is still the most important part of Easter customs. Egg-rolling contests, egg hunts and egg-dyeing are still very popular with Americans at Easter time. Today Easter is more a family day than a religious holiday. Relatives and friends get together for large Easter dinners. Many American and friends get together for large Easter dinners. Many American cities have Easter parades. People enjoy the return of the milder weather by walking outdoors to display their new spring clothes.
Question:
Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?
Choices:
A. Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday of March.
B. Easter is no longer a religious holiday in modern times.
C. In Christian beliefs, the egg symbolizes the full moon on the day when Jesus rose from his tomb.
D. Today Easter is mainly a family holiday and people have reunion dinners and walk outdoors to enjoy the spring. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high17595.txt | Easter Eggs
Easter falls officially on the Sunday following the first full moon after March 21. The name Easter itself derives from Europe, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of springtime and sunrise. Christians relate the rising of the sun to resurrection of Jesus, Son of God, and therefore Easter, like Easter, represents rebirth of the soul.
It is because of this association of the holiday with rebirth that the egg has long been its chief symbol. The egg was a symbol of spring and fertility (for the egg is the original germ from which all life proceeds) long before the Christian era. The ancient Persians, Greeks and Chinese exchanged eggs at their spring festivals. In Christian times the egg took on a new meaning, symbolizing Christ's tomb---a cold and hard casket from which new life finally broke forth in triumph. In modern times the egg is still the most important part of Easter customs. Egg-rolling contests, egg hunts and egg-dyeing are still very popular with Americans at Easter time. Today Easter is more a family day than a religious holiday. Relatives and friends get together for large Easter dinners. Many American and friends get together for large Easter dinners. Many American cities have Easter parades. People enjoy the return of the milder weather by walking outdoors to display their new spring clothes. | [
"Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday of March.",
"Easter is no longer a religious holiday in modern times.",
"In Christian beliefs, the egg symbolizes the full moon on the day when Jesus rose from his tomb.",
"Today Easter is mainly a family holiday and people have reunion dinners and walk outdoors to enjoy the spring."
] |
Which of the following is NOT traditional to welcome a new year? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Although the New Year is already here, the great moments of the past year are still in the memory. Let's look back at some of them.
United States
One of the world's largest New Year's Eve parties was held in Times Square, New York. The festival attracted hundreds of thousands of people to watch a brightly-lit ball drop on a landmark building at the stroke (, ) of midnight.
A great amount of confetti was released from the sky at zero o'clock.
Britain
Painted in shinning colors, blowing whistles, 50,000 party-goers arrived in London's Millennium Dome to dance in the New Year. The Millennium Dome came to life at midnight as 50 DJs started up, competing on five separate dance floors to warm the crowd into the party mood.
Russia
New Year is the biggest holiday in Russia. It is traditional to put up a tree for celebrations with family and friends.
On the very last day of last year, Russians with a taste for a very cold swim braved freezing temperatures to plant traditional, festival trees on the bed of the Northern Ocean and at the bottom of Lake Baikal, the world's deepest lake.
Malaysia
Brave skydivers threw themselves off the world's tallest building near midnight and floated towards the New Year.
The jump from the 452-metre Petronas Twin Tower was called a real leap from one year to the next since the group took off in the last second of the old year and landed a minute later in the New Year. "That was really cool," said Roland Simpson, "over crowds of onlookers to the landing spot."
Question:
Which of the following is NOT traditional to welcome a new year?
Choices:
A. Sharing the happiness and excitement together.
B. Setting up a tree for celebrations.
C. Planting trees on the bed of a lake.
D. 50 DJs' competing on five separate floors. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high3686.txt | Although the New Year is already here, the great moments of the past year are still in the memory. Let's look back at some of them.
United States
One of the world's largest New Year's Eve parties was held in Times Square, New York. The festival attracted hundreds of thousands of people to watch a brightly-lit ball drop on a landmark building at the stroke (, ) of midnight.
A great amount of confetti was released from the sky at zero o'clock.
Britain
Painted in shinning colors, blowing whistles, 50,000 party-goers arrived in London's Millennium Dome to dance in the New Year. The Millennium Dome came to life at midnight as 50 DJs started up, competing on five separate dance floors to warm the crowd into the party mood.
Russia
New Year is the biggest holiday in Russia. It is traditional to put up a tree for celebrations with family and friends.
On the very last day of last year, Russians with a taste for a very cold swim braved freezing temperatures to plant traditional, festival trees on the bed of the Northern Ocean and at the bottom of Lake Baikal, the world's deepest lake.
Malaysia
Brave skydivers threw themselves off the world's tallest building near midnight and floated towards the New Year.
The jump from the 452-metre Petronas Twin Tower was called a real leap from one year to the next since the group took off in the last second of the old year and landed a minute later in the New Year. "That was really cool," said Roland Simpson, "over crowds of onlookers to the landing spot." | [
"Sharing the happiness and excitement together.",
"Setting up a tree for celebrations.",
"Planting trees on the bed of a lake.",
"50 DJs' competing on five separate floors."
] |
The writer thinks that if you get angry easily you will _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Do you get angry at your friends' singing loudly while you are working? Or when your best friend does not wait for you after school?
If you do, you need to control your feelings and stop getting angry so easily. Getting angry with people can make you lose friends.
Gary Egeberg, an American high school teacher, has writtenMy feelings Are Just Like Wild Animalsto help you control your feelings. It tells teens how to stay cool when bad things happen to them. The book says that getting angry only makes problems worse. It can never make them better. Getting angry is not a natural way to act. It is just a bad habit, like smoking. The book says you can control your anger easily--all you have to do is telling yourself not to be angry.
When a baby falls over, it only cries if people are watching it. Like a baby, you should only get angry if you are sure it is the right thing to do.
*Keep a record. Every time you get angry, write down why you are angry. Look at it later and you will see you get angry too easily.
*Ask your friends to stop talking to you when you get angry. This will teach you not to be angry.
*Do something different. When you get angry, walk away from the problem and go somewhere else. Try to laugh!
Question:
The writer thinks that if you get angry easily you will _ .
Choices:
A. get ill very easily
B. lose your friends
C. get sad easily
D. eat less | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle425.txt | Do you get angry at your friends' singing loudly while you are working? Or when your best friend does not wait for you after school?
If you do, you need to control your feelings and stop getting angry so easily. Getting angry with people can make you lose friends.
Gary Egeberg, an American high school teacher, has writtenMy feelings Are Just Like Wild Animalsto help you control your feelings. It tells teens how to stay cool when bad things happen to them. The book says that getting angry only makes problems worse. It can never make them better. Getting angry is not a natural way to act. It is just a bad habit, like smoking. The book says you can control your anger easily--all you have to do is telling yourself not to be angry.
When a baby falls over, it only cries if people are watching it. Like a baby, you should only get angry if you are sure it is the right thing to do.
*Keep a record. Every time you get angry, write down why you are angry. Look at it later and you will see you get angry too easily.
*Ask your friends to stop talking to you when you get angry. This will teach you not to be angry.
*Do something different. When you get angry, walk away from the problem and go somewhere else. Try to laugh! | [
"get ill very easily",
"lose your friends",
"get sad easily",
"eat less"
] |
Which of the following is right? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Chinese and Nigerian media should pay more attention to their own growing roles and strive to present a reliable image of China to African audiences and vice versa . Agreement on this important step in ongoing cooperation between the two sides was reached by media representatives attending a media forum on September 19 in Abuja, Nigeria.
The agreement comes in the wake of increasing attention being paid by the international community on Africa's deepening relationship with China. "This presents an important opportunity for media in China, Nigeria and other African countries. We should seize the moment to expand cooperation between Chinese and Nigeria media, increase our say, and contribute to cooperation between China, Nigeria and Africa as a whole," said Li Wufeng, Vice Minister of the State Council Information Office at the China-Nigeria Media meeting.
The media meeting was jointly held by the State Council Information Office, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, and the Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria. It formed part of the "Experience China" program, which aims to increase cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between China and other parts of the world.
In the past, due to poor communication facilities, China and African countries could only learn about each other through third parties, in particular Western media, which may have given rise to and _ misunderstandings.
"China is still not a constant feature or subject on the front page and prime time in the news media in Nigeria unless there are disasters and alleged human rights abuses to be reported," said Martins Oloja, Editor of The Guardian.
Major Western media continue to promote a Cold War mentality and view Sino-African ties through the lens of geopolitics, framing everything as competition between East and West, Chinese and Nigerian media professionals said at the forum. Some Western media outlets accuse China of ignoring mutually beneficial solutions or sustainable development of African people, while robbing the continent of its natural resources.
"Nigerians cannot expect Aljazeera or BBC to report on Africa, and indeed Nigeria and China relations, the way we want," said Oloja.
Mutually objective coverage will generate more cooperation and better understanding between China and Nigeria, said Li Xiaohua, a representative from China. org.cn, a leading multi-language website in China.
Question:
Which of the following is right?
Choices:
A. The State Council Information Office and "Experience China" program attended this China-Nigeria Media meeting.
B. In the past, China and African countries could learn about each other very well.
C. Chinese people and Chinese events has been well reported through African media.
D. Nowadays, some African media still cannot give the true stories of China. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high5067.txt | Chinese and Nigerian media should pay more attention to their own growing roles and strive to present a reliable image of China to African audiences and vice versa . Agreement on this important step in ongoing cooperation between the two sides was reached by media representatives attending a media forum on September 19 in Abuja, Nigeria.
The agreement comes in the wake of increasing attention being paid by the international community on Africa's deepening relationship with China. "This presents an important opportunity for media in China, Nigeria and other African countries. We should seize the moment to expand cooperation between Chinese and Nigeria media, increase our say, and contribute to cooperation between China, Nigeria and Africa as a whole," said Li Wufeng, Vice Minister of the State Council Information Office at the China-Nigeria Media meeting.
The media meeting was jointly held by the State Council Information Office, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, and the Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria. It formed part of the "Experience China" program, which aims to increase cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between China and other parts of the world.
In the past, due to poor communication facilities, China and African countries could only learn about each other through third parties, in particular Western media, which may have given rise to and _ misunderstandings.
"China is still not a constant feature or subject on the front page and prime time in the news media in Nigeria unless there are disasters and alleged human rights abuses to be reported," said Martins Oloja, Editor of The Guardian.
Major Western media continue to promote a Cold War mentality and view Sino-African ties through the lens of geopolitics, framing everything as competition between East and West, Chinese and Nigerian media professionals said at the forum. Some Western media outlets accuse China of ignoring mutually beneficial solutions or sustainable development of African people, while robbing the continent of its natural resources.
"Nigerians cannot expect Aljazeera or BBC to report on Africa, and indeed Nigeria and China relations, the way we want," said Oloja.
Mutually objective coverage will generate more cooperation and better understanding between China and Nigeria, said Li Xiaohua, a representative from China. org.cn, a leading multi-language website in China. | [
"The State Council Information Office and \"Experience China\" program attended this China-Nigeria Media meeting.",
"In the past, China and African countries could learn about each other very well.",
"Chinese people and Chinese events has been well reported through African media.",
"Nowadays, some African media still cannot give the true stories of China."
] |
When an American wants something to eat or drink at a dinner, he will _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Do as the Romans Do
The customs in different countries are rather different. If I have dinner with a Chinese host, he always puts more food onto my plates as soon as I have emptied it. That often discomforts me greatly. I have to eat the food even if I don't want to, because it is considered bad manners in the West to leave one's food on the plate. I have already noticed that when a Chinese sits at an American's dinner party, he very often refuses the offer of food or drink though he is in fact still hungry or thirsty. This might be good manners in China, but it is not in the West at all. In the United States, it is impolite to keep asking someone again and again or insist on his accepting something. Americans have a direct way of speaking. If they want something, they will ask for it. If not, they will say, "No, thanks." When an American is fed with beer by the host, for example, he might say, "No, thanks. I'll take some diet, Pepsi-Cola if you have it. "That is what an American will do. So when you go to the United States, you had better remember the famous saying: When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Question:
When an American wants something to eat or drink at a dinner, he will _ .
Choices:
A. ask for it boldly
B. refuse the offer
C. ask for it directly
D. express himself indirectly | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle6622.txt | Do as the Romans Do
The customs in different countries are rather different. If I have dinner with a Chinese host, he always puts more food onto my plates as soon as I have emptied it. That often discomforts me greatly. I have to eat the food even if I don't want to, because it is considered bad manners in the West to leave one's food on the plate. I have already noticed that when a Chinese sits at an American's dinner party, he very often refuses the offer of food or drink though he is in fact still hungry or thirsty. This might be good manners in China, but it is not in the West at all. In the United States, it is impolite to keep asking someone again and again or insist on his accepting something. Americans have a direct way of speaking. If they want something, they will ask for it. If not, they will say, "No, thanks." When an American is fed with beer by the host, for example, he might say, "No, thanks. I'll take some diet, Pepsi-Cola if you have it. "That is what an American will do. So when you go to the United States, you had better remember the famous saying: When in Rome, do as the Romans do. | [
"ask for it boldly",
"refuse the offer",
"ask for it directly",
"express himself indirectly"
] |
What are Rachel Besser's words mainly about? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
"Children should not be left unsupervised to play with a dog." say experts in this week's British Medical Journal. Their advice is part of a review aimed at doctors who deal with dog bites.
"Dog bites and maulings are a worldwide problem, particularly in children." write Marina Morgan and John Palmer. Every year 250,000 people who have been bitten by dogs attend minor injuries and emergency units in the United Kingdom, and half of all children are reportedly bitten by dogs at some time, boys more than girls.
Accurate death figures are difficult to obtain, but in the past five years, two to three cases a year have made news headlines.
Based on the latest medical evidence, _ advise doctors how to examine and treat a patient presenting with a dog bite. They discuss the risk of infection and when to refer to specialist care. For travelers bitten abroad, they suggest assessing the risk of rabies .
In terms of prevention, they suggest that children should be taught to treat dogs with respect, avoid direct eye contact, and not tease them. They should be taught not to approach an unfamiliar dog; play with any dog unless under close supervision; run or scream in the presence of a dog; pet a dog without first letting it sniff you; or disturb a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for its babies.
"Dog owners also need to change their behavior", says Rachel Besser, a children's doctor and lifetime dog owner, in an article.
"It is clear that not all dog owners appreciate that children should not be left unsupervised with a dog", she says. Just as some parents are obliged to take parenting classes, she would like to see compulsive classes for expectant dog owners to teach them about the responsibilities of dog ownership. Educational programs are also needed to teach children about some precautionary behaviors around dogs.
Finally, she would like to see animal doctors advising dog owners about bite prevention, and doctors promoting bite prevention when treating patients who have been bitten by dogs.
Question:
What are Rachel Besser's words mainly about?
Choices:
A. It's necessary to teach children how to raise dogs.
B. Children should be taught not to play with dogs.
C. All the dog owners would like to attend classes on caring for dogs.
D. Some dog owners would like children to be left unsupervised with a dog. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high801.txt | "Children should not be left unsupervised to play with a dog." say experts in this week's British Medical Journal. Their advice is part of a review aimed at doctors who deal with dog bites.
"Dog bites and maulings are a worldwide problem, particularly in children." write Marina Morgan and John Palmer. Every year 250,000 people who have been bitten by dogs attend minor injuries and emergency units in the United Kingdom, and half of all children are reportedly bitten by dogs at some time, boys more than girls.
Accurate death figures are difficult to obtain, but in the past five years, two to three cases a year have made news headlines.
Based on the latest medical evidence, _ advise doctors how to examine and treat a patient presenting with a dog bite. They discuss the risk of infection and when to refer to specialist care. For travelers bitten abroad, they suggest assessing the risk of rabies .
In terms of prevention, they suggest that children should be taught to treat dogs with respect, avoid direct eye contact, and not tease them. They should be taught not to approach an unfamiliar dog; play with any dog unless under close supervision; run or scream in the presence of a dog; pet a dog without first letting it sniff you; or disturb a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for its babies.
"Dog owners also need to change their behavior", says Rachel Besser, a children's doctor and lifetime dog owner, in an article.
"It is clear that not all dog owners appreciate that children should not be left unsupervised with a dog", she says. Just as some parents are obliged to take parenting classes, she would like to see compulsive classes for expectant dog owners to teach them about the responsibilities of dog ownership. Educational programs are also needed to teach children about some precautionary behaviors around dogs.
Finally, she would like to see animal doctors advising dog owners about bite prevention, and doctors promoting bite prevention when treating patients who have been bitten by dogs. | [
"It's necessary to teach children how to raise dogs.",
"Children should be taught not to play with dogs.",
"All the dog owners would like to attend classes on caring for dogs.",
"Some dog owners would like children to be left unsupervised with a dog."
] |
It can be inferred from the passage that the writer _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
In 1968, Easter preparation started on Saturday and Mom color1ed eggs. Mom boiled a few dozen eggs and while they cooled, Dennis, Diane and I gathered supplies. We put some color1 powder in each of six bowls, added boiling water and vinegar, and then mixed them together. Before dipping an egg into one of the pretty color1s, I'd catch a crayon and carefully print "Darlene" on one egg. Dennis and Diane did the same. Then Mum and Dad put the eggs with our names and some presents in separate baskets. When we hunted on Easter morning, we'd be sure to get the right basket.
Being 8-year-old, I am quite familiar with the rule, and I explained to my younger sister, Diane: Firstly, if you find the basket with the others' egg in it, quietly put it back and continue the hunt. Secondly, if the basket with your egg in it isn't found by fifteen minutes before church, you have to continue looking for it after church. That year I was unlucky, I didn't find my basket before church, so I spent one more hour looking for my hunt.
The next Easter was a different story since I was lucky enough to find my basket first. I was jumping up and down, and staring at the big chocolate rabbit in my basket when Mom and Dad told us to get dressed. I proudly left my basket in the sun porch before heading out of the door.
After church, my sisters and brothers ran ahead, but I was pleased to walk between Mom and Dad since I'd already found my basket and huge chocolate rabbit. As I jumped up the porch steps I knew Dennis found his too, since he was laughing his head off.
"Hungry for chocolate soup? " Dennis laughed. "Chocolate soup?" I was surprised. One look at Dennis pointed finger made me realize my beautiful chocolate rabbit was now a chocolate puddle . But I always think of the unforgettable Easters when I was a child.
Question:
It can be inferred from the passage that the writer _ .
Choices:
A. was the luckiest one
B. made rules
C. didn't like chocolate very much
D. knew the rules well | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high19507.txt | In 1968, Easter preparation started on Saturday and Mom color1ed eggs. Mom boiled a few dozen eggs and while they cooled, Dennis, Diane and I gathered supplies. We put some color1 powder in each of six bowls, added boiling water and vinegar, and then mixed them together. Before dipping an egg into one of the pretty color1s, I'd catch a crayon and carefully print "Darlene" on one egg. Dennis and Diane did the same. Then Mum and Dad put the eggs with our names and some presents in separate baskets. When we hunted on Easter morning, we'd be sure to get the right basket.
Being 8-year-old, I am quite familiar with the rule, and I explained to my younger sister, Diane: Firstly, if you find the basket with the others' egg in it, quietly put it back and continue the hunt. Secondly, if the basket with your egg in it isn't found by fifteen minutes before church, you have to continue looking for it after church. That year I was unlucky, I didn't find my basket before church, so I spent one more hour looking for my hunt.
The next Easter was a different story since I was lucky enough to find my basket first. I was jumping up and down, and staring at the big chocolate rabbit in my basket when Mom and Dad told us to get dressed. I proudly left my basket in the sun porch before heading out of the door.
After church, my sisters and brothers ran ahead, but I was pleased to walk between Mom and Dad since I'd already found my basket and huge chocolate rabbit. As I jumped up the porch steps I knew Dennis found his too, since he was laughing his head off.
"Hungry for chocolate soup? " Dennis laughed. "Chocolate soup?" I was surprised. One look at Dennis pointed finger made me realize my beautiful chocolate rabbit was now a chocolate puddle . But I always think of the unforgettable Easters when I was a child. | [
"was the luckiest one",
"made rules",
"didn't like chocolate very much",
"knew the rules well"
] |
Her clothes were _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful girl called Cinderella.Her mother died and Cinderella's father had a new wife, who only loved her two ugly daughters.A handsome prince wanted to find a wife and invited all the girls to a dance.The ugly sisters had beautiful clothes but Cinderella stayed at home in the kitchen.A fairy helped Cinderella and used magic to give her pretty clothes and a carriage to go to the dance, but told her to leave at midnight because the magic would end by then.The prince liked Cinderella a lot and danced with her.Then the clock started ringing 12 p.m.and Cinderella ran out of the hall, leaving one glass shoe behind.
The prince wanted the lovely girl to be his wife.He walked around town with the shoe trying to find her.The ugly sisters wanted to marry the prince and tried to put the shoe on, but their feet were like elephants'.Then the prince asked Cinderella to try.The mother and ugly sisters laughed, but they stopped when the shoe went on Cinderella's foot.The prince made Cinderella his wife, and they lived happily ever after.
Question:
Her clothes were _ .
Choices:
A. magic
B. very old
C. a present from her sisters
D. a present from her stepmother | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle5541.txt | Once upon a time, there was a beautiful girl called Cinderella.Her mother died and Cinderella's father had a new wife, who only loved her two ugly daughters.A handsome prince wanted to find a wife and invited all the girls to a dance.The ugly sisters had beautiful clothes but Cinderella stayed at home in the kitchen.A fairy helped Cinderella and used magic to give her pretty clothes and a carriage to go to the dance, but told her to leave at midnight because the magic would end by then.The prince liked Cinderella a lot and danced with her.Then the clock started ringing 12 p.m.and Cinderella ran out of the hall, leaving one glass shoe behind.
The prince wanted the lovely girl to be his wife.He walked around town with the shoe trying to find her.The ugly sisters wanted to marry the prince and tried to put the shoe on, but their feet were like elephants'.Then the prince asked Cinderella to try.The mother and ugly sisters laughed, but they stopped when the shoe went on Cinderella's foot.The prince made Cinderella his wife, and they lived happily ever after. | [
"magic",
"very old",
"a present from her sisters",
"a present from her stepmother"
] |
According to the text, Carmen _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
It all started at the beginning of this term. At first, Carmen wasn't really sure what was happening. In class, she had tosquint to see the blackboard clearly. As it got worse, she became more and more worried. It was important for her to see the notes and homework the teacher wrote on the board.
In class, she asked for a desk that was closer to the blackboard. One day, her teacher said, "Carmen, I've noticed you squinting a lot. Are you having trouble seeing the board?" Carmen shook her head. "I'm fine, Mrs. Cruz."
At home, she had to sit closer and closer to the television. Her mother noticed her squinting as she watched her favorite shows.
"Tomorrow I will go to see a doctor," she said firmly. Three days later, Carmen had new glasses. She was told to wear them all the time. "All of the kids at school will think I am anerd ," she said. "You look just as beautiful with those glasses on as you do without them," her mother said. But Carmen didn't believe her.
The next day, Carmen kept the glasses in her pocket as she walked into the schoolyard. Suddenly, she heard her friend Theresa shout. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"My silver ring is gone!" Theresa cried. Carmen could tell that Theresa was very upset. They all looked for the ring in the grassy area of the playground.
Carmen realized that she could search better if she could see better. She took the glasses out of her pocket and put them on. Everything looked so different! So clear! And aglimmer of silver caught her eye.
"Here it is," she shouted. "Thanks Carmen," Theresa said. "I didn't know you wore glasses. They look great!" "Thanks," Carmen replied shyly.
As they walked back toward the school building, two more girls praised her glasses. Carmen smiled. "Maybe wearing glasses won't be so bad after all," she thought.
Question:
According to the text, Carmen _ .
Choices:
A. doesn't like doing homework
B. often tells lies to her teacher
C. cares how well she does in lesson
D. has trouble getting along with her classmates | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high690.txt | It all started at the beginning of this term. At first, Carmen wasn't really sure what was happening. In class, she had tosquint to see the blackboard clearly. As it got worse, she became more and more worried. It was important for her to see the notes and homework the teacher wrote on the board.
In class, she asked for a desk that was closer to the blackboard. One day, her teacher said, "Carmen, I've noticed you squinting a lot. Are you having trouble seeing the board?" Carmen shook her head. "I'm fine, Mrs. Cruz."
At home, she had to sit closer and closer to the television. Her mother noticed her squinting as she watched her favorite shows.
"Tomorrow I will go to see a doctor," she said firmly. Three days later, Carmen had new glasses. She was told to wear them all the time. "All of the kids at school will think I am anerd ," she said. "You look just as beautiful with those glasses on as you do without them," her mother said. But Carmen didn't believe her.
The next day, Carmen kept the glasses in her pocket as she walked into the schoolyard. Suddenly, she heard her friend Theresa shout. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"My silver ring is gone!" Theresa cried. Carmen could tell that Theresa was very upset. They all looked for the ring in the grassy area of the playground.
Carmen realized that she could search better if she could see better. She took the glasses out of her pocket and put them on. Everything looked so different! So clear! And aglimmer of silver caught her eye.
"Here it is," she shouted. "Thanks Carmen," Theresa said. "I didn't know you wore glasses. They look great!" "Thanks," Carmen replied shyly.
As they walked back toward the school building, two more girls praised her glasses. Carmen smiled. "Maybe wearing glasses won't be so bad after all," she thought. | [
"doesn't like doing homework",
"often tells lies to her teacher",
"cares how well she does in lesson",
"has trouble getting along with her classmates"
] |
The reason why the sport is called "handathon" is probably that _ in the competition. | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
It is probably the strangest sport anyone has ever invented. And at first sight, it looks like the easiest. Competitors have to do two things. The first is to stand still. The second is to place their hand anywhere on the body of a car, and keep it there.
This is where things start getting difficult. Lots of other people are doing the same thing. And the winner of the "handathon" contest is the person who can carry on doing it for the longest time. That person gets to own the car.
It still seems to be an easy thing to do. At the beginning it is. Anyone can stand still. But when the contest has been going for four or five days, standing still seems like the most difficult job in the world. And keeping the hand in place over this time becomes an act of serious attention. After a few days, the hand seems to belong to someone else--someone who wants to go home and get some sleep.
Competitors are allowed to take a five-minute break every hour to eat, drink or do whatever else is necessary. No one is allowed to lean on the car for support. Winners need to be able to show great powers of attention. They also need to be able to develop special skills.
Maybe the popularity of the handathon is due to the fact that it is not necessary to be a trained athlete to enter. Entrants in the Longview handathon certainly don't seem to do much preparation. Most say they will prepare by "getting lots of sleep". Others say they will "eat healthy food" or "pray for success". The whole event gives ordinary people the chance to do something interesting and win something at the end.
Handathons are competitions, but there is little rivalry between the competitors. They help each other out and keep each other's spirits up. People who drop out early return with food, drink and encouragement for those still standing.
Question:
The reason why the sport is called "handathon" is probably that _ in the competition.
Choices:
A. people cover a long distance
B. people keep hands in place long
C. people wave hands as long as possible
D. people do the same thing as in marathon | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high17914.txt | It is probably the strangest sport anyone has ever invented. And at first sight, it looks like the easiest. Competitors have to do two things. The first is to stand still. The second is to place their hand anywhere on the body of a car, and keep it there.
This is where things start getting difficult. Lots of other people are doing the same thing. And the winner of the "handathon" contest is the person who can carry on doing it for the longest time. That person gets to own the car.
It still seems to be an easy thing to do. At the beginning it is. Anyone can stand still. But when the contest has been going for four or five days, standing still seems like the most difficult job in the world. And keeping the hand in place over this time becomes an act of serious attention. After a few days, the hand seems to belong to someone else--someone who wants to go home and get some sleep.
Competitors are allowed to take a five-minute break every hour to eat, drink or do whatever else is necessary. No one is allowed to lean on the car for support. Winners need to be able to show great powers of attention. They also need to be able to develop special skills.
Maybe the popularity of the handathon is due to the fact that it is not necessary to be a trained athlete to enter. Entrants in the Longview handathon certainly don't seem to do much preparation. Most say they will prepare by "getting lots of sleep". Others say they will "eat healthy food" or "pray for success". The whole event gives ordinary people the chance to do something interesting and win something at the end.
Handathons are competitions, but there is little rivalry between the competitors. They help each other out and keep each other's spirits up. People who drop out early return with food, drink and encouragement for those still standing. | [
"people cover a long distance",
"people keep hands in place long",
"people wave hands as long as possible",
"people do the same thing as in marathon"
] |
What would be the best title for the text? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
A funny thing about mums is that they always want what is best for their children. Many parents still find themselves worrying when they can't be there to watch over their children, which in turn leads them to be overprotective. Of course, the funny thing about teenagers is that they often feel _ by overprotective parents, but powerless to make their parents believe that they are really fine and can care for themselves. ks5u
In your situation, it might do a world of good to simply sit down with your mum and thank her for caring enough about you. Then let her know that she is worrying needlessly because you aren't involved in any dangerous activities like drinking, using drugs and smoking. Then it is possible to arrive at conclusions that you both feel comfortable with.
If you and your mum cannot reach any conclusion, then you might suggest having someone else become involved in your discussions. That will let your mother know that you are serious about this subject. However, you should recognize that you will probably have to compromise on something, so don't expect to be able to tell your mother how you'd like the future to be and expect her to go along with it without question!
Finally, you might also consider asking your friends how they deal with overprotective parents. There might be something specific in your school or neighborhood that is making parents feel worried about their teenagers. The more you can understand your environment, the more you will know how to prove to your mum that you are safe within it. Try to remember that this is the key to the issue--your mum just wants you to be safe. If you can keep that in mind, you will solve the problem properly.
Question:
What would be the best title for the text?
Choices:
A. How to Get Along with Your Mum
B. How to Understand Your Parents
C. How to Take Good Care of Your Parents
D. How to Deal With Your Overprotective Mum | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high22423.txt | A funny thing about mums is that they always want what is best for their children. Many parents still find themselves worrying when they can't be there to watch over their children, which in turn leads them to be overprotective. Of course, the funny thing about teenagers is that they often feel _ by overprotective parents, but powerless to make their parents believe that they are really fine and can care for themselves. ks5u
In your situation, it might do a world of good to simply sit down with your mum and thank her for caring enough about you. Then let her know that she is worrying needlessly because you aren't involved in any dangerous activities like drinking, using drugs and smoking. Then it is possible to arrive at conclusions that you both feel comfortable with.
If you and your mum cannot reach any conclusion, then you might suggest having someone else become involved in your discussions. That will let your mother know that you are serious about this subject. However, you should recognize that you will probably have to compromise on something, so don't expect to be able to tell your mother how you'd like the future to be and expect her to go along with it without question!
Finally, you might also consider asking your friends how they deal with overprotective parents. There might be something specific in your school or neighborhood that is making parents feel worried about their teenagers. The more you can understand your environment, the more you will know how to prove to your mum that you are safe within it. Try to remember that this is the key to the issue--your mum just wants you to be safe. If you can keep that in mind, you will solve the problem properly. | [
"How to Get Along with Your Mum",
"How to Understand Your Parents",
"How to Take Good Care of Your Parents",
"How to Deal With Your Overprotective Mum"
] |
From the text we know that Coco _ | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The Asuncion zoo is looking for a mate for Coco, an endangered hyacinth macaw ,and it is the last known male of his species left in Paraguay.
Coco was sent to the zoo eight years ago. A recent DNA test showed that he is male. Zoo worker Celia said To avoid mixing species, the zoo has had to keep him apart from the other macaws, which has left him lonely and bored. "He is quite sociable, although he has only learned to say 'Hello', but when he hears music, he dances" Celia said
He has a yellow circle around his eyes that set off the rest of his blue feathers. He is more or less a cousin to Blu , he macaw that starts in the movie, Rio.That species, cyanopsitta-spixii ,is all blue and even more endangered than the hyacinth macaw.
Like the bird in the movie, scientists hope to find Coco a mate to- rebuild the species. Because international laws against animal training are now so strict, nobody is willing to lend the zoo a female. "The best solution is to find a female hyacinth macaw in our country. " Celia said, "there are at least two other known hyacinth-macaws but without DNA test, it is impossible to know if they are female, and the owners are not willing to help,because the mating process can take some time and be a little hard on females."
Question:
From the text we know that Coco _
Choices:
A. is the last known hyacinth macaw
B. lives apart from the other macaws
C. has adapted to being left alone
D. can say "Hello" when he hears music | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high9188.txt | The Asuncion zoo is looking for a mate for Coco, an endangered hyacinth macaw ,and it is the last known male of his species left in Paraguay.
Coco was sent to the zoo eight years ago. A recent DNA test showed that he is male. Zoo worker Celia said To avoid mixing species, the zoo has had to keep him apart from the other macaws, which has left him lonely and bored. "He is quite sociable, although he has only learned to say 'Hello', but when he hears music, he dances" Celia said
He has a yellow circle around his eyes that set off the rest of his blue feathers. He is more or less a cousin to Blu , he macaw that starts in the movie, Rio.That species, cyanopsitta-spixii ,is all blue and even more endangered than the hyacinth macaw.
Like the bird in the movie, scientists hope to find Coco a mate to- rebuild the species. Because international laws against animal training are now so strict, nobody is willing to lend the zoo a female. "The best solution is to find a female hyacinth macaw in our country. " Celia said, "there are at least two other known hyacinth-macaws but without DNA test, it is impossible to know if they are female, and the owners are not willing to help,because the mating process can take some time and be a little hard on females." | [
"is the last known hyacinth macaw",
"lives apart from the other macaws",
"has adapted to being left alone",
"can say \"Hello\" when he hears music"
] |
What is the term for the last stage of life before adulthood? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What is the term for the last stage of life before adulthood? | adolescence | science | null | null | null | childhood | old age | pre-pubescence | adolescence | For the first year after birth, a baby is called an infant . Childhood begins at age two and continues until adolescence. Adolescence is the last stage of life before adulthood. | null | null | null |
Which of the following can be inferred from the text? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The teacher was leaving the village, and everybody seemed sorry. The miller lent him the small cart and horse to carry his goods to Christminster, the city of his destination. Such a vehicle proved of quite enough size of the teacher's belongings, for his only article, in addition to the packing-case of books, was a piano that he had bought when he thought of learning instrumental music. But the eagerness having faded, he had never acquired the skill of playing, and the purchased article had been a permanent trouble to him.
The headmaster had gone away for the day, being a man who disliked the sight of changes. He didn't mean to return till the evening, when the new teacher would have arrived, and everything would be smooth again.
The blacksmith, the carpenter and the teacher were standing in confused attitudes in the sitting room before the instrument. The teacher had remarked that even if he got it into the cart he should not know what to do with it on his arrival at Christminster, since he was only going into a temporary place just at first.
A little boy of eleven, who had been assisting in the packing, joined the group of men, and said, "Aunt has got a fuel-house, and it could be put there, perhaps, till you've found a place to settle in, sir."
"Good idea," said the blacksmith. The smith and the carpenter started to see about possibility of the suggested shelter, and the boy and the teacher were left standing alone.
"Sorry I am going, Jude?" asked the latter kindly.
Tears rose into the boy's eyes. He admitted that he was sorry.
"So am I," said the teacher. He continued, "Well---don't speak of this everywhere. You know what a university is, and a university degree? It is the necessary hallmark of a man who want to do anything in teaching. My plan, or dream, is to be a university graduate. By going to Christminster, I shall be at headquarters , so to speak, and if my plan is practical at all, I consider that being on the spot will afford me a better chance."
The smith and his companion returned. Old Miss Fawly's fuel-house was big enough, and she seemed willing to give the instrument standing-room there. So it was left in the school till the evening, when more hands would be available for removing it; and the teacher gave a final glance round.
Question:
Which of the following can be inferred from the text?
Choices:
A. The teacher was torn between the eagerness to go to the city and his love for the village.
B. The teacher was going into a temporary place in Christminster at first.
C. The teacher moved his piano into the fuel-house with the help of some other people.
D. The teacher had so much belongings that he had to borrow a cart. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high3867.txt | The teacher was leaving the village, and everybody seemed sorry. The miller lent him the small cart and horse to carry his goods to Christminster, the city of his destination. Such a vehicle proved of quite enough size of the teacher's belongings, for his only article, in addition to the packing-case of books, was a piano that he had bought when he thought of learning instrumental music. But the eagerness having faded, he had never acquired the skill of playing, and the purchased article had been a permanent trouble to him.
The headmaster had gone away for the day, being a man who disliked the sight of changes. He didn't mean to return till the evening, when the new teacher would have arrived, and everything would be smooth again.
The blacksmith, the carpenter and the teacher were standing in confused attitudes in the sitting room before the instrument. The teacher had remarked that even if he got it into the cart he should not know what to do with it on his arrival at Christminster, since he was only going into a temporary place just at first.
A little boy of eleven, who had been assisting in the packing, joined the group of men, and said, "Aunt has got a fuel-house, and it could be put there, perhaps, till you've found a place to settle in, sir."
"Good idea," said the blacksmith. The smith and the carpenter started to see about possibility of the suggested shelter, and the boy and the teacher were left standing alone.
"Sorry I am going, Jude?" asked the latter kindly.
Tears rose into the boy's eyes. He admitted that he was sorry.
"So am I," said the teacher. He continued, "Well---don't speak of this everywhere. You know what a university is, and a university degree? It is the necessary hallmark of a man who want to do anything in teaching. My plan, or dream, is to be a university graduate. By going to Christminster, I shall be at headquarters , so to speak, and if my plan is practical at all, I consider that being on the spot will afford me a better chance."
The smith and his companion returned. Old Miss Fawly's fuel-house was big enough, and she seemed willing to give the instrument standing-room there. So it was left in the school till the evening, when more hands would be available for removing it; and the teacher gave a final glance round. | [
"The teacher was torn between the eagerness to go to the city and his love for the village.",
"The teacher was going into a temporary place in Christminster at first.",
"The teacher moved his piano into the fuel-house with the help of some other people.",
"The teacher had so much belongings that he had to borrow a cart."
] |
What do you call a compound that contains both an amino group and a carboxyl group in the same molecule? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What do you call a compound that contains both an amino group and a carboxyl group in the same molecule? | amino acid | science | null | null | null | catalyst | carbolic acid | compound acid | amino acid | An amino acid is a compound that contains both an amino group (−NH 2 ) and a carboxyl group (−COOH) in the same molecule. While any number of amino acids can possibly be imagined, biochemists generally reserve the term for a group of 20 amino acids which are formed and used by living organisms. The Figure below shows the general structure of an amino acid. | null | null | null |
The students would put the bags in the following places except _ | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
One day at the end of the class, a wise teacher told each of her students to bring a plastic bag and a bag of potatoes to school.
The next day she told her students, "From today on, for every person you don't like in your lives, you can choose a potato, write the person's name and the date on it and then put it in the plastic bag." Day after day, some of the students' bags were very heavy. They were then told to carry this bag with them everywhere they went for a week. They would put it inside their quilts at night, on the seats when sitting in a car or on a bus, and next to their desks at school. The days carrying the bag around with them made students get to know what a weight they were carrying in their minds. They had to pay attention to it all the time so that they wouldn't forget it. As time passed by, the potatoes went bad and smelt nasty . They all tried to get rid of them.
Too often we think of tolerance as a gift to other people, and clearly it is for ourselves! If we choose to keep our sadness and hatred in our hearts, we will have to carry them around all our lives.
Do you think you have got anything from the wise teacher and what she asked her students to do?
Question:
The students would put the bags in the following places except _
Choices:
A. inside their quilts
B. next to their desks at school
C. on the seats in a car or on a bus
D. in their friends' houses | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle3890.txt | One day at the end of the class, a wise teacher told each of her students to bring a plastic bag and a bag of potatoes to school.
The next day she told her students, "From today on, for every person you don't like in your lives, you can choose a potato, write the person's name and the date on it and then put it in the plastic bag." Day after day, some of the students' bags were very heavy. They were then told to carry this bag with them everywhere they went for a week. They would put it inside their quilts at night, on the seats when sitting in a car or on a bus, and next to their desks at school. The days carrying the bag around with them made students get to know what a weight they were carrying in their minds. They had to pay attention to it all the time so that they wouldn't forget it. As time passed by, the potatoes went bad and smelt nasty . They all tried to get rid of them.
Too often we think of tolerance as a gift to other people, and clearly it is for ourselves! If we choose to keep our sadness and hatred in our hearts, we will have to carry them around all our lives.
Do you think you have got anything from the wise teacher and what she asked her students to do? | [
"inside their quilts",
"next to their desks at school",
"on the seats in a car or on a bus",
"in their friends' houses"
] |
According to Lee, those hand washers consider justifying their choice _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Soaping up your hands may do more than just get rid of germs. It may wash away the inner confusion you feel right after being forced to make a choice between two appealing choices, according to a new study. The study builds on the past research into a phenomenon known as "the Macbeth effect" .
It turns out that Shakespeare was really onto something when he imagined Lady Macbeth trying to clean her conscience by rubbing invisible bloodstains from her hands.
A few years ago, scientists asked people to describe a past wrong act. If people were then given a chance to clean their hands, they later expressed less guilt than people who hadn't cleaned.
This finding interested W. S. Lee, a researcher. "Anything from the past, any kind of negative emotional experiences, might be washed away," says Lee.
He decided to test hand washing's effect on one kind of bad feeling:the tension we feel after being forced to choose between two attractive choices, because picking one choice makes us feel that we've lost the other. People usually try to calm this inner conflict by later exaggerating the positive aspects of their choice.
He had students rank 10 different music CDs. Then he offered students two of the CDs and told them to select one as a gift. Some students then used liquid soap. Others only looked at the soap or sniffed it. "Actually, you do not need water and soap," says Lee.
Later, the students again had to rank all the music CDs. People who didn't wash their hands had the normal response -- they scored their take-home CD higher, suggesting that they now saw it as an even more attractive one than before. But this wasn't true for the hand washers. They ranked the music about the same. "They feel no need at all to justify (...)the choice," says Lee.
But the effects of it just aren't clear. Schwarz says it's too soon to know whether people should head for a sink after making a tough choice. He says washing may help decision-makers by cleaning away mental disorder. But perhaps if they don't go through the usual post-decision process of justifying their choice, they might feel more sorrow in the long run.
Question:
According to Lee, those hand washers consider justifying their choice _ .
Choices:
A. scientific
B. useful
C. unnecessary
D. convincing | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high14449.txt | Soaping up your hands may do more than just get rid of germs. It may wash away the inner confusion you feel right after being forced to make a choice between two appealing choices, according to a new study. The study builds on the past research into a phenomenon known as "the Macbeth effect" .
It turns out that Shakespeare was really onto something when he imagined Lady Macbeth trying to clean her conscience by rubbing invisible bloodstains from her hands.
A few years ago, scientists asked people to describe a past wrong act. If people were then given a chance to clean their hands, they later expressed less guilt than people who hadn't cleaned.
This finding interested W. S. Lee, a researcher. "Anything from the past, any kind of negative emotional experiences, might be washed away," says Lee.
He decided to test hand washing's effect on one kind of bad feeling:the tension we feel after being forced to choose between two attractive choices, because picking one choice makes us feel that we've lost the other. People usually try to calm this inner conflict by later exaggerating the positive aspects of their choice.
He had students rank 10 different music CDs. Then he offered students two of the CDs and told them to select one as a gift. Some students then used liquid soap. Others only looked at the soap or sniffed it. "Actually, you do not need water and soap," says Lee.
Later, the students again had to rank all the music CDs. People who didn't wash their hands had the normal response -- they scored their take-home CD higher, suggesting that they now saw it as an even more attractive one than before. But this wasn't true for the hand washers. They ranked the music about the same. "They feel no need at all to justify (...)the choice," says Lee.
But the effects of it just aren't clear. Schwarz says it's too soon to know whether people should head for a sink after making a tough choice. He says washing may help decision-makers by cleaning away mental disorder. But perhaps if they don't go through the usual post-decision process of justifying their choice, they might feel more sorrow in the long run. | [
"scientific",
"useful",
"unnecessary",
"convincing"
] |
Many species secrete a hard external skeleton of what? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | Many species secrete a hard external skeleton of what? | calcium carbonate | science | null | null | null | carbon dioxide | sodium bicarbonate | hydrogen carbonate | calcium carbonate | null | null | null | |
A person can't take money for driving lessons unless he _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
In Britain you're allowed to drive a car when you're seventeen. You have to get a special two-year driving license before you can start. When you're leaning, someone with a full license always has to be in the car with you because you aren't allowed to drive the car on the road alone. You don't have to go to a driving school --- a friend can teach you. The person with you isn't allowed to take money for the lesson unless he's got a teacher's license.
Before you're allowed to have a full license, you have to take a driving test. You can take a test in your own car, but it has to be fit for the road. In the test you have to drive round for about half an hour and then answer a few questions. If you don't pass the test, you're allowed to take it again a few weeks later if you want to. In 1970 a woman passed her fortieth test after 212 driving lessons! When you've passed your test, you don't have to take it again, and you're allowed to go on driving as long as you like. Britain's oldest driver was a man who drove in 1974 at the age of 100.
Before 1904 everyone was allowed to drive, even children. Then from 1904 car drivers had to have a license. But they didn't have to take a test until 1935. On the early days of car driving, before 1878, cars weren't allowed to go faster than four miles an hour and someone had to lead the car with a red flag.
Question:
A person can't take money for driving lessons unless he _ .
Choices:
A. has learnt to drive in a driving school
B. has a full driving license
C. has a teacher's license
D. is given a special two-year driving license | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle4585.txt | In Britain you're allowed to drive a car when you're seventeen. You have to get a special two-year driving license before you can start. When you're leaning, someone with a full license always has to be in the car with you because you aren't allowed to drive the car on the road alone. You don't have to go to a driving school --- a friend can teach you. The person with you isn't allowed to take money for the lesson unless he's got a teacher's license.
Before you're allowed to have a full license, you have to take a driving test. You can take a test in your own car, but it has to be fit for the road. In the test you have to drive round for about half an hour and then answer a few questions. If you don't pass the test, you're allowed to take it again a few weeks later if you want to. In 1970 a woman passed her fortieth test after 212 driving lessons! When you've passed your test, you don't have to take it again, and you're allowed to go on driving as long as you like. Britain's oldest driver was a man who drove in 1974 at the age of 100.
Before 1904 everyone was allowed to drive, even children. Then from 1904 car drivers had to have a license. But they didn't have to take a test until 1935. On the early days of car driving, before 1878, cars weren't allowed to go faster than four miles an hour and someone had to lead the car with a red flag. | [
"has learnt to drive in a driving school",
"has a full driving license",
"has a teacher's license",
"is given a special two-year driving license"
] |
What do we know from the story? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
One day a rich boy bought a magic mirror . When he got home, he looked in the mirror. His face looked sad. He tried to smile and make funny faces, his face looked still sad. Then he did many happy things, but his face always looked sad. "Oh, what a terrible mirror! It doesn't work! " he said angrily. The next day on his way to buy some chocolate, he saw a little girl crying sadly. The rich boy went up to her and asked what happened. The little girl said she couldn't find her parents.
"Don't worry. I'll help you," the rich boy said. So they went to look for them together. Finally they found her parents. They were so thankful for his help. After the rich boy arrived home, he looked in the mirror as usual. To his surprise, his face looked very happy. The boy understood the magic of the mirror. The mirror could show the true feelings of its owner. This was true--the rich boy helped that little girl, so he felt really happy.
, .
Question:
What do we know from the story?
Choices:
A. The boy was thankful.
B. The boy was careless.
C. The boy was clever.
D. The boy was helpful. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle7263.txt | One day a rich boy bought a magic mirror . When he got home, he looked in the mirror. His face looked sad. He tried to smile and make funny faces, his face looked still sad. Then he did many happy things, but his face always looked sad. "Oh, what a terrible mirror! It doesn't work! " he said angrily. The next day on his way to buy some chocolate, he saw a little girl crying sadly. The rich boy went up to her and asked what happened. The little girl said she couldn't find her parents.
"Don't worry. I'll help you," the rich boy said. So they went to look for them together. Finally they found her parents. They were so thankful for his help. After the rich boy arrived home, he looked in the mirror as usual. To his surprise, his face looked very happy. The boy understood the magic of the mirror. The mirror could show the true feelings of its owner. This was true--the rich boy helped that little girl, so he felt really happy.
, . | [
"The boy was thankful.",
"The boy was careless.",
"The boy was clever.",
"The boy was helpful."
] |
When Laura is at sea ,she might _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
After a year of being prepared, Laura Dekker can't wait to set sail .Last August ,the Dutch government decided that Laura Dekker was too young to take on the challenge of sailing around the world alone. But after a year of preparing herself , Laura has been allowed to sail.
"I was so happy I almost jump into the water," Laura said , after learning of the court's judgement. She was born on a yacht in the South Pacific ,and now lives with her father in a boat. When Dutch child protection groups first heard about her plan to sail alone , they stopped her from doing so .
Since the decision, though, Laura had been preparing with her father to persuade the courts that she was ready. Last week she received the books and other materials she would need for school while she was at sea. She added safety equipment to a new, big ship. And she took her first aid course to learn several survival skills, like how to put out fires on the boat, take care of her own injuries and deal with lack of sleep. She also planned a safer course --- adding alternate routes to avoid pirate attacks, and planning a course that would have her on dry land as she moved from port to port across the world.
Laura is using a larger and more safer boat. If she finished successfully in less than two years, she will take the title from current record-holder Jessica Watson, of Australia, who was 16 when she completed the journey.
Question:
When Laura is at sea ,she might _ .
Choices:
A. learn some lessons by herself
B. learn some lessons with the help of her father
C. stop her school lessons for some time
D. not learn any lessons of her schooling | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high8410.txt | After a year of being prepared, Laura Dekker can't wait to set sail .Last August ,the Dutch government decided that Laura Dekker was too young to take on the challenge of sailing around the world alone. But after a year of preparing herself , Laura has been allowed to sail.
"I was so happy I almost jump into the water," Laura said , after learning of the court's judgement. She was born on a yacht in the South Pacific ,and now lives with her father in a boat. When Dutch child protection groups first heard about her plan to sail alone , they stopped her from doing so .
Since the decision, though, Laura had been preparing with her father to persuade the courts that she was ready. Last week she received the books and other materials she would need for school while she was at sea. She added safety equipment to a new, big ship. And she took her first aid course to learn several survival skills, like how to put out fires on the boat, take care of her own injuries and deal with lack of sleep. She also planned a safer course --- adding alternate routes to avoid pirate attacks, and planning a course that would have her on dry land as she moved from port to port across the world.
Laura is using a larger and more safer boat. If she finished successfully in less than two years, she will take the title from current record-holder Jessica Watson, of Australia, who was 16 when she completed the journey. | [
"learn some lessons by herself",
"learn some lessons with the help of her father",
"stop her school lessons for some time",
"not learn any lessons of her schooling"
] |
What may be the best title of the text? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Our world is a noisy place, but quiet places remain. Eight years ago, audio engineer Gordon Hempton identified the quietest place in the continental United States. He calls the place "One Square Inch of Silence." He has used his symbolic spot in a northwestern rain forest to campaign against noise pollution. But the self-described "Sound Tracker" is now going deaf.
For Gordon Hempton, it started with an experience known to many people. "I was lying in the bed in the springtime about a year ago. The sun was shining. The birds could be singing. They should be singing. But I was hearing none. I knew my life was going to be different."
Hempton's eyes get watery as he describes his cruel situation. More than 20 years ago he trademarked his nickname as "The Sound Tracker." Sharp hearing defined his career as an Emmy award winning sound recordist. It also led to his activism against noise pollution. He has circled the globe three times in search of the perfect sounds of nature.
Hempton says his hearing loss is quickly getting worse but he has to finish his project.
"I am running a race to finish the Quiet Planet collection." That's the title of a planned 19-volume set of nature recordings. The sound tracks could be licensed for use in movies, video games, exhibits, plays and the like. Volunteer assistants now help Hempton review and edit sound files and identify imperfections.
The exact cause of his hearing loss is not clear. Doctors say it may be the result of an infection, or a tumor or a combination of things. Hempton is self-employed. His health care plan does not pay for hearing loss treatment. So, for now, he's directing his attention to completing his "greatest hits" album. "After I get it finished, I have an economic cash flow to get my hearing back. That's the first thing on my to-do list." He's hopeful his hearing loss can be recovered.
Question:
What may be the best title of the text?
Choices:
A. Searching for the sound of nature.
B. Hoping to get the hearing back.
C. Deaf fighter against noise pollution.
D. Successful Sound-Tracker going deaf. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high18922.txt | Our world is a noisy place, but quiet places remain. Eight years ago, audio engineer Gordon Hempton identified the quietest place in the continental United States. He calls the place "One Square Inch of Silence." He has used his symbolic spot in a northwestern rain forest to campaign against noise pollution. But the self-described "Sound Tracker" is now going deaf.
For Gordon Hempton, it started with an experience known to many people. "I was lying in the bed in the springtime about a year ago. The sun was shining. The birds could be singing. They should be singing. But I was hearing none. I knew my life was going to be different."
Hempton's eyes get watery as he describes his cruel situation. More than 20 years ago he trademarked his nickname as "The Sound Tracker." Sharp hearing defined his career as an Emmy award winning sound recordist. It also led to his activism against noise pollution. He has circled the globe three times in search of the perfect sounds of nature.
Hempton says his hearing loss is quickly getting worse but he has to finish his project.
"I am running a race to finish the Quiet Planet collection." That's the title of a planned 19-volume set of nature recordings. The sound tracks could be licensed for use in movies, video games, exhibits, plays and the like. Volunteer assistants now help Hempton review and edit sound files and identify imperfections.
The exact cause of his hearing loss is not clear. Doctors say it may be the result of an infection, or a tumor or a combination of things. Hempton is self-employed. His health care plan does not pay for hearing loss treatment. So, for now, he's directing his attention to completing his "greatest hits" album. "After I get it finished, I have an economic cash flow to get my hearing back. That's the first thing on my to-do list." He's hopeful his hearing loss can be recovered. | [
"Searching for the sound of nature.",
"Hoping to get the hearing back.",
"Deaf fighter against noise pollution.",
"Successful Sound-Tracker going deaf."
] |
Which sentence is wrong according to the passage? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
When I was 16 years old, I made my first visit to the United States. It wasn't the first time I had been abroad. Like most English children, I learnt French at school and I had often been to France, so I was used to speaking a foreign language to people who didn't understand English. But when I went to America I was really looking forward to having a nice easy holiday without any language problems.
How wrong I was! The misunderstanding began at the airport. I was looking for a public telephone to give my American friend Danny a ring and tell her that I had arrived. A friendly old man saw me looking like being lost and asked if he could help me.
"Yes,"I said."I want to give my friend a ring."
"Well, that's nice,"he exclaimed ."Are you getting married? But aren't you a bit young?"
"Who is talking about marriage?" I replied. "I just want to give my friend a ring to tell her I've arrived. Can you tell me where there's a phone box?"
"Oh!"he said."There's a phone downstairs."
When at last we did meet up, Danny explained the misunderstanding to me."Don't worry," she said to me."I had many difficulties at first. There are lots of words which the Americans use differently in meaning from us British. You'll soon get used to all the funny things they say. But most of the time British and American people can understand each other!"
Question:
Which sentence is wrong according to the passage?
Choices:
A. at first.
B. There are some differences between American and British English.
C. British people can't understand the Americans most of the time.
D. British and American people can understand each other most of the time. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high8409.txt | When I was 16 years old, I made my first visit to the United States. It wasn't the first time I had been abroad. Like most English children, I learnt French at school and I had often been to France, so I was used to speaking a foreign language to people who didn't understand English. But when I went to America I was really looking forward to having a nice easy holiday without any language problems.
How wrong I was! The misunderstanding began at the airport. I was looking for a public telephone to give my American friend Danny a ring and tell her that I had arrived. A friendly old man saw me looking like being lost and asked if he could help me.
"Yes,"I said."I want to give my friend a ring."
"Well, that's nice,"he exclaimed ."Are you getting married? But aren't you a bit young?"
"Who is talking about marriage?" I replied. "I just want to give my friend a ring to tell her I've arrived. Can you tell me where there's a phone box?"
"Oh!"he said."There's a phone downstairs."
When at last we did meet up, Danny explained the misunderstanding to me."Don't worry," she said to me."I had many difficulties at first. There are lots of words which the Americans use differently in meaning from us British. You'll soon get used to all the funny things they say. But most of the time British and American people can understand each other!" | [
"at first.",
"There are some differences between American and British English.",
"British people can't understand the Americans most of the time.",
"British and American people can understand each other most of the time."
] |
Which of the following shows that the find of the glacier discovery is a surprise? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Even though orbiters have eyed it from space and landers have rumbled across its surface, Mars still has more secrets to reveal. Two findings emerged this week: the possibility of an active glacier far from the planet's poles and evidence that sulfur--rather than carbon--was the element driving the planet's warmer climate long ago. Both discoveries could force some rethinking about Martian evolution and dynamics--and maybe even provide insights about Earth's past.
The glacier discovery was announced Wednesday by the European Space Agency (ESA). A high-resolution stereo camera aboard ESA's Mars Express spacecraft spotted the feature in a region called Deuteronilus Mensae, located in the mid-north latitudes of the planet. The Mars Express science team drew the preliminary conclusion that the material in the feature is water ice and that it accumulated as recently as 10,000 years ago, probably from an underground source. Other deposits of water ice have been mapped at the martian poles, but they're much bigger and are millions of years old. The find is a surprise because the prevailing view is that any water reaching the martian surface from underground quickly evaporates and eventually drifts into space. Yet all of the physical characteristics of the feature are "consistent with that of a glacier," says geologist and team member Ronald Greeley of Arizona State University in prefix = st1 /Tempe.
Meanwhile, in the 21 December issue of Science, a team from HarvardUniversityand the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers a possible solution for the curious absence of carbon-based minerals on Mars. A buildup of carbon dioxide in the ancient martian atmosphere supposedly produced enough of a greenhouse effect to allow liquid water to flow for a time on the surface. The problem is that such a process should have deposited ample carbon-containing minerals on the planet's surface--something that hasn't been found. So the researchers have come up with a new explanation: Large amounts of sulfur dioxide(SO2) in the atmosphere, the result of early volcanic activity, captured enough heat to allow water to flow. This would explain the plentiful distribution of sulfates among martian minerals.
Question:
Which of the following shows that the find of the glacier discovery is a surprise?
Choices:
A. Any water reaching the martian surface will quickly evaporate and drift into space.
B. It is known to all water, or of similar physical characteristic can't exist on the Mars.
C. There seems to be an active glacier located in the mid-north latitudes of the Mars.
D. The water ice accumulated at the martian poles is bigger than what it used to be. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high22712.txt | Even though orbiters have eyed it from space and landers have rumbled across its surface, Mars still has more secrets to reveal. Two findings emerged this week: the possibility of an active glacier far from the planet's poles and evidence that sulfur--rather than carbon--was the element driving the planet's warmer climate long ago. Both discoveries could force some rethinking about Martian evolution and dynamics--and maybe even provide insights about Earth's past.
The glacier discovery was announced Wednesday by the European Space Agency (ESA). A high-resolution stereo camera aboard ESA's Mars Express spacecraft spotted the feature in a region called Deuteronilus Mensae, located in the mid-north latitudes of the planet. The Mars Express science team drew the preliminary conclusion that the material in the feature is water ice and that it accumulated as recently as 10,000 years ago, probably from an underground source. Other deposits of water ice have been mapped at the martian poles, but they're much bigger and are millions of years old. The find is a surprise because the prevailing view is that any water reaching the martian surface from underground quickly evaporates and eventually drifts into space. Yet all of the physical characteristics of the feature are "consistent with that of a glacier," says geologist and team member Ronald Greeley of Arizona State University in prefix = st1 /Tempe.
Meanwhile, in the 21 December issue of Science, a team from HarvardUniversityand the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers a possible solution for the curious absence of carbon-based minerals on Mars. A buildup of carbon dioxide in the ancient martian atmosphere supposedly produced enough of a greenhouse effect to allow liquid water to flow for a time on the surface. The problem is that such a process should have deposited ample carbon-containing minerals on the planet's surface--something that hasn't been found. So the researchers have come up with a new explanation: Large amounts of sulfur dioxide(SO2) in the atmosphere, the result of early volcanic activity, captured enough heat to allow water to flow. This would explain the plentiful distribution of sulfates among martian minerals. | [
"Any water reaching the martian surface will quickly evaporate and drift into space.",
"It is known to all water, or of similar physical characteristic can't exist on the Mars.",
"There seems to be an active glacier located in the mid-north latitudes of the Mars.",
"The water ice accumulated at the martian poles is bigger than what it used to be."
] |
According to the passage, who would be sure to lose his life? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The pilot knew that there was nothing he could do to keep the plane long in the air. So he rushed back to where his passengers sat and explained the dangerous situation. In the end he said, "I'm a married man with two small children. I'm sorry to tell you that there are only three parachutes in the plane." And with that he took up one and jumped out.
One of the passengers reacted quickly. "I'm a great statesman !" he said. "I've a very bright brain and the world can't do without me!" And with that he jumped out too.
The other two passengers, an old man and a young soldier, were quiet for a moment. "Son," the man said, "I'm old and have lived a full life. I'm ready to meet my God."
"You'll have to give up that," the young man said, smiling. "The world's smartest man just jumped out with my backpack."
Question:
According to the passage, who would be sure to lose his life?
Choices:
A. The pilot.
B. The old man.
C. The young solider.
D. The great statesman. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high22584.txt | The pilot knew that there was nothing he could do to keep the plane long in the air. So he rushed back to where his passengers sat and explained the dangerous situation. In the end he said, "I'm a married man with two small children. I'm sorry to tell you that there are only three parachutes in the plane." And with that he took up one and jumped out.
One of the passengers reacted quickly. "I'm a great statesman !" he said. "I've a very bright brain and the world can't do without me!" And with that he jumped out too.
The other two passengers, an old man and a young soldier, were quiet for a moment. "Son," the man said, "I'm old and have lived a full life. I'm ready to meet my God."
"You'll have to give up that," the young man said, smiling. "The world's smartest man just jumped out with my backpack." | [
"The pilot.",
"The old man.",
"The young solider.",
"The great statesman."
] |
The kids liked to _ at the local ponds in winter. | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Years ago there was a group of kids who would hang around at some local ponds in the woods near their houses in Warwick, Rhode Island. In summer they caught frogs and fish. When winter arrived they couldn't wait to go skating. Time passed, and the ponds became the only open space for the kids to enjoy themselves in that neighborhood.
One day a thirteen-year-old boy from this group of kids read in the local newspaper that a developer wanted to fill in the ponds and build over a hundred small houses called apartments. So the boy went door to door and gathered more than two hundred signatures to stop the development. A group of citizens met and decided to support him.
At the meeting of the town planning organization,the boy was quite nervous at first and spoke very softly. But when he saw the faces of his friends and neighbors in the crowd and thought about what was happening to their favorite ponds,his voice grew louder. He told the town officials that they should speak for the citizens. He also insisted that they should leave enough space for children. A few days later,the developer stopped his plan.
Nine years later, when that teen was a senior in college, he was informed that the developer was back with his proposal to build apartments. Now twenty-two years old, he was studying wetlands ecology. He again appeared before the town planning organization. This time as an expert, he used environmental protection laws to explain _ on development in and around wetlands and the knowledge of wetlands ecology to help to improve the development. Finally some apartments were built, but less than half the number the developer wanted. The ponds where those kids used to hang around were protected by a piece of natural land, and are still there today.
Question:
The kids liked to _ at the local ponds in winter.
Choices:
A. make a snowman
B. throw snowballs
C. go skating
D. go skiing | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high9106.txt | Years ago there was a group of kids who would hang around at some local ponds in the woods near their houses in Warwick, Rhode Island. In summer they caught frogs and fish. When winter arrived they couldn't wait to go skating. Time passed, and the ponds became the only open space for the kids to enjoy themselves in that neighborhood.
One day a thirteen-year-old boy from this group of kids read in the local newspaper that a developer wanted to fill in the ponds and build over a hundred small houses called apartments. So the boy went door to door and gathered more than two hundred signatures to stop the development. A group of citizens met and decided to support him.
At the meeting of the town planning organization,the boy was quite nervous at first and spoke very softly. But when he saw the faces of his friends and neighbors in the crowd and thought about what was happening to their favorite ponds,his voice grew louder. He told the town officials that they should speak for the citizens. He also insisted that they should leave enough space for children. A few days later,the developer stopped his plan.
Nine years later, when that teen was a senior in college, he was informed that the developer was back with his proposal to build apartments. Now twenty-two years old, he was studying wetlands ecology. He again appeared before the town planning organization. This time as an expert, he used environmental protection laws to explain _ on development in and around wetlands and the knowledge of wetlands ecology to help to improve the development. Finally some apartments were built, but less than half the number the developer wanted. The ponds where those kids used to hang around were protected by a piece of natural land, and are still there today. | [
"make a snowman",
"throw snowballs",
"go skating",
"go skiing"
] |
Which of the following is true according to the passage? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Mail carriers will be delivering some good news and some bad news this week.
The bad news: Stamp prices are expected to rise 2 cents in May to 41 cents, the Postal Regulatory Commission announced yesterday. The good news: With the introduction of a "forever stamp,"it may be the last time Americans have to use annoying 2-or 3-cent stamps to make up postage differences.
Beginning in May, people would be able to purchase the stamps in booklets of 20 at the regular rate of a first-class stamp. As the name implies, "forever stamps" will keep their first-class mailing value forever, even when the postage rate goes up.
The new "forever stamp" is the United States Postal Service'(USPS) answer to the complaints about frequent rate increases. The May increase will be the fifth in a decade. Postal rates have risen because of inflation ,competition from online bill paying, and the rising costs of employee benefits, including healthcare, says Mark Saunders, a Spokesman for USPS.
The USPS expects some financial gain from sales of the "forever stamp" and the savings from not printing as many 2-or 3-cent stamps. "It's not your grandfather's stamp," says Mr. Saunders. "It could be your great-grandchildren's stamp."
Other countries, including prefix = st1 /Canada,England, andFinlanduse similar stamps.
Don Schilling, who has collected stamps for 50 years, he's interested in the public's reaction. "This is an entirely new class of stamps," Mr. Schilling says. He adds that he'll buy the stamps because he will be able to use them for a long period of time, not because they could make him rich-the volume printed will be too large for collectors. "We won't be able to send our kids to college on these," he says, laughing.
The USPS board of governors has yet o accept the Postal Regulatory Commission's decision, but tends to follow its recommendations. No plans have been announced yet for the design of the stamps.
Question:
Which of the following is true according to the passage?
Choices:
A. The investment in forever stamps will bring adequate reward.
B. America will be the first country to issue forever stamps.
C. The design of the "forever stamp" remains to be revealed.
D. 2-or 3-cent stamps will no longer be printed in the future. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high21485.txt | Mail carriers will be delivering some good news and some bad news this week.
The bad news: Stamp prices are expected to rise 2 cents in May to 41 cents, the Postal Regulatory Commission announced yesterday. The good news: With the introduction of a "forever stamp,"it may be the last time Americans have to use annoying 2-or 3-cent stamps to make up postage differences.
Beginning in May, people would be able to purchase the stamps in booklets of 20 at the regular rate of a first-class stamp. As the name implies, "forever stamps" will keep their first-class mailing value forever, even when the postage rate goes up.
The new "forever stamp" is the United States Postal Service'(USPS) answer to the complaints about frequent rate increases. The May increase will be the fifth in a decade. Postal rates have risen because of inflation ,competition from online bill paying, and the rising costs of employee benefits, including healthcare, says Mark Saunders, a Spokesman for USPS.
The USPS expects some financial gain from sales of the "forever stamp" and the savings from not printing as many 2-or 3-cent stamps. "It's not your grandfather's stamp," says Mr. Saunders. "It could be your great-grandchildren's stamp."
Other countries, including prefix = st1 /Canada,England, andFinlanduse similar stamps.
Don Schilling, who has collected stamps for 50 years, he's interested in the public's reaction. "This is an entirely new class of stamps," Mr. Schilling says. He adds that he'll buy the stamps because he will be able to use them for a long period of time, not because they could make him rich-the volume printed will be too large for collectors. "We won't be able to send our kids to college on these," he says, laughing.
The USPS board of governors has yet o accept the Postal Regulatory Commission's decision, but tends to follow its recommendations. No plans have been announced yet for the design of the stamps. | [
"The investment in forever stamps will bring adequate reward.",
"America will be the first country to issue forever stamps.",
"The design of the \"forever stamp\" remains to be revealed.",
"2-or 3-cent stamps will no longer be printed in the future."
] |
The passage mentions Shanghai in order to _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
"Tomorrow is another day"---- this line has impressed various people at various times. It's now 70 years after _ appeared in the film, but it still seems to hold its power especially during an economic downturn.
The phrase comes from a film adaptation of Margaret Mitchell's successful 1936 novelGone With the Wind. It's set in the American South and tells the story of a strong heroine, Scarlett O' Hara, who struggles to find love during the Civil War and, afterwards, of her strength in surviving the war and its hardships.
Love story
In a moment of despair, Scarlett finally realizes that her love belongs to Rhett Butler. For many audiences, it is the theme of love and struggle that has kept the movie alive. While the burning of Atlanta might seem irrelevant to today's viewers, the timeless theme of love keeps its ability to touch people.
With a promise to her lover still in her mind, Scarlett chooses to stay in the midst of war and take care of Melanie. But her heart is broken when Rhett just walks away, leaving the woman that he once loved with cruel words, "Frankly, dear, I don' t give a damn."
Great epic
The film shows the love-hate relationship of these characters, but also American history, the fall of the Confederacy and the following period of Reconstruction in the South. The background made this film a true classic in the epic genre.
When the film opened after World War II, French viewers loved it, and it reminded them of their fight against the Nazis. In 1940 Shanghai, during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, people stood in line for hours to watch this film, and saw the same suffering they were having as well as the hope and possibility of building a new homeland from the ruins.
Each nationality could identify with the story and see it as a victory. In fact,Gone With the Windnever lost its charm and ability to inspire and amaze.
Biggest of all time
The film had five directors, 15-plus screenwriters, and an unexpected $3.9 million budget. The film brought in $ 200 million, which makes it the biggest selling film of all times in North America. It also won 10 Academy awards in 1940.
Question:
The passage mentions Shanghai in order to _ .
Choices:
A. prove that the background of the movie touched viewers
B. describe how popular the movie was at that time
C. point out that Shanghai was a center of entertainment
D. tell us that Chinese were suffering the War then. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high739.txt | "Tomorrow is another day"---- this line has impressed various people at various times. It's now 70 years after _ appeared in the film, but it still seems to hold its power especially during an economic downturn.
The phrase comes from a film adaptation of Margaret Mitchell's successful 1936 novelGone With the Wind. It's set in the American South and tells the story of a strong heroine, Scarlett O' Hara, who struggles to find love during the Civil War and, afterwards, of her strength in surviving the war and its hardships.
Love story
In a moment of despair, Scarlett finally realizes that her love belongs to Rhett Butler. For many audiences, it is the theme of love and struggle that has kept the movie alive. While the burning of Atlanta might seem irrelevant to today's viewers, the timeless theme of love keeps its ability to touch people.
With a promise to her lover still in her mind, Scarlett chooses to stay in the midst of war and take care of Melanie. But her heart is broken when Rhett just walks away, leaving the woman that he once loved with cruel words, "Frankly, dear, I don' t give a damn."
Great epic
The film shows the love-hate relationship of these characters, but also American history, the fall of the Confederacy and the following period of Reconstruction in the South. The background made this film a true classic in the epic genre.
When the film opened after World War II, French viewers loved it, and it reminded them of their fight against the Nazis. In 1940 Shanghai, during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, people stood in line for hours to watch this film, and saw the same suffering they were having as well as the hope and possibility of building a new homeland from the ruins.
Each nationality could identify with the story and see it as a victory. In fact,Gone With the Windnever lost its charm and ability to inspire and amaze.
Biggest of all time
The film had five directors, 15-plus screenwriters, and an unexpected $3.9 million budget. The film brought in $ 200 million, which makes it the biggest selling film of all times in North America. It also won 10 Academy awards in 1940. | [
"prove that the background of the movie touched viewers",
"describe how popular the movie was at that time",
"point out that Shanghai was a center of entertainment",
"tell us that Chinese were suffering the War then."
] |
What does Cooper think about the measures of physical capability? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
A firm handshake could be a sign of a longer life expectancy , according to British researchers. Scientists at the Medical Research Council found that elderly people who could still give a firm handshake and walk at a quick pace were likely to outlive their slower peers.
They found simple measures of physical capability like shaking hands, walking, getting up from a chair and balancing on one leg were related to the life expectancy, even after accounting for age, sex and body size. The study is the first to provide a comprehensive view of the existing data from 33 studies. "These measures have been used in population-based research for quite a long time," said Rachel Cooper of the Medical Research Council's Unit for Lifelong Health and Aging. "They may be useful indicators for subsequent health."
Cooper, whose study appears in the British Medical Journal, said more studies are needed to clarify whether the measures would be helpful to doctors as a screening tool. "I wouldn't suggest that we roll them out into clinical practice tomorrow, but it is possible that they could be used in the future," she told the media.
The researchers examined 33 studies involving tens of thousands of people, most of whom were aged over 60 but living in the community rather than in hospital or care homes. The researchers found that those with the strongest hand grasps tended to live longer than those with weak grips. The death rate over the period of the studies for people with weak handshakes was 67 percent higher than for people with a firm grip.
The slowest walkers were nearly three times more likely to die during the study period than swifter walkers. The people who were slowest to get up from a chair had about double the death rate compared to the quick risers.
"Those people in the general population who have higher physical capability levels are likely to live longer," Cooper said.
Question:
What does Cooper think about the measures of physical capability?
Choices:
A. They are of little help to doctors.
B. They can't be used as a screening tool.
C. They can be applied to medical practice.
D. They are potentially beneficial to people. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high19060.txt | A firm handshake could be a sign of a longer life expectancy , according to British researchers. Scientists at the Medical Research Council found that elderly people who could still give a firm handshake and walk at a quick pace were likely to outlive their slower peers.
They found simple measures of physical capability like shaking hands, walking, getting up from a chair and balancing on one leg were related to the life expectancy, even after accounting for age, sex and body size. The study is the first to provide a comprehensive view of the existing data from 33 studies. "These measures have been used in population-based research for quite a long time," said Rachel Cooper of the Medical Research Council's Unit for Lifelong Health and Aging. "They may be useful indicators for subsequent health."
Cooper, whose study appears in the British Medical Journal, said more studies are needed to clarify whether the measures would be helpful to doctors as a screening tool. "I wouldn't suggest that we roll them out into clinical practice tomorrow, but it is possible that they could be used in the future," she told the media.
The researchers examined 33 studies involving tens of thousands of people, most of whom were aged over 60 but living in the community rather than in hospital or care homes. The researchers found that those with the strongest hand grasps tended to live longer than those with weak grips. The death rate over the period of the studies for people with weak handshakes was 67 percent higher than for people with a firm grip.
The slowest walkers were nearly three times more likely to die during the study period than swifter walkers. The people who were slowest to get up from a chair had about double the death rate compared to the quick risers.
"Those people in the general population who have higher physical capability levels are likely to live longer," Cooper said. | [
"They are of little help to doctors.",
"They can't be used as a screening tool.",
"They can be applied to medical practice.",
"They are potentially beneficial to people."
] |
Where was he born and where did he visit when he was nineteen? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Pablo Picasso was born in Spain in 1881.His father was a painter and art teacher who gave his son the first lesson in drawing.He won a prize--"Science and Charity" for his first important painting when he was only fifteen.He studied in several cities in Spain.But there was no one to teach him all that he wanted to know.When he was nineteen,he visited Paris.
Paris was then the center of the world for artists.Everything that was new and exciting in the world of paintings seemed to happen there.When he was twenty-three,Picasso moved there to live and lived in France for the rest of his life.
When he was over ninety,this great painter still lived his life like a young man.He was still looking for new ideas and new ways to use his artistic materials.
When he died in 1973,he was ninety-one years old.
,.
Question:
Where was he born and where did he visit when he was nineteen?
Choices:
A. In Paris and Spain
B. In London and Paris.
C. In Spain and Paris.
D. In London and Spain. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle7259.txt | Pablo Picasso was born in Spain in 1881.His father was a painter and art teacher who gave his son the first lesson in drawing.He won a prize--"Science and Charity" for his first important painting when he was only fifteen.He studied in several cities in Spain.But there was no one to teach him all that he wanted to know.When he was nineteen,he visited Paris.
Paris was then the center of the world for artists.Everything that was new and exciting in the world of paintings seemed to happen there.When he was twenty-three,Picasso moved there to live and lived in France for the rest of his life.
When he was over ninety,this great painter still lived his life like a young man.He was still looking for new ideas and new ways to use his artistic materials.
When he died in 1973,he was ninety-one years old.
,. | [
"In Paris and Spain",
"In London and Paris.",
"In Spain and Paris.",
"In London and Spain."
] |
The town of Guiya in Guangdong Province _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
It is reported that some developed countries have shipped broken parts of computers to China. Such a thing can be founded every day although it is against international laws. Last month Hong Kong officers found 131,000 kilograms of broken computers, TVs and phones sent from Japan.
Things like these are called electronic waste, or e-waste. Dealing with them is not an easy job because dangerous poison like mercury and lead can be found in them. Every time an old computer breaks down, it needs to be dealt with safely. But at present, broken computer parts are usually _ . It may be hundreds of years before they are really goes in the earth.
Many places in China are polluted by e-waste. Guiyu in Guangdong province is one of them. This town is named as "the e-waste capital of the world". It has to deal with 1.5 million kilograms of e-waste each year, from which it makes 75 million years. But it comes at a cost. Many of the poison in e-waste find their way into the environment. Plastic is burned outdoors and chemical water is poured into rivers, Greenpeace, an environmental group, has found the air, the earth and the rivers in Guiyu badly polluted.
The Chinese government wants the country to develop, but in a way that doesn't do harm to the environment and people's life. This year, China presents a new protection law, the strictest one we have ever had. Computer companies like Lenovo and Dell will be asked to take back their old computers. This is because the companies that make computers know best to deal with them safely. Hopefully, the problem with e-waste will be solved in the near future.
Question:
The town of Guiya in Guangdong Province _ .
Choices:
A. is the e-capital of the world
B. has serious e-waste pollution
C. Deals with e-waste safely
D. speeds much money on e-waste | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle5692.txt | It is reported that some developed countries have shipped broken parts of computers to China. Such a thing can be founded every day although it is against international laws. Last month Hong Kong officers found 131,000 kilograms of broken computers, TVs and phones sent from Japan.
Things like these are called electronic waste, or e-waste. Dealing with them is not an easy job because dangerous poison like mercury and lead can be found in them. Every time an old computer breaks down, it needs to be dealt with safely. But at present, broken computer parts are usually _ . It may be hundreds of years before they are really goes in the earth.
Many places in China are polluted by e-waste. Guiyu in Guangdong province is one of them. This town is named as "the e-waste capital of the world". It has to deal with 1.5 million kilograms of e-waste each year, from which it makes 75 million years. But it comes at a cost. Many of the poison in e-waste find their way into the environment. Plastic is burned outdoors and chemical water is poured into rivers, Greenpeace, an environmental group, has found the air, the earth and the rivers in Guiyu badly polluted.
The Chinese government wants the country to develop, but in a way that doesn't do harm to the environment and people's life. This year, China presents a new protection law, the strictest one we have ever had. Computer companies like Lenovo and Dell will be asked to take back their old computers. This is because the companies that make computers know best to deal with them safely. Hopefully, the problem with e-waste will be solved in the near future. | [
"is the e-capital of the world",
"has serious e-waste pollution",
"Deals with e-waste safely",
"speeds much money on e-waste"
] |
The city of Richmond has 1000 more people than Victoria. Victoria has 4 times as many people as Beacon. If Richmond has 3000 people, how many people are there in Beacon? | Victoria has 3000-1000=<<3000-1000=2000>>2000 people.
Beacon has 2000/4=<<2000/4=500>>500 people.
#### 500 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | The city of Richmond has 1000 more people than Victoria. Victoria has 4 times as many people as Beacon. If Richmond has 3000 people, how many people are there in Beacon? | Victoria has 3000-1000=<<3000-1000=2000>>2000 people.
Beacon has 2000/4=<<2000/4=500>>500 people.
#### 500 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Lorie has 2 pieces of $100 bills. He requested to change one piece of the $100 bills into $50 bills. Half of the remaining $100 bill is changed to $10 bills while the rest is changed to $5 bills. How many pieces of bills will she have? | There will be $100/$50 = <<100/50=2>>2 pieces of $50 when $100 is changed to $50 bills.
Half of $100 is $100/2 = $<<100/2=50>>50.
So there will be $50/$10 = <<50/10=5>>5 pieces of $10 when $50 is changed to $10 bills.
The remaining $50 will be changed to $5 bills so there will be $50/$5 = <<50/5=10>>10 pieces of $5 bills.
So in total, Lorie will have 2 $50 bills + 5 $10 bills + 10 $5 bills = <<2+5+10=17>>17 pieces of bills.
#### 17 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | Lorie has 2 pieces of $100 bills. He requested to change one piece of the $100 bills into $50 bills. Half of the remaining $100 bill is changed to $10 bills while the rest is changed to $5 bills. How many pieces of bills will she have? | There will be $100/$50 = <<100/50=2>>2 pieces of $50 when $100 is changed to $50 bills.
Half of $100 is $100/2 = $<<100/2=50>>50.
So there will be $50/$10 = <<50/10=5>>5 pieces of $10 when $50 is changed to $10 bills.
The remaining $50 will be changed to $5 bills so there will be $50/$5 = <<50/5=10>>10 pieces of $5 bills.
So in total, Lorie will have 2 $50 bills + 5 $10 bills + 10 $5 bills = <<2+5+10=17>>17 pieces of bills.
#### 17 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Which can best describe Dylan's mom's attitude towards life today? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
To the mom I used to be:
Two years ago, you were happy and whole. You had a plan for life -- start a new business, get involved in the Parent-teacher Association, teach your sons how to ride bicycles, spend as much time with your friends and parents as possible, watch your children mature and grow old with your husband. You were a " _ " person who often felt so much joy. You always looked forward, smiled and danced.
Two years ago, on December 14, 2012, the world changed and you changed with it. Disturbed young men with access to high-powered guns went to your sons' school and killed six educators and twenty first-graders. Your eldest son Jake survived, but was changed by the day he discovered some monsters are real. He describes it as the day "when evils came to my school." Your youngest son, Dylan, whom you thought of as a pure love, with his charming eyes and infectious giggle ,was killed. Shot multiple times, he died instantly in the arms of his special-education assistant who also died while trying to protect him.
The tragedy changed all your life, not only because of losing your child, but because of the hole inside you that can never be filled. Your eldest son has been forced to grow up too fast because of the loss of his brother. The pain has altered the lines on your husband's face. The way you look at the world has changed. Your interactions with friends and family seem foreign.
... ...
But the things have moved on with hopefulness. You are now someone far more realistic. You control your feelings because you fear if you really let it out, you would never recover. It would destroy you. You know what you should do is try everything to protect more children. You're fighting a good fight, what the whole society really needs.
With love,
Nicole Hockley, Dylan's mom
Question:
Which can best describe Dylan's mom's attitude towards life today?
Choices:
A. Negative.
B. Positive.
C. Hopeless.
D. Depressed. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high14503.txt | To the mom I used to be:
Two years ago, you were happy and whole. You had a plan for life -- start a new business, get involved in the Parent-teacher Association, teach your sons how to ride bicycles, spend as much time with your friends and parents as possible, watch your children mature and grow old with your husband. You were a " _ " person who often felt so much joy. You always looked forward, smiled and danced.
Two years ago, on December 14, 2012, the world changed and you changed with it. Disturbed young men with access to high-powered guns went to your sons' school and killed six educators and twenty first-graders. Your eldest son Jake survived, but was changed by the day he discovered some monsters are real. He describes it as the day "when evils came to my school." Your youngest son, Dylan, whom you thought of as a pure love, with his charming eyes and infectious giggle ,was killed. Shot multiple times, he died instantly in the arms of his special-education assistant who also died while trying to protect him.
The tragedy changed all your life, not only because of losing your child, but because of the hole inside you that can never be filled. Your eldest son has been forced to grow up too fast because of the loss of his brother. The pain has altered the lines on your husband's face. The way you look at the world has changed. Your interactions with friends and family seem foreign.
... ...
But the things have moved on with hopefulness. You are now someone far more realistic. You control your feelings because you fear if you really let it out, you would never recover. It would destroy you. You know what you should do is try everything to protect more children. You're fighting a good fight, what the whole society really needs.
With love,
Nicole Hockley, Dylan's mom | [
"Negative.",
"Positive.",
"Hopeless.",
"Depressed."
] |
How much will you have to pay at least if the five of you want to go boating a day? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Surrounded by the towns of Davidson, Huntersville and Cornelius, Lake Norman is a man-made lake. It is also the largest lake in the state covering a shoreline of more than 500 miles. State Park on the lake gives a chance for different water activities.
People, both tourists and locals, come to the area on weekends, where during the peak season a large crowd arrives to relax and have fun. A great activity for kids is education except fun. The tour coversaquatic life, especially that seen at Lake Norman. Since it is more of an educational one it also covers other important knowledge about water.
Those wanting to go boating are seen off into the lake on canoes and pedal boats which are rented on hourly basis. The charges are $5 per hour increased by $3 for everyadditional hour. The boats can be kept on the lake all day from 10 in the morning till 5 in the evening during the summers. Both canoes and pedal boats can seat 2 to 4 people.
The park also set up a group tent camp, where a site can hold about 25 people. People from all over the country come here to catch some fishing action, obviously hoping to catch some fish as well. The inner park lake is also great for fishing, though it offers a smaller area compared to Lake Norman. Those here for adventure like to go for biking and hiking on the trails inside the park.
Lake Norman is a great place to spend time with family and friends. People come here on vacation or simply to kick back after a week's work and relax.
Question:
How much will you have to pay at least if the five of you want to go boating a day?
Choices:
A. 28 dollars.
B. 36 dollars.
C. 23 dollars.
D. 46 dollars. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high2884.txt | Surrounded by the towns of Davidson, Huntersville and Cornelius, Lake Norman is a man-made lake. It is also the largest lake in the state covering a shoreline of more than 500 miles. State Park on the lake gives a chance for different water activities.
People, both tourists and locals, come to the area on weekends, where during the peak season a large crowd arrives to relax and have fun. A great activity for kids is education except fun. The tour coversaquatic life, especially that seen at Lake Norman. Since it is more of an educational one it also covers other important knowledge about water.
Those wanting to go boating are seen off into the lake on canoes and pedal boats which are rented on hourly basis. The charges are $5 per hour increased by $3 for everyadditional hour. The boats can be kept on the lake all day from 10 in the morning till 5 in the evening during the summers. Both canoes and pedal boats can seat 2 to 4 people.
The park also set up a group tent camp, where a site can hold about 25 people. People from all over the country come here to catch some fishing action, obviously hoping to catch some fish as well. The inner park lake is also great for fishing, though it offers a smaller area compared to Lake Norman. Those here for adventure like to go for biking and hiking on the trails inside the park.
Lake Norman is a great place to spend time with family and friends. People come here on vacation or simply to kick back after a week's work and relax. | [
"28 dollars.",
"36 dollars.",
"23 dollars.",
"46 dollars."
] |
What is the term for a very rapid motor response that is not directed by the brain? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What is the term for a very rapid motor response that is not directed by the brain? | reflex | science | null | null | null | sensor | instinct | adaptation | reflex | The somatic nervous system also controls some unconscious movements called reflexes. A reflex is a very rapid motor response that is not directed by the brain. In a reflex, nerve impulses travel to and from the spinal cord in a reflex arc, like the one in Figure below . In this example, the person jerks his hand away from the flame without any conscious thought. It happens unconsciously because the nerve impulses bypass the brain. | null | null | null |
What does the author think of the ice cubes created by Glace Luxury Ice Company? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Many people believe that all ice cubes are created equal, but they are not. At least that's what the folks at California's Glace Luxury Ice Company would like us to believe. The Davisbased company says that the ice cubes they make are healthier and last longer than the ones that we throw into our drinks on a daily basis. What's more, the company also says that their ice cubes do mot leave behind an aftertaste in drinks, like regular ones do.
In order to create these unique ice cubes, Glace Luxury begins with water that has been rid of the _ impurities that the company says can lead to cancer and exist in regular ice. They then freeze it in large blocks. Once ready, the ice is carved into perfect cubes and each cube measures 2.5 inches across. Besides being healthier, these ice cubes apparently also take longer to melt. The company says that each ice cube can last up to 30 minutes.
Of course, those ice cubes do not come cheap. Those that wish to have a taste of this "tasteless" frozen perfection will have to pay $325USD for a bag of 50 ice cubes. That comes to $6.50USD for a single cube of ice!
The unique product is the brainchild of Robert Sequeira, a former business school lecturer who said that he wanted to establish a profitable business that could be easily scaled. Given that he can make as mush Glace Luxury ice as he needs for as little as $0.12USD per cube, he thinks that the idea certainly meets the standard. Now, if he can find that the few people can afford to buy this Glace Luxury ice, life would be great!
Question:
What does the author think of the ice cubes created by Glace Luxury Ice Company?
Choices:
A. They will be a big success
B. They are too costly to make.
C. They are just regular ice cubes.
D. They are too expensive for consumers | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high9303.txt | Many people believe that all ice cubes are created equal, but they are not. At least that's what the folks at California's Glace Luxury Ice Company would like us to believe. The Davisbased company says that the ice cubes they make are healthier and last longer than the ones that we throw into our drinks on a daily basis. What's more, the company also says that their ice cubes do mot leave behind an aftertaste in drinks, like regular ones do.
In order to create these unique ice cubes, Glace Luxury begins with water that has been rid of the _ impurities that the company says can lead to cancer and exist in regular ice. They then freeze it in large blocks. Once ready, the ice is carved into perfect cubes and each cube measures 2.5 inches across. Besides being healthier, these ice cubes apparently also take longer to melt. The company says that each ice cube can last up to 30 minutes.
Of course, those ice cubes do not come cheap. Those that wish to have a taste of this "tasteless" frozen perfection will have to pay $325USD for a bag of 50 ice cubes. That comes to $6.50USD for a single cube of ice!
The unique product is the brainchild of Robert Sequeira, a former business school lecturer who said that he wanted to establish a profitable business that could be easily scaled. Given that he can make as mush Glace Luxury ice as he needs for as little as $0.12USD per cube, he thinks that the idea certainly meets the standard. Now, if he can find that the few people can afford to buy this Glace Luxury ice, life would be great! | [
"They will be a big success",
"They are too costly to make.",
"They are just regular ice cubes.",
"They are too expensive for consumers"
] |
From the passage we can infer that the boy _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
One night, as Diaz stepped off the train and onto a nearly empty platform, a teenage boy approached and pulled out a knife.
"He wanted my money, so I just gave him my wallet and told him, 'Here you go '" Diaz says.
As the teen began to walk away, Diaz told him, "Hey, wait a minute. You forgot something. If you're going to be robbing people for the rest of the night, you might as well take my coat to keep you warm."
The robber looked at him puzzled, saying, "Why are you doing this?"
Diaz replied, "If you're willing to risk your freedom for a few dollars, then you must really need the money. I mean, all I wanted to do was get dinner and if you really want to join me....."
Diaz says he and the teen went into a diner and sat in a booth.
"The manager comes by, the dishwashers come by, the waiters come by to say hi," Diaz says.
The kid said, "You know everybody here. Do you own this place?"
"No, I just eat here a lot," Dias said. "But you're even nice to the dishwasher," he said.
Diaz replied, "Well, haven't you been taught you should be nice to everybody?"
"Yea, but I didn't think people actually behaved that way," the teen said.
When the bill arrived, Diaz said, "You're going to have to pay for this bill because you have my money and I can't pay for this. So if you give me my wallet back, I'll gladly treat you."
The teen returned it immediately. "I gave him $20.... I figure maybe it'll help him." Diaz says he asked for something in return--- the teen's knife--- "and he gave it to me."
Afterwards, when Diaz told his mother what happened, she said, "You're the type of kid that if someone asked you for the time, you gave them your watch."
"I figure, you know, if you treat people right, you can only hope that they treat you right. It's as simple as it gets in this complicated world."
Question:
From the passage we can infer that the boy _ .
Choices:
A. expressed his gratitude for Diaz's kindness
B. gave up the idea of robbing in the end
C. wasn't taught how to be nice to everybody
D. gave the knife to Diaz in return for his forgiveness | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high112.txt | One night, as Diaz stepped off the train and onto a nearly empty platform, a teenage boy approached and pulled out a knife.
"He wanted my money, so I just gave him my wallet and told him, 'Here you go '" Diaz says.
As the teen began to walk away, Diaz told him, "Hey, wait a minute. You forgot something. If you're going to be robbing people for the rest of the night, you might as well take my coat to keep you warm."
The robber looked at him puzzled, saying, "Why are you doing this?"
Diaz replied, "If you're willing to risk your freedom for a few dollars, then you must really need the money. I mean, all I wanted to do was get dinner and if you really want to join me....."
Diaz says he and the teen went into a diner and sat in a booth.
"The manager comes by, the dishwashers come by, the waiters come by to say hi," Diaz says.
The kid said, "You know everybody here. Do you own this place?"
"No, I just eat here a lot," Dias said. "But you're even nice to the dishwasher," he said.
Diaz replied, "Well, haven't you been taught you should be nice to everybody?"
"Yea, but I didn't think people actually behaved that way," the teen said.
When the bill arrived, Diaz said, "You're going to have to pay for this bill because you have my money and I can't pay for this. So if you give me my wallet back, I'll gladly treat you."
The teen returned it immediately. "I gave him $20.... I figure maybe it'll help him." Diaz says he asked for something in return--- the teen's knife--- "and he gave it to me."
Afterwards, when Diaz told his mother what happened, she said, "You're the type of kid that if someone asked you for the time, you gave them your watch."
"I figure, you know, if you treat people right, you can only hope that they treat you right. It's as simple as it gets in this complicated world." | [
"expressed his gratitude for Diaz's kindness",
"gave up the idea of robbing in the end",
"wasn't taught how to be nice to everybody",
"gave the knife to Diaz in return for his forgiveness"
] |
Does an increase in temperature speed up or slow down reactions? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | Does an increase in temperature speed up or slow down reactions? | speed up | science | null | null | null | remain the same | end reaction | slow down | speed up | null | null | null | |
Which of the following is true about Planet English according to the passage? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Planet English is the world's leading interactive multimedia software package for English language teaching and learning.
For Students
Planet English uses the latest in multimedia and information technology to support students who wish to learn English for international communication.
Planet English is an exciting, high-tech, interactive way of learning English. It contains more than 40 hours of video and audio recordings, over 2,500 0riginal graphics, 3,000 interactive screens and 80 different activity types including real time student voice recordings.
For Teachers
Planet English is more than just a computer program. It includes a package of resources to complement any Eng-lish language teaching programme. Teachers can easily integrate Planet English with classroom activities using the detailed Teacher's Manual and Student Workbooks.
Teachers can also manage the learning experience for students using the unique Planet English Courseware Management System (CMS). The CMS allows teachers to tailor courses to their syllabus and to students' needs by "mapping" content for classes or individuals. Activities and exercises that are relevant to the center's syllabus are then delivered to students in the appropriate lesson, ensuring students "navigate" to the right area of the programme of each lesson.
For Educational Managers
Planet English is the world's leading Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) program. It allows English language teaching centers to enhance the educational quality of teaching programmes, improve learning outcomes and provide professional development for teaching staff. Implementing Planet English allows English language teaching centers to maximize the benefits of computor hardware because it provides teachers and learners with an easy-to-use and highly productive CALL resource.
Question:
Which of the following is true about Planet English according to the passage?
Choices:
A. Planet English can support the students who study computer.
B. Planet English can help the students and their teachers interact.
C. Planet English makes it possible for students to communicate with speakers from around the world.
D. Planet English offers only a range of spoken communication for students. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high1462.txt | Planet English is the world's leading interactive multimedia software package for English language teaching and learning.
For Students
Planet English uses the latest in multimedia and information technology to support students who wish to learn English for international communication.
Planet English is an exciting, high-tech, interactive way of learning English. It contains more than 40 hours of video and audio recordings, over 2,500 0riginal graphics, 3,000 interactive screens and 80 different activity types including real time student voice recordings.
For Teachers
Planet English is more than just a computer program. It includes a package of resources to complement any Eng-lish language teaching programme. Teachers can easily integrate Planet English with classroom activities using the detailed Teacher's Manual and Student Workbooks.
Teachers can also manage the learning experience for students using the unique Planet English Courseware Management System (CMS). The CMS allows teachers to tailor courses to their syllabus and to students' needs by "mapping" content for classes or individuals. Activities and exercises that are relevant to the center's syllabus are then delivered to students in the appropriate lesson, ensuring students "navigate" to the right area of the programme of each lesson.
For Educational Managers
Planet English is the world's leading Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) program. It allows English language teaching centers to enhance the educational quality of teaching programmes, improve learning outcomes and provide professional development for teaching staff. Implementing Planet English allows English language teaching centers to maximize the benefits of computor hardware because it provides teachers and learners with an easy-to-use and highly productive CALL resource. | [
"Planet English can support the students who study computer.",
"Planet English can help the students and their teachers interact.",
"Planet English makes it possible for students to communicate with speakers from around the world.",
"Planet English offers only a range of spoken communication for students."
] |
The purpose of this writing is _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
A group of graduates, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain,plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite -- telling them to help themselves to the coffee.
When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best foryourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.
Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups. And then you began eyeing each other's cups. Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position insociety are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."
God brews the coffee, not the cups. Enjoy your coffee!
"The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything."
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God.
Question:
The purpose of this writing is _ .
Choices:
A. about how to complain about stress in work and life
B. to enjoy the present life and get happiness from it
C. to enjoy the coffee with expensive cups
D. to prove the power of the God | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high9788.txt | A group of graduates, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain,plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite -- telling them to help themselves to the coffee.
When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best foryourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.
Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups. And then you began eyeing each other's cups. Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position insociety are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."
God brews the coffee, not the cups. Enjoy your coffee!
"The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything."
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God. | [
"about how to complain about stress in work and life",
"to enjoy the present life and get happiness from it",
"to enjoy the coffee with expensive cups",
"to prove the power of the God"
] |
The attractiveness of the post in Emu Airline is _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
City College Union Inc
Secretary/Typist
The Union is a student-run organization with a permanent staff of 20.Typing speed:at least 60 wpm.
The ability to take shorthand dictation and a working knowledge of filling procedures are essential requirements.
The basic salary for the position is $ 18,500 per year.
Enquires to R.Barbar 387-5075.
Emu Airline
Secretary
Emu Airline is now offering a part-time position for a secretary.
The position offers at least 20 hours' work a week, with a view to full-time work in the future. Monthly salary is about $ 1,400.
Phone 899-3264 for an appointment.
Word Processor
Operator (full-time)
We need an operator to work in an office associated with the building industry.Only experienced operators are expected to apply.
Starting salary:$ 17,950 yearly.
Apply in writing to:
The Personnel Officer Hill Morgan Pty Ltd 38 Green Hill Rd.Kensington 2033.
Sewing Machinist Wanted
Jeans Industry
We are an expanding clothing company located south of the city.Our products include jeans,skirts,shorts and so on.We are looking for sewing machine operators.
The factory works a 38-hour week over 4-5 days.Wages for this are $ 18,050 per year.Wages and conditions are in line with the current industrial award.
If you are interested, come over and pick up an application form from Ripper Jeans,23 North Ave,Beaudesert.
Question:
The attractiveness of the post in Emu Airline is _ .
Choices:
A. its promising future
B. its free flying
C. its good salary
D. its nice working conditions | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high13373.txt | City College Union Inc
Secretary/Typist
The Union is a student-run organization with a permanent staff of 20.Typing speed:at least 60 wpm.
The ability to take shorthand dictation and a working knowledge of filling procedures are essential requirements.
The basic salary for the position is $ 18,500 per year.
Enquires to R.Barbar 387-5075.
Emu Airline
Secretary
Emu Airline is now offering a part-time position for a secretary.
The position offers at least 20 hours' work a week, with a view to full-time work in the future. Monthly salary is about $ 1,400.
Phone 899-3264 for an appointment.
Word Processor
Operator (full-time)
We need an operator to work in an office associated with the building industry.Only experienced operators are expected to apply.
Starting salary:$ 17,950 yearly.
Apply in writing to:
The Personnel Officer Hill Morgan Pty Ltd 38 Green Hill Rd.Kensington 2033.
Sewing Machinist Wanted
Jeans Industry
We are an expanding clothing company located south of the city.Our products include jeans,skirts,shorts and so on.We are looking for sewing machine operators.
The factory works a 38-hour week over 4-5 days.Wages for this are $ 18,050 per year.Wages and conditions are in line with the current industrial award.
If you are interested, come over and pick up an application form from Ripper Jeans,23 North Ave,Beaudesert. | [
"its promising future",
"its free flying",
"its good salary",
"its nice working conditions"
] |
Salaria is growing oranges this summer. She bought two types of trees. She has 50% of tree A and 50% of tree B. Tree A gives her 10 oranges a month and 60% are good. Tree B gives her 15 oranges and 1/3 are good. If she gets 55 good oranges per month, how many total trees does she have? | Each tree A gives her six good oranges a month 10 x .6 = <<10*.6=6>>6
Each tree B gives her five good oranges a month because 15 x (1/3) = <<15*(1/3)=5>>5
On average, a tree gives her 5.5 oranges a month because .5(6) + .5(5) = 5.5
She has ten total trees because 55 / 5.5 = <<55/5.5=10>>10
#### 10 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | Salaria is growing oranges this summer. She bought two types of trees. She has 50% of tree A and 50% of tree B. Tree A gives her 10 oranges a month and 60% are good. Tree B gives her 15 oranges and 1/3 are good. If she gets 55 good oranges per month, how many total trees does she have? | Each tree A gives her six good oranges a month 10 x .6 = <<10*.6=6>>6
Each tree B gives her five good oranges a month because 15 x (1/3) = <<15*(1/3)=5>>5
On average, a tree gives her 5.5 oranges a month because .5(6) + .5(5) = 5.5
She has ten total trees because 55 / 5.5 = <<55/5.5=10>>10
#### 10 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Which of the following is mentioned as a way of protecting the environment? _ | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Earth Day is day that is meat to inspire awareness for the Earth's natural environment. It is the day to highlight the fact that we all have a responsibility to the environment and need to change our behavior to improve the quality of our air, earth and water.
Global awareness of the need to protect the environment has grown greatly since 20 million people in the United States marked the first Earth Day on April 22,1970.That was started at the time of the destruction caused by an oil spill along the coast of southern California, which killed marine life and about 10000 birds. The incident was a wake-up call for the need to protect the Earth. But similar disasters have continued to happen.
Having one day to protect the Earth's resources is clearly more than necessary. However, efforts need to be made by individual of a country instead of just the government. Solving environmental problems is a personal responsibility.
Some of us don't think that reusing grocery bags and recycling water bottles can help improve the quality of our air, land and water. But this is an easy place to start to make a difference when we celebrate Earth Day.
,A.B.C.D . (3;1.5,4.5)
Question:
Which of the following is mentioned as a way of protecting the environment? _
Choices:
A. Using grocery bags more then once.
B. Remembering Earth Day every year.
C. Refusing water bottles.
D. Avoiding oil spill accidents. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high23329.txt | Earth Day is day that is meat to inspire awareness for the Earth's natural environment. It is the day to highlight the fact that we all have a responsibility to the environment and need to change our behavior to improve the quality of our air, earth and water.
Global awareness of the need to protect the environment has grown greatly since 20 million people in the United States marked the first Earth Day on April 22,1970.That was started at the time of the destruction caused by an oil spill along the coast of southern California, which killed marine life and about 10000 birds. The incident was a wake-up call for the need to protect the Earth. But similar disasters have continued to happen.
Having one day to protect the Earth's resources is clearly more than necessary. However, efforts need to be made by individual of a country instead of just the government. Solving environmental problems is a personal responsibility.
Some of us don't think that reusing grocery bags and recycling water bottles can help improve the quality of our air, land and water. But this is an easy place to start to make a difference when we celebrate Earth Day.
,A.B.C.D . (3;1.5,4.5) | [
"Using grocery bags more then once.",
"Remembering Earth Day every year.",
"Refusing water bottles.",
"Avoiding oil spill accidents."
] |
What class is John Smith in? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
My name is John Smith. I come from America. I am 12 years old. I live in Shanghai with my parents. I am a student. I am in Class Three Grade Seven. My English teacher is Linda. Mr Zhang is my Chinese teacher. He is from Wuhan. Wuhan is a beautiful city. Li Hua is my best friend. He likes playing basketball. My favourite colour is blue, but Li Hua likes red best. Do you want to make friends with me ? My QQ number is 609183317.
Question:
What class is John Smith in?
Choices:
A. Class Three
B. Class Twelve
C. Class Ten
D. Class Seven | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle5968.txt | My name is John Smith. I come from America. I am 12 years old. I live in Shanghai with my parents. I am a student. I am in Class Three Grade Seven. My English teacher is Linda. Mr Zhang is my Chinese teacher. He is from Wuhan. Wuhan is a beautiful city. Li Hua is my best friend. He likes playing basketball. My favourite colour is blue, but Li Hua likes red best. Do you want to make friends with me ? My QQ number is 609183317. | [
"Class Three",
"Class Twelve",
"Class Ten",
"Class Seven"
] |
A hypothesis is scientific only if it can be tested by what? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | A hypothesis is scientific only if it can be tested by what? | making observations | science | null | null | null | carbon dating | independent variable | making a conclusion | making observations | For a hypothesis to be testable means that it is possible to make observations that agree or disagree with it. If a hypothesis cannot be tested by making observations, it is not scientific. Consider this statement:. | null | null | null |
Juanico is 4 years less than half the age of Gladys. If Gladys will be 40 years old ten years from now, calculate Juanico's age 30 years from now. | If Gladys will be 40 years old ten years from now, she is 40-10= <<40-10=30>>30 years old currently.
Juanico is 4 years less than half the age of Gladys, meaning he is 4 years younger than 1/2*30 = 15 years.
Juanico's age is 15-4 =<<15-4=11>>11 years.
Juanico's age 30 years from now will be 30+11 = <<30+11=41>>41 years.
#### 41 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | Juanico is 4 years less than half the age of Gladys. If Gladys will be 40 years old ten years from now, calculate Juanico's age 30 years from now. | If Gladys will be 40 years old ten years from now, she is 40-10= <<40-10=30>>30 years old currently.
Juanico is 4 years less than half the age of Gladys, meaning he is 4 years younger than 1/2*30 = 15 years.
Juanico's age is 15-4 =<<15-4=11>>11 years.
Juanico's age 30 years from now will be 30+11 = <<30+11=41>>41 years.
#### 41 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
According to the passage, we know that Matt Vongsykeo was _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
A young man named Matt Vongsykeo, 14-year-old, has saved a baby from the wreckage of a car. The four-month-old baby boy, found hanging in his capsule when Vongsykeo climbed into the car in Melbourne's Springvale, escaped serious injury and was taken to hospital.
But the child's 33-year-old mother, from Endeavour Hills, died in hospital following last night's high speed crash, which left three other people injured.
A car on the wrong side of the road is thought to have been traveling at over 100 kph when it hit three other vehicles. Vongsykeo said he heard the crash from his house and found a _ rushed against a wall. He heard a baby crying.
"There were two adults standing outside the car and they couldn't get in, so I had to climbed in and get the baby out," he said. "I had to do it quickly because there was a window below me and I was afraid that was going to break."
Vongsykeo told how he took out the baby in his arms and called to see if there was anyone else in the car. He found the baby's mother unconscious .
"I thought she was dead so I just rushed out." he said. "She entered consciousness later on and I went around and started talking to her and getting her to talk to me and stay with me."
He said he comforted the mother and told her baby was safe.
Vongsykeo refused the idea that he was a hero.
"I've lived for 14 years. If something had happened to me ... I've lived for 14 years. That baby hasn't and I wanted to give him a chance."
Question:
According to the passage, we know that Matt Vongsykeo was _ .
Choices:
A. shy
B. brave
C. proud
D. worried | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high22948.txt | A young man named Matt Vongsykeo, 14-year-old, has saved a baby from the wreckage of a car. The four-month-old baby boy, found hanging in his capsule when Vongsykeo climbed into the car in Melbourne's Springvale, escaped serious injury and was taken to hospital.
But the child's 33-year-old mother, from Endeavour Hills, died in hospital following last night's high speed crash, which left three other people injured.
A car on the wrong side of the road is thought to have been traveling at over 100 kph when it hit three other vehicles. Vongsykeo said he heard the crash from his house and found a _ rushed against a wall. He heard a baby crying.
"There were two adults standing outside the car and they couldn't get in, so I had to climbed in and get the baby out," he said. "I had to do it quickly because there was a window below me and I was afraid that was going to break."
Vongsykeo told how he took out the baby in his arms and called to see if there was anyone else in the car. He found the baby's mother unconscious .
"I thought she was dead so I just rushed out." he said. "She entered consciousness later on and I went around and started talking to her and getting her to talk to me and stay with me."
He said he comforted the mother and told her baby was safe.
Vongsykeo refused the idea that he was a hero.
"I've lived for 14 years. If something had happened to me ... I've lived for 14 years. That baby hasn't and I wanted to give him a chance." | [
"shy",
"brave",
"proud",
"worried"
] |
From the sentence "Bar are bad places", we can know that the grandmother _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
I live with my grandmother in a Beijing yard house. One day last year, I was surprised to see a big foreigner coming out of the house next door to ours. He was very tall with short brown hair and a pair of glasses.
The first time I saw him, I was too shy to speak to him. "My English is too poor!" I thought. My grandmother told me that he had just moved into our yard. "I don't like it!" she said. "Foreigners aren't like us. Maybe he'll play loud music and parties every night! I'm sure he's going to cause trouble."
Several days later, I met the foreigner as I was walking home after work. "Hello!" he said (in Chinese!). "My name's Tony. I've just moved into the house next door to yours." While I was wondering what to say, he continued, "There's a nice bar down the road. Why don't you and your family come and have dinner with me?" "Bars are bad places," said my grandmother when I told her, but we decided to go.
The bar was not at all what I had expected. It was in a beautiful little yard house, with several large bookshelves and pictures of Tibet on the walls. Several Chinese people and foreigners were sitting drinking or reading books. I noticed that some of the foreigners were speaking Chinese in a low voice to each other! "Oh, what a civilized place!" my grandmother exclaimed.
The bar served special "hutong pizzas". As we ate, Tony told us about himself-he is an English expert in environment. He always likes to be quiet. My grandmother said to me, "He really seems like a very nice young man."
Question:
From the sentence "Bar are bad places", we can know that the grandmother _ .
Choices:
A. was very excited
B. didn't go to the bar
C. didn't like bars
D. was angry with Tony | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle653.txt | I live with my grandmother in a Beijing yard house. One day last year, I was surprised to see a big foreigner coming out of the house next door to ours. He was very tall with short brown hair and a pair of glasses.
The first time I saw him, I was too shy to speak to him. "My English is too poor!" I thought. My grandmother told me that he had just moved into our yard. "I don't like it!" she said. "Foreigners aren't like us. Maybe he'll play loud music and parties every night! I'm sure he's going to cause trouble."
Several days later, I met the foreigner as I was walking home after work. "Hello!" he said (in Chinese!). "My name's Tony. I've just moved into the house next door to yours." While I was wondering what to say, he continued, "There's a nice bar down the road. Why don't you and your family come and have dinner with me?" "Bars are bad places," said my grandmother when I told her, but we decided to go.
The bar was not at all what I had expected. It was in a beautiful little yard house, with several large bookshelves and pictures of Tibet on the walls. Several Chinese people and foreigners were sitting drinking or reading books. I noticed that some of the foreigners were speaking Chinese in a low voice to each other! "Oh, what a civilized place!" my grandmother exclaimed.
The bar served special "hutong pizzas". As we ate, Tony told us about himself-he is an English expert in environment. He always likes to be quiet. My grandmother said to me, "He really seems like a very nice young man." | [
"was very excited",
"didn't go to the bar",
"didn't like bars",
"was angry with Tony"
] |
How did Jack get to his hometown to attend Mr.Belser'funeral? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man.Over the phone ,his mother told him,"Mr.Belser died last night ,The funeral is Wednesday."Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.
When Jack was very young ,his father died.Mr Belser,who lived in the same neighborhood with them,spent as much time as he could to make sure Jack had a man's influence in his life.He spent a lot of time teachimg Jack he thought what was important in his following life.If Mr.Belser hadn' taught him how to weave,he wouldn't be in this business now.So he promised his mother he would attend Mr.Belser's funeral.
"You'd better not drive your car.It's a long way."his mother warned him.
Busy as he was,he kept his word.Though tired from the earliest flight,Jack tried his best to help.Mr.Belser's funeral was small because he had no children of his own and most of his s had passed away.
The night before he had to return home,Jack and his mother stopped by to see the old house Mr.Belser once lived.Now it belonged to him.He bought the house from one of his s.
The house was exactly as he remembered.Every step held memories.Every picture,every piece of furniture... Jadk stopped suddenly.
The box on his desk was gone!He once asked the old man what was inside.He just smiled and said it was the most valuable thing to him,though it almost cost nothing to others.He figured that someone from the Belser family had taken it ."I will never know what was so valuable to him."Jack thought disappotntedly.
Three days later returning home from work,Jack discovered a small package in his mailbox.
The handwriting was difficult to read,but the return address caught his attention."Mr.Harold Belser"it read.
Jack couldn't wait to open it .Inside lay the familiar small box.His heart racing,Jack unlocked the box.Inside he found a gold pocket watch with these words engraved:"Jack,Thanks for your time!Harold Belser."
"The thing he valued most was my time."Jack held the watch before his chest,tears filling his eyes.
Question:
How did Jack get to his hometown to attend Mr.Belser'funeral?
Choices:
A. By bicycle.
B. By car.
C. By air.
D. By the high-speed train. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high23736.txt | It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man.Over the phone ,his mother told him,"Mr.Belser died last night ,The funeral is Wednesday."Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.
When Jack was very young ,his father died.Mr Belser,who lived in the same neighborhood with them,spent as much time as he could to make sure Jack had a man's influence in his life.He spent a lot of time teachimg Jack he thought what was important in his following life.If Mr.Belser hadn' taught him how to weave,he wouldn't be in this business now.So he promised his mother he would attend Mr.Belser's funeral.
"You'd better not drive your car.It's a long way."his mother warned him.
Busy as he was,he kept his word.Though tired from the earliest flight,Jack tried his best to help.Mr.Belser's funeral was small because he had no children of his own and most of his s had passed away.
The night before he had to return home,Jack and his mother stopped by to see the old house Mr.Belser once lived.Now it belonged to him.He bought the house from one of his s.
The house was exactly as he remembered.Every step held memories.Every picture,every piece of furniture... Jadk stopped suddenly.
The box on his desk was gone!He once asked the old man what was inside.He just smiled and said it was the most valuable thing to him,though it almost cost nothing to others.He figured that someone from the Belser family had taken it ."I will never know what was so valuable to him."Jack thought disappotntedly.
Three days later returning home from work,Jack discovered a small package in his mailbox.
The handwriting was difficult to read,but the return address caught his attention."Mr.Harold Belser"it read.
Jack couldn't wait to open it .Inside lay the familiar small box.His heart racing,Jack unlocked the box.Inside he found a gold pocket watch with these words engraved:"Jack,Thanks for your time!Harold Belser."
"The thing he valued most was my time."Jack held the watch before his chest,tears filling his eyes. | [
"By bicycle.",
"By car.",
"By air.",
"By the high-speed train."
] |
What can we infer from the passage? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
As we all know, getting benched in sports is usually a bad thing. But at one school in Florida, a girl has taken a bench and turned it into something entirely different - a place to find friends. It's called the Friendship Bench. And it's the brainchild of a sixth grader at Palm Bay Elementary - a girl named Acacia Woodley.
Acacia's attitude toward life might be summed up best by a question she recently asked members of the Brevard County School Board - "what if we spend as much time putting the spotlight on kindness as we do on cruelty?" It's a philosophy Acacias has learned to live her own life -despite having a lot of people would consider a handicap. She was born without a right hand. And her left hand did not form properly. But Acacia says that she has not stopped her from achieving her goals. "You need to believe in your dreams. If you don't believe in you dreams, I can definitely tell you that they are not going to come true." She said.
Acacia came up with the idea for the Friendship Bench after seeing kids getting bullied at school. She says she has also experienced bullying herself - kids whispering about her or picking on her because she is different. "Some people say they feel sorry for me. I tell them not to," she said. "I don't care that I'm different. I like being different."
The Friendship Bench looks like a lot of other benches. It has arm sets and a place to lean on. But there are also words painted on it - words such as "hope", "respect", "listen" and "dream". Acacia put the benches together with the help from her mother and brother.
Any time a kid feels he or she needs a friend, all that kid needs to do is sit on the bench. It is then up to the other kids - or grown-ups - to fill that need. "It's a perfect idea," Palm Bay Elementary Principal Lori said. "It's something we've needed so badly."
The Friendship Bench has been such a success at Palm Bay Elementary that other schools are now interested in installing one too. "There's a saying in my teacher's classroom," Acacia said. "It says, 'it you can dream it, you can achieve it.'"
Question:
What can we infer from the passage?
Choices:
A. More Friendship Benches will be installed in other schools soon.
B. Students stop bullying other schoolmates at Palm Bay Elementary.
C. The students at Palm Bay Elementary have become more friendly.
D. Acacia has become a very important figure at Palm Bay Elementary. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high5565.txt | As we all know, getting benched in sports is usually a bad thing. But at one school in Florida, a girl has taken a bench and turned it into something entirely different - a place to find friends. It's called the Friendship Bench. And it's the brainchild of a sixth grader at Palm Bay Elementary - a girl named Acacia Woodley.
Acacia's attitude toward life might be summed up best by a question she recently asked members of the Brevard County School Board - "what if we spend as much time putting the spotlight on kindness as we do on cruelty?" It's a philosophy Acacias has learned to live her own life -despite having a lot of people would consider a handicap. She was born without a right hand. And her left hand did not form properly. But Acacia says that she has not stopped her from achieving her goals. "You need to believe in your dreams. If you don't believe in you dreams, I can definitely tell you that they are not going to come true." She said.
Acacia came up with the idea for the Friendship Bench after seeing kids getting bullied at school. She says she has also experienced bullying herself - kids whispering about her or picking on her because she is different. "Some people say they feel sorry for me. I tell them not to," she said. "I don't care that I'm different. I like being different."
The Friendship Bench looks like a lot of other benches. It has arm sets and a place to lean on. But there are also words painted on it - words such as "hope", "respect", "listen" and "dream". Acacia put the benches together with the help from her mother and brother.
Any time a kid feels he or she needs a friend, all that kid needs to do is sit on the bench. It is then up to the other kids - or grown-ups - to fill that need. "It's a perfect idea," Palm Bay Elementary Principal Lori said. "It's something we've needed so badly."
The Friendship Bench has been such a success at Palm Bay Elementary that other schools are now interested in installing one too. "There's a saying in my teacher's classroom," Acacia said. "It says, 'it you can dream it, you can achieve it.'" | [
"More Friendship Benches will be installed in other schools soon.",
"Students stop bullying other schoolmates at Palm Bay Elementary.",
"The students at Palm Bay Elementary have become more friendly.",
"Acacia has become a very important figure at Palm Bay Elementary."
] |
Suppose you are visiting Trinity College Library, you can enjoy _ there. | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
World's Wonderful Libraries
How cool can libraries be in an era of iPads and Kindles More than you think.Only if you know where to go.
Central Library
The Central Library in Seattle,United States is modern and sophisticated. The building is an impressive work of art, which has has tourists from around the world paying visits and taking tours. The library offers free self-guided cell phone tours, along with group tours.
The library holds various art exhibitions, book signings and other events throughout the year.
Open: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m-8 p.m, Friday-Saturday 10 a.m-6 p.m, Sunday noon-6 p.m
Trinity College Library
The Trinity College Library in Dublin is the oldest library in Ireland, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I.
Not only is the exterior impressive, it boasts the largest single chamber library in the world, also known as the Long Room, which contains more than 200,000 of the library's oldest books.
Various exhibitions and tour are available; admission 9(US 12)
Open: Monday-Wednesday 9:30 a.m -5 p.m, Tuesday 9:30 a.m -9 p.m, Saturday 9:30 a.m -1 p.m, Sunday closed.
Bibliotheca Alexamdrina
The Bibliotheca Alexamdrina is the revival of the ancient Royal Library of Alexandria, which was the largest and most influential library in the Greek world. It was built by Alexander the Great some 2, 300 years ago.
The new library was reborn in 2002 on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea after 10 years of designing, planning and construction.
Along with the standard libraries, there are four museums covering science, Arabic Calligraphy, the history of printing and the Greek art.
Open: Saturday-Thursday 9 a.m- 4 p.m.
Stuttgart City Library
The Stuttgart City Library is controversial. Some say it's innovative, while others say it doesn't match its environment.
Nevertheless, the library is one of the most interesting buildings in Germany. The design of the cubic facility was influenced by the ancient Pantheon in Rome. It serves as a multi-story meeting space that draws natural sunlight through the roof.
Open: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m--9 p.m
Question:
Suppose you are visiting Trinity College Library, you can enjoy _ there.
Choices:
A. free exhibitions
B. the oldest Greek art
C. reading the worl's oldest books
D. reading in the Long Room | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high13271.txt | World's Wonderful Libraries
How cool can libraries be in an era of iPads and Kindles More than you think.Only if you know where to go.
Central Library
The Central Library in Seattle,United States is modern and sophisticated. The building is an impressive work of art, which has has tourists from around the world paying visits and taking tours. The library offers free self-guided cell phone tours, along with group tours.
The library holds various art exhibitions, book signings and other events throughout the year.
Open: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m-8 p.m, Friday-Saturday 10 a.m-6 p.m, Sunday noon-6 p.m
Trinity College Library
The Trinity College Library in Dublin is the oldest library in Ireland, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I.
Not only is the exterior impressive, it boasts the largest single chamber library in the world, also known as the Long Room, which contains more than 200,000 of the library's oldest books.
Various exhibitions and tour are available; admission 9(US 12)
Open: Monday-Wednesday 9:30 a.m -5 p.m, Tuesday 9:30 a.m -9 p.m, Saturday 9:30 a.m -1 p.m, Sunday closed.
Bibliotheca Alexamdrina
The Bibliotheca Alexamdrina is the revival of the ancient Royal Library of Alexandria, which was the largest and most influential library in the Greek world. It was built by Alexander the Great some 2, 300 years ago.
The new library was reborn in 2002 on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea after 10 years of designing, planning and construction.
Along with the standard libraries, there are four museums covering science, Arabic Calligraphy, the history of printing and the Greek art.
Open: Saturday-Thursday 9 a.m- 4 p.m.
Stuttgart City Library
The Stuttgart City Library is controversial. Some say it's innovative, while others say it doesn't match its environment.
Nevertheless, the library is one of the most interesting buildings in Germany. The design of the cubic facility was influenced by the ancient Pantheon in Rome. It serves as a multi-story meeting space that draws natural sunlight through the roof.
Open: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m--9 p.m | [
"free exhibitions",
"the oldest Greek art",
"reading the worl's oldest books",
"reading in the Long Room"
] |
Most of the shops are _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
My Town the Best Place to Be!
My town is a great place to live in . It's the best place to enjoy your free time. There are three movie theaters in the town. They are all good, but the one nearest my house is the best. Shopping is also easy, There are many shops and most of them are trendy. They sell very fashionable clothes. The prices are also cheaper than in other cities, so students love to shop here. There are also a lot of video and music stores. These are very popular with students. I go to the music store every week to buy a new CD. The most crowded place for students to hang out is the park . Everyone goes there ,so it's really interesting.
Sometimes there are even street performers. Some students think they are boring ,but I think they are the most creative people. I want to be a street performer, too .
Question:
Most of the shops are _ .
Choices:
A. expensive
B. interesting
C. fashionable
D. unfashionable | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle1950.txt | My Town the Best Place to Be!
My town is a great place to live in . It's the best place to enjoy your free time. There are three movie theaters in the town. They are all good, but the one nearest my house is the best. Shopping is also easy, There are many shops and most of them are trendy. They sell very fashionable clothes. The prices are also cheaper than in other cities, so students love to shop here. There are also a lot of video and music stores. These are very popular with students. I go to the music store every week to buy a new CD. The most crowded place for students to hang out is the park . Everyone goes there ,so it's really interesting.
Sometimes there are even street performers. Some students think they are boring ,but I think they are the most creative people. I want to be a street performer, too . | [
"expensive",
"interesting",
"fashionable",
"unfashionable"
] |
Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
There is a long history behind the first T-shirts and today's colorful outerwear .
Many stories talk about the first T-shirts and the reason why people wear them. One says the first T-shirt had something to do with war.
In World War I
Some American soldiers found that European soldiers' undershirts were cooler and more comfortable. They started to wear the same kind. Because the design of the undershirts was simple and looked like the letter T, Americans called the clothes T-shirts.
By World War II Many soldiers started to wear T-shirts as under-wear.
In the 1930s Many American students started wearing white T-shirts for playing sports.
In 1951 Marlon Brando, a very famous American actor, wore a tight-fitting T-shirt in a film. After this, many American men started to dress like him.
In the 1970s T-shirts became the favorite kind of clothing for young people in many countries. At that time, they were a sign of being cool and different from others.
In the 1980s T-shirts started to be hot in China.
Now many young people show their own ideas on their T-shirts; special pictures, funny words... T-shirts are more like artworks than just simple summer wear
Question:
Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
Choices:
A. It's said that the first T-shirts had nothing to do with war.
B. The clothes were named T-shirts by a famous American actor.
C. Many soldiers had begun to wear T-shirts by World War II.
D. T-shirts became popular in China before the 1980s. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle4104.txt | There is a long history behind the first T-shirts and today's colorful outerwear .
Many stories talk about the first T-shirts and the reason why people wear them. One says the first T-shirt had something to do with war.
In World War I
Some American soldiers found that European soldiers' undershirts were cooler and more comfortable. They started to wear the same kind. Because the design of the undershirts was simple and looked like the letter T, Americans called the clothes T-shirts.
By World War II Many soldiers started to wear T-shirts as under-wear.
In the 1930s Many American students started wearing white T-shirts for playing sports.
In 1951 Marlon Brando, a very famous American actor, wore a tight-fitting T-shirt in a film. After this, many American men started to dress like him.
In the 1970s T-shirts became the favorite kind of clothing for young people in many countries. At that time, they were a sign of being cool and different from others.
In the 1980s T-shirts started to be hot in China.
Now many young people show their own ideas on their T-shirts; special pictures, funny words... T-shirts are more like artworks than just simple summer wear | [
"It's said that the first T-shirts had nothing to do with war.",
"The clothes were named T-shirts by a famous American actor.",
"Many soldiers had begun to wear T-shirts by World War II.",
"T-shirts became popular in China before the 1980s."
] |
Which can be TRUE according to this passage? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Every year thousands of people get hurt or die when they are crossing the road. Most of these people are old people and children. Old people often get hurt or die because they can't see or hear very well. Children usually meet with accidents because of their carelessness. They forgot to look and listen before they cross the road.
How can we lessen traffic accidents? All of us must obey the traffic rules. For the drivers, they shouldn't drive too fast. If they drive too fast, it will be very difficult to stop the cars in a very short time. For the pedestrians , it's very important to be careful when they are walking on the road. Therefore, when we walk across the road, we must try to walk along the pavements. We must stop and look both ways before crossing the road. Look left first, next look right, then look left again. Only when we are sure that the road is clear, we can cross it. The right way to cross the road is to walk quickly. It's not safe to run. If people run across the road, they may fall down. Teenagers should try to help children, old people or blind people to cross the road, and never play in the street.
,,.
Question:
Which can be TRUE according to this passage?
Choices:
A. Children often get hurt or die because they can't see or hear very well.
B. Most of old people and children get hurt or die when they are crossing the road.
C. If they drive too fast, it will be very easy to stop the cars in a very short time.
D. It's safe for people to run across. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle6296.txt | Every year thousands of people get hurt or die when they are crossing the road. Most of these people are old people and children. Old people often get hurt or die because they can't see or hear very well. Children usually meet with accidents because of their carelessness. They forgot to look and listen before they cross the road.
How can we lessen traffic accidents? All of us must obey the traffic rules. For the drivers, they shouldn't drive too fast. If they drive too fast, it will be very difficult to stop the cars in a very short time. For the pedestrians , it's very important to be careful when they are walking on the road. Therefore, when we walk across the road, we must try to walk along the pavements. We must stop and look both ways before crossing the road. Look left first, next look right, then look left again. Only when we are sure that the road is clear, we can cross it. The right way to cross the road is to walk quickly. It's not safe to run. If people run across the road, they may fall down. Teenagers should try to help children, old people or blind people to cross the road, and never play in the street.
,,. | [
"Children often get hurt or die because they can't see or hear very well.",
"Most of old people and children get hurt or die when they are crossing the road.",
"If they drive too fast, it will be very easy to stop the cars in a very short time.",
"It's safe for people to run across."
] |
Which of the following is TRUE according to this article? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The Legend of Bruce Lee was a very popular TV play. The surprising life of Brue Lee came to the small screen in the play. The play followed the 32 vears of Bruce Lee's life, from his hard young age to his experience in the U.S.A. and his movie-making life.
Lee was born in San Francisco, California, and grew up in Hong Kong. He loved his motherland China and Chinese kung fu. His Hong Kong and Hollywood films were quite different from the traditional kung fu films. He started a new kung fu film age. Because of his films, the west began to show great interest in Chinese culture. He affected Chinese kung fu and Chinese kung fu films in Hong Kong and the rest of the world. Lee showed Chinese national pride( )in his movies.
Question:
Which of the following is TRUE according to this article?
Choices:
A. The play showed Bruce Lee's surprising life.
B. Bruce Lee's motherland was the United States.
C. Bruce Lee showed people Chinese people's hard work in his movies.
D. Bruce Lee's kung fu films affected all the films around the "world. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle91.txt | The Legend of Bruce Lee was a very popular TV play. The surprising life of Brue Lee came to the small screen in the play. The play followed the 32 vears of Bruce Lee's life, from his hard young age to his experience in the U.S.A. and his movie-making life.
Lee was born in San Francisco, California, and grew up in Hong Kong. He loved his motherland China and Chinese kung fu. His Hong Kong and Hollywood films were quite different from the traditional kung fu films. He started a new kung fu film age. Because of his films, the west began to show great interest in Chinese culture. He affected Chinese kung fu and Chinese kung fu films in Hong Kong and the rest of the world. Lee showed Chinese national pride( )in his movies. | [
"The play showed Bruce Lee's surprising life.",
"Bruce Lee's motherland was the United States.",
"Bruce Lee showed people Chinese people's hard work in his movies.",
"Bruce Lee's kung fu films affected all the films around the \"world."
] |
Why has the UN come under increasingly sharp attack by Americans since 1985? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Even before World War II ended in 1945,many world leaders dreamed of a new organization that would keep international peace and safety,and encourage international cooperation .An organization was formed.The United Nations was to work to this ideal of mankind.
When the UN was founded in 1945,it was made up of fifty members.Fifteen members sat on the Security Council .Five members--the United States,the Soviet Union,Great Britain,France and China--were given,not changing membership on the Council.The Council was given the power to settle fights among nations by persuasion,mediation or other means.A General Assembly ,which included every UN member,was also set up.The Assembly could consider,discuss,and pass resolutions .
As the UN passed its fortieth birthday in 1985,it came under increasingly sharp attack by Americans.It declared that the UN is unfit as a peace keeper and cited 130 wars since 1945 as a proof .
The UN's supporters say that the organization is the world's best hope for peace.The UN provides,supporters also point out,much needed economic and technical help to less developed nations.
Question:
Why has the UN come under increasingly sharp attack by Americans since 1985?
Choices:
A. Because the UN has been unfit as a peace keeper.
B. Because 130 wars have broken out since 1945.
C. Because the US hasn't been able to control the UN completely since 1985.
D. Because the US was not satisfied with the UN since 1985. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high7714.txt | Even before World War II ended in 1945,many world leaders dreamed of a new organization that would keep international peace and safety,and encourage international cooperation .An organization was formed.The United Nations was to work to this ideal of mankind.
When the UN was founded in 1945,it was made up of fifty members.Fifteen members sat on the Security Council .Five members--the United States,the Soviet Union,Great Britain,France and China--were given,not changing membership on the Council.The Council was given the power to settle fights among nations by persuasion,mediation or other means.A General Assembly ,which included every UN member,was also set up.The Assembly could consider,discuss,and pass resolutions .
As the UN passed its fortieth birthday in 1985,it came under increasingly sharp attack by Americans.It declared that the UN is unfit as a peace keeper and cited 130 wars since 1945 as a proof .
The UN's supporters say that the organization is the world's best hope for peace.The UN provides,supporters also point out,much needed economic and technical help to less developed nations. | [
"Because the UN has been unfit as a peace keeper.",
"Because 130 wars have broken out since 1945.",
"Because the US hasn't been able to control the UN completely since 1985.",
"Because the US was not satisfied with the UN since 1985."
] |
Which of the following is a useful wayto protect Hutong? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Local officials in Beijing promised to furtherprotect the city's cultural heritage , in particular the narrow streets known as Hutong.
Hutong are commonly found in the cities of North China, but they are at risk. Beijingis currently believed to have fewer than 1,000 Hutong, most of which are nearthe Forbidden City. Only 60 years ago, thenumber was 3,250. In the old districts of Dongcheng and Xicheng, which cover 62square kilometers, some people will be asked to move from Hutong houses toavoid further damage to the ancient architecture.
"On average more than 100,000 people visit the Forbidden City during the National Day holidays. Thevisits put pressure on the protection of cultural relics," said Huang Yan,director of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning, adding that Hutongshould be protected from human damage.
The government focused on how the protection planswere carried out and how the management of cultural heritages worked. WangShaofeng, head of the Xicheng district government, said the area has 182cultural relics, many of which were built as far back as the Yuan Dynasty(1271-1368). The district of Xicheng has 1.28 million residents in its 57square kilometers of land. "The most efficient way is to decrease the localpopulation to reduce the possibility of causing harm to the heritage," Wangsaid.
"Each community has been required to report thestatus of its cultural heritage, especially Hutong, and any actions to damagethe heritage will be punished," Wang said.
No one knows for sure how many Hutong will be leftin the coming 100 years.
Question:
Which of the following is a useful wayto protect Hutong?
Choices:
A. To attract more visitors.
B. To punish anyone damagingit.
C. To increase the localpopulation.
D. To forbid everyonegetting close to it. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high19775.txt | Local officials in Beijing promised to furtherprotect the city's cultural heritage , in particular the narrow streets known as Hutong.
Hutong are commonly found in the cities of North China, but they are at risk. Beijingis currently believed to have fewer than 1,000 Hutong, most of which are nearthe Forbidden City. Only 60 years ago, thenumber was 3,250. In the old districts of Dongcheng and Xicheng, which cover 62square kilometers, some people will be asked to move from Hutong houses toavoid further damage to the ancient architecture.
"On average more than 100,000 people visit the Forbidden City during the National Day holidays. Thevisits put pressure on the protection of cultural relics," said Huang Yan,director of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning, adding that Hutongshould be protected from human damage.
The government focused on how the protection planswere carried out and how the management of cultural heritages worked. WangShaofeng, head of the Xicheng district government, said the area has 182cultural relics, many of which were built as far back as the Yuan Dynasty(1271-1368). The district of Xicheng has 1.28 million residents in its 57square kilometers of land. "The most efficient way is to decrease the localpopulation to reduce the possibility of causing harm to the heritage," Wangsaid.
"Each community has been required to report thestatus of its cultural heritage, especially Hutong, and any actions to damagethe heritage will be punished," Wang said.
No one knows for sure how many Hutong will be leftin the coming 100 years. | [
"To attract more visitors.",
"To punish anyone damagingit.",
"To increase the localpopulation.",
"To forbid everyonegetting close to it."
] |
The main idea of the passage is _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
When other nine-year-old kids were playing games, she was working at a petrol station. When other teens were studying or going out, she struggled to find a place to sleep on the street. But she overcame these terrible setbacks to win a highly competitive scholarship and gain entry to Harvard University. And her amazing story has inspired a movie, " Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story " , shown in late April.
Liz Murray, a 22-year-old American girl, has been writing a real-life story of willpower and determination. Liz grew up in the shadow of two drug-addicted parents. There was never enough food or warm clothes in the house. Liz was the only member of the family who had a job. Her mother had AIDS and died when Liz was just 15 years old. The effect of that loss became a turning point in her life. Connecting the environment in which she had grown up with how her mother had died, she decided to do something about it.
Liz went back to school. She threw herself into her studies, never telling her teachers that she was homeless. At night, she lived on the streets. _ " she wrote in her book Breaking Night.
She admitted that she used envy to drive herself on. She used the benefits that come easily to others, such as a safe living environment, to encourage herself that " next to nothing could hold me down " . She finished high school in just two years and won a full scholarship to study at Harvard University . But Liz decided to leave her top university a couple of months earlier this year in order to take care of her father, who has also developed AIDS. " I love my parents so much. They are drug addicts. But I never forget that they love me all the time. "
Liz wants moviegoers to come away with the idea that changing your life is " as simple as making a decision " .
Question:
The main idea of the passage is _ .
Choices:
A. how Liz managed to enter Harvard University
B. what a hard time Liz had in her childhood
C. why Liz loved her parents so much
D. how Liz struggled to change her life | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high2399.txt | When other nine-year-old kids were playing games, she was working at a petrol station. When other teens were studying or going out, she struggled to find a place to sleep on the street. But she overcame these terrible setbacks to win a highly competitive scholarship and gain entry to Harvard University. And her amazing story has inspired a movie, " Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story " , shown in late April.
Liz Murray, a 22-year-old American girl, has been writing a real-life story of willpower and determination. Liz grew up in the shadow of two drug-addicted parents. There was never enough food or warm clothes in the house. Liz was the only member of the family who had a job. Her mother had AIDS and died when Liz was just 15 years old. The effect of that loss became a turning point in her life. Connecting the environment in which she had grown up with how her mother had died, she decided to do something about it.
Liz went back to school. She threw herself into her studies, never telling her teachers that she was homeless. At night, she lived on the streets. _ " she wrote in her book Breaking Night.
She admitted that she used envy to drive herself on. She used the benefits that come easily to others, such as a safe living environment, to encourage herself that " next to nothing could hold me down " . She finished high school in just two years and won a full scholarship to study at Harvard University . But Liz decided to leave her top university a couple of months earlier this year in order to take care of her father, who has also developed AIDS. " I love my parents so much. They are drug addicts. But I never forget that they love me all the time. "
Liz wants moviegoers to come away with the idea that changing your life is " as simple as making a decision " . | [
"how Liz managed to enter Harvard University",
"what a hard time Liz had in her childhood",
"why Liz loved her parents so much",
"how Liz struggled to change her life"
] |
The passage is mainly about _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Kataria is the founder of the worldwide laughter movement. The celebration of World Laughter Day is a positive activity for world peace and is intended to build up a global sense of brotherhood and friendship through laughter. The first "World Laughter Day" gathering took place in Mumbai, India, on 11th January, 1998. 12,000 members from India and international Laughter Clubs attended it. Now there are over 5,000 Laughter Clubs worldwide on all 5 continents.
"HAPPY--DEMIC" was the first World Laughter Day gathering outside India. It took place on 9th January, two years after the Mumbai gathering. In Copenhagen, Denmark, more than 10,000 people gathered at Town Hall Square. The event went into Guinness Book of World Records. "World Laughter Day" is now organized on the first Sunday of May every year. Hundreds of people gather worldwide on that day to laugh together.
Today, many people fear widespread international terrorism. The world has never faced so much unrest before. People are at war within themselves. Laughter is a universal language, which has the ability to unite humanity without religion. Laughter can build a common connection between various religions and create a new world order. The idea may sound over -ambitious , and maybe it is. But maybe it is not. It is our deep belief that laughter and only laughter can unite the world, building up a global sense of brotherhood and friendship.
Studies also say that laughter helps your body do the following: lower blood pressure; lighten depression; reduce stress; work out the heart, especially for those who are unable to perform physical exercise. So in life, when you can laugh, you should laugh loudly and with your entire body-because it's good for you.
Question:
The passage is mainly about _ .
Choices:
A. World Laughter Day and its significance
B. the worldwide laughter movement
C. a universal language
D. laughter. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high2032.txt | Kataria is the founder of the worldwide laughter movement. The celebration of World Laughter Day is a positive activity for world peace and is intended to build up a global sense of brotherhood and friendship through laughter. The first "World Laughter Day" gathering took place in Mumbai, India, on 11th January, 1998. 12,000 members from India and international Laughter Clubs attended it. Now there are over 5,000 Laughter Clubs worldwide on all 5 continents.
"HAPPY--DEMIC" was the first World Laughter Day gathering outside India. It took place on 9th January, two years after the Mumbai gathering. In Copenhagen, Denmark, more than 10,000 people gathered at Town Hall Square. The event went into Guinness Book of World Records. "World Laughter Day" is now organized on the first Sunday of May every year. Hundreds of people gather worldwide on that day to laugh together.
Today, many people fear widespread international terrorism. The world has never faced so much unrest before. People are at war within themselves. Laughter is a universal language, which has the ability to unite humanity without religion. Laughter can build a common connection between various religions and create a new world order. The idea may sound over -ambitious , and maybe it is. But maybe it is not. It is our deep belief that laughter and only laughter can unite the world, building up a global sense of brotherhood and friendship.
Studies also say that laughter helps your body do the following: lower blood pressure; lighten depression; reduce stress; work out the heart, especially for those who are unable to perform physical exercise. So in life, when you can laugh, you should laugh loudly and with your entire body-because it's good for you. | [
"World Laughter Day and its significance",
"the worldwide laughter movement",
"a universal language",
"laughter."
] |
What can we learn about Dr. Marcy from the passage? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
When Geoff Marcy was 14, his parents bought him a telescope. Every night, he would go onto the roof outside his window to see the wonders of the sky.
"What excited me most was whether there were planets in other solar systems where life might exist," he says. "I decided to try to find planets orbiting other stars like our Sun."
And he did. "My fellow researcher, Paul Butler, and I found our first planet in 1995," Dr. Marcy says. "We worked for ten years without finding anything! _ and our patience paid off."
Since then, the two scientists have discovered 65 of the more than 100 planets found orbiting other stars. Dr. Marcy and Dr. Butler also spotted the first "family" of three planets. In June 2002 they announced another discovery: a Jupiter-like planet orbiting star 55Cancri.
At first, the two researchers found only planets that orbit close to stars. Recently, the scientists found planets farther out. The planet orbiting 55Cancri is a major breakthrough: it is the first sighting of a large gas planet about same distance from the star as Jupiter is from the Sun.
Why is this important ? Scientists think that life on Earth may exist because of two special features in our solar system. The first is Jupiter.
"Because it's so big, Jupiter pulls comets and asteroids , or they all come and hit the Earth." Dr. Marcy explains. "Without Jupiter , life on Earth would likely have been destroyed."
A second feature is that Earth is a rocky planet where liquid water, which is necessary for life , can exist. Unlike gas planets, rocky planets like Earth have surfaces where water can gather in pools and seas, which may support life. A huge space exists between the Jupiter-like planet and two other planets that lie close to 55Cancri. Is there an Earth-like planet in the space, too small for us to notice? If so, says Dr. Marcy, "We would have two striking similarities to our solar system: a Jupiter-like planet and an Earth-like planet. And there may be life!"
Question:
What can we learn about Dr. Marcy from the passage?
Choices:
A. He is fond of watching Jupiter.
B. He is from a scientist family.
C. He dislikes working with Paul Butler.
D. He is interested in finding life in outer space. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high4533.txt | When Geoff Marcy was 14, his parents bought him a telescope. Every night, he would go onto the roof outside his window to see the wonders of the sky.
"What excited me most was whether there were planets in other solar systems where life might exist," he says. "I decided to try to find planets orbiting other stars like our Sun."
And he did. "My fellow researcher, Paul Butler, and I found our first planet in 1995," Dr. Marcy says. "We worked for ten years without finding anything! _ and our patience paid off."
Since then, the two scientists have discovered 65 of the more than 100 planets found orbiting other stars. Dr. Marcy and Dr. Butler also spotted the first "family" of three planets. In June 2002 they announced another discovery: a Jupiter-like planet orbiting star 55Cancri.
At first, the two researchers found only planets that orbit close to stars. Recently, the scientists found planets farther out. The planet orbiting 55Cancri is a major breakthrough: it is the first sighting of a large gas planet about same distance from the star as Jupiter is from the Sun.
Why is this important ? Scientists think that life on Earth may exist because of two special features in our solar system. The first is Jupiter.
"Because it's so big, Jupiter pulls comets and asteroids , or they all come and hit the Earth." Dr. Marcy explains. "Without Jupiter , life on Earth would likely have been destroyed."
A second feature is that Earth is a rocky planet where liquid water, which is necessary for life , can exist. Unlike gas planets, rocky planets like Earth have surfaces where water can gather in pools and seas, which may support life. A huge space exists between the Jupiter-like planet and two other planets that lie close to 55Cancri. Is there an Earth-like planet in the space, too small for us to notice? If so, says Dr. Marcy, "We would have two striking similarities to our solar system: a Jupiter-like planet and an Earth-like planet. And there may be life!" | [
"He is fond of watching Jupiter.",
"He is from a scientist family.",
"He dislikes working with Paul Butler.",
"He is interested in finding life in outer space."
] |
Why does a mother-to-be register a wish list of things? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
While many women are busy with planning their bridal showers , a baby shower usually comes as a complete surprise. A baby shower is a party where a pregnant woman is "showered" with gifts and good wishes. A baby shower is usually given by a close female friend or a relative of the mother-to-be. Sometimes co-workers of a pregnant person will also hold a baby shower for her.
The baby shower is usually given when the mother-to-be is between 6 and 9 months pregnant. _ the date of a baby's birth isn't always exact. Sometimes a baby shower can also happen after the baby is born. A baby shower can be held in someone's home or outside, like in a restaurant or a catering hall. Traditionally only women are invited to a baby shower. However, more and more baby showers are also including the father-to-be.
Like a bridal shower, a mother-to-be will register a wish list of things she wants at one or several stores. This list usually includes things the mother wants for her baby like clothes, diapers and even furniture. This way friends and family members can go to the stores and buy something from the list. Registering helps make sure that there aren't repeat items, like 30 bottles when a new mom only needed 15.
At a baby shower, people can give cards with wishes for the new baby and mom. Most of these cards also include money or gift cards to help the mom-to-be buy whatever else she needs for the baby. Sometimes there are games as well. In one game everyone guesses the date of the baby. Another game lets people taste baby food and guess the flavor.
Question:
Why does a mother-to-be register a wish list of things?
Choices:
A. To prevent others from buying the repeat items.
B. To remind herself to buy some items for the party.
C. To remember to buy the necessary things for her friends.
D. To invite friends or family members to the baby shower. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle7827.txt | While many women are busy with planning their bridal showers , a baby shower usually comes as a complete surprise. A baby shower is a party where a pregnant woman is "showered" with gifts and good wishes. A baby shower is usually given by a close female friend or a relative of the mother-to-be. Sometimes co-workers of a pregnant person will also hold a baby shower for her.
The baby shower is usually given when the mother-to-be is between 6 and 9 months pregnant. _ the date of a baby's birth isn't always exact. Sometimes a baby shower can also happen after the baby is born. A baby shower can be held in someone's home or outside, like in a restaurant or a catering hall. Traditionally only women are invited to a baby shower. However, more and more baby showers are also including the father-to-be.
Like a bridal shower, a mother-to-be will register a wish list of things she wants at one or several stores. This list usually includes things the mother wants for her baby like clothes, diapers and even furniture. This way friends and family members can go to the stores and buy something from the list. Registering helps make sure that there aren't repeat items, like 30 bottles when a new mom only needed 15.
At a baby shower, people can give cards with wishes for the new baby and mom. Most of these cards also include money or gift cards to help the mom-to-be buy whatever else she needs for the baby. Sometimes there are games as well. In one game everyone guesses the date of the baby. Another game lets people taste baby food and guess the flavor. | [
"To prevent others from buying the repeat items.",
"To remind herself to buy some items for the party.",
"To remember to buy the necessary things for her friends.",
"To invite friends or family members to the baby shower."
] |
The tone of this text can best be described as_. | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Good evening,ladies and gentlemen and welcome to this of the Box Bill Tennis Club. It's good to see so many of you here this evening. I'm sure you're all enjoyed the fine food,and that you are ready to hear our guest speaker.
Ladies and gentlemen,we're pleased to welcome our most famous club champion,Billy Rogers,to our meeting.
Billy needs no introduction because he is one of the most well-known tennis players in our country. However,I must mention a few things about him. Billy has won the US Open three times,and Wimbledon twice. He has won more tennis tournaments than any player from this country. He has been ranked number one in the world in both singles and doubles. He has played in the Davis Cup and the Hopman Cup for his country. His Wimbledon victory two years ago has been called one of the bravest in the modern time. Had he not been injured,he would undoubtedly have won a third Wimbledon Championship. Billy is regarded by many as perhaps the finest player ever in international tennis.
But of course Billy is much more than a tennis champion.
He is like an ambassador for the sport and for his country. He has done great work to help children around the world,and his generosity to children's charity funds is well known.
And of course,Billy is the most successful graduate of our club. He won the club championships when he was twelve--yes,at only twelve. And Billy has not forgotten where it all started. That's why he accepted our invitation to speak to us tonight. We're proud to have played a small part in Billy's success.
Won't you please give a big hand to our own Billy Rogers?
Question:
The tone of this text can best be described as_.
Choices:
A. scientific
B. admiring
C. cold
D. confident | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high16948.txt | Good evening,ladies and gentlemen and welcome to this of the Box Bill Tennis Club. It's good to see so many of you here this evening. I'm sure you're all enjoyed the fine food,and that you are ready to hear our guest speaker.
Ladies and gentlemen,we're pleased to welcome our most famous club champion,Billy Rogers,to our meeting.
Billy needs no introduction because he is one of the most well-known tennis players in our country. However,I must mention a few things about him. Billy has won the US Open three times,and Wimbledon twice. He has won more tennis tournaments than any player from this country. He has been ranked number one in the world in both singles and doubles. He has played in the Davis Cup and the Hopman Cup for his country. His Wimbledon victory two years ago has been called one of the bravest in the modern time. Had he not been injured,he would undoubtedly have won a third Wimbledon Championship. Billy is regarded by many as perhaps the finest player ever in international tennis.
But of course Billy is much more than a tennis champion.
He is like an ambassador for the sport and for his country. He has done great work to help children around the world,and his generosity to children's charity funds is well known.
And of course,Billy is the most successful graduate of our club. He won the club championships when he was twelve--yes,at only twelve. And Billy has not forgotten where it all started. That's why he accepted our invitation to speak to us tonight. We're proud to have played a small part in Billy's success.
Won't you please give a big hand to our own Billy Rogers? | [
"scientific",
"admiring",
"cold",
"confident"
] |
A toothpaste commercial states that a brand of toothpaste has a higher concentration of fluoride than any other toothpaste available. The commercial is most likely inferring that the advertised toothpaste | null | Answer this science question and explain your reasoning. | A toothpaste commercial states that a brand of toothpaste has a higher concentration of fluoride than any other toothpaste available. The commercial is most likely inferring that the advertised toothpaste
Choices:
A. has a pleasant flavor.
B. is recommended by dentists.
C. promotes good dental hygiene.
D. is the most expensive brand sold. | Correct answer: C | science | Mercury_7064208 | {
"text": [
"has a pleasant flavor.",
"is recommended by dentists.",
"promotes good dental hygiene.",
"is the most expensive brand sold."
],
"label": [
"A",
"B",
"C",
"D"
]
} | C | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
What do we know about the author's last summer vacation? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Last year I ruined my summer vacation by bringing along a modern convenience that was too convenient for my own good: the iPad. Instead of looking at nature, I checked my e-mail. Instead of paddling a small boat, I followed my Twitter feed . Instead of reading great novels, I stuck to reading four newspapers each morning. I was behaving as if I were still in the office. My body was on vacation, but my head wasn't.
So this year I made up my mind to try something different: withdrawal from the Internet. I knew it wouldn't be easy, since I'm bad at self-control. But I was determined. I started by giving the iPad to my wife.
The cellphone signal at our house was worse than in the past, making my attempts at cheating an experience in frustration . I was trapped, forced to go through with my plan. Largely cut off from e-mail, Twitter and my favorite newspaper websites, I had few ways to connect to the world except for the radio--and how much radio can one listen to, really? I had to do what I had planned to do all along: read books.
This experience has had a happy ending. With determination and the strong support of my wife, I won in my vacation straggle against the Internet, realizing finally that it was I, not the iPad, that was the problem. I knew I had won when we passed a Starbucks and my wife asked if I wanted to stop to use the Wi-Fi. "I don't need it," I said.
However, as we return to post-vacation life, a harder test begins: Can I continue when I'm back at work?
There are times when the need to know what's being said right now is great. I have no intention of giving up my convenience completely. But I hope to resist the temptation to check my e-mail every five minutes, which leads to checking my Twitter feed and a website ortwo.
I think a vacation is supposed to help you reset your brain to become more productive. Here I hope this one worked.
Question:
What do we know about the author's last summer vacation?
Choices:
A. He was determined to enjoy the beautiful view.
B. His iPad ruined his plan of finishing a great novel.
C. He felt satisfied that he had stuck to his usual timetable.
D. He hated himself for acting as if he were working on vacation. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high12539.txt | Last year I ruined my summer vacation by bringing along a modern convenience that was too convenient for my own good: the iPad. Instead of looking at nature, I checked my e-mail. Instead of paddling a small boat, I followed my Twitter feed . Instead of reading great novels, I stuck to reading four newspapers each morning. I was behaving as if I were still in the office. My body was on vacation, but my head wasn't.
So this year I made up my mind to try something different: withdrawal from the Internet. I knew it wouldn't be easy, since I'm bad at self-control. But I was determined. I started by giving the iPad to my wife.
The cellphone signal at our house was worse than in the past, making my attempts at cheating an experience in frustration . I was trapped, forced to go through with my plan. Largely cut off from e-mail, Twitter and my favorite newspaper websites, I had few ways to connect to the world except for the radio--and how much radio can one listen to, really? I had to do what I had planned to do all along: read books.
This experience has had a happy ending. With determination and the strong support of my wife, I won in my vacation straggle against the Internet, realizing finally that it was I, not the iPad, that was the problem. I knew I had won when we passed a Starbucks and my wife asked if I wanted to stop to use the Wi-Fi. "I don't need it," I said.
However, as we return to post-vacation life, a harder test begins: Can I continue when I'm back at work?
There are times when the need to know what's being said right now is great. I have no intention of giving up my convenience completely. But I hope to resist the temptation to check my e-mail every five minutes, which leads to checking my Twitter feed and a website ortwo.
I think a vacation is supposed to help you reset your brain to become more productive. Here I hope this one worked. | [
"He was determined to enjoy the beautiful view.",
"His iPad ruined his plan of finishing a great novel.",
"He felt satisfied that he had stuck to his usual timetable.",
"He hated himself for acting as if he were working on vacation."
] |
Nick hides 10 chocolates in his closet. His brother Alix hides 3 times as many chocolates than Nick hides. Last night, their mom found and took 5 chocolates from Alix. How many more chocolates does Alix have than Nick? | Alix has 3 * 10 = <<3*10=30>>30 chocolates.
After his mom took 5 chocolates, Alix has now 30 - 5 = <<30-5=25>>25 chocolate.
So Alix has 25 - 10 = <<25-10=15>>15 chocolates more than Nick.
#### 15 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | Nick hides 10 chocolates in his closet. His brother Alix hides 3 times as many chocolates than Nick hides. Last night, their mom found and took 5 chocolates from Alix. How many more chocolates does Alix have than Nick? | Alix has 3 * 10 = <<3*10=30>>30 chocolates.
After his mom took 5 chocolates, Alix has now 30 - 5 = <<30-5=25>>25 chocolate.
So Alix has 25 - 10 = <<25-10=15>>15 chocolates more than Nick.
#### 15 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Ying Miaofang was very happy to _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
"An old village woman in her seventies from Zhenjiang Province rented a small house in Shanghai and let visitors to the World Expo live there for free while she slept on a little couch. Her kindness moved _ people." Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said so at the Expo 2010 Shanghai China on October 31 when it ended.
It is a true story. The heroine of it is Ying Miaofang, an old woman from a village of Zhuji City in Shaoxing of Zhejiang Province. "I rented a house in Shanghai and received more than 330 Expo visitors during three months' time. My house was never empty during that period." Ying told reporters. She also said it was worth helping so many people to visit the Shanghai World Expo and she was praised by Premier Wen.
In the late of last May. Ying Miaofang paid 1,800yuan per month to rent a small house near Changning Road in Shanghai, and spent more money on a new air conditioner, a refrigerator, a TV set and other things. She published her phone number in the newspaper and opened the house for Expo visitors for free on June 23.
Besides providing a free living place., Ying got up very early every morning to buy food, cook breakfast, clean rooms and wash clothes for those guests. Many of her guests wanted to pay some money to her when they left, but she refused. In order to support the Shanghai Would Expo, Ying spent about 20 thousand yuan in all, which could not be regarded as a little money for a woman from a village.
Question:
Ying Miaofang was very happy to _ .
Choices:
A. have a good time with her friends
B. help the visitors during the World Expo
C. make money for her family
D. have a good harvest in autum | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle189.txt | "An old village woman in her seventies from Zhenjiang Province rented a small house in Shanghai and let visitors to the World Expo live there for free while she slept on a little couch. Her kindness moved _ people." Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said so at the Expo 2010 Shanghai China on October 31 when it ended.
It is a true story. The heroine of it is Ying Miaofang, an old woman from a village of Zhuji City in Shaoxing of Zhejiang Province. "I rented a house in Shanghai and received more than 330 Expo visitors during three months' time. My house was never empty during that period." Ying told reporters. She also said it was worth helping so many people to visit the Shanghai World Expo and she was praised by Premier Wen.
In the late of last May. Ying Miaofang paid 1,800yuan per month to rent a small house near Changning Road in Shanghai, and spent more money on a new air conditioner, a refrigerator, a TV set and other things. She published her phone number in the newspaper and opened the house for Expo visitors for free on June 23.
Besides providing a free living place., Ying got up very early every morning to buy food, cook breakfast, clean rooms and wash clothes for those guests. Many of her guests wanted to pay some money to her when they left, but she refused. In order to support the Shanghai Would Expo, Ying spent about 20 thousand yuan in all, which could not be regarded as a little money for a woman from a village. | [
"have a good time with her friends",
"help the visitors during the World Expo",
"make money for her family",
"have a good harvest in autum"
] |
Why does the author mention the study by Dr. Peter Hutten locher? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Teaching a child to read at a young age gives him a valuable start in life. Reading is the basic part of education and a child's reading ability will influence his school success greatly. Learning difficulties, many of which begin from poor reading skills, can damage a school child's confidence and affect his future achievement. Young children are programmed to learn and they can learn better with encouragement. Ten to twenty minutes of reading a day still leaves plenty of time for play.
Many parents are concerned that learning to read is too challenging a task for a pre-school child, but they should also remember that most children learn to speak by the time they are 3. Learning a language is probably the single most challenging task any individual can undertake, yet children do it without formal instruction, achieving the fluency much better than adult language students.
There is a window of opportunity in terms of IQ development, which is most open during a child's early years. A scientific study, carried out by Dr. Peter Huttenlocher at the University of Chicago, showed that the number of connectors, called synapses , between the nerve endings in a newborn baby's brain is similar to the number in the average adult brain. These synapses increase rapidly during early childhood. By 12-24 months a child's brain has about 50% more synapses than the average adult brain. After that the synapses which are not in use begin to atrophy . For most people, from age 16, the number remains steady. It begins to drop again as we move into our golden years. Doing intellectual activities at a young age, such as learning to read, can stimulate and preserve these connectors in the brain resulting in a long-term beneficial effect on IQ development.
Another notable study is probably the Milwaukee project. This study took a group of babies, all of whose mothers had low IQs, and gave them special training for seven hours a day, five days a week, until they started first grade. By the age of 6 these children had an average IQ 30 points higher than their contemporaries. The overwhelming conclusion is that the early intellectual stimulation can have a positive, long-term effect on a child's brain development.
From birth you should talk to and explain things to your baby. Reading to him can be a wonderful way of spending quality time with your child. The enjoyment of books and being familiar with the idea of print will pave the way for(......)learning to read later.
If your child is a fast learner you can help him realize his potential by introducing him to the joy of the printed word at an early age. This will lay the foundations for both a high achieving school career and a lifelong love of reading. If your child shows early signs of reading difficulties, your efforts may help him get rid of such problems before he goes to school.
It can be difficult to teach your own child because emotional issues arise easily. Online programs for learning to read English are excellent options. They allow children to repeat new materials as many times as they need to, without wearing out the parents' patience.
Question:
Why does the author mention the study by Dr. Peter Hutten locher?
Choices:
A. To remove parents' worry.
B. To explain IQ development.
C. To explain how a baby's brain works.
D. To show the parents' wrong ideas. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high4622.txt | Teaching a child to read at a young age gives him a valuable start in life. Reading is the basic part of education and a child's reading ability will influence his school success greatly. Learning difficulties, many of which begin from poor reading skills, can damage a school child's confidence and affect his future achievement. Young children are programmed to learn and they can learn better with encouragement. Ten to twenty minutes of reading a day still leaves plenty of time for play.
Many parents are concerned that learning to read is too challenging a task for a pre-school child, but they should also remember that most children learn to speak by the time they are 3. Learning a language is probably the single most challenging task any individual can undertake, yet children do it without formal instruction, achieving the fluency much better than adult language students.
There is a window of opportunity in terms of IQ development, which is most open during a child's early years. A scientific study, carried out by Dr. Peter Huttenlocher at the University of Chicago, showed that the number of connectors, called synapses , between the nerve endings in a newborn baby's brain is similar to the number in the average adult brain. These synapses increase rapidly during early childhood. By 12-24 months a child's brain has about 50% more synapses than the average adult brain. After that the synapses which are not in use begin to atrophy . For most people, from age 16, the number remains steady. It begins to drop again as we move into our golden years. Doing intellectual activities at a young age, such as learning to read, can stimulate and preserve these connectors in the brain resulting in a long-term beneficial effect on IQ development.
Another notable study is probably the Milwaukee project. This study took a group of babies, all of whose mothers had low IQs, and gave them special training for seven hours a day, five days a week, until they started first grade. By the age of 6 these children had an average IQ 30 points higher than their contemporaries. The overwhelming conclusion is that the early intellectual stimulation can have a positive, long-term effect on a child's brain development.
From birth you should talk to and explain things to your baby. Reading to him can be a wonderful way of spending quality time with your child. The enjoyment of books and being familiar with the idea of print will pave the way for(......)learning to read later.
If your child is a fast learner you can help him realize his potential by introducing him to the joy of the printed word at an early age. This will lay the foundations for both a high achieving school career and a lifelong love of reading. If your child shows early signs of reading difficulties, your efforts may help him get rid of such problems before he goes to school.
It can be difficult to teach your own child because emotional issues arise easily. Online programs for learning to read English are excellent options. They allow children to repeat new materials as many times as they need to, without wearing out the parents' patience. | [
"To remove parents' worry.",
"To explain IQ development.",
"To explain how a baby's brain works.",
"To show the parents' wrong ideas."
] |
What might be the author's purpose in writing the passage? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
With his strong interest in national affairs, 37-year-old Song Zhigang was glued to the TV news during the 2014 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. He not only learned all the latest information about the event, he was also inspired to write a song for Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan. Titled Xi Dada Loves Peng Mama, the song tells of the love between the couple, which goes "Xi Dada loves Peng Mama. Their love is like a myth. Peng Mama loves Xi Dada. A nation with love is the strongest".
When the song was released in an online video on Nov 18, it became an instant viral _ , which has been viewed over 40 million times and stirred hot discussion. Many netizens said it's sweet to listen to the song while seeing such photos, and some believe that the couple sets a good example for China's young couples.
Born in Zhengzhou, Henan province, Song works as an independent songwriter along with his team there, including singer-songwriters Yu Runze, Xu An and Wu Bai. Song says that he finished the lyrics within an hour and sent it to his team via cellphone. The team finished composing that night. They also made the music video by themselves, which was the first time that they had ever produced a music video and uploaded it online. The video of the song contains 33 photos and 2 cartoon illustrations of the couple, displaying small interactive moments, including tacit eye contact between the couple and hand touching when the couple played a swing. Nine children between 4 and 12 years old were invited to rap and sing along with the team. "When I watched the couple appearing on TV, they seemed just like any other ordinary couple and I felt close to them. With some small sweet moments, I could feel the love between the couple," says Song.
"Xi Dada" and "Peng Mama" have both become Internet buzz words, referring to the Chinese president and his popular wife. Song notes that the couple has attracted worldwide attention and even what Peng wears becomes headlines.
Yu Runze, 32, is one of the singers and also comes from Zhengzhou. She says the team started to release songs online around four years ago, mostly pop love ballads(,). Though they could make ends meet by making music, they remained unknown before this song. "We didn't expect that the song would gain so much popularity online. People share the same feeling we have about the couple, which is warm and sincere," says Yu, who is a graduate of the Qilu Conservatory of Music, Shandong province, and has released five albums since 2006.
"We want to sing the song at 2015's CCTV Spring Festival Gala."
Question:
What might be the author's purpose in writing the passage?
Choices:
A. To introduce something about the song and its writer.
B. To show the influence of the couple on young people.
C. To introduce the team that produced the song.
D. To show the importance of true love. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high10711.txt | With his strong interest in national affairs, 37-year-old Song Zhigang was glued to the TV news during the 2014 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. He not only learned all the latest information about the event, he was also inspired to write a song for Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan. Titled Xi Dada Loves Peng Mama, the song tells of the love between the couple, which goes "Xi Dada loves Peng Mama. Their love is like a myth. Peng Mama loves Xi Dada. A nation with love is the strongest".
When the song was released in an online video on Nov 18, it became an instant viral _ , which has been viewed over 40 million times and stirred hot discussion. Many netizens said it's sweet to listen to the song while seeing such photos, and some believe that the couple sets a good example for China's young couples.
Born in Zhengzhou, Henan province, Song works as an independent songwriter along with his team there, including singer-songwriters Yu Runze, Xu An and Wu Bai. Song says that he finished the lyrics within an hour and sent it to his team via cellphone. The team finished composing that night. They also made the music video by themselves, which was the first time that they had ever produced a music video and uploaded it online. The video of the song contains 33 photos and 2 cartoon illustrations of the couple, displaying small interactive moments, including tacit eye contact between the couple and hand touching when the couple played a swing. Nine children between 4 and 12 years old were invited to rap and sing along with the team. "When I watched the couple appearing on TV, they seemed just like any other ordinary couple and I felt close to them. With some small sweet moments, I could feel the love between the couple," says Song.
"Xi Dada" and "Peng Mama" have both become Internet buzz words, referring to the Chinese president and his popular wife. Song notes that the couple has attracted worldwide attention and even what Peng wears becomes headlines.
Yu Runze, 32, is one of the singers and also comes from Zhengzhou. She says the team started to release songs online around four years ago, mostly pop love ballads(,). Though they could make ends meet by making music, they remained unknown before this song. "We didn't expect that the song would gain so much popularity online. People share the same feeling we have about the couple, which is warm and sincere," says Yu, who is a graduate of the Qilu Conservatory of Music, Shandong province, and has released five albums since 2006.
"We want to sing the song at 2015's CCTV Spring Festival Gala." | [
"To introduce something about the song and its writer.",
"To show the influence of the couple on young people.",
"To introduce the team that produced the song.",
"To show the importance of true love."
] |
What does the sentence "That was why!" mean in Para.5? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The following story took place long ago in Israel. One day when government officials were rebuilding an office, they found a mouse hole in a corner and used smoke to force the mice inside the hole to come out. A while later they indeed saw mice running out, one after another.
Then, everyone thought that all the mice had escaped. But just as they were just about to start to clean up, they saw two mice squeezing out at the exit of the hole. After some endeavor, the mice finally got out. The strange thing was that after they came out of the hole, they did not run away immediately. Instead, one chased after the other near the exit of the hole. It seemed that one was trying to bite the tail of the other.
Everyone was puzzled, so they stepped closer to take a look. They realized that one of the mice was blind and could not see anything, and the other one was trying to allow the blind mouse to bite on his tail so he could pull the blind one with him to escape.
After witnessing what happened, everyone was speechless and lost in thought. During meal time, the group of people sat down in a circle and started to chat about what happened to the two mice.
One serious Rome official said: "I think the relationship between those two mice was that of emperor and minister." The others thought for a while and said: "That was why!" Thus the Rome official showed his arrogance .
A smart Israeli said: "I think the relationship between those two mice was husband and wife." Again the others thought for a while, and all felt it made sense; so they expressed agreement. Therefore, the Israeli's countenance (,)showed self-satisfaction.
A Chinese, who was accustomed to the firm tradition of loyalty to parents, said: "I think the relationship between those two mice was that of mother and son." Once again the others thought for a while, and felt this was more reasonable. So they expressed agreement yet another time. Therefore, the face of the Chinese showed professional modesty.
At that moment, one pure-minded Samaritan who was squatted on the ground resting his chin in his hands, bewilderedly looked at other people, and asked: "Why did those two mice have to have a certain relationship?"
Suddenly, the atmosphere froze. Then the group looked back at the Samaritan and remained speechless. The Rome official, the Israeli and the Chinese who had spoken earlier all lowered their heads in shame, and did not dare to respond.
In fact, the true love is not established on benefit, friendship and loyalty or blood relationship. Instead, it is based on no relationship.
Question:
What does the sentence "That was why!" mean in Para.5?
Choices:
A. "That was just the reason why you think the two mice were emperor and minister?"
B. "That was just the reason why the two mice ran after each other?"
C. "That was just the reason why one mouse helped the other to escape from the hole!"
D. "That was just the reason why we should believe your words?" | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high17129.txt | The following story took place long ago in Israel. One day when government officials were rebuilding an office, they found a mouse hole in a corner and used smoke to force the mice inside the hole to come out. A while later they indeed saw mice running out, one after another.
Then, everyone thought that all the mice had escaped. But just as they were just about to start to clean up, they saw two mice squeezing out at the exit of the hole. After some endeavor, the mice finally got out. The strange thing was that after they came out of the hole, they did not run away immediately. Instead, one chased after the other near the exit of the hole. It seemed that one was trying to bite the tail of the other.
Everyone was puzzled, so they stepped closer to take a look. They realized that one of the mice was blind and could not see anything, and the other one was trying to allow the blind mouse to bite on his tail so he could pull the blind one with him to escape.
After witnessing what happened, everyone was speechless and lost in thought. During meal time, the group of people sat down in a circle and started to chat about what happened to the two mice.
One serious Rome official said: "I think the relationship between those two mice was that of emperor and minister." The others thought for a while and said: "That was why!" Thus the Rome official showed his arrogance .
A smart Israeli said: "I think the relationship between those two mice was husband and wife." Again the others thought for a while, and all felt it made sense; so they expressed agreement. Therefore, the Israeli's countenance (,)showed self-satisfaction.
A Chinese, who was accustomed to the firm tradition of loyalty to parents, said: "I think the relationship between those two mice was that of mother and son." Once again the others thought for a while, and felt this was more reasonable. So they expressed agreement yet another time. Therefore, the face of the Chinese showed professional modesty.
At that moment, one pure-minded Samaritan who was squatted on the ground resting his chin in his hands, bewilderedly looked at other people, and asked: "Why did those two mice have to have a certain relationship?"
Suddenly, the atmosphere froze. Then the group looked back at the Samaritan and remained speechless. The Rome official, the Israeli and the Chinese who had spoken earlier all lowered their heads in shame, and did not dare to respond.
In fact, the true love is not established on benefit, friendship and loyalty or blood relationship. Instead, it is based on no relationship. | [
"\"That was just the reason why you think the two mice were emperor and minister?\"",
"\"That was just the reason why the two mice ran after each other?\"",
"\"That was just the reason why one mouse helped the other to escape from the hole!\"",
"\"That was just the reason why we should believe your words?\""
] |
Who would get father's fortune? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Long long ago, there was an old merchant who had three sons. "To which one shall I leave my fortune?" he wondered. "It must be to the cleverest son. But which one is the cleverest?"
He called his three sons to him. "Here is some money," he told them, "you must each take one coin to buy something that will fill this room. Anyone who can do this shall have my fortune."
"It is a big room," said the eldest son.
"One coin will not buy very much," said the second son.
But the youngest son said nothing. He stood and thought, and then he smiled, "Come, brothers," he said, "let us go to the market."
The eldest son bought straw with his coin. But one coin bought only a bit of straw. Even when he had spread it as much as he could, the straw covered only a corner of the room.
The second son bought sand with his coin. But one coin bought only a bit of sand. Even when he had spread it as much as he could, the sand covered only half of the floor.
"What did you buy?" the eldest son angrily asked the youngest son. "You don't have any straw."
"Yes, what did you buy?" the second son asked angrily. "You don't have any sand."
"I bought this," said the youngest son.
"A candle!" cried his brothers. "What good is a candle?"
"Watch", said the youngest son.
He lit the candle, and all at once the room was filled from wall to wall, from ceiling to floor. It was filled with light!
"Although you are the youngest, you are indeed the cleverest of my sons," the old merchant said.
And that is how, the old merchant left his fortune to his youngest son, the one who could fill a room with light.
Question:
Who would get father's fortune?
Choices:
A. The oldest son.
B. The richest son.
C. The cleverest son.
D. The silliest son. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high12251.txt | Long long ago, there was an old merchant who had three sons. "To which one shall I leave my fortune?" he wondered. "It must be to the cleverest son. But which one is the cleverest?"
He called his three sons to him. "Here is some money," he told them, "you must each take one coin to buy something that will fill this room. Anyone who can do this shall have my fortune."
"It is a big room," said the eldest son.
"One coin will not buy very much," said the second son.
But the youngest son said nothing. He stood and thought, and then he smiled, "Come, brothers," he said, "let us go to the market."
The eldest son bought straw with his coin. But one coin bought only a bit of straw. Even when he had spread it as much as he could, the straw covered only a corner of the room.
The second son bought sand with his coin. But one coin bought only a bit of sand. Even when he had spread it as much as he could, the sand covered only half of the floor.
"What did you buy?" the eldest son angrily asked the youngest son. "You don't have any straw."
"Yes, what did you buy?" the second son asked angrily. "You don't have any sand."
"I bought this," said the youngest son.
"A candle!" cried his brothers. "What good is a candle?"
"Watch", said the youngest son.
He lit the candle, and all at once the room was filled from wall to wall, from ceiling to floor. It was filled with light!
"Although you are the youngest, you are indeed the cleverest of my sons," the old merchant said.
And that is how, the old merchant left his fortune to his youngest son, the one who could fill a room with light. | [
"The oldest son.",
"The richest son.",
"The cleverest son.",
"The silliest son."
] |
Dr Johnson was late because _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
One night, a little before nine o'clock, Dr Johnson was answering a telephone call. He was asked to go and give an operation to a very sick boy at once. The boy was in a small hospital in Glens Falls, sixty miles away from Dr Johnson's city - Albany. The boy had hurt himself in a traffic accident. His wife was in danger, but his family was so poor that they could not pay the doctor anything. After he heard all this, Dr Johnson was driving carefully. He thought that he could get to the hospital before 12 o'clock. A few minutes later, the doctor's car had to stop for a red light at a crossing. Suddenly a man in an old black coat opened the door of the car and got in.
"Drive on", he said. "I've got a gun ."
"I'm a doctor," said Johnson, "I'm on my way to a hospital to operate on a very sick..."
"Don't talk," said the man in the old black coat, "Just drive."
A mile out of the town he ordered the doctor to stop the car and get out. Then the man drove on down the road. The doctor stood for a moment in the snow. After half an hour, Dr Johnson found a telephone and called a taxi. At the railway station he learned that the next train to Glens Falls would not leave until 12 o'clock.
It was after two o'clock in the morning when the doctor arrived at the hospital in Glens Falls. Miss Clarke, a nurse, was waiting for him.
"I did my best," said Dr Johnson. Miss Clarke said, "The boy died an hour ago."
They walked into the waiting room. There sat the man in the old black coat, with his head in his hands.
"Mr. Shute," said Miss Clarke to the man, "this is Dr Johnson. He had come all the way from Albany to try to save your boy."
Question:
Dr Johnson was late because _ .
Choices:
A. there was something wrong with his car
B. a strange man made it hard to drive
C. a strange man drove his car away
D. the train to Glens Falls was late | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high3160.txt | One night, a little before nine o'clock, Dr Johnson was answering a telephone call. He was asked to go and give an operation to a very sick boy at once. The boy was in a small hospital in Glens Falls, sixty miles away from Dr Johnson's city - Albany. The boy had hurt himself in a traffic accident. His wife was in danger, but his family was so poor that they could not pay the doctor anything. After he heard all this, Dr Johnson was driving carefully. He thought that he could get to the hospital before 12 o'clock. A few minutes later, the doctor's car had to stop for a red light at a crossing. Suddenly a man in an old black coat opened the door of the car and got in.
"Drive on", he said. "I've got a gun ."
"I'm a doctor," said Johnson, "I'm on my way to a hospital to operate on a very sick..."
"Don't talk," said the man in the old black coat, "Just drive."
A mile out of the town he ordered the doctor to stop the car and get out. Then the man drove on down the road. The doctor stood for a moment in the snow. After half an hour, Dr Johnson found a telephone and called a taxi. At the railway station he learned that the next train to Glens Falls would not leave until 12 o'clock.
It was after two o'clock in the morning when the doctor arrived at the hospital in Glens Falls. Miss Clarke, a nurse, was waiting for him.
"I did my best," said Dr Johnson. Miss Clarke said, "The boy died an hour ago."
They walked into the waiting room. There sat the man in the old black coat, with his head in his hands.
"Mr. Shute," said Miss Clarke to the man, "this is Dr Johnson. He had come all the way from Albany to try to save your boy." | [
"there was something wrong with his car",
"a strange man made it hard to drive",
"a strange man drove his car away",
"the train to Glens Falls was late"
] |
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