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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
What are located on either side of the pharynx in the throat? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What are located on either side of the pharynx in the throat? | tonsils | science | null | null | null | lymph nodes | wrinkles | testicles | tonsils | The tonsils are located on either side of the pharynx in the throat. They trap pathogens, which are destroyed by lymphocytes in the tonsils. | null | null | null |
The passage mainly talks about _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
For a commuter rushing to catch a train, a minute can mean the difference between dinner with the family and leftovers in the microwave. What most passengers don't realize is that their minute is already there.
Every commuter train that departs from New York City -- about 900 a day -- leaves a minute later than scheduled. If the timetable says 8:14, the train will actually leave at 8:15. In other words, if you think you have only a minute to get that train -- well, relax. You have two.
The courtesy minute, in place for decades and published only in private timetables for employees, is meant as a grace period for those who need the extra time to get off the platform and onto the train.
"If everyone knows they get an extra minute, they're going to waste time doing unimportant things," explained Marjorie Anders, a spokeswoman for the Metro-North Railroad. Told of this article, Ms. Anders laughed. " _ !" she said.
Entirely hidden from the riding public, the secret minute is an odd departure from the railroad culture of down-to-the-second accuracy. The railroad industry helped invent the concept of standard time, and time zones were established in the United States in the 1880s, 35 years before they were written into law. And most commuters know their train by the precise minute it departs. The trains quickly make up the minute: at all other stops, the public timetable prevails. The phantom minute does not exist at commuter railroads in Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, or San Francisco. But in New York, the secret minute dates back decades.
"That's been done forever, from my knowledge," said Jack Swanberg, 70, an unofficial historian of Metro-North. "I was the trainmaster starting in 1970 and I'm sure it's been the case since 1870 for all I know."
Question:
The passage mainly talks about _ .
Choices:
A. the railroads in the US
B. the secret New York minute
C. the mistake of the railroad industry
D. the history of New York commuter trains | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high15072.txt | For a commuter rushing to catch a train, a minute can mean the difference between dinner with the family and leftovers in the microwave. What most passengers don't realize is that their minute is already there.
Every commuter train that departs from New York City -- about 900 a day -- leaves a minute later than scheduled. If the timetable says 8:14, the train will actually leave at 8:15. In other words, if you think you have only a minute to get that train -- well, relax. You have two.
The courtesy minute, in place for decades and published only in private timetables for employees, is meant as a grace period for those who need the extra time to get off the platform and onto the train.
"If everyone knows they get an extra minute, they're going to waste time doing unimportant things," explained Marjorie Anders, a spokeswoman for the Metro-North Railroad. Told of this article, Ms. Anders laughed. " _ !" she said.
Entirely hidden from the riding public, the secret minute is an odd departure from the railroad culture of down-to-the-second accuracy. The railroad industry helped invent the concept of standard time, and time zones were established in the United States in the 1880s, 35 years before they were written into law. And most commuters know their train by the precise minute it departs. The trains quickly make up the minute: at all other stops, the public timetable prevails. The phantom minute does not exist at commuter railroads in Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, or San Francisco. But in New York, the secret minute dates back decades.
"That's been done forever, from my knowledge," said Jack Swanberg, 70, an unofficial historian of Metro-North. "I was the trainmaster starting in 1970 and I'm sure it's been the case since 1870 for all I know." | [
"the railroads in the US",
"the secret New York minute",
"the mistake of the railroad industry",
"the history of New York commuter trains"
] |
Which is NOT the convenience that the Medical Center provides? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Riding School:
You can start horse-riding at any age. Choose private or group lessons any weekday between 9 a. m.and 8:30 p.m.(3:30 p.m.on Saturdays). There are 10 kilometers of tracks and paths for leisurely rides across farmland and open country. You will need a riding hat.
Opening Hours: Monday through Friday:9:00 a.m.--8:30 p.m.
Phone:( 412)396--6644 FaxL412) 396-6752
Sailing Club:
Our Young Sailor's Course leads to the Stage 1 Sailing qualification. You'll learn how to sail safely and the course also covers sailing theory and first aid. Have fun with other course member, afterwards in the clubroom. There are 10 weekly two-hour lessons (Tuesday 6:00 p.m--8:00p.m)
Opening Hours:Tuesdays:6:00p.m--8:00 p.m.
Phone: (412)396--6644 Fax: (412)396--6644
Diving Center:
Our experienced instructors offer one-month courses in deep-sea diving for beginners. There are two evening lessons a week, in which you learn to breathe underwater and use the equipment safely. You only need a swimming costume and towel. Reduced rates for couples.
Opening Hours: Monday and Friday:6:30p.m-8:30p.m.
Phone: (412)396-6312 Fax: (412)396-6706
Medical Center:
The staff of the Medical Center aim to provide convenient and comprehensive medical care to students and staff of the university. The center is well equipped and the staff here are trained to deal with a broad range of medical problems. Both female and male doctors as well as nursing staff are available for consultation. Also, all kinds of medicines are sold here and are cheaper for students than other drugstores.
Opening Hours: 24 hours from Monday to Sunday
Phone:(412)396--6649 Fax:(412) 396--6648
Watersports Club:
We use a two-kilometer length of river for speedboat racing and water-skiing.A beginners' course consists of ten 20-minute lessons. You will learn to handle boats safely and confidently, but must be able to swim. The club is in a convenient central position and is open daily from 9 a. m to 4 p.m, with lessons all through the day.
Opening Hours: Monday through Friday: 9:00a.m.--4:00 p.m.
Phone: (412)39606899 Fax: (412) 396-6890
Question:
Which is NOT the convenience that the Medical Center provides?
Choices:
A. Well trained staff members.
B. Good equipment.
C. Nursery for newly-born babies.
D. Various less expensive medicines. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high3004.txt | Riding School:
You can start horse-riding at any age. Choose private or group lessons any weekday between 9 a. m.and 8:30 p.m.(3:30 p.m.on Saturdays). There are 10 kilometers of tracks and paths for leisurely rides across farmland and open country. You will need a riding hat.
Opening Hours: Monday through Friday:9:00 a.m.--8:30 p.m.
Phone:( 412)396--6644 FaxL412) 396-6752
Sailing Club:
Our Young Sailor's Course leads to the Stage 1 Sailing qualification. You'll learn how to sail safely and the course also covers sailing theory and first aid. Have fun with other course member, afterwards in the clubroom. There are 10 weekly two-hour lessons (Tuesday 6:00 p.m--8:00p.m)
Opening Hours:Tuesdays:6:00p.m--8:00 p.m.
Phone: (412)396--6644 Fax: (412)396--6644
Diving Center:
Our experienced instructors offer one-month courses in deep-sea diving for beginners. There are two evening lessons a week, in which you learn to breathe underwater and use the equipment safely. You only need a swimming costume and towel. Reduced rates for couples.
Opening Hours: Monday and Friday:6:30p.m-8:30p.m.
Phone: (412)396-6312 Fax: (412)396-6706
Medical Center:
The staff of the Medical Center aim to provide convenient and comprehensive medical care to students and staff of the university. The center is well equipped and the staff here are trained to deal with a broad range of medical problems. Both female and male doctors as well as nursing staff are available for consultation. Also, all kinds of medicines are sold here and are cheaper for students than other drugstores.
Opening Hours: 24 hours from Monday to Sunday
Phone:(412)396--6649 Fax:(412) 396--6648
Watersports Club:
We use a two-kilometer length of river for speedboat racing and water-skiing.A beginners' course consists of ten 20-minute lessons. You will learn to handle boats safely and confidently, but must be able to swim. The club is in a convenient central position and is open daily from 9 a. m to 4 p.m, with lessons all through the day.
Opening Hours: Monday through Friday: 9:00a.m.--4:00 p.m.
Phone: (412)39606899 Fax: (412) 396-6890 | [
"Well trained staff members.",
"Good equipment.",
"Nursery for newly-born babies.",
"Various less expensive medicines."
] |
_ , so he won some medals. [ ] | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Ruben lived in a small village. There was no school there and he had to study in a school in the town. It was nearly five kilometres away from his village. His father couldn't buy a bike for him and he had to go to school on foot. He got up early in the morning. Usually he had to run there in order not to miss the first class. He kept running every day and it was helpful to him. He's strong and tall now and he ran faster than any other man in his village. He took part in several sports meetings and won some medals. The young man is proud of(......)it and always wants to have a race with others.
One day his mother was ill and his father told him to buy some medicine for headache in the town. The young man got there soon. There were many people in the chemist's shop while he was waiting there. And when his turn came, he could't find his money. An old woman hinted a young man had stolen it. He saw the thief had already left the shop. He ran towards him quickly. The thief found it and began to run. He was happy and tried to catch up with him.
"Let's have a race and see who will run faster, "Ruben called out behind.
Soon after that he caught up with the thief. But he didn't stop and went on running. At a crossing one of his friends asked, "What are you running for, Ruben? "
"I'm running after a thief. "
"Where's the thief, then? "
"He wants to show that he'll run faster than me, but he's fallen behind!"
Question:
_ , so he won some medals. [ ]
Choices:
A. Ruben is good at running
B. Ruben went to school on time
C. Ruben often took part in the sports meetings.
D. Ruben likes to have a race with others | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high7428.txt | Ruben lived in a small village. There was no school there and he had to study in a school in the town. It was nearly five kilometres away from his village. His father couldn't buy a bike for him and he had to go to school on foot. He got up early in the morning. Usually he had to run there in order not to miss the first class. He kept running every day and it was helpful to him. He's strong and tall now and he ran faster than any other man in his village. He took part in several sports meetings and won some medals. The young man is proud of(......)it and always wants to have a race with others.
One day his mother was ill and his father told him to buy some medicine for headache in the town. The young man got there soon. There were many people in the chemist's shop while he was waiting there. And when his turn came, he could't find his money. An old woman hinted a young man had stolen it. He saw the thief had already left the shop. He ran towards him quickly. The thief found it and began to run. He was happy and tried to catch up with him.
"Let's have a race and see who will run faster, "Ruben called out behind.
Soon after that he caught up with the thief. But he didn't stop and went on running. At a crossing one of his friends asked, "What are you running for, Ruben? "
"I'm running after a thief. "
"Where's the thief, then? "
"He wants to show that he'll run faster than me, but he's fallen behind!" | [
"Ruben is good at running",
"Ruben went to school on time",
"Ruben often took part in the sports meetings.",
"Ruben likes to have a race with others"
] |
The purpose of this writing is to _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Scientists from China, Sweden and the United Stated have developed a high-producing rice that can reduce methane emission , a major greenhouse gas blamed for global warming, from rice fields, according to a paper published on the latest issue of Nature.
By inserting a barley gene into rice, Sun Chuanxin and his colleagues created SUSIBA2 Rice, which stores more starch in the section of the rice above ground, according to a paper published on the latest issue of Nature.This means the grains will have more starch while the root will exude less nutrients that will later be turned into methane by microbes in the soil, Sun, who works with Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, told Xinhua.
"It solves two major problems mankind faces at one time: environmental degradation and the need for increased grain output," Wang Feng, another scientist, said, adding that the rice can cut methane discharge by more than 90 percent during summer and more than half during autumn, as "the rice displays a greater emission reduction effect in high temperatures." Meanwhile, small-scale trials have also suggested an increased output: a single plant of the new breed has 300 more grains with a starch content 10 percent higher. Wang said the team is working on applications for the rice in different areas, seasons and using different farming techniques. "It's still far away from mass application, but at least we see the light of hope."
Human-induced methane, though less abundant than carbon dioxide in the air, is responsible for 20 percent of the global warming effect. Rice paddies are the largest single source of methane linked to human activity. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, China produces 209 million tons of rice in 2014, or 28 percent of the world's total of 734 million.
Question:
The purpose of this writing is to _ .
Choices:
A. ask people to cut down on their dependence on rice consumption
B. draw people's attention to the serious consequences of global warming
C. introduce a new kind of genetically-modified rice and its possible benefits
D. indicate human-related methane alone is to blame for global warming effects | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high11649.txt | Scientists from China, Sweden and the United Stated have developed a high-producing rice that can reduce methane emission , a major greenhouse gas blamed for global warming, from rice fields, according to a paper published on the latest issue of Nature.
By inserting a barley gene into rice, Sun Chuanxin and his colleagues created SUSIBA2 Rice, which stores more starch in the section of the rice above ground, according to a paper published on the latest issue of Nature.This means the grains will have more starch while the root will exude less nutrients that will later be turned into methane by microbes in the soil, Sun, who works with Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, told Xinhua.
"It solves two major problems mankind faces at one time: environmental degradation and the need for increased grain output," Wang Feng, another scientist, said, adding that the rice can cut methane discharge by more than 90 percent during summer and more than half during autumn, as "the rice displays a greater emission reduction effect in high temperatures." Meanwhile, small-scale trials have also suggested an increased output: a single plant of the new breed has 300 more grains with a starch content 10 percent higher. Wang said the team is working on applications for the rice in different areas, seasons and using different farming techniques. "It's still far away from mass application, but at least we see the light of hope."
Human-induced methane, though less abundant than carbon dioxide in the air, is responsible for 20 percent of the global warming effect. Rice paddies are the largest single source of methane linked to human activity. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, China produces 209 million tons of rice in 2014, or 28 percent of the world's total of 734 million. | [
"ask people to cut down on their dependence on rice consumption",
"draw people's attention to the serious consequences of global warming",
"introduce a new kind of genetically-modified rice and its possible benefits",
"indicate human-related methane alone is to blame for global warming effects"
] |
How does Mr Black go to work every morning? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Mr Black is a football fan. Every morning he goes to work by train. As he has a long trip, he always buys a newspaper. It helps to make the time pass more quickly. One Wednesday morning, Mr Black turned the important football matches. He knew the Football World Cup would be held in his city soon. He decided to go to watch the football game.
While Mr Black was excited to be at the Football World Cup, he was disappointed at the location of his seat. Peering across the stadium through his telescope he saw an empty seat far away and made his way there. Mr Black asked the man in the next seat, "May I sit here?" "Sure," the man replied. "This was my wife's seat. She was a super football fan, and we used to come to the games together all the time until she _ ."
"I am sorry for your loss," Mr Black said. "But I am curious . Why didn't you give the extra ticket to a friend or a relative?" The man replied, "They are all at the funeral ."
Question:
How does Mr Black go to work every morning?
Choices:
A. By bus.
B. By taxi.
C. By car.
D. By train. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle7776.txt | Mr Black is a football fan. Every morning he goes to work by train. As he has a long trip, he always buys a newspaper. It helps to make the time pass more quickly. One Wednesday morning, Mr Black turned the important football matches. He knew the Football World Cup would be held in his city soon. He decided to go to watch the football game.
While Mr Black was excited to be at the Football World Cup, he was disappointed at the location of his seat. Peering across the stadium through his telescope he saw an empty seat far away and made his way there. Mr Black asked the man in the next seat, "May I sit here?" "Sure," the man replied. "This was my wife's seat. She was a super football fan, and we used to come to the games together all the time until she _ ."
"I am sorry for your loss," Mr Black said. "But I am curious . Why didn't you give the extra ticket to a friend or a relative?" The man replied, "They are all at the funeral ." | [
"By bus.",
"By taxi.",
"By car.",
"By train."
] |
What's the passage mainly about? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
O. Henry, born in Greensboro, North Carolina, was the pen name of William Sydney Porter. His father, Algernon Sydney Porter, was a physician. When William was three years old, his mother died, and he was raised by his grandmother and aunt. William was a good reader, but at the age of fifteen he left school, and worked in a drug store and later on a Texas farm. After that, he moved to Houston, where he had a number of jobs, including that of bank clerk. After moving to Austin, Texas, in 1882, he married.
In 1884 he started a humorous weekly The Rolling Stone. When the weekly failed, he joined The Houston Post as a reporter and columnist . In 1897 he was put into prison over some financial dealings. While in prison, William started to write short stories to earn money to support his daughter Margaret. His first work, Whistling Dick's Christmas Stocking(1899), appeared in McClure's Magazine. After serving three years of the five years' sentence,he changed his name to O. Henry, hoping to forget his bitter past.
O. Henry moved to New York City in 1902 and from December 1903 to January 1906 he wrote a story a week for the New York World, and also published the stories in other magazines. His first collection, Cabbages and Kings, appeared in 1904. Many other works quickly followed, such as The Gift of the Magi and The Furnished Room. O. Henry's best- known work is The Ransom of Red Chief. His stories always have surprising endings. He published 10 collections and over 600 short stories during his lifetime.
O. Henry's last years were shadowed by drinking, ill health, and financial problems. In 1907, he experienced a failed marriage. In 1910, O. Henry died after an illness.
Question:
What's the passage mainly about?
Choices:
A. A brief introduction to O. Henry.
B. O. Henry's career and marriage.
C. How O. Henry became a well-known writer.
D. O. Henry's best- known works. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high13248.txt | O. Henry, born in Greensboro, North Carolina, was the pen name of William Sydney Porter. His father, Algernon Sydney Porter, was a physician. When William was three years old, his mother died, and he was raised by his grandmother and aunt. William was a good reader, but at the age of fifteen he left school, and worked in a drug store and later on a Texas farm. After that, he moved to Houston, where he had a number of jobs, including that of bank clerk. After moving to Austin, Texas, in 1882, he married.
In 1884 he started a humorous weekly The Rolling Stone. When the weekly failed, he joined The Houston Post as a reporter and columnist . In 1897 he was put into prison over some financial dealings. While in prison, William started to write short stories to earn money to support his daughter Margaret. His first work, Whistling Dick's Christmas Stocking(1899), appeared in McClure's Magazine. After serving three years of the five years' sentence,he changed his name to O. Henry, hoping to forget his bitter past.
O. Henry moved to New York City in 1902 and from December 1903 to January 1906 he wrote a story a week for the New York World, and also published the stories in other magazines. His first collection, Cabbages and Kings, appeared in 1904. Many other works quickly followed, such as The Gift of the Magi and The Furnished Room. O. Henry's best- known work is The Ransom of Red Chief. His stories always have surprising endings. He published 10 collections and over 600 short stories during his lifetime.
O. Henry's last years were shadowed by drinking, ill health, and financial problems. In 1907, he experienced a failed marriage. In 1910, O. Henry died after an illness. | [
"A brief introduction to O. Henry.",
"O. Henry's career and marriage.",
"How O. Henry became a well-known writer.",
"O. Henry's best- known works."
] |
What does the writer think of Adam's clothes? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
My nephew, Adam, turned 19 on Monday. He's a good kid and makes the whole family laugh. He wears his baseball cap backward, his shorts baggy and his T-shirts loose. In short, I hate the way he looks. To me, it seems as if everything is about to fall off at any moment. He makes me nervous.
But he's still a teenager. I think that's the way he's supposed to look. Cooler than cool.
I was on the Harvard campus recently and was surprised how almost everyone looked like Adam, just as they did on the Georgetown campus the week before with baggy shorts far below the knees.
It's a uniform, of course, just as there was a uniform when I went to college. Fashion is a changeable thing. _ has made fools of us all over the years.
In my college years, everyone wore frayed bell-bottoms, tie-dye shirts and hair to the shoulders.
But I predict the "uniform" that's likely to cause the most shame for its wearers 30 years from now will be the exposed-tummy look brought to us by Britney Spears.
I'll admit. Britney's exposed-mid-waist looks pretty good in those short jeans. Just a piece of skin. Firm, flat, brown.
Unfortunately, the look has been picked up by young women from Malibu to Maine, young women who do not have Britney Spears' firm, flat, brown skin.
As my mother has asked a thousand times: Don't these girls have mirrors?
Question:
What does the writer think of Adam's clothes?
Choices:
A. Too large
B. Suitable
C. Cool
D. Tight | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high23459.txt | My nephew, Adam, turned 19 on Monday. He's a good kid and makes the whole family laugh. He wears his baseball cap backward, his shorts baggy and his T-shirts loose. In short, I hate the way he looks. To me, it seems as if everything is about to fall off at any moment. He makes me nervous.
But he's still a teenager. I think that's the way he's supposed to look. Cooler than cool.
I was on the Harvard campus recently and was surprised how almost everyone looked like Adam, just as they did on the Georgetown campus the week before with baggy shorts far below the knees.
It's a uniform, of course, just as there was a uniform when I went to college. Fashion is a changeable thing. _ has made fools of us all over the years.
In my college years, everyone wore frayed bell-bottoms, tie-dye shirts and hair to the shoulders.
But I predict the "uniform" that's likely to cause the most shame for its wearers 30 years from now will be the exposed-tummy look brought to us by Britney Spears.
I'll admit. Britney's exposed-mid-waist looks pretty good in those short jeans. Just a piece of skin. Firm, flat, brown.
Unfortunately, the look has been picked up by young women from Malibu to Maine, young women who do not have Britney Spears' firm, flat, brown skin.
As my mother has asked a thousand times: Don't these girls have mirrors? | [
"Too large",
"Suitable",
"Cool",
"Tight"
] |
In the small intestine, chyme mixes with bile, which emulsifies what substances? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | In the small intestine, chyme mixes with bile, which emulsifies what substances? | fats | science | null | null | null | proteins | sugars | acids | fats | ART CONNECTION QUESTIONS 1. Figure 34.11 Which of the following statements about the digestive system is false? a. Chyme is a mixture of food and digestive juices that is produced in the stomach. Food enters the large intestine before the small intestine. In the small intestine, chyme mixes with bile, which emulsifies fats. The stomach is separated from the small intestine by the pyloric sphincter. Figure 34.12 Which of the following statements about the small intestine is false? a. Absorptive cells that line the small intestine have microvilli, small projections that increase surface area and aid in the absorption of food. | null | null | null |
How does the liquid in a thermometer respond to heat or cold? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | How does the liquid in a thermometer respond to heat or cold? | expands or contracts | science | null | null | null | rises or vaporizes | freezes or boils | disappears | expands or contracts | Many thermometers measure temperature with a liquid that expands when it gets warmer and contracts when it gets cooler. Look at the common household thermometer pictured in the Figure below . The red liquid rises or falls in the glass tube as the temperature changes. Temperature is read off the scale at the height of the liquid in the tube. To learn more about measuring temperature, watch the animation “Measuring Temperature” at this URL: http://www. sciencehelpdesk. com/unit/science2/3. | null | null | null |
Which organisms capture light energy and convert it to chemical energy inside their cell? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | Which organisms capture light energy and convert it to chemical energy inside their cell? | phototrophs | science | null | null | null | sporozoans | chloroplasts | pores | phototrophs | Phototrophs are organisms that capture light energy and convert it to chemical energy inside their cell. Most phototrophs are the autotrophs that perform photosynthesis, which are also known as photoautotrophs. These organisms have the ability to fix carbon from carbon dioxide into organic compounds, such as glucose. Chemotrophs , on the other hand, do not get their energy from carbon. These are organisms that break down either organic or inorganic molecules to supply energy for the cell through chemosynthesis. Chemotrophs can be either autotrophic (chemoautotrophs) or heterotrophic (chemoheterotrophs). Chemoautotrophs derive their energy from chemical reactions, and synthesize all necessary organic compounds from carbon dioxide. Chemoheterotrophs are unable to fix carbon to form their own organic compounds. The various types of metabolisms are discussed in the Prokaryotes: Nutrition and Metabolism (Advanced) concept. | null | null | null |
Isabel loves to run in the forest and she does it within a circuit that is 365 meters long. She runs the circuit 7 times in the morning and runs it 3 times in the afternoon. How many meters does Isabel run during a week? | In the morning she runs 7 * 365 = <<7*365=2555>>2555 metres
In the afternoon she runs 3 * 365= <<3*365=1095>>1095 meters.
In one day, afternoon and morning, she runs 2555 + 1095 = <<2555+1095=3650>>3650 meters
In a week, she runs 7 * 3650= <<7*3650=25550>>25550 meters
#### 25550 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | Isabel loves to run in the forest and she does it within a circuit that is 365 meters long. She runs the circuit 7 times in the morning and runs it 3 times in the afternoon. How many meters does Isabel run during a week? | In the morning she runs 7 * 365 = <<7*365=2555>>2555 metres
In the afternoon she runs 3 * 365= <<3*365=1095>>1095 meters.
In one day, afternoon and morning, she runs 2555 + 1095 = <<2555+1095=3650>>3650 meters
In a week, she runs 7 * 3650= <<7*3650=25550>>25550 meters
#### 25550 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Lymph capillaries collect the fluid that leaks from blood capillaries and slowly return it to what system? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | Lymph capillaries collect the fluid that leaks from blood capillaries and slowly return it to what system? | cardiovascular | science | null | null | null | gastrointestinal | muscular | circulatory | cardiovascular | Courtesy of the U. S. National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program. Lymph capillaries collect the flood the leaks from blood capillaries and is slowly returned to the cardiovascular system . | null | null | null |
The best title of the passage is _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
On June 6th, 2012 Tiangong-1 welcomed its first guests, the Shenzhou IX manned spacecraft . The Shenzhou IX has two male astronauts and one female astronaut. At that time, Liu Yang, a thirty-three year-old woman, became the first Chinese woman in space.
Joining the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force in 1997, Liu Yang became an experienced pilot after flying safely for 1,680 hours. In 2010, she became an astronaut because of her good job.
"When I was a pilot, I flew in the sky. Now that I am an astronaut, I will fly in space. This will be a much higher and farther flight. I always couldn't help wondering: What would the Earth look like from outer space?" Liu said.
In June 2012, Liu took Shenzhou IX to the space as China's first female astronaut. "I have full confidence," Liu said before the task. "There are many foreign female astronauts that have been into space. Men and women have their own advantages in carrying out space tasks. They can encourage each other and better complete their task.
However, the difficulty of her training has not affected her life's pleasure. "I love children and I love life. I love reading, especially novels and history books. I am also a great cook. To be with my family is one kind of happiness, but to fly is another kind that people can't experience."
"I am grateful to the motherland and the people. I feel honoured to fly into space on behalf of millions of female Chinese citizens. " Liu said after coming back to the Earth safely.
Question:
The best title of the passage is _ .
Choices:
A. The Shenzhou IX Manned Spacecraft
B. The First Chinese Female Astronaut
C. Love Work and Family
D. How to Achieve Your Dream? | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle1539.txt | On June 6th, 2012 Tiangong-1 welcomed its first guests, the Shenzhou IX manned spacecraft . The Shenzhou IX has two male astronauts and one female astronaut. At that time, Liu Yang, a thirty-three year-old woman, became the first Chinese woman in space.
Joining the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force in 1997, Liu Yang became an experienced pilot after flying safely for 1,680 hours. In 2010, she became an astronaut because of her good job.
"When I was a pilot, I flew in the sky. Now that I am an astronaut, I will fly in space. This will be a much higher and farther flight. I always couldn't help wondering: What would the Earth look like from outer space?" Liu said.
In June 2012, Liu took Shenzhou IX to the space as China's first female astronaut. "I have full confidence," Liu said before the task. "There are many foreign female astronauts that have been into space. Men and women have their own advantages in carrying out space tasks. They can encourage each other and better complete their task.
However, the difficulty of her training has not affected her life's pleasure. "I love children and I love life. I love reading, especially novels and history books. I am also a great cook. To be with my family is one kind of happiness, but to fly is another kind that people can't experience."
"I am grateful to the motherland and the people. I feel honoured to fly into space on behalf of millions of female Chinese citizens. " Liu said after coming back to the Earth safely. | [
"The Shenzhou IX Manned Spacecraft",
"The First Chinese Female Astronaut",
"Love Work and Family",
"How to Achieve Your Dream?"
] |
What is Mr King? He is _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
My name is Jane King. Jane is my first name and King is my family name. I'm twelve. I'm also an English girl.I have a brother. His name is John. He is only five. He is very lovely.
Both my father and mother are teachers. They love their work. They work very hard.
We have a house with a garden. The house is big and nice. The garden is not big but nice. There are some flowers and small trees in it. We often play games there. We all like our house and garden.
Question:
What is Mr King? He is _ .
Choices:
A. a worker
B. a teacher
C. a student
D. a doctor | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle3764.txt | My name is Jane King. Jane is my first name and King is my family name. I'm twelve. I'm also an English girl.I have a brother. His name is John. He is only five. He is very lovely.
Both my father and mother are teachers. They love their work. They work very hard.
We have a house with a garden. The house is big and nice. The garden is not big but nice. There are some flowers and small trees in it. We often play games there. We all like our house and garden. | [
"a worker",
"a teacher",
"a student",
"a doctor"
] |
Elements with magic numbers of what tend to have more stable isotopes? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | Elements with magic numbers of what tend to have more stable isotopes? | protons | science | null | null | null | molecules | nucleus | pressure | protons | Isotopes with magic numbers of protons and/or neutrons tend to be especially stable. Elements with magic numbers of protons tend to have more stable isotopes than elements that do not. | null | null | null |
Her face is _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
There is a nice girl in our class. She is twelve. She is not tall and is not short. She is a little fat . She has a round face like an apple. She has big black eyes and a small nose. Her mouth is small, but her ears are big. Her hair is short and black. She likes red. She is often in a red skirt. But today she is in a yellow T-shirt, blue pants and brown shoes. She has a toy dog. It's her friend.
,.
Question:
Her face is _ .
Choices:
A. tall
B. short
C. long
D. round | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle6043.txt | There is a nice girl in our class. She is twelve. She is not tall and is not short. She is a little fat . She has a round face like an apple. She has big black eyes and a small nose. Her mouth is small, but her ears are big. Her hair is short and black. She likes red. She is often in a red skirt. But today she is in a yellow T-shirt, blue pants and brown shoes. She has a toy dog. It's her friend.
,. | [
"tall",
"short",
"long",
"round"
] |
What single-celled organism can be either a predator, decomposer, herbivore, or parasite in the food chain? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What single-celled organism can be either a predator, decomposer, herbivore, or parasite in the food chain? | protozoa | science | null | null | null | Diatoms | vertebrates | mites | protozoa | Protozoa generally feed by engulfing and digesting other organisms. As consumers, they have various roles in food chains and webs. Some are predators. They prey upon other single-celled organisms, such as bacteria. In fact, protozoa predators keep many bacterial populations in check. Other protozoa are herbivores. They graze on algae. Still others are decomposers. They consume dead organic matter. There are also parasitic protozoa that live in or on living hosts. For example, the protozoan that causes malaria lives inside a human host. For their part, protozoa are important food sources for many larger organisms, including insects and worms. | null | null | null |
What do you think of Michael? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The date was like any other day in his life. After school, Michael walked past the shop on the street corner. He stopped to look at the front row of shoes, and he felt sorry for himself. He really wanted to have them for his birthday.
He sadly walked away and thought of what to tell his mother. He knew she would give him anything he liked if she could. But he also knew very well she had little money. He decided not to go home immediately, as he looked worried and his mother would notice it. So he went to the park and there he sat on the grass. Then he saw a boy in a wheelchair. He noticed that the boy moved the wheels with his hands. Michael looked at him carefully and was surprised to see the boy had no feet. He looked down at his own feet. "It is much better to be without shoes than without feet," he thought. There was no reason for him to feel so sorry and sad. He went away and smiled, thinking he was luckier in life.
Question:
What do you think of Michael?
Choices:
A. A lucky child
B. A reasonable child
C. A naughty child
D. An interesting child | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high18106.txt | The date was like any other day in his life. After school, Michael walked past the shop on the street corner. He stopped to look at the front row of shoes, and he felt sorry for himself. He really wanted to have them for his birthday.
He sadly walked away and thought of what to tell his mother. He knew she would give him anything he liked if she could. But he also knew very well she had little money. He decided not to go home immediately, as he looked worried and his mother would notice it. So he went to the park and there he sat on the grass. Then he saw a boy in a wheelchair. He noticed that the boy moved the wheels with his hands. Michael looked at him carefully and was surprised to see the boy had no feet. He looked down at his own feet. "It is much better to be without shoes than without feet," he thought. There was no reason for him to feel so sorry and sad. He went away and smiled, thinking he was luckier in life. | [
"A lucky child",
"A reasonable child",
"A naughty child",
"An interesting child"
] |
The research mentioned in the passage is mainly about _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Monkeys prefer heavy metal to classical music, according to researchers at the University of Wisconsin whose findings are published this week in Biology Letters.
Scientists played a selection of music to a group of South American cotton-top monkeys but the only sound that got a reaction were from the heavy metal band Metallica. They were seemingly disinterested in Led Zeppelin, Miles Davis and Bach, but after the beautiful sound of Master of Puppets by Metallica was played the monkeys calmed down.
"Monkeys interpret rising and falling sounds differently than humans. Oddly, their only response to several samples of human music was a calming response to the heavy-metal band Metallica," said Professor Charles Snowdon, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Rather than making them excited or aggressive, the heavy metal tracks had a comforting effect. Dr Snowdon, who teamed up with National Symphony Orchestra musican David Teie, also played the monkeys music composed specifically for them. Although they enjoyed Metallica, they were much more interested in these pieces.
A melody based on the short calls of scared monkeys led to anxiety levels rapidly growing, researchers found, while one based on long calls the creatures make when they are happy had a calming effect.
Frans B.M. de Waal, a professor of psychology at Emory University who studies animals, said the findings appear to say more about how monkeys respond to the sounds they make than they do about music or the evolution of music.
Dr Snowdon no longer has a monkey colony to use in his research, but he said his co-author David Teie is exploring the concept of music for cats.
"If we understand how we can affect their emotional states through using musical sound and aspects of our speech, maybe those of us living with companion animals can have a better relationship with them, too," Snowdon said.
Question:
The research mentioned in the passage is mainly about _ .
Choices:
A. the change of music over time
B. animals' response to music
C. special music for animals
D. the origin of music | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high5626.txt | Monkeys prefer heavy metal to classical music, according to researchers at the University of Wisconsin whose findings are published this week in Biology Letters.
Scientists played a selection of music to a group of South American cotton-top monkeys but the only sound that got a reaction were from the heavy metal band Metallica. They were seemingly disinterested in Led Zeppelin, Miles Davis and Bach, but after the beautiful sound of Master of Puppets by Metallica was played the monkeys calmed down.
"Monkeys interpret rising and falling sounds differently than humans. Oddly, their only response to several samples of human music was a calming response to the heavy-metal band Metallica," said Professor Charles Snowdon, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Rather than making them excited or aggressive, the heavy metal tracks had a comforting effect. Dr Snowdon, who teamed up with National Symphony Orchestra musican David Teie, also played the monkeys music composed specifically for them. Although they enjoyed Metallica, they were much more interested in these pieces.
A melody based on the short calls of scared monkeys led to anxiety levels rapidly growing, researchers found, while one based on long calls the creatures make when they are happy had a calming effect.
Frans B.M. de Waal, a professor of psychology at Emory University who studies animals, said the findings appear to say more about how monkeys respond to the sounds they make than they do about music or the evolution of music.
Dr Snowdon no longer has a monkey colony to use in his research, but he said his co-author David Teie is exploring the concept of music for cats.
"If we understand how we can affect their emotional states through using musical sound and aspects of our speech, maybe those of us living with companion animals can have a better relationship with them, too," Snowdon said. | [
"the change of music over time",
"animals' response to music",
"special music for animals",
"the origin of music"
] |
My grandma works _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Look at this photo of my family. There are six people in my family. This woman is my mother. She is nice and looks so young.She is a policewoman . She works in a police station . She is a hero in my heart . That man in the black coat is my father. He is a scientist . He works in an institute . He is very busy. Look at this lovely boy. It is my little brother. My grandma looks after him. She is a nurse. My grandpa is that man in the brown coat. My father looks like him. He is a teacher. Can you see me? I'm behind my brother. I have a happy family.
Question:
My grandma works _ .
Choices:
A. in a hospital
B. in an institute
C. in a police station
D. in a school | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle5970.txt | Look at this photo of my family. There are six people in my family. This woman is my mother. She is nice and looks so young.She is a policewoman . She works in a police station . She is a hero in my heart . That man in the black coat is my father. He is a scientist . He works in an institute . He is very busy. Look at this lovely boy. It is my little brother. My grandma looks after him. She is a nurse. My grandpa is that man in the brown coat. My father looks like him. He is a teacher. Can you see me? I'm behind my brother. I have a happy family. | [
"in a hospital",
"in an institute",
"in a police station",
"in a school"
] |
The reading mainly shows us _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
When you get tired of homework, several minutes' walk in a nearby green park helps you relax at once. Or you may stand facing the lake or the seas. They will calm (not to be excited or nervous) you just like the green plants.
Wonder why? Color is a key part of the answers. Since it is so, green and blue help make people feel more quiet and safe.
All colors have special power. Scientists have found that many colors have specific effects on people's mind and feelings.
Try an easy and interesting experiment and you'll see how color " _ " you sometimes. Wrap two boxes of the same size with colored paper, one red and the other white. Then weigh the two boxes with your hands. Which one is heavier? Most people will think that the red box is heavier, even though they weigh the same.
Colors can affect learning. Scientists have found that students spend more time reading if they read information written in blue text. Blue helps most people calm down and think more.
Clever uses of colors in daily life are to be seen everywhere. Hospitals and libraries seldom paint their walls, tables and desks red. They use light colors, like light blue or green. Red makes people excited while light colors help them relax. Haven't worked out how color affects your daily life? Start with your small room. Try to make some changes in it and you'll get to know how important color is!
Question:
The reading mainly shows us _ .
Choices:
A. the difference between red and blue
B. how to get on well with others
C. how to make smart uses of different colors in our daily life
D. how to paint and decorate our rooms | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high8451.txt | When you get tired of homework, several minutes' walk in a nearby green park helps you relax at once. Or you may stand facing the lake or the seas. They will calm (not to be excited or nervous) you just like the green plants.
Wonder why? Color is a key part of the answers. Since it is so, green and blue help make people feel more quiet and safe.
All colors have special power. Scientists have found that many colors have specific effects on people's mind and feelings.
Try an easy and interesting experiment and you'll see how color " _ " you sometimes. Wrap two boxes of the same size with colored paper, one red and the other white. Then weigh the two boxes with your hands. Which one is heavier? Most people will think that the red box is heavier, even though they weigh the same.
Colors can affect learning. Scientists have found that students spend more time reading if they read information written in blue text. Blue helps most people calm down and think more.
Clever uses of colors in daily life are to be seen everywhere. Hospitals and libraries seldom paint their walls, tables and desks red. They use light colors, like light blue or green. Red makes people excited while light colors help them relax. Haven't worked out how color affects your daily life? Start with your small room. Try to make some changes in it and you'll get to know how important color is! | [
"the difference between red and blue",
"how to get on well with others",
"how to make smart uses of different colors in our daily life",
"how to paint and decorate our rooms"
] |
What do you call a period when temperatures are cooler than normal, causing glaciers to spread? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What do you call a period when temperatures are cooler than normal, causing glaciers to spread? | ice age | science | null | null | null | thermal age | polar age | earth age | ice age | Over much of Earth’s past, the climate was warmer than it is today. Picture in your mind dinosaurs roaming the land. They're probably doing it in a pretty warm climate! But ice ages also occurred many times in the past. An ice age is a period when temperatures are cooler than normal. This causes glaciers to spread to lower latitudes. Scientists think that ice ages occurred at least six times over the last billion years alone. How do scientists learn about Earth’s past climates?. | null | null | null |
What would be the best title for text? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
It is a tall tale that terrifies most young children. Swallow a piece of chewing gum and it will remain in your body for seven years before it is digested. An even worse tale is that swallowed gum can wrap itself around your heart.
But what does happen if you should accidentally eat a stick of gum? Chewing gum is made out of gum base, sweeteners, coloring and flavoring. The gum base is pretty indigestibleit is a mixture of different ingredients that our body can't absorb.
Most of the time, your stomach really cannot break down the gum the way it would break down other foods. However, your digestive system has another way to deal with things you swallow. After all, we eat lots of things that we are unable to fully digest. They keep moving along until they make it all the way through the gut and come out at the other end one or two days later.
The saliva in our mouths will make an attempt at digesting chewing gum as soon as we put it in our mouths. It might get through the shell but many of gum's base ingredients are indigestible. It's then down to our stomach muscleswhich contract and relax, much like the way an earthworm moves to slowly force the things that we swallow through our systems.
Swallowing a huge piece of gum or swallowing many small pieces of gum in a short time can cause a blockage within the digestive system, most often in children, who have a thinner digestive tube than adults but this is extremely rare.
Question:
What would be the best title for text?
Choices:
A. How does our digestive system work?
B. Can chewing gum be swallowed by kids?
C. Does swallowing chewing gum matter?
D. Why swallowing chewing gum frightens kids? | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high7084.txt | It is a tall tale that terrifies most young children. Swallow a piece of chewing gum and it will remain in your body for seven years before it is digested. An even worse tale is that swallowed gum can wrap itself around your heart.
But what does happen if you should accidentally eat a stick of gum? Chewing gum is made out of gum base, sweeteners, coloring and flavoring. The gum base is pretty indigestibleit is a mixture of different ingredients that our body can't absorb.
Most of the time, your stomach really cannot break down the gum the way it would break down other foods. However, your digestive system has another way to deal with things you swallow. After all, we eat lots of things that we are unable to fully digest. They keep moving along until they make it all the way through the gut and come out at the other end one or two days later.
The saliva in our mouths will make an attempt at digesting chewing gum as soon as we put it in our mouths. It might get through the shell but many of gum's base ingredients are indigestible. It's then down to our stomach muscleswhich contract and relax, much like the way an earthworm moves to slowly force the things that we swallow through our systems.
Swallowing a huge piece of gum or swallowing many small pieces of gum in a short time can cause a blockage within the digestive system, most often in children, who have a thinner digestive tube than adults but this is extremely rare. | [
"How does our digestive system work?",
"Can chewing gum be swallowed by kids?",
"Does swallowing chewing gum matter?",
"Why swallowing chewing gum frightens kids?"
] |
How should we deal with the recurring nightmares? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
If your recurring dreams are worrying you,you can rest assured and needn't worry.Psychologists say in the vast majority of these cases,this is just the mind's way of dealing with stress and conflicts,problems and concerns.It's a good thing.
They call be surprisingly vivid and real,or fragmented and weird.They can be comforting or frightening.Our dreams can tell us a lot about what we are really thinking.Dreams give us an x-ray of our unconsciousness .They tell us,particularly when we are at life's passages or turning points.
Lisa Oppenheim had the same dream whenever she was about to move to a new home or a new city.It's always just a feeling of needing to stay safe.Experts say disturbing dreams often occur around major life events.For Lisa,it was moving.For others,it can be marriage or divorce,the death of a loved one or pressure at work.
Doctor Siegel has studied the meaning of dream for nearly 30 years.He believes stressful or upsetting dreams can be a sign of what's buried deep inside our minds.
He said."Dreams are important to survival.They are crucial to the balance of our psyche .They help us work out problems that we're having every single day.They go to the cutting edge of what's stressful,what's bothering us and what we're working out in our lives.Dreams can guide us and in order to find that guidance,to find that deep source of wisdom that's in our dreams every night,we need to pay attention to our dreams."
But many dreams are scary and horrible.How can we understand these nightmares? Doctor Siegel says they are reflecting especially intense emotion or unresolved conflict.The stronger the emotion in the dream,whether it's pleasure or fear,the likelier the dream is to be important.
Knowing what your recurring dreams or nightmares mean can be liberating.Some nightmares can be a sign of serious psychological problems,such as post-dramatic stress disorder.If they are extremely disturbing or violent or the cause of severe anxiety,you should see a professional therapist .
Question:
How should we deal with the recurring nightmares?
Choices:
A. We should remember them because they are important to us.
B. We can ignore them since they are just reflecting our emotions.
C. We need to take some sleeping pills to stop this serious problem.
D. We should see a psychological doctor if they are seriously disturbing | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high612.txt | If your recurring dreams are worrying you,you can rest assured and needn't worry.Psychologists say in the vast majority of these cases,this is just the mind's way of dealing with stress and conflicts,problems and concerns.It's a good thing.
They call be surprisingly vivid and real,or fragmented and weird.They can be comforting or frightening.Our dreams can tell us a lot about what we are really thinking.Dreams give us an x-ray of our unconsciousness .They tell us,particularly when we are at life's passages or turning points.
Lisa Oppenheim had the same dream whenever she was about to move to a new home or a new city.It's always just a feeling of needing to stay safe.Experts say disturbing dreams often occur around major life events.For Lisa,it was moving.For others,it can be marriage or divorce,the death of a loved one or pressure at work.
Doctor Siegel has studied the meaning of dream for nearly 30 years.He believes stressful or upsetting dreams can be a sign of what's buried deep inside our minds.
He said."Dreams are important to survival.They are crucial to the balance of our psyche .They help us work out problems that we're having every single day.They go to the cutting edge of what's stressful,what's bothering us and what we're working out in our lives.Dreams can guide us and in order to find that guidance,to find that deep source of wisdom that's in our dreams every night,we need to pay attention to our dreams."
But many dreams are scary and horrible.How can we understand these nightmares? Doctor Siegel says they are reflecting especially intense emotion or unresolved conflict.The stronger the emotion in the dream,whether it's pleasure or fear,the likelier the dream is to be important.
Knowing what your recurring dreams or nightmares mean can be liberating.Some nightmares can be a sign of serious psychological problems,such as post-dramatic stress disorder.If they are extremely disturbing or violent or the cause of severe anxiety,you should see a professional therapist . | [
"We should remember them because they are important to us.",
"We can ignore them since they are just reflecting our emotions.",
"We need to take some sleeping pills to stop this serious problem.",
"We should see a psychological doctor if they are seriously disturbing"
] |
What is the author's attitude towards the film Iron Lady? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
For history fans, Margaret Thatcher is one of the most interesting of the British Prime Ministers. She is praised by both British and American conservatives for her firm principles and accomplishments of her term.
Being so popular, it is only appropriate that a solid movie be made to detail the life of the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The film Iron Lady focuses on Thatcher (Meryl Streep) and her dementia , with certain items in her house reminding her of periods of her life, which then start series of flashbacks. Thatcher also fantasies of her husband, Denis (Jim Broadbent), and holds conversations with him throughout the film.
In a world controlled by men and where women are thought to belong to the kitchen, Thatcher struggles to break through the barriers of sex to win a seat in Parliament . Not only does she struggle with her sex, but being the daughter of a simple shopkeeper, she struggles with class barriers.
After winning a seat in Parliament in 1959, Thatcher was appointed Secretary of State for Education and Science(SES). The film details how the leadership of her party didn't take her or her opinions seriously. Thatcher became tired of being unheard and decided to challenge the leadership of the party and run for Leader of the Opposition. Not expecting to win the position, she took off in popularity, continuing a strong campaign even after her manager was killed by the Irish Republican Army.
Thatcher, after the conservative party won a majority in Parliament, became the first woman Prime Minister of the UK. She took off in popularity until an economic decline hit the country. She regained popularity after the Falklands War.
The film, in many cases, shows archive footage to convey the historic timeline of the movie. The film does an excellent job in recording the complex life of one of Britain's most complex women. It examines the price that Lady Thatcher paid for power, the class and sex struggles she overcame, and the burden of dementia. The film strikes an astonishingly dear portrait of the "Iron Lady" and will be sure to stand the test of time.
Question:
What is the author's attitude towards the film Iron Lady?
Choices:
A. Negative
B. Positive
C. Disapproving
D. Casual | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high12312.txt | For history fans, Margaret Thatcher is one of the most interesting of the British Prime Ministers. She is praised by both British and American conservatives for her firm principles and accomplishments of her term.
Being so popular, it is only appropriate that a solid movie be made to detail the life of the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The film Iron Lady focuses on Thatcher (Meryl Streep) and her dementia , with certain items in her house reminding her of periods of her life, which then start series of flashbacks. Thatcher also fantasies of her husband, Denis (Jim Broadbent), and holds conversations with him throughout the film.
In a world controlled by men and where women are thought to belong to the kitchen, Thatcher struggles to break through the barriers of sex to win a seat in Parliament . Not only does she struggle with her sex, but being the daughter of a simple shopkeeper, she struggles with class barriers.
After winning a seat in Parliament in 1959, Thatcher was appointed Secretary of State for Education and Science(SES). The film details how the leadership of her party didn't take her or her opinions seriously. Thatcher became tired of being unheard and decided to challenge the leadership of the party and run for Leader of the Opposition. Not expecting to win the position, she took off in popularity, continuing a strong campaign even after her manager was killed by the Irish Republican Army.
Thatcher, after the conservative party won a majority in Parliament, became the first woman Prime Minister of the UK. She took off in popularity until an economic decline hit the country. She regained popularity after the Falklands War.
The film, in many cases, shows archive footage to convey the historic timeline of the movie. The film does an excellent job in recording the complex life of one of Britain's most complex women. It examines the price that Lady Thatcher paid for power, the class and sex struggles she overcame, and the burden of dementia. The film strikes an astonishingly dear portrait of the "Iron Lady" and will be sure to stand the test of time. | [
"Negative",
"Positive",
"Disapproving",
"Casual"
] |
According to the passage, who is most likely to be addicted to mobiles ? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
It was a comfortable sunny Sunday. I was going to meet an old university friend I hadn't seen for years, and was really excited to hear all his news.
My train was running a little late, but that was no big problem - I could text him to say I would be delayed. He would understand. But... where was my mobile phone? I had that familiar sinking feeling. Yes, I'd forgotten it at home.
No mobile phone. I'm sure I'm not alone in feeling anxious, _ and worried when I don't have my phone with me. In fact, I know I'm not alone: two-thirds of us experience 'nomophobia', the fear of being out of mobile phone contact.
That's according to a study from 2012 which surveyed 1,000 people in the UK about their relationship with mobile phones.
It says we check our mobile phones 34 times a day, that women are more 'nomophobic'than men, and that 18-24 year-olds are the most likely to suffer fear of being without their mobiles: 77% of them say they are unable to be apart from their phones for more than a few minutes.
Do you have nomophobia ?
* You never turn your phone off
* You obsessively check for texts, missed calls and emails* You always take your phone to the bathroom with you* You never let the battery run out
It's funny to think that around 20 years ago the only people with mobile phones would be businessperson carrying their large, plastic 'bricks'. Of course, these days, mobile phones are everywhere. A UN study from this year said mobile phone subscriptions would outnumber people across the world by the end of 2014.
And when there are more phones than people in the world, maybe it's time to ask who really is in charge? Are you in control of your phone, or does your phone control you?
So, what happened with my university friend? When I arrived a few minutes late he just laughed and said: "You haven't changed at all - still always late!" And we had a great afternoon catching up, full of jokes and stories, with no interruptions and no nagging desire to check my phone.
Not having it with me felt strangely liberating. Maybe I'll leave it at home on purpose next time.
Question:
According to the passage, who is most likely to be addicted to mobiles ?
Choices:
A. a successful manager
B. a 21-year-old girl
C. a 21-year-old boy
D. a lonely middle-aged person | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high5889.txt | It was a comfortable sunny Sunday. I was going to meet an old university friend I hadn't seen for years, and was really excited to hear all his news.
My train was running a little late, but that was no big problem - I could text him to say I would be delayed. He would understand. But... where was my mobile phone? I had that familiar sinking feeling. Yes, I'd forgotten it at home.
No mobile phone. I'm sure I'm not alone in feeling anxious, _ and worried when I don't have my phone with me. In fact, I know I'm not alone: two-thirds of us experience 'nomophobia', the fear of being out of mobile phone contact.
That's according to a study from 2012 which surveyed 1,000 people in the UK about their relationship with mobile phones.
It says we check our mobile phones 34 times a day, that women are more 'nomophobic'than men, and that 18-24 year-olds are the most likely to suffer fear of being without their mobiles: 77% of them say they are unable to be apart from their phones for more than a few minutes.
Do you have nomophobia ?
* You never turn your phone off
* You obsessively check for texts, missed calls and emails* You always take your phone to the bathroom with you* You never let the battery run out
It's funny to think that around 20 years ago the only people with mobile phones would be businessperson carrying their large, plastic 'bricks'. Of course, these days, mobile phones are everywhere. A UN study from this year said mobile phone subscriptions would outnumber people across the world by the end of 2014.
And when there are more phones than people in the world, maybe it's time to ask who really is in charge? Are you in control of your phone, or does your phone control you?
So, what happened with my university friend? When I arrived a few minutes late he just laughed and said: "You haven't changed at all - still always late!" And we had a great afternoon catching up, full of jokes and stories, with no interruptions and no nagging desire to check my phone.
Not having it with me felt strangely liberating. Maybe I'll leave it at home on purpose next time. | [
"a successful manager",
"a 21-year-old girl",
"a 21-year-old boy",
"a lonely middle-aged person"
] |
When a plant wilts, the stomata close. How does this help the plant? | null | Answer this science question and explain your reasoning. | When a plant wilts, the stomata close. How does this help the plant?
Choices:
A. It increases photosynthesis.
B. It reduces further water loss.
C. It increases cellular respiration.
D. It reduces water intake by roots. | Correct answer: B | science | Mercury_7271268 | {
"text": [
"It increases photosynthesis.",
"It reduces further water loss.",
"It increases cellular respiration.",
"It reduces water intake by roots."
],
"label": [
"A",
"B",
"C",
"D"
]
} | B | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
How many things does the writer show to the students? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
This week, I ask my students about fashion. I show each student seven things and ask their opinions about each thing. Some of their answers are interesting! Here's what the students in Class 8 like:
Jodie Smith likes the key ring. Her friend Jordan says he can' t stand the scarf." It' s for old people!" he says. William Jones loves the wallet,and his classmate Gina Taylor loves the watch. Ann Rice doesn't like the watch,but she really likes the hair clip! Jerry Green likes the sunglasses. And the coolest thing is the belt ! Everyone loves it!
Question:
How many things does the writer show to the students?
Choices:
A. Seven.
B. Eight.
C. Nine.
D. Six. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle6620.txt | This week, I ask my students about fashion. I show each student seven things and ask their opinions about each thing. Some of their answers are interesting! Here's what the students in Class 8 like:
Jodie Smith likes the key ring. Her friend Jordan says he can' t stand the scarf." It' s for old people!" he says. William Jones loves the wallet,and his classmate Gina Taylor loves the watch. Ann Rice doesn't like the watch,but she really likes the hair clip! Jerry Green likes the sunglasses. And the coolest thing is the belt ! Everyone loves it! | [
"Seven.",
"Eight.",
"Nine.",
"Six."
] |
According to the article, in the future, the 3-D printing technology will _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
SEE a cell phone cover that you like on Taobao? Forget about placing an order, paying the bill online and waiting for days for it to be delivered to you. In the near future, you'll be able to get it in minutes just by hitting "print" on your computer.
You might find it hard to believe that you could actually "print" an object like you would a picture. But it is not that hard to understand how it would work. Just as a traditional printer sprays ink onto paper line by line, modern 3-D printers spread material onto a surface layer by layer, from the bottom to the top, gradually building up a shape.
Instead of ink, the materials the 3-D printer uses are mainly plastic, resin and certain metals. The thinner each layer is --- from a millimeter to less than the width of a hair --- the smoother and finer the object will be.
This may sound like a completely new technology, but the truth is that 3-D printing has been around since the late 1980s. Back then, it was barely affordable for most people, so few knew about it.
Last year, though, saw a big change in the 3-D printing industry--- printers became much cheaper. For example, 10 years ago a desktop 3-D printer might have cost PS20,000 (200,000 yuan), while now they cost only about PS 1,000, according to the BBC.
Taken out of the factory and introduced to more diverse and common uses, 3-D printing can create just about anything you can think of ---flutes , bikinis, jewelry, aircraft parts and even human organs. In fact, scientists from Cornell University in New York have just made an artificial ear using a 3-D printer, according to Science Daily. The fake ear looks and acts exactly like a natural one.
However, as 3-D printing becomes more commonplace, it may bring about certain problems --- such as piracy. "Once you can download a coffee maker, or print out a new set of kitchen utensils on your personal 3-D printer, who will visit a retail store again?" an expert in 3-D printing told Forbes News. Even more frightening, what if anyone in the world could use a 3-D printer to print out a fully functioning gun?
Question:
According to the article, in the future, the 3-D printing technology will _ .
Choices:
A. enable people to make better purchases online
B. be applied as widely in our daily lives as computers
C. change the way we make many products
D. shorten the time it takes for people to get what they buy online | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high2928.txt | SEE a cell phone cover that you like on Taobao? Forget about placing an order, paying the bill online and waiting for days for it to be delivered to you. In the near future, you'll be able to get it in minutes just by hitting "print" on your computer.
You might find it hard to believe that you could actually "print" an object like you would a picture. But it is not that hard to understand how it would work. Just as a traditional printer sprays ink onto paper line by line, modern 3-D printers spread material onto a surface layer by layer, from the bottom to the top, gradually building up a shape.
Instead of ink, the materials the 3-D printer uses are mainly plastic, resin and certain metals. The thinner each layer is --- from a millimeter to less than the width of a hair --- the smoother and finer the object will be.
This may sound like a completely new technology, but the truth is that 3-D printing has been around since the late 1980s. Back then, it was barely affordable for most people, so few knew about it.
Last year, though, saw a big change in the 3-D printing industry--- printers became much cheaper. For example, 10 years ago a desktop 3-D printer might have cost PS20,000 (200,000 yuan), while now they cost only about PS 1,000, according to the BBC.
Taken out of the factory and introduced to more diverse and common uses, 3-D printing can create just about anything you can think of ---flutes , bikinis, jewelry, aircraft parts and even human organs. In fact, scientists from Cornell University in New York have just made an artificial ear using a 3-D printer, according to Science Daily. The fake ear looks and acts exactly like a natural one.
However, as 3-D printing becomes more commonplace, it may bring about certain problems --- such as piracy. "Once you can download a coffee maker, or print out a new set of kitchen utensils on your personal 3-D printer, who will visit a retail store again?" an expert in 3-D printing told Forbes News. Even more frightening, what if anyone in the world could use a 3-D printer to print out a fully functioning gun? | [
"enable people to make better purchases online",
"be applied as widely in our daily lives as computers",
"change the way we make many products",
"shorten the time it takes for people to get what they buy online"
] |
The best title for the text would be _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
There is a definite possibility that the climate of the world may be changing. Some scientists imagine that this could even mean the beginning of another ice age. The effects of such a change in climate on the human population of the world would be amazing.
Recent research suggests that the general warming trend of the past hundred years or so may be coming to an end. During the past ten years, meteorologists tell us the average temperature of the earth has dropped about one degree Fahrenheit. This does not seem like much, but it could have effects on wind and rain patterns which influence the overall weather picture. If these patterns change a lot, it could mean that certain regions of the world may continue to have long droughts while others will possibly suffer from widespread flooding.
What regulates the climate is not exactly known. Meteorologists believe that clouds may be an important factor in regulating the amount of solar heat held by the earth, which in turn determines the temperature of the planet. Another possibility is that man's industrial and agricultural methods may be affecting the natural weather patterns. However, the weather is not understood well enough for scientists to say for certain what is happening to the climate and what side effects this will actually have on the world's population.
Question:
The best title for the text would be _ .
Choices:
A. Droughts and Floods
B. Meteorologists
C. Changing Climate
D. Solar Heat | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high18400.txt | There is a definite possibility that the climate of the world may be changing. Some scientists imagine that this could even mean the beginning of another ice age. The effects of such a change in climate on the human population of the world would be amazing.
Recent research suggests that the general warming trend of the past hundred years or so may be coming to an end. During the past ten years, meteorologists tell us the average temperature of the earth has dropped about one degree Fahrenheit. This does not seem like much, but it could have effects on wind and rain patterns which influence the overall weather picture. If these patterns change a lot, it could mean that certain regions of the world may continue to have long droughts while others will possibly suffer from widespread flooding.
What regulates the climate is not exactly known. Meteorologists believe that clouds may be an important factor in regulating the amount of solar heat held by the earth, which in turn determines the temperature of the planet. Another possibility is that man's industrial and agricultural methods may be affecting the natural weather patterns. However, the weather is not understood well enough for scientists to say for certain what is happening to the climate and what side effects this will actually have on the world's population. | [
"Droughts and Floods",
"Meteorologists",
"Changing Climate",
"Solar Heat"
] |
What did the author do at F.A.R.M Cafe last summer? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
I first came across the concept of pay-what-you-can cafes last summer in Boone, N.C., where I ate at F.A.R.M (Feed All Regardless of Means) Cafe. You can volunteer to earn your meal, pay the suggested price($10) or less, or you can overpay--paying it forward for a future customer's meal. My only regret after eating there was not having a chance to give my time. So as soon as Healthy World Cafe opened in York in April, I signed up for a volunteer shift .
F.A.R.M and healthy World are part of a growing trend of community cafes. In 2003, Denise Cerreta opened the first in Salt Lake City. Cerreta now runs the One World Everybody Eats Foundation, helping others copy her pay-what-you can model.
"I think the community cafe is truly a hand up, not a handout," Cerreta said. She acknowledged that soup kitchens have a place in society, but people typically don't feel good about going there.
"One of the values of the community cafe is that we have another approach," she said. "Everyone eats here, no one needs to know whether you volunteered, overpaid or underpaid."
The successful cafes not only address hunger and food insecurity but also become necessary parts of their neighborhood -- whether it's a place to learn skills or hear live music. Some teach cooking to seniors; some offer free used books. Eating or working there is a reminder that we are all in this world together.
My 10 am-1pm shift at World-Healthy-Cafe began with the cafe manager -- one of the two paid staff members. Our volunteer crew wasn't the most orderly, but we managed to prepare and serve meals with a lot of laughs in between. At the end of my shift, I ordered my earned meal at the counter, together with other volunteers. After lunch, I walked out the door, with a handful of new friends, music in my head and a satisfied belly and heart.
Question:
What did the author do at F.A.R.M Cafe last summer?
Choices:
A. She enjoyed a meal.
B. She ate free of charge.
C. She overpaid for the food.
D. She worked as a volunteer. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high14398.txt | I first came across the concept of pay-what-you-can cafes last summer in Boone, N.C., where I ate at F.A.R.M (Feed All Regardless of Means) Cafe. You can volunteer to earn your meal, pay the suggested price($10) or less, or you can overpay--paying it forward for a future customer's meal. My only regret after eating there was not having a chance to give my time. So as soon as Healthy World Cafe opened in York in April, I signed up for a volunteer shift .
F.A.R.M and healthy World are part of a growing trend of community cafes. In 2003, Denise Cerreta opened the first in Salt Lake City. Cerreta now runs the One World Everybody Eats Foundation, helping others copy her pay-what-you can model.
"I think the community cafe is truly a hand up, not a handout," Cerreta said. She acknowledged that soup kitchens have a place in society, but people typically don't feel good about going there.
"One of the values of the community cafe is that we have another approach," she said. "Everyone eats here, no one needs to know whether you volunteered, overpaid or underpaid."
The successful cafes not only address hunger and food insecurity but also become necessary parts of their neighborhood -- whether it's a place to learn skills or hear live music. Some teach cooking to seniors; some offer free used books. Eating or working there is a reminder that we are all in this world together.
My 10 am-1pm shift at World-Healthy-Cafe began with the cafe manager -- one of the two paid staff members. Our volunteer crew wasn't the most orderly, but we managed to prepare and serve meals with a lot of laughs in between. At the end of my shift, I ordered my earned meal at the counter, together with other volunteers. After lunch, I walked out the door, with a handful of new friends, music in my head and a satisfied belly and heart. | [
"She enjoyed a meal.",
"She ate free of charge.",
"She overpaid for the food.",
"She worked as a volunteer."
] |
The writer of The Little Pri nce is from _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Although I am not in my childhood. I still prefer reading fairy tales. They often make me think of some special experiences and feelings. This summer I have received this kind of tales ,The Little Prince .It was
Published in 1940 .It is the world-famous fairy tale by the Frenc h author Antoine.
I ,the narrator of the story ,is a pilot . His plane has something wrong and lands in the Sahara . The little prince lives on a small planet ,and he grows a flower called ROSE there . One day they have a quarrel ,so the little prince runs away . On his all alone journey, he meets different kinds of people . From these people he gets a conclusion that grow-ups are strange . And with the help of the man he meets , he descends in the Sahara .
The book moved me a lot . It is not only a fairy tale for children and teenagers, but also for grow-ups .
,.
Question:
The writer of The Little Pri nce is from _ .
Choices:
A. France
B. China
C. Canada
D. America | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle1832.txt | Although I am not in my childhood. I still prefer reading fairy tales. They often make me think of some special experiences and feelings. This summer I have received this kind of tales ,The Little Prince .It was
Published in 1940 .It is the world-famous fairy tale by the Frenc h author Antoine.
I ,the narrator of the story ,is a pilot . His plane has something wrong and lands in the Sahara . The little prince lives on a small planet ,and he grows a flower called ROSE there . One day they have a quarrel ,so the little prince runs away . On his all alone journey, he meets different kinds of people . From these people he gets a conclusion that grow-ups are strange . And with the help of the man he meets , he descends in the Sahara .
The book moved me a lot . It is not only a fairy tale for children and teenagers, but also for grow-ups .
,. | [
"France",
"China",
"Canada",
"America"
] |
From the passage we know teenagers have problems with their _ minds because of. | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
A recent report from Fuzhou Daily says about 18% of Fuzhou teenagers can have problems with their minds(,).Some students become worried because they have to study very hard. Others have trouble getting on well with people like their parents and classmates.
Zhang Qiong, a junior 2 student from Fuzhou, could not understand his teachers in class and was doing badly in his lessons. He was afraid of exams. When he looked at the exam paper, he couldn't think of anything to write. Another student, a15-year-old girl called Wu Yuan from Xiamen often argued ( ) with herclassmates even her parents because of some difficult ideas. She became so angry with them that she started to cut her finger with a knife.
However, many students who have problems won't go for advice or help. Some think they will look stupid if they go to see a doctor. Others don't want to talk about their secrets. here is some advice for the teenagers to solve the problems: Firstly, talk to your parents or teachers often. Secondly, take part in group activities and do sports. Thirdly, go to see a doctor if you feel unhappy or unwell.
Question:
From the passage we know teenagers have problems with their _ minds because of.
Choices:
A. their study
B. difficulty getting on well with other people
C. their hobbies
D. A and B | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle6358.txt | A recent report from Fuzhou Daily says about 18% of Fuzhou teenagers can have problems with their minds(,).Some students become worried because they have to study very hard. Others have trouble getting on well with people like their parents and classmates.
Zhang Qiong, a junior 2 student from Fuzhou, could not understand his teachers in class and was doing badly in his lessons. He was afraid of exams. When he looked at the exam paper, he couldn't think of anything to write. Another student, a15-year-old girl called Wu Yuan from Xiamen often argued ( ) with herclassmates even her parents because of some difficult ideas. She became so angry with them that she started to cut her finger with a knife.
However, many students who have problems won't go for advice or help. Some think they will look stupid if they go to see a doctor. Others don't want to talk about their secrets. here is some advice for the teenagers to solve the problems: Firstly, talk to your parents or teachers often. Secondly, take part in group activities and do sports. Thirdly, go to see a doctor if you feel unhappy or unwell. | [
"their study",
"difficulty getting on well with other people",
"their hobbies",
"A and B"
] |
What is the specialized tissue that transports water and nutrients throughout the plant and allows these plants to grow taller? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What is the specialized tissue that transports water and nutrients throughout the plant and allows these plants to grow taller? | vascular tissue | science | null | null | null | fiber tissue | blood vessels | dioxide tissue | vascular tissue | For these plants, the name says it all. Vascular seedless plants have vascular tissue but do not have seeds. Remember that vascular tissue is specialized tissue that transports water and nutrients throughout the plant. The development of vascular tissue allowed these plants to grow much taller than nonvascular plants, forming ancient swamp forests. Most of these large vascular seedless plants are now extinct, but their smaller relatives still remain. Vascular tissue includes xylem, which transports water from the roots to the rest of the plant; and phloem, which transports sugars and nutrients from the leaves throughout the plant. | null | null | null |
What can we infer from the passage? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Once my friend Peterson bought a pack of chicken, the brand of which was very famous at that time. But when he got home he found that the chicken had gone bad. He took the chicken back to the shop and he was paid twice of the price. We may say now he should have been satisfied but my friend would not like to stop. He decided to write a letter to Frank, president of the company, who was also the founder of the chicken brand.
About a week later he received a letter written by the president himself. In the letter he apologized to my friend for it whole -heartedly .There was also a card in the envelope ,with which my friend could get another pack of chicken in any of the shops. In the end my friend was asked to answer some questions.
1. When and where did you buy the chicken?
2. What was the real problem of the chicken?
3. What did the shop ass istant say when you took the chicken back to the shop?
4. W hat do you think is the reason for the chicken to go bad?
5. What do you suggest we should do to get away from such problems?
Two days later, my friend also received a telephone call from the president's office, asking whether he had received the letter as well as the card and then some other questions. Since then, my friend has always bought chicken of this brand whenever he wants to.
Question:
What can we infer from the passage?
Choices:
A. The company may still be a top brand now.
B. The president of the company is a responsible person.
C. The company must have closed down.
D. The author may also believe in the chicken brand. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high4577.txt | Once my friend Peterson bought a pack of chicken, the brand of which was very famous at that time. But when he got home he found that the chicken had gone bad. He took the chicken back to the shop and he was paid twice of the price. We may say now he should have been satisfied but my friend would not like to stop. He decided to write a letter to Frank, president of the company, who was also the founder of the chicken brand.
About a week later he received a letter written by the president himself. In the letter he apologized to my friend for it whole -heartedly .There was also a card in the envelope ,with which my friend could get another pack of chicken in any of the shops. In the end my friend was asked to answer some questions.
1. When and where did you buy the chicken?
2. What was the real problem of the chicken?
3. What did the shop ass istant say when you took the chicken back to the shop?
4. W hat do you think is the reason for the chicken to go bad?
5. What do you suggest we should do to get away from such problems?
Two days later, my friend also received a telephone call from the president's office, asking whether he had received the letter as well as the card and then some other questions. Since then, my friend has always bought chicken of this brand whenever he wants to. | [
"The company may still be a top brand now.",
"The president of the company is a responsible person.",
"The company must have closed down.",
"The author may also believe in the chicken brand."
] |
Jack is a pupil in _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
My name is Jack. I am a pupil of Grade One. I'm in No.1 Middle School. On weekdays I get up at six o'clock. I have breakfast at seven and then I go to school by bike. We begin our class at eight o'clock in the morning. We have four classes in the morning and three in the afternoon.
At noon, I have lunch at home. Classes are over at four fifteen in the afternoon. After class, we often play football in the afternoon. I go home at about five.
I have supper at about six thirty in the evening. I do my homework at seven thirty.
At weekend, I watch TV. I often go to bed at ten. I'm very happy.
,.
Question:
Jack is a pupil in _ .
Choices:
A. Class One
B. Grade One
C. Class Two
D. Grade Two | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle839.txt | My name is Jack. I am a pupil of Grade One. I'm in No.1 Middle School. On weekdays I get up at six o'clock. I have breakfast at seven and then I go to school by bike. We begin our class at eight o'clock in the morning. We have four classes in the morning and three in the afternoon.
At noon, I have lunch at home. Classes are over at four fifteen in the afternoon. After class, we often play football in the afternoon. I go home at about five.
I have supper at about six thirty in the evening. I do my homework at seven thirty.
At weekend, I watch TV. I often go to bed at ten. I'm very happy.
,. | [
"Class One",
"Grade One",
"Class Two",
"Grade Two"
] |
Rose and her mother go to see _ first. | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Rose's mother wants to take Rose to the zoo today. Many kinds of animals are in the zoo. So Rose is very happy.
Rose and her mother go to see the tigers and lions first. Tigers and lions are scary so they lives in strong cages in the zoo. And they eat much meat every day.[:..Z.X.X.K]
Rose sees two big elephants and a baby one. The elephants are very kind to people. Rose rides on an elephant and she is glad.
Some cute pandas are in the zoo, too. They are a little shy. So people need to be very _ when they go near them. Look! Five giraffes are there. They have long necks. They are from Africa . They like eating grass and leaves very much.
,.
Question:
Rose and her mother go to see _ first.
Choices:
A. tigers and lions
B. pandas
C. elephants
D. giraffes | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle6423.txt | Rose's mother wants to take Rose to the zoo today. Many kinds of animals are in the zoo. So Rose is very happy.
Rose and her mother go to see the tigers and lions first. Tigers and lions are scary so they lives in strong cages in the zoo. And they eat much meat every day.[:..Z.X.X.K]
Rose sees two big elephants and a baby one. The elephants are very kind to people. Rose rides on an elephant and she is glad.
Some cute pandas are in the zoo, too. They are a little shy. So people need to be very _ when they go near them. Look! Five giraffes are there. They have long necks. They are from Africa . They like eating grass and leaves very much.
,. | [
"tigers and lions",
"pandas",
"elephants",
"giraffes"
] |
A printing press is printing brochures. The press prints 20 single-page spreads, and twice as many double-page spreads. For each 4 pages printed for the spreads, the press prints a block of 4 ads, each of which take up a quarter of a page. The brochures can be arranged in any order as long as they are made up of 5 pages each. How many brochures is the printing press creating? | There are a total of 20 single-page spreads * 2 = <<20*2=40>>40 double-page spreads.
As these are made up of 2 pages each, there are 40 double-page spreads * 2 pages = <<40*2=80>>80 pages in the double-page spreads.
In total, there are 20 single-pages + 80 double-pages = <<20+80=100>>100 pages in the spreads.
A block of ads is printed every 4 pages, so there will be 100 pages / 4 pages/block = <<100/4=25>>25 blocks of ads.
This is a total of 25 blocks * 4 ads = <<25*4=100>>100 ads.
As each ad takes up a quarter of a page, this must create an additional 100 ads * 0.25 = <<100*0.25=25>>25 pages.
Therefore, the press has printed 100 pages from the spreads + 25 pages of ads = <<100+25=125>>125 pages.
Since brochures are made up of 5 pages each, this creates a total of 125 pages / 5 = <<125/5=25>>25 brochures.
#### 25 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | A printing press is printing brochures. The press prints 20 single-page spreads, and twice as many double-page spreads. For each 4 pages printed for the spreads, the press prints a block of 4 ads, each of which take up a quarter of a page. The brochures can be arranged in any order as long as they are made up of 5 pages each. How many brochures is the printing press creating? | There are a total of 20 single-page spreads * 2 = <<20*2=40>>40 double-page spreads.
As these are made up of 2 pages each, there are 40 double-page spreads * 2 pages = <<40*2=80>>80 pages in the double-page spreads.
In total, there are 20 single-pages + 80 double-pages = <<20+80=100>>100 pages in the spreads.
A block of ads is printed every 4 pages, so there will be 100 pages / 4 pages/block = <<100/4=25>>25 blocks of ads.
This is a total of 25 blocks * 4 ads = <<25*4=100>>100 ads.
As each ad takes up a quarter of a page, this must create an additional 100 ads * 0.25 = <<100*0.25=25>>25 pages.
Therefore, the press has printed 100 pages from the spreads + 25 pages of ads = <<100+25=125>>125 pages.
Since brochures are made up of 5 pages each, this creates a total of 125 pages / 5 = <<125/5=25>>25 brochures.
#### 25 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
What we can learn from the story? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
John had been on a business trip for three weeks. It was coming up on Mother's Day, and he usually tried to go back home, but this time he was too tired. He was in a small town outside of Little Rock when he drove by a flower shop. He decided to send his mother some roses.
He went into the shop and saw a young man talking to the florist. "How many roses can I get for six dollars, ma'am?" the boy asked. The florist tried to explain that roses were expensive. Maybe he should be happy with carnations .
"No, I have to have roses," he said, "My mom was sick so much last year and I had little time with her. It has to be red roses, 'cause that's her favourite."
The florist shook her head. John was touched by the boy, who wanted to get those roses so badly. John looked at the florist and silently mouthed that he would pay for the boy's roses. Then the florist said, "Ok, I will give you a dozen red roses for your six dollars." The young man almost jumped into the air. He took the flowers and ran from the store. It was worth the extra thirty-five dollars just to see that kind of excitement.
John ordered his own flowers and had the florist be sure that delivery would include a note telling his mother how much he loved her. Then he drove away from the shop. As he waited at the light, he saw the young man crossing the street and enter a park through two huge gates. Suddenly, he realized it wasn't a park. It was a cemetery .
The light changed, and John slowly crossed the road, parked his car and got out to follow the boy down the fence. The boy stopped by a small monument and went on his knee. He carefully laid the roses on the ground and cried, "Mommy, why didn't I tell you how much I love you?, Jesus, please. Tell my mommy I love her." John turned, tears in his eyes, and walked back to his car. He drove quickly to the flower shop and told the florist he would take the flowers personally.
Question:
What we can learn from the story?
Choices:
A. One can get cheap flowers if he wants to show true love
B. One can get what they want if they stick to it.
C. Don't send flowers through delivery.
D. Don't delay expressing love | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high21480.txt | John had been on a business trip for three weeks. It was coming up on Mother's Day, and he usually tried to go back home, but this time he was too tired. He was in a small town outside of Little Rock when he drove by a flower shop. He decided to send his mother some roses.
He went into the shop and saw a young man talking to the florist. "How many roses can I get for six dollars, ma'am?" the boy asked. The florist tried to explain that roses were expensive. Maybe he should be happy with carnations .
"No, I have to have roses," he said, "My mom was sick so much last year and I had little time with her. It has to be red roses, 'cause that's her favourite."
The florist shook her head. John was touched by the boy, who wanted to get those roses so badly. John looked at the florist and silently mouthed that he would pay for the boy's roses. Then the florist said, "Ok, I will give you a dozen red roses for your six dollars." The young man almost jumped into the air. He took the flowers and ran from the store. It was worth the extra thirty-five dollars just to see that kind of excitement.
John ordered his own flowers and had the florist be sure that delivery would include a note telling his mother how much he loved her. Then he drove away from the shop. As he waited at the light, he saw the young man crossing the street and enter a park through two huge gates. Suddenly, he realized it wasn't a park. It was a cemetery .
The light changed, and John slowly crossed the road, parked his car and got out to follow the boy down the fence. The boy stopped by a small monument and went on his knee. He carefully laid the roses on the ground and cried, "Mommy, why didn't I tell you how much I love you?, Jesus, please. Tell my mommy I love her." John turned, tears in his eyes, and walked back to his car. He drove quickly to the flower shop and told the florist he would take the flowers personally. | [
"One can get cheap flowers if he wants to show true love",
"One can get what they want if they stick to it.",
"Don't send flowers through delivery.",
"Don't delay expressing love"
] |
The author considers bloggers _ | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
In America today, there are almost as many people making their living as bloggers as there are lawyers. Already more Americans are making their primary income from posting their opinions than Americans working as computer programmers or fire fighters
The best studies we can find say we are a nation of over 20 million bloggers, with almost 2 million Americans getting paid by the word, the post, or the click - whether on their site or someone else's.
The Information Age has developed many new professions, but blogging could well be the one with the biggest effect on our culture.
What started as a discussion forum for politics and new technologies has now been used in health care, the arts, fashion and just about every other imaginable area of life. What started as a hobby for volunteers is becoming big business for newly appearing sites, for companies that now depend upon their reviews and for the people who work in this new industry.
All this fits with the trend toward Opinion TV. Less and less of our information flow is devoted to gathering facts, and more and more is going towards popularizing opinions. Twenty-four-hour news channels have been replaced by 24-hour opinion channels.
Some bloggers even serve as "spokesblogers"-paid by advertisers to blog about the products. They are highly paid and they have to report long hours-50 to 60 hours a week.
Bloggers make money if their consumers click the ads on their sites. Some sites even pay writers by the click, which is of course a system that encourages using shocking words or doing whatever it takes to get noticed.
For now, bloggers say they are very happy in their work, reporting high job satisfaction. But what happens if they lose work? Are they considered journalists under shield laws ? Is there someone to complain to about false blogs or hidden conflicts? There are more questions than answers about America's Newest Profession.
Question:
The author considers bloggers _
Choices:
A. have a positive effect on American culture
B. can easily earn big money by writing
C. will replace journalists under shield laws
D. face many problems though highly paid | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high22202.txt | In America today, there are almost as many people making their living as bloggers as there are lawyers. Already more Americans are making their primary income from posting their opinions than Americans working as computer programmers or fire fighters
The best studies we can find say we are a nation of over 20 million bloggers, with almost 2 million Americans getting paid by the word, the post, or the click - whether on their site or someone else's.
The Information Age has developed many new professions, but blogging could well be the one with the biggest effect on our culture.
What started as a discussion forum for politics and new technologies has now been used in health care, the arts, fashion and just about every other imaginable area of life. What started as a hobby for volunteers is becoming big business for newly appearing sites, for companies that now depend upon their reviews and for the people who work in this new industry.
All this fits with the trend toward Opinion TV. Less and less of our information flow is devoted to gathering facts, and more and more is going towards popularizing opinions. Twenty-four-hour news channels have been replaced by 24-hour opinion channels.
Some bloggers even serve as "spokesblogers"-paid by advertisers to blog about the products. They are highly paid and they have to report long hours-50 to 60 hours a week.
Bloggers make money if their consumers click the ads on their sites. Some sites even pay writers by the click, which is of course a system that encourages using shocking words or doing whatever it takes to get noticed.
For now, bloggers say they are very happy in their work, reporting high job satisfaction. But what happens if they lose work? Are they considered journalists under shield laws ? Is there someone to complain to about false blogs or hidden conflicts? There are more questions than answers about America's Newest Profession. | [
"have a positive effect on American culture",
"can easily earn big money by writing",
"will replace journalists under shield laws",
"face many problems though highly paid"
] |
The law students who want to study abroad should _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
International Exchange Programme
The application form for participation on the exchange programme for 2016/17 can be found in Application Procedures.
Applying Qualification--Current Queen Mary undergraduate students(with the exception of students in Biomedical Sciences,Chemistry,Dentistry and Medicine)have qualifications to apply.
Law Students--Students enrolled in The School of Law should contact Sheila Shirley(s.shirley@qmul.ac.uk)for details of study abroad opportunities.
English and Drama Studen--Students cannot study abroad for the full academic year. Students will be able to spend only the autumn semester studying at one of our exchange partners*
Applications
A complete application will consist of the two-page application form,a personal statement and a supporting academic reference.Students should follow these application procedures. Applicants must ensure they have spoken to their departmental study abroad instructor before submitting their application.Applications can be submitted in person at The Study Abroad Office(E09,Ground Floor,Queens'Building)or by email to h.gibney@qmul.ac.uk
New Exchange Partners for 2016/2017
For 2016/17 we hope to offer students the opportunity to study abroad at the following new partners:The University of Pennsylvania--UPenn(USA),The University of Sydney(Australia) and Waseda University(Japan).Should we be unable to send students to any of these new institutions on exchange,and if you intend to include one or more of these destinations with your application,please provide at least one alternative destination from the list of other partner programmes.
Question:
The law students who want to study abroad should _ .
Choices:
A. email to h.gibney@qmul.ac.uk
B. email to s.shirley@qmul.ac.uk
C. go to E09,Ground Floor,Queens'Building
D. go to Masons Lecture Theatre Hall,Bancroft Building | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high12005.txt | International Exchange Programme
The application form for participation on the exchange programme for 2016/17 can be found in Application Procedures.
Applying Qualification--Current Queen Mary undergraduate students(with the exception of students in Biomedical Sciences,Chemistry,Dentistry and Medicine)have qualifications to apply.
Law Students--Students enrolled in The School of Law should contact Sheila Shirley(s.shirley@qmul.ac.uk)for details of study abroad opportunities.
English and Drama Studen--Students cannot study abroad for the full academic year. Students will be able to spend only the autumn semester studying at one of our exchange partners*
Applications
A complete application will consist of the two-page application form,a personal statement and a supporting academic reference.Students should follow these application procedures. Applicants must ensure they have spoken to their departmental study abroad instructor before submitting their application.Applications can be submitted in person at The Study Abroad Office(E09,Ground Floor,Queens'Building)or by email to h.gibney@qmul.ac.uk
New Exchange Partners for 2016/2017
For 2016/17 we hope to offer students the opportunity to study abroad at the following new partners:The University of Pennsylvania--UPenn(USA),The University of Sydney(Australia) and Waseda University(Japan).Should we be unable to send students to any of these new institutions on exchange,and if you intend to include one or more of these destinations with your application,please provide at least one alternative destination from the list of other partner programmes. | [
"email to h.gibney@qmul.ac.uk",
"email to s.shirley@qmul.ac.uk",
"go to E09,Ground Floor,Queens'Building",
"go to Masons Lecture Theatre Hall,Bancroft Building"
] |
Where does the passage most probably come from? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
When I arrived, it was early morning and it was raining. I looked to the east--the sky was becoming grey. I got out of the car, went through a gate and walked along a dark path. There was nothing to see, but I knew it was there.
After about a mile, a stranger appeared beside the path. "Am I going the right way?" I asked. He knew where I was going. "Yes," he replied. "you'll get there in five minutes." Finally, I came to some rocks and stopped. I looked over them, but it was silent and there was no sign of it.
Suddenly, the rain stopped and the clouds cleared. The sun rose behind me and shone on the rocks. Far below me, the ground fell away and down to a river. I was looking across one of the wonders of the natural world -the Grand Canyon.
I looked down to the Colorado River, a silver stream nearly one mile below me. If you put the two tallest buildings in the world on top of each other at the bottom of the canyon, they still would not reach the top. Then I looked across to the other side of the canyon. It was about fifteen miles away, maybe more. Finally, I looked to my left and to my right, and on both sides the canyon went far away for more than 200 miles. The Grand Canyon was not just big. It was huge!
I remained by the canyon for about half an hour, and I asked myself, "Is the Grand Canyon the greatest wonder of the natural world?" I certainly know the answer. What do you think?
Question:
Where does the passage most probably come from?
Choices:
A. A magazine
B. A grammar book
C. A dictionary
D. A storybook | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle3838.txt | When I arrived, it was early morning and it was raining. I looked to the east--the sky was becoming grey. I got out of the car, went through a gate and walked along a dark path. There was nothing to see, but I knew it was there.
After about a mile, a stranger appeared beside the path. "Am I going the right way?" I asked. He knew where I was going. "Yes," he replied. "you'll get there in five minutes." Finally, I came to some rocks and stopped. I looked over them, but it was silent and there was no sign of it.
Suddenly, the rain stopped and the clouds cleared. The sun rose behind me and shone on the rocks. Far below me, the ground fell away and down to a river. I was looking across one of the wonders of the natural world -the Grand Canyon.
I looked down to the Colorado River, a silver stream nearly one mile below me. If you put the two tallest buildings in the world on top of each other at the bottom of the canyon, they still would not reach the top. Then I looked across to the other side of the canyon. It was about fifteen miles away, maybe more. Finally, I looked to my left and to my right, and on both sides the canyon went far away for more than 200 miles. The Grand Canyon was not just big. It was huge!
I remained by the canyon for about half an hour, and I asked myself, "Is the Grand Canyon the greatest wonder of the natural world?" I certainly know the answer. What do you think? | [
"A magazine",
"A grammar book",
"A dictionary",
"A storybook"
] |
What's the best title of this passage? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Do you know that you are not outgoing enough? Do you want to make friends, but are you
too shy? Read the following rules. They will help you.
Feel comfortable.
Always be clean. Shower, brush your teeth, and try to look nice. Dress in clean clothes.
They must make you feel good and comfortable. Those make you feel more confident .
Smile more often.
Try to smile more often at people. It will get them to think that you are friendly Then they'll talk to you more even if they don't know you.
Just talk
Some people worry about talking because they think,"What am I going to talk about with that person?" Outgoing people don't even think about it.They just go up to people and say what they think.
Listen to people.
You can't just talk. People will think that you're self-centered .You have to listen to others and give your ideas. Let them know what you think.
Read the news.
Don't just stay at home and do nothing. Surf the net for news and information, and talk about them when you're with friends.
,.
Question:
What's the best title of this passage?
Choices:
A. Learn to Listen to People
B. How to Cook Nice
C. How to Be Outgoing
D. How to Make More Friends | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle4759.txt | Do you know that you are not outgoing enough? Do you want to make friends, but are you
too shy? Read the following rules. They will help you.
Feel comfortable.
Always be clean. Shower, brush your teeth, and try to look nice. Dress in clean clothes.
They must make you feel good and comfortable. Those make you feel more confident .
Smile more often.
Try to smile more often at people. It will get them to think that you are friendly Then they'll talk to you more even if they don't know you.
Just talk
Some people worry about talking because they think,"What am I going to talk about with that person?" Outgoing people don't even think about it.They just go up to people and say what they think.
Listen to people.
You can't just talk. People will think that you're self-centered .You have to listen to others and give your ideas. Let them know what you think.
Read the news.
Don't just stay at home and do nothing. Surf the net for news and information, and talk about them when you're with friends.
,. | [
"Learn to Listen to People",
"How to Cook Nice",
"How to Be Outgoing",
"How to Make More Friends"
] |
After a few drinks, the cowboy found his horse _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
One day a strong cowboy was traveling on his horse when he saw a bar. He decided to stop for a few drinks, so he tied his horse outside the bar, walked into the bar and ordered two bottles of beer. This cowboy was new in town. He looked around and noticed some people making faces to him. He guessed that they might play some tricks on him, but he said nothing and continued to drink. After drinking, he walked out of the bar and found his horse lost.
However, he kept calm, came back into the bar, and said slowly, " I don't know what you fools did to my horse out there... but I'm leaving in five minutes, and by then if my horse isn't back where it's supposed to be, well ... I have to do here what I did in Texas!" The cowboy added, "And I don't want to do what I did in Texas!" After hearing these words, the other customers seemed a little bit frightened.
The cowboy went back to his seat and ordered another two bottles of beer. After five minutes, he walked out and found his horse tied where it was supposed to be.
Just as he was leaving, the boss of the bar came up and asked curiously , "What was the thing that you did in Texas but you didn't want to do here?"
The cowboy turned to the boss and replied in a low voice, " I had to walk home!"
,. (5)
Question:
After a few drinks, the cowboy found his horse _ .
Choices:
A. ill
B. dead
C. asleep
D. lost | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle3513.txt | One day a strong cowboy was traveling on his horse when he saw a bar. He decided to stop for a few drinks, so he tied his horse outside the bar, walked into the bar and ordered two bottles of beer. This cowboy was new in town. He looked around and noticed some people making faces to him. He guessed that they might play some tricks on him, but he said nothing and continued to drink. After drinking, he walked out of the bar and found his horse lost.
However, he kept calm, came back into the bar, and said slowly, " I don't know what you fools did to my horse out there... but I'm leaving in five minutes, and by then if my horse isn't back where it's supposed to be, well ... I have to do here what I did in Texas!" The cowboy added, "And I don't want to do what I did in Texas!" After hearing these words, the other customers seemed a little bit frightened.
The cowboy went back to his seat and ordered another two bottles of beer. After five minutes, he walked out and found his horse tied where it was supposed to be.
Just as he was leaving, the boss of the bar came up and asked curiously , "What was the thing that you did in Texas but you didn't want to do here?"
The cowboy turned to the boss and replied in a low voice, " I had to walk home!"
,. (5) | [
"ill",
"dead",
"asleep",
"lost"
] |
What type of masses are structureless particles that cannot spin? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What type of masses are structureless particles that cannot spin? | point masses | science | null | null | null | inertial mass | weightless masses | turning masses | point masses | • Point masses are structureless particles that cannot spin. | null | null | null |
According to the passage, Duran may agree with the following except that _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Trying to recover from a devastating economic crisis, Spain is considering moving the country's clock back by one hour.
Many people regard long afternoon naps and late dinners as perfect aspects of the Spanish way of life. Until the 1940s, Spain was on the same time as Britain and Portugal. In World War II, Spain and Portugal moved the clocks forward to align them with Nazi Germany. The same happened in Portugal. After the defeat of Hitler, Portugal returned to Greenwich Mean Time, but Spain did not.
"The fact that for more than 71 years Spain has not been in its proper time zone means we sleep almost an hour less than the World Health Organization recommends," lawmakers in the Spanish Parliament wrote in a proposal."This has a negative effect on productivity, absenteeism, stress, accidents and school drop-out rates."
Last September, a parliamentary commission recommended that the government turn back the clocks by one hour and introduce a regular eight-hour workday. For the time being, the Spanish government is treating the campaign seriously but it hasn't taken any action yet.
Spain's time zone issue explains why everything in Spain happens later, from meal times to broadcast entertainment (primetime doesn't start until 10 pm). Many urban Spaniards complain of a never-ending workday that begins in the morning but is interrupted by a traditional late-morning break and then again by the midday siesta--a two-hour long lunch and nap that usually start at 2 pm. If workers return to their desks at 4 pm, they end up working late into the evening.
Under the proposed new schedule, the lunchtime break would be cut to an hour or less. The interruption-filled Spanish workday would be replaced by something closer to a 9-to-5 schedule. Ignacio Buqueras, president of the Association for the Rationalization of Spanish Working Hours, told The New York Times that changing the Spanish schedule would be good news for working mothers. It would also allow families more free time together and boost Spain's economic recovery.
Maria Angles Duran, a sociologist with the Spanish National Research Council, is skeptical that changing the time zone will reverse low productivity, which she attributes more to the structure of the service-oriented economy. But she agreed that a more normal work schedule would help women, who often complain that their husbands deliberately schedule meetings in the early evening.
"For men, this is perfect," Duran said, "They arrive home and the children have already had their baths! Timetables can be used as a sort of weapon."
Question:
According to the passage, Duran may agree with the following except that _ .
Choices:
A. the new schedule will allow families more free time
B. women will probably benefit from the new schedule
C. economic structure influences economic performance
D. men can escape housework in the existing schedule | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high18252.txt | Trying to recover from a devastating economic crisis, Spain is considering moving the country's clock back by one hour.
Many people regard long afternoon naps and late dinners as perfect aspects of the Spanish way of life. Until the 1940s, Spain was on the same time as Britain and Portugal. In World War II, Spain and Portugal moved the clocks forward to align them with Nazi Germany. The same happened in Portugal. After the defeat of Hitler, Portugal returned to Greenwich Mean Time, but Spain did not.
"The fact that for more than 71 years Spain has not been in its proper time zone means we sleep almost an hour less than the World Health Organization recommends," lawmakers in the Spanish Parliament wrote in a proposal."This has a negative effect on productivity, absenteeism, stress, accidents and school drop-out rates."
Last September, a parliamentary commission recommended that the government turn back the clocks by one hour and introduce a regular eight-hour workday. For the time being, the Spanish government is treating the campaign seriously but it hasn't taken any action yet.
Spain's time zone issue explains why everything in Spain happens later, from meal times to broadcast entertainment (primetime doesn't start until 10 pm). Many urban Spaniards complain of a never-ending workday that begins in the morning but is interrupted by a traditional late-morning break and then again by the midday siesta--a two-hour long lunch and nap that usually start at 2 pm. If workers return to their desks at 4 pm, they end up working late into the evening.
Under the proposed new schedule, the lunchtime break would be cut to an hour or less. The interruption-filled Spanish workday would be replaced by something closer to a 9-to-5 schedule. Ignacio Buqueras, president of the Association for the Rationalization of Spanish Working Hours, told The New York Times that changing the Spanish schedule would be good news for working mothers. It would also allow families more free time together and boost Spain's economic recovery.
Maria Angles Duran, a sociologist with the Spanish National Research Council, is skeptical that changing the time zone will reverse low productivity, which she attributes more to the structure of the service-oriented economy. But she agreed that a more normal work schedule would help women, who often complain that their husbands deliberately schedule meetings in the early evening.
"For men, this is perfect," Duran said, "They arrive home and the children have already had their baths! Timetables can be used as a sort of weapon." | [
"the new schedule will allow families more free time",
"women will probably benefit from the new schedule",
"economic structure influences economic performance",
"men can escape housework in the existing schedule"
] |
The police do many things for us. They help keep our things and us _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The police do many things for us. They help keep our things and us safe. They help keep cars moving safely. They take care of people who are hurt. Then they see these people get to a doctor.
The police go around town to see that everything is all right. They get around town in many ways. Some of them walk or go by car. In some big cities,some of the police ride on horses. It is strange to see these animals in the street.
As they go around town,the police help people. Sometimes they find lost children. They take the children home. If the police see a fight,they put an end to it right away. Sometimes people will ask the police how to get to a place in town. The police can always tell the people which way to go. They know all the streets and roads well.
Some police stand at crossings. They tell the cars when to go and when to stop. They make sure that the cars do not go too fast. They help children cross the street. They also help people who can't walk too well.
Without the police,our streets would not be safe. Cars might go too fast and hurt people. Lost people might never be found. The police do a good job. We need them. And we should thank them for a job well done.
Question:
The police do many things for us. They help keep our things and us _ .
Choices:
A. warm
B. clean
C. quiet
D. safe | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high8590.txt | The police do many things for us. They help keep our things and us safe. They help keep cars moving safely. They take care of people who are hurt. Then they see these people get to a doctor.
The police go around town to see that everything is all right. They get around town in many ways. Some of them walk or go by car. In some big cities,some of the police ride on horses. It is strange to see these animals in the street.
As they go around town,the police help people. Sometimes they find lost children. They take the children home. If the police see a fight,they put an end to it right away. Sometimes people will ask the police how to get to a place in town. The police can always tell the people which way to go. They know all the streets and roads well.
Some police stand at crossings. They tell the cars when to go and when to stop. They make sure that the cars do not go too fast. They help children cross the street. They also help people who can't walk too well.
Without the police,our streets would not be safe. Cars might go too fast and hurt people. Lost people might never be found. The police do a good job. We need them. And we should thank them for a job well done. | [
"warm",
"clean",
"quiet",
"safe"
] |
The purpose of the author in writing the text is to _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
No matter where you travel in Asia, you'll find yourself faced with a new culture, amazing food and special and friendly people. Here are some of these wonderful cities.
Beijing, China
Beijing serves as the capital of China. The city is old. In fact, almost all buildings have some cultural or historical significance --no matter how small they are. Throughout the city you can find temples, palaces, and works of art that can make you breathless.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
The wonderful town of Siem Reap is actually a good place to visit, though most people regard it only as a base point for further trips to Angkor and other nearby attractions. Visitors will be amazed by the beautiful temples and artworks that still exist today.
Kathmandu, Nepal
Located in the heart of the Himalayas, Kathmandu, the largest city and the capital of Nepal, is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in existence today. It is well-known for its beautiful views of the Himalayas. The shopping districts are world-famous and the hotels in Kathmandu are among the best in the world.
Kyoto, Japan
The city of Kyoto served as the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868. No longer the capital, it is known as the seventh largest city in Japan instead. Kyoto was destroyed many times throughout history by fires and wars. Now the city is home to more than 1.4 million people and presents a modern look to the world.
Question:
The purpose of the author in writing the text is to _ .
Choices:
A. tell readers where to go shopping in Asia
B. introduce some attractive tourist cities in Asia
C. tell readers about the history of some Asian cities
D. give readers some tips on traveling in Asia | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high17969.txt | No matter where you travel in Asia, you'll find yourself faced with a new culture, amazing food and special and friendly people. Here are some of these wonderful cities.
Beijing, China
Beijing serves as the capital of China. The city is old. In fact, almost all buildings have some cultural or historical significance --no matter how small they are. Throughout the city you can find temples, palaces, and works of art that can make you breathless.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
The wonderful town of Siem Reap is actually a good place to visit, though most people regard it only as a base point for further trips to Angkor and other nearby attractions. Visitors will be amazed by the beautiful temples and artworks that still exist today.
Kathmandu, Nepal
Located in the heart of the Himalayas, Kathmandu, the largest city and the capital of Nepal, is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in existence today. It is well-known for its beautiful views of the Himalayas. The shopping districts are world-famous and the hotels in Kathmandu are among the best in the world.
Kyoto, Japan
The city of Kyoto served as the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868. No longer the capital, it is known as the seventh largest city in Japan instead. Kyoto was destroyed many times throughout history by fires and wars. Now the city is home to more than 1.4 million people and presents a modern look to the world. | [
"tell readers where to go shopping in Asia",
"introduce some attractive tourist cities in Asia",
"tell readers about the history of some Asian cities",
"give readers some tips on traveling in Asia"
] |
What was in the box in the daughter's opinion? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
A man punished his 5-year-old daughter for wasting some expensive gold wrapping paper. Money was little and he became more upset when the child used the gold paper to decorate a box and put it under a Christmas tree.
However, the little girl brought the gift box to her father the next morning and said, " This is for you, daddy."
The father was embarrassed by his earlier anger, but he got angry again when he found the box empty. He spoke to her in a serious manner, "Don't you know young lady, when you give someone a present, there's supposed to be something inside the package?"
The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and said, "Oh Daddy, it is not empty.I blew kisses into it until it was full." The father was moved. He fell on his knees and put his arms around his little girl and he begged her to forgive his unnecessary anger.
An accident took the life of the child away only a short time later and it is told that the father kept the gold box by his bed for all the years of his life. Whenever he was discouraged or faced difficult problems, he would open the box and take out an imaginary kiss and remember the child who had put it there.
Question:
What was in the box in the daughter's opinion?
Choices:
A. She put something into the box
B. She had no money to buy gifts
C. She didn't know how to send gifts
D. She forgot to put gifts in the box | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle6635.txt | A man punished his 5-year-old daughter for wasting some expensive gold wrapping paper. Money was little and he became more upset when the child used the gold paper to decorate a box and put it under a Christmas tree.
However, the little girl brought the gift box to her father the next morning and said, " This is for you, daddy."
The father was embarrassed by his earlier anger, but he got angry again when he found the box empty. He spoke to her in a serious manner, "Don't you know young lady, when you give someone a present, there's supposed to be something inside the package?"
The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and said, "Oh Daddy, it is not empty.I blew kisses into it until it was full." The father was moved. He fell on his knees and put his arms around his little girl and he begged her to forgive his unnecessary anger.
An accident took the life of the child away only a short time later and it is told that the father kept the gold box by his bed for all the years of his life. Whenever he was discouraged or faced difficult problems, he would open the box and take out an imaginary kiss and remember the child who had put it there. | [
"She put something into the box",
"She had no money to buy gifts",
"She didn't know how to send gifts",
"She forgot to put gifts in the box"
] |
Give the best title for this passage. | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
If you do not use your arms or your legs for some time, they become weak; when you start using them again, they slowly become strong again. Everybody knows that. Yet many people do not seem to know that memory works in the same way.
When someone says that he has a good memory, he really means that he keeps his memory in practice by using it. When someone else says that his memory is poor, he really means that he does not give it enough chance to become strong.
If a friend says that his arms and legs are weak, we know that it is his fault. But if he tells us that he has a poor memory, many of us think that his parents are to blame, and few of us know that it is just his own fault.
Have you ever found that some people can't read or write but they have better memories? This is because they cannot read or write and they have to remember things; they cannot write them down in a little notebook. They have to remember days, names, songs and stories; so their memory is the whole time being exercised.
So if you want to have a good memory, learn from the people: practise remembering.
Question:
Give the best title for this passage.
Choices:
A. How To Have A Good Memory
B. Don't Stop Using Your Arms Or Legs
C. Strong Arms And Good Memories
D. Learn From The People | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high2233.txt | If you do not use your arms or your legs for some time, they become weak; when you start using them again, they slowly become strong again. Everybody knows that. Yet many people do not seem to know that memory works in the same way.
When someone says that he has a good memory, he really means that he keeps his memory in practice by using it. When someone else says that his memory is poor, he really means that he does not give it enough chance to become strong.
If a friend says that his arms and legs are weak, we know that it is his fault. But if he tells us that he has a poor memory, many of us think that his parents are to blame, and few of us know that it is just his own fault.
Have you ever found that some people can't read or write but they have better memories? This is because they cannot read or write and they have to remember things; they cannot write them down in a little notebook. They have to remember days, names, songs and stories; so their memory is the whole time being exercised.
So if you want to have a good memory, learn from the people: practise remembering. | [
"How To Have A Good Memory",
"Don't Stop Using Your Arms Or Legs",
"Strong Arms And Good Memories",
"Learn From The People"
] |
What do employers think of the graduates with different skill sets and knowledge in many areas? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Today, when there are many top graduates looking for top jobs, graduates can differentiate themselves by obtaining a double major or even a double degree. Increasingly, employers are looking for individuals who are not only competent and intelligent, but who have different skill sets and who are knowledgeable in many areas. Part of the appeal to employers is that your extra work demonstrates a willingness to take on difficult tasks. Additionally, if your majors overlap , you are able to show potential employers that you have both _ and depth of knowledge.
By studying for a double major, although you will be studying for only one degree, you will be focusing on two related and integrated subjects that complement each other. Classes overlap between the majors, meaning fewer classes are required than with a double degree, so it is easier to finish within four years.
In contrast, with the more rigorous double degree, you will be studying for two different degrees in two completely different areas of study. Although pursuing such a course of study allows students to complete two wholly separate degrees in less time than if they were to earn them separately, many strong students still find it incredibly difficult to complete in four or five years.
If you are committed to a double major/degree, it is wise to do a little bit of planning. Some students try to find two courses of studies that are related, while others seek to round out their academic studies by choosing two completely unrelated fields.
For double majors, common pairings include: (i) economics and a foreign language; (ii) political science or government and journalism; (iii) economics and psychology.
For double degrees, common pairings include: (i) engineering and a business program such as finance or accounting; (ii) engineering and economics.
Question:
What do employers think of the graduates with different skill sets and knowledge in many areas?
Choices:
A. They should be given top jobs.
B. They are willing to take difficult tasks.
C. They are better than those who are competent and intelligent.
D. They must have attained a double major or even a double degree. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high1988.txt | Today, when there are many top graduates looking for top jobs, graduates can differentiate themselves by obtaining a double major or even a double degree. Increasingly, employers are looking for individuals who are not only competent and intelligent, but who have different skill sets and who are knowledgeable in many areas. Part of the appeal to employers is that your extra work demonstrates a willingness to take on difficult tasks. Additionally, if your majors overlap , you are able to show potential employers that you have both _ and depth of knowledge.
By studying for a double major, although you will be studying for only one degree, you will be focusing on two related and integrated subjects that complement each other. Classes overlap between the majors, meaning fewer classes are required than with a double degree, so it is easier to finish within four years.
In contrast, with the more rigorous double degree, you will be studying for two different degrees in two completely different areas of study. Although pursuing such a course of study allows students to complete two wholly separate degrees in less time than if they were to earn them separately, many strong students still find it incredibly difficult to complete in four or five years.
If you are committed to a double major/degree, it is wise to do a little bit of planning. Some students try to find two courses of studies that are related, while others seek to round out their academic studies by choosing two completely unrelated fields.
For double majors, common pairings include: (i) economics and a foreign language; (ii) political science or government and journalism; (iii) economics and psychology.
For double degrees, common pairings include: (i) engineering and a business program such as finance or accounting; (ii) engineering and economics. | [
"They should be given top jobs.",
"They are willing to take difficult tasks.",
"They are better than those who are competent and intelligent.",
"They must have attained a double major or even a double degree."
] |
Why did Blood donation centers advise people to register ahead of time?( ) | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
When computer salesman Li Guang and his girlfriend Huang Minxia saw on TV the destruction caused by the unexpected earthquake,they quickly filled their car with bottled water and instant noodles and drove more than 160 miles to lend a hand.
"It's a small car,but we just wanted to help," said Li,from Chongqing,a city next to the hardest-hit Sichuan province.
Donations are flooding in,more money than charities in China collected all of last year,and so are volunteers.
In the week since the quake,donations have totaled $1.3 billion--85 percent raised within China.
Many,like Li,are taking advantage of growing private car ownership and a new,expanding highway system to join the line of government and army assistance toward the epicenter.
Across the disaster region,thousands of cars decorated with large handwritten signs--"Hardship comes from one direction,help comes from everywhere" and "For the people,for the Beijing Olympics"--were coming from as far as the capital,Beijing,more than 900 miles away.
Private cars crowded so thickly on roads that the police set up donation drop-off points outside cities and towns to clear the way for army and government assistance.People living in tents along the roads posted handwritten signs asking for urgently needed items--water,rice,vegetables.Cars paused to hand out a box or two and then drove on.
Instead of waiting for government-organized charity drives,people quickly acted on their own.Bank account numbers for making earthquake donations flashed on Web logs and mobile phones.Blood donation centers were overwhelmed by offers and began asking citizens to register in advance.
"People are really united this time,and they're acting on their own without waiting to be asked.It sounds _ ,but we're taught in schools and from our parents about helping others," said Ge Jian,the company's general manager.
Question:
Why did Blood donation centers advise people to register ahead of time?( )
Choices:
A. Because they were expecting more money rather than blood.
B. Because they had collected enough blood for the disaster.
C. Because they were ready to go to the epicenter and they were much too busy.
D. Because too many people were offering to donate blood. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high7633.txt | When computer salesman Li Guang and his girlfriend Huang Minxia saw on TV the destruction caused by the unexpected earthquake,they quickly filled their car with bottled water and instant noodles and drove more than 160 miles to lend a hand.
"It's a small car,but we just wanted to help," said Li,from Chongqing,a city next to the hardest-hit Sichuan province.
Donations are flooding in,more money than charities in China collected all of last year,and so are volunteers.
In the week since the quake,donations have totaled $1.3 billion--85 percent raised within China.
Many,like Li,are taking advantage of growing private car ownership and a new,expanding highway system to join the line of government and army assistance toward the epicenter.
Across the disaster region,thousands of cars decorated with large handwritten signs--"Hardship comes from one direction,help comes from everywhere" and "For the people,for the Beijing Olympics"--were coming from as far as the capital,Beijing,more than 900 miles away.
Private cars crowded so thickly on roads that the police set up donation drop-off points outside cities and towns to clear the way for army and government assistance.People living in tents along the roads posted handwritten signs asking for urgently needed items--water,rice,vegetables.Cars paused to hand out a box or two and then drove on.
Instead of waiting for government-organized charity drives,people quickly acted on their own.Bank account numbers for making earthquake donations flashed on Web logs and mobile phones.Blood donation centers were overwhelmed by offers and began asking citizens to register in advance.
"People are really united this time,and they're acting on their own without waiting to be asked.It sounds _ ,but we're taught in schools and from our parents about helping others," said Ge Jian,the company's general manager. | [
"Because they were expecting more money rather than blood.",
"Because they had collected enough blood for the disaster.",
"Because they were ready to go to the epicenter and they were much too busy.",
"Because too many people were offering to donate blood."
] |
What do we call the region on the lung root formed by the entrance of the nerves at the hilum? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What do we call the region on the lung root formed by the entrance of the nerves at the hilum? | pulmonary plexus | science | null | null | null | brain plexus | renal plexus | heart plexus | pulmonary plexus | Nervous Innervation Dilation and constriction of the airway are achieved through nervous control by the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. The parasympathetic system causes bronchoconstriction, whereas the sympathetic nervous system stimulates bronchodilation. Reflexes such as coughing, and the ability of the lungs to regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, also result from this autonomic nervous system control. Sensory nerve fibers arise from the vagus nerve, and from the second to fifth thoracic ganglia. The pulmonary plexus is a region on the lung root formed by the entrance of the nerves at the hilum. The nerves then follow the bronchi in the lungs and branch to innervate muscle fibers, glands, and blood vessels. | null | null | null |
What is the best title for the passage? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Honesty is the best policy, as the English saying goes. Unfortunately, honesty often leaves us when no one is watching, British psychologists reported last week.
Researchers at UK's Newcastle University set up an experiment in their psychology department's coffee room.
They set a kettle, with tea, coffee and milk on the counter and hung up a sign listing the price for drinks. People helping themselves to a cup of tea were supposed to put a few cents in the box nearby.
The scientists hung a poster above the money box, and changed each week between pictures of gazing eyes and pictures of flowers. The researchers found that staff paid 2.76 times more for their drinks when the image of the eyes was hung.
"We were shocked by the size of the effect," said Gilbert Roberts, one of the researchers.
Eyes are known to be a powerful perceptual signal for humans, scientists say.
"Even though the eyes were not real, they still seemed to make people behave more honestly," said Melissa Bateson, a behavioral biologist and leader of the study.
Researchers believe the effect throws light on our evolutionary past. It may arise from behavioral characteristics that developed when early humans formed social groups to strengthen their chances of survival. For social groups to work, individuals had to co-operate, rather than act selfishly. "There's an argument that if nobody is watching us, it is in our interests to behave selfishly. But when we're being watched we should behave better. So people see us as co-operative and behave the same way towards us," Bateson said.
The new finding indicates that people have a striking response to eyes. That might be because eyes and faces send a strong biological signal we have evolved to respond to, Bateson said.
The finding could be put to practical use. For example, images of eyes could ensure ticket sales on public transport and improve surveillance systems to deter anti-social behavior.
Question:
What is the best title for the passage?
Choices:
A. You're being watched!
B. Pay for your drink, please!
C. Mind your behavior in public!
D. Look out for electronic surveillance equipment! | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high11340.txt | Honesty is the best policy, as the English saying goes. Unfortunately, honesty often leaves us when no one is watching, British psychologists reported last week.
Researchers at UK's Newcastle University set up an experiment in their psychology department's coffee room.
They set a kettle, with tea, coffee and milk on the counter and hung up a sign listing the price for drinks. People helping themselves to a cup of tea were supposed to put a few cents in the box nearby.
The scientists hung a poster above the money box, and changed each week between pictures of gazing eyes and pictures of flowers. The researchers found that staff paid 2.76 times more for their drinks when the image of the eyes was hung.
"We were shocked by the size of the effect," said Gilbert Roberts, one of the researchers.
Eyes are known to be a powerful perceptual signal for humans, scientists say.
"Even though the eyes were not real, they still seemed to make people behave more honestly," said Melissa Bateson, a behavioral biologist and leader of the study.
Researchers believe the effect throws light on our evolutionary past. It may arise from behavioral characteristics that developed when early humans formed social groups to strengthen their chances of survival. For social groups to work, individuals had to co-operate, rather than act selfishly. "There's an argument that if nobody is watching us, it is in our interests to behave selfishly. But when we're being watched we should behave better. So people see us as co-operative and behave the same way towards us," Bateson said.
The new finding indicates that people have a striking response to eyes. That might be because eyes and faces send a strong biological signal we have evolved to respond to, Bateson said.
The finding could be put to practical use. For example, images of eyes could ensure ticket sales on public transport and improve surveillance systems to deter anti-social behavior. | [
"You're being watched!",
"Pay for your drink, please!",
"Mind your behavior in public!",
"Look out for electronic surveillance equipment!"
] |
It can be inferred from the text that _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The British aren't having as many children as they used to. One reason is that people are having children much older than before, meaning they have fewer years in which they can have them. After years at university, they need a few years of work experience before they can get the job they want. They might then get married, but it's incredibly expensive to buy a house in the UK.
The above explains why young British people now don't move out of their parents' home until they are around 30 years old on average. It is not until they are 30 that they can afford their own home. Increasingly, it is not until that age that they can afford to get married and start a new life in a new home. It's only after this age that many young people start thinking about having a child.
So a British person manages to get a job, get a home and get married. Why isn't he or she then having at least two children on average? The main reason is that it is quite expensive to bring up a child in the UK. Why is it expensive? Well, these days, both parents need to work just to pay for their home and living expenses. Because both parents are at work, that means they then need to pay someone to look after their child during the day. Paying for this childcare is nearly always expensive.
The recent financial crisis is making things even harder for families, since unemployment is rising and even fewer people can afford to have children. With so much pressure on families, is it any surprise that the divorce rate is so high?
So what is Britain doing to try and save the British family? The government is trying to make it cheaper to have children. For example, there have been increases in money families can claim from the state each month. Also, there are increasing government _ for nursery schools, so that parents do not need to pay so much for child care.
The government is also trying to reduce the number of hours British parents have to work to earn enough money to pay their bills. If parents didn't have to work so many hours, they'd have more time to spend with their children and wouldn't need to spend so much on childcare. On average, a Briton works 49 hours a week, which is the most in Europe. The state is now considering introducing laws to encourage companies to improve their employees' work-life balance. Let's hope they're not too late to save the British family. Otherwise, the British will always be too tired, and won't have enough time and money, to have children.
Question:
It can be inferred from the text that _ .
Choices:
A. with long work hours, it is hard for British parents to balance life and work
B. more and more families in Britain are breaking up because they are having fewer children
C. among Europeans, British people work hardest and earn the least
D. childcare takes up too much energy and time for the British | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high3251.txt | The British aren't having as many children as they used to. One reason is that people are having children much older than before, meaning they have fewer years in which they can have them. After years at university, they need a few years of work experience before they can get the job they want. They might then get married, but it's incredibly expensive to buy a house in the UK.
The above explains why young British people now don't move out of their parents' home until they are around 30 years old on average. It is not until they are 30 that they can afford their own home. Increasingly, it is not until that age that they can afford to get married and start a new life in a new home. It's only after this age that many young people start thinking about having a child.
So a British person manages to get a job, get a home and get married. Why isn't he or she then having at least two children on average? The main reason is that it is quite expensive to bring up a child in the UK. Why is it expensive? Well, these days, both parents need to work just to pay for their home and living expenses. Because both parents are at work, that means they then need to pay someone to look after their child during the day. Paying for this childcare is nearly always expensive.
The recent financial crisis is making things even harder for families, since unemployment is rising and even fewer people can afford to have children. With so much pressure on families, is it any surprise that the divorce rate is so high?
So what is Britain doing to try and save the British family? The government is trying to make it cheaper to have children. For example, there have been increases in money families can claim from the state each month. Also, there are increasing government _ for nursery schools, so that parents do not need to pay so much for child care.
The government is also trying to reduce the number of hours British parents have to work to earn enough money to pay their bills. If parents didn't have to work so many hours, they'd have more time to spend with their children and wouldn't need to spend so much on childcare. On average, a Briton works 49 hours a week, which is the most in Europe. The state is now considering introducing laws to encourage companies to improve their employees' work-life balance. Let's hope they're not too late to save the British family. Otherwise, the British will always be too tired, and won't have enough time and money, to have children. | [
"with long work hours, it is hard for British parents to balance life and work",
"more and more families in Britain are breaking up because they are having fewer children",
"among Europeans, British people work hardest and earn the least",
"childcare takes up too much energy and time for the British"
] |
After being exposed to continuous nighttime light, the mice _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Doctors sometimes prescribe light therapy to treat a form of depression in people who get too little morning sun. But too much light at other times may actually cause such mood disorders. Long-lasting exposure to light at night brings depression, a new study finds, at least in animals.
The new data confirm observations from studies of people who work night shifts, says Richard Stevens of the University of Connecticut Health Center. Mood disorders join a growing list of problems, including cancer, obesity and diabetes--that can occur when light throws life out of balance by disturbing the biological clock and its timing of daily rhythms. www.ks5u.com
In the new study, Tracy Bedrosian and Randy Nelson of Ohio State University exposed mice to normal light and dark cycles for four weeks. For the next four weeks, half of the mice remained on this schedule, and the rest received continuous dim light throughout their night. Compared with mice exposed to normal nighttime darkness, those getting dim light at night lost their strong preference for sweet drinks, "a sign they no longer get pleasure out of activities they once enjoyed, " Bedrosian says.
In a second test, mice were clocked on how long they actively tried to escape a pool of water. Those exposed to night lights stopped struggling and just floated in the water, a sign of "behavioral despair",10 times as long as the mice that had experienced normal nighttime darkness. All symptoms of depression disappeared within two weeks of the mice returning to a normal light-dark cycle, the researchers report. The scientists also could quash the behavioral symptoms by injecting the brains of animals with a drug that prohibits the activity of certain molecules linked with human depression. This finding further suggests that light at night may cause something related to depression.
Human studies linking nighttime light and mood disorders are important but can't easily detect molecular underpinnings as animal studies can,says George Brainard of Thomas Jefferson University. The new work, he says, suggests that the change of the biological clock by light at night can be "an extremely powerful force in regulating biology and behavior. "
Question:
After being exposed to continuous nighttime light, the mice _ .
Choices:
A. changed their preferences
B. escaped from the water more eagerly
C. showed less interest in their favorites
D. remained active as before | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high18516.txt | Doctors sometimes prescribe light therapy to treat a form of depression in people who get too little morning sun. But too much light at other times may actually cause such mood disorders. Long-lasting exposure to light at night brings depression, a new study finds, at least in animals.
The new data confirm observations from studies of people who work night shifts, says Richard Stevens of the University of Connecticut Health Center. Mood disorders join a growing list of problems, including cancer, obesity and diabetes--that can occur when light throws life out of balance by disturbing the biological clock and its timing of daily rhythms. www.ks5u.com
In the new study, Tracy Bedrosian and Randy Nelson of Ohio State University exposed mice to normal light and dark cycles for four weeks. For the next four weeks, half of the mice remained on this schedule, and the rest received continuous dim light throughout their night. Compared with mice exposed to normal nighttime darkness, those getting dim light at night lost their strong preference for sweet drinks, "a sign they no longer get pleasure out of activities they once enjoyed, " Bedrosian says.
In a second test, mice were clocked on how long they actively tried to escape a pool of water. Those exposed to night lights stopped struggling and just floated in the water, a sign of "behavioral despair",10 times as long as the mice that had experienced normal nighttime darkness. All symptoms of depression disappeared within two weeks of the mice returning to a normal light-dark cycle, the researchers report. The scientists also could quash the behavioral symptoms by injecting the brains of animals with a drug that prohibits the activity of certain molecules linked with human depression. This finding further suggests that light at night may cause something related to depression.
Human studies linking nighttime light and mood disorders are important but can't easily detect molecular underpinnings as animal studies can,says George Brainard of Thomas Jefferson University. The new work, he says, suggests that the change of the biological clock by light at night can be "an extremely powerful force in regulating biology and behavior. " | [
"changed their preferences",
"escaped from the water more eagerly",
"showed less interest in their favorites",
"remained active as before"
] |
Why didn't the two mice escape immediately? | D | 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:
Why didn't the two mice escape immediately?
Choices:
A. They didn't know about the danger.
B. One was trying to bite the tail of the other.
C. They couldn't find the right direction to run away.
D. One was trying to help the other to escape together. | Answer: D | 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. | [
"They didn't know about the danger.",
"One was trying to bite the tail of the other.",
"They couldn't find the right direction to run away.",
"One was trying to help the other to escape together."
] |
Which of the following can show the track of the father's struggle? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
My father was born on a farm in Tipperary, Ireland. He was the fourth child out of eight children.
My father was the oldest boy so the majority of the responsibility fell upon his shoulders to complete the farm work. He attended school until the fourth grade; his father pulled him out of school to work on the farm permanently , though he hated it. Though supposed to _ the farm, my father had other plans. At sixteen he left home for England.
He left without telling his parents anything. He eventually became very homesick and missed his mother greatly. He came back to Ireland and worked on the farm until he was eighteen. He got tired of the farm and left home for England again. He worked as a construction worker for five years, and then a part-time actor. But he couldn't get a decent job because he was Irish. Many times he would walk into an interview and read a sign saying, "The Irish need not apply."
He was twenty years old with no family and limited friends in a foreign country that didn't want him. Once he was able to work again my father decided to save money to move to Australia. He lived in a house with a fellow Irishman, a Swede, an Englishman, and an Austrian for five years becoming a successful salesman. He bought a beach house for himself in Sydney. He then traveled through Europe visiting his family in Ireland.
In 1975 my father came to America as an illegal immigrant . My father with a friend of his drove across the country to Los Angeles with the dream of becoming Hollywood stars. My father lived in his car for the first few months in Los Angeles, and worked as a used car salesman. After two years of living in Los Angeles, he became documented. He met my mother and started a family. My parents have kept the family in Los Angeles, and just three years ago my father became a U.S. citizen.
Question:
Which of the following can show the track of the father's struggle?
Choices:
A. Australia--Europe--America.
B. England--Australia--America.
C. Ireland--America--England.
D. Australia--Sweden--England. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high9115.txt | My father was born on a farm in Tipperary, Ireland. He was the fourth child out of eight children.
My father was the oldest boy so the majority of the responsibility fell upon his shoulders to complete the farm work. He attended school until the fourth grade; his father pulled him out of school to work on the farm permanently , though he hated it. Though supposed to _ the farm, my father had other plans. At sixteen he left home for England.
He left without telling his parents anything. He eventually became very homesick and missed his mother greatly. He came back to Ireland and worked on the farm until he was eighteen. He got tired of the farm and left home for England again. He worked as a construction worker for five years, and then a part-time actor. But he couldn't get a decent job because he was Irish. Many times he would walk into an interview and read a sign saying, "The Irish need not apply."
He was twenty years old with no family and limited friends in a foreign country that didn't want him. Once he was able to work again my father decided to save money to move to Australia. He lived in a house with a fellow Irishman, a Swede, an Englishman, and an Austrian for five years becoming a successful salesman. He bought a beach house for himself in Sydney. He then traveled through Europe visiting his family in Ireland.
In 1975 my father came to America as an illegal immigrant . My father with a friend of his drove across the country to Los Angeles with the dream of becoming Hollywood stars. My father lived in his car for the first few months in Los Angeles, and worked as a used car salesman. After two years of living in Los Angeles, he became documented. He met my mother and started a family. My parents have kept the family in Los Angeles, and just three years ago my father became a U.S. citizen. | [
"Australia--Europe--America.",
"England--Australia--America.",
"Ireland--America--England.",
"Australia--Sweden--England."
] |
The text is developed _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Fido was now his master's constant companion in his walks, playing and skipping round him, and amusing him by a thousand sportive tricks . He took care, however, not to be troublesome by leaping on him with dirty paws, nor would he follow him into the parlor , unless invited. He also attempted to make himself useful by a number of little services. He would drive away the sparrows as they were stealing the chickens' meat; and would run and bark with the utmost fury at any strange pigs or other animals that offered to come into the yard. He kept the poultry, geese, and pigs from straying beyond their bounds and particularly from doing mischief in the garden. He was always ready to alarm Towzer if there was any suspicious noise about the house, day or night. If his master pulled off his coat in the field to help his workman, as he would sometimes do, Fido always sat by it, and would not suffer either man or beast to touch it. By this means he came to be considered as a very trusty protector of his master's property.
His master was once confined to his bed with a dangerous illness. Fido planted himself at the chamber-door, and could not be persuaded to leave it even to take food; and as soon as his master was so far recovered as to sit up, Fido, being admitted into the room, ran up to him with such marks of excessive joy and affection, as would have melted any heart to behold.
One hot day, after dinner, his master was sleeping in a summer-house , with Fido by his side. The building was old and crazy; the dog comprehended the danger, and began barking to awaken his master; and this not sufficing, he jumped up, and gently bit his finger. The master upon this started up, and had just time to get out of the door before the whole building fell down. Fido, who was behind, got hurt by some rubbish which fell upon him. Thus his love and fidelity had their full reward.
Question:
The text is developed _ .
Choices:
A. by inference
B. by examples
C. by comparison
D. by figures | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high8497.txt | Fido was now his master's constant companion in his walks, playing and skipping round him, and amusing him by a thousand sportive tricks . He took care, however, not to be troublesome by leaping on him with dirty paws, nor would he follow him into the parlor , unless invited. He also attempted to make himself useful by a number of little services. He would drive away the sparrows as they were stealing the chickens' meat; and would run and bark with the utmost fury at any strange pigs or other animals that offered to come into the yard. He kept the poultry, geese, and pigs from straying beyond their bounds and particularly from doing mischief in the garden. He was always ready to alarm Towzer if there was any suspicious noise about the house, day or night. If his master pulled off his coat in the field to help his workman, as he would sometimes do, Fido always sat by it, and would not suffer either man or beast to touch it. By this means he came to be considered as a very trusty protector of his master's property.
His master was once confined to his bed with a dangerous illness. Fido planted himself at the chamber-door, and could not be persuaded to leave it even to take food; and as soon as his master was so far recovered as to sit up, Fido, being admitted into the room, ran up to him with such marks of excessive joy and affection, as would have melted any heart to behold.
One hot day, after dinner, his master was sleeping in a summer-house , with Fido by his side. The building was old and crazy; the dog comprehended the danger, and began barking to awaken his master; and this not sufficing, he jumped up, and gently bit his finger. The master upon this started up, and had just time to get out of the door before the whole building fell down. Fido, who was behind, got hurt by some rubbish which fell upon him. Thus his love and fidelity had their full reward. | [
"by inference",
"by examples",
"by comparison",
"by figures"
] |
On Thanksgiving Day the author's family do the following except _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Every American family has its own traditions on Thanksgiving Day, and mine is no difference. Once the national holiday arrives, my mom rises early to make the meal. She puts a turkey in the oven, chops carrots and bakes pies. I'm sorry to say that the men in the family - my dad, my younger brother and myself - rarely pitch in to help. Our job is to wash the mountain of dirty dishes after the meal is over.
Around 2 pm every Thanksgiving Day, family members seat themselves around the kitchen table. Plates of turkey, vegetables, salad, rolls and pies cover it. At this point, we can hardly keep ourselves from drooling all over our fancy clothes, but it's not yet time to eat.
First, we must bow our heads, close our eyes and say a prayer of thanks aloud to God for giving us everything we have. Under normal circumstances, I would have no problem making a list of things I am thankful for. I grew up in a loving family. My parents, who aren't wealthy, took out loans to help me pay for university.
But, the funny thing is, every time I sit down for Thanksgiving dinner and try to say a prayer of thanks, my mind usually goes blank. I think it has something to do with my growling stomach and all of that food sitting right there under my nose.
Eventually, though, we all finish our short prayers and _ . To be sure, the day includes other highlights - visiting with family and watching football. But usually around 6 pm we are all ourselves stuffed like turkeys and thankful to have a nice warm bed to sleep in.
Question:
On Thanksgiving Day the author's family do the following except _ .
Choices:
A. watching a movie
B. making visits
C. having a big meal
D. watching football | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high2182.txt | Every American family has its own traditions on Thanksgiving Day, and mine is no difference. Once the national holiday arrives, my mom rises early to make the meal. She puts a turkey in the oven, chops carrots and bakes pies. I'm sorry to say that the men in the family - my dad, my younger brother and myself - rarely pitch in to help. Our job is to wash the mountain of dirty dishes after the meal is over.
Around 2 pm every Thanksgiving Day, family members seat themselves around the kitchen table. Plates of turkey, vegetables, salad, rolls and pies cover it. At this point, we can hardly keep ourselves from drooling all over our fancy clothes, but it's not yet time to eat.
First, we must bow our heads, close our eyes and say a prayer of thanks aloud to God for giving us everything we have. Under normal circumstances, I would have no problem making a list of things I am thankful for. I grew up in a loving family. My parents, who aren't wealthy, took out loans to help me pay for university.
But, the funny thing is, every time I sit down for Thanksgiving dinner and try to say a prayer of thanks, my mind usually goes blank. I think it has something to do with my growling stomach and all of that food sitting right there under my nose.
Eventually, though, we all finish our short prayers and _ . To be sure, the day includes other highlights - visiting with family and watching football. But usually around 6 pm we are all ourselves stuffed like turkeys and thankful to have a nice warm bed to sleep in. | [
"watching a movie",
"making visits",
"having a big meal",
"watching football"
] |
Who usually use computers at school? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
We have now known something about computers---computers work for us at home, in offices and in factories. But it is also true that many children today are using computers at schools before they can write. What does this mean for the future? Are these children lucky or not?
Many people do not know about computers and they think of them as machines that children play with. They worry that children do not learn from experience but just from pressing* a button* and that this is not good for them. They think that children are growing not knowing about the real world. And they are very worried about that their children will lose themselves in the computer games.
But many people understand more about computers, they say that computers can be very good for children. A computer can help them to learn about the real world more quickly, to learn what they want to learn and think for themselves. And for the future, don't we need people who can think clearly, who know how to get information quickly and use it well? What do you think?
For example, e-mail is very popular at this moment. Do you know about e-mail? E-mail is a way of sending messages to other people. E-mail is a fast and cheap way to keep in touch with friends and family. It's much quicker than sending a letter. People who use e-mail have an e-mail address. This address must have letters and dots* and the symbol "@"meaning "at". This is what an address looks like. People can send the messages across the Internet. It is quick, easy and fun.
Question:
Who usually use computers at school?
Choices:
A. The old people
B. The teachers
C. The children
D. The parents | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle5045.txt | We have now known something about computers---computers work for us at home, in offices and in factories. But it is also true that many children today are using computers at schools before they can write. What does this mean for the future? Are these children lucky or not?
Many people do not know about computers and they think of them as machines that children play with. They worry that children do not learn from experience but just from pressing* a button* and that this is not good for them. They think that children are growing not knowing about the real world. And they are very worried about that their children will lose themselves in the computer games.
But many people understand more about computers, they say that computers can be very good for children. A computer can help them to learn about the real world more quickly, to learn what they want to learn and think for themselves. And for the future, don't we need people who can think clearly, who know how to get information quickly and use it well? What do you think?
For example, e-mail is very popular at this moment. Do you know about e-mail? E-mail is a way of sending messages to other people. E-mail is a fast and cheap way to keep in touch with friends and family. It's much quicker than sending a letter. People who use e-mail have an e-mail address. This address must have letters and dots* and the symbol "@"meaning "at". This is what an address looks like. People can send the messages across the Internet. It is quick, easy and fun. | [
"The old people",
"The teachers",
"The children",
"The parents"
] |
Jerry's twin sister is _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
I am an American boy. My name is Jerry Black. You can call me Jerry. I have a sister, Ginny. We are twins. But we are very different( ). I have a long face with a high nose, and she has a round face with a small nose. I like football. But she likes basketball. I like loud music. She likes light music.
My father is a doctor in a hospital. My mother runs a clothing shop. We have another family member, Beibei. She is a lovely dog. She will have a puppy soon.
Question:
Jerry's twin sister is _ .
Choices:
A. Beibei
B. Jill
C. Ginny
D. a puppy | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle3698.txt | I am an American boy. My name is Jerry Black. You can call me Jerry. I have a sister, Ginny. We are twins. But we are very different( ). I have a long face with a high nose, and she has a round face with a small nose. I like football. But she likes basketball. I like loud music. She likes light music.
My father is a doctor in a hospital. My mother runs a clothing shop. We have another family member, Beibei. She is a lovely dog. She will have a puppy soon. | [
"Beibei",
"Jill",
"Ginny",
"a puppy"
] |
Why is it good to look for groups in your area? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
If you want to make friends, what should you do?
Steps:
Try to look on the bright side of things.
Look for groups in your area that do something you are interested in. Maybe you will learn some new skills and meet some people who have many things in common with you.
Tips(,):
_ your friends at least once a week by telephone or e-mail, or by visiting them to find out how they are. Remember important things about them such as birthdays and weddings .
If you have an argument with your friends, say sorry first.
Remember never to leave old friends just because you have made some new ones.
Listen to others carefully. It's better to be a good listener.
Be different. Don't try to change others through your own ideas.
Warnings:
Never ask or give away a friend's secret.
Don't be afraid to stand up for what is right.
You'd better not give your ID number, phone number or your home address to people that you have just made friends with.
,A, B, C, D,. (10)
Question:
Why is it good to look for groups in your area?
Choices:
A. Because it isn't far.
B. Because it is a rule in your area.
C. Because you can make some money.
D. Because it's a good chance to meet people who have the same interests. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle2463.txt | If you want to make friends, what should you do?
Steps:
Try to look on the bright side of things.
Look for groups in your area that do something you are interested in. Maybe you will learn some new skills and meet some people who have many things in common with you.
Tips(,):
_ your friends at least once a week by telephone or e-mail, or by visiting them to find out how they are. Remember important things about them such as birthdays and weddings .
If you have an argument with your friends, say sorry first.
Remember never to leave old friends just because you have made some new ones.
Listen to others carefully. It's better to be a good listener.
Be different. Don't try to change others through your own ideas.
Warnings:
Never ask or give away a friend's secret.
Don't be afraid to stand up for what is right.
You'd better not give your ID number, phone number or your home address to people that you have just made friends with.
,A, B, C, D,. (10) | [
"Because it isn't far.",
"Because it is a rule in your area.",
"Because you can make some money.",
"Because it's a good chance to meet people who have the same interests."
] |
What is determined by the energy of the disturbance that causes the wave? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What is determined by the energy of the disturbance that causes the wave? | wave amplitude | science | null | null | null | frequency | wavelength | Ohm | wave amplitude | Wave amplitude is determined by the energy of the disturbance that causes the wave. A wave caused by a disturbance with more energy has greater amplitude. | null | null | null |
The whole story is about _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
One rainy evening I went to fill up at the gas station. A pre-teen boy approached my car and asked me for money to help him and his mother stay in their hotel for an additional week. He stated that if they did not come up with $25 they would be _ that same evening. Having worked in social services before and having doubt about this, I asked why his mother hadn't applied for social services for assistance. The boy said that they needed to remain in their hotel for one more week until his grandmother, who lived out of town, could take them in. I gave the boy what I had -- $5. He thanked me and continued to wander the parking lot asking for help. I got my gas and drove away.
Some weeks ago, a boy asked me for money and I told him I didn't have any though I did. Yet, I thought about it for a while and went looking for the boy to give him a dollar. But it seemed that he had disappeared into thin air. "This time," I thought, "I'll do it differently." I went to my bank and got an additional $20, then I returned to the gas station. The boy was still there. I observed him shyly approaching strangers who walked past him without notice. I pulled up and waved at the boy to come over. I handed him the $20 bill. He reached through my car window and gave me a huge hug. His hug told me all I needed to know -- that finally this kid could get out of the rain, the cold and the darkening skies and go inside where it was warm.
Question:
The whole story is about _ .
Choices:
A. dirty tricks by poor teenage boys
B. a car accident in a gas station
C. warm help in a cold rainy evening
D. loving gifts from a rich stranger | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high12831.txt | One rainy evening I went to fill up at the gas station. A pre-teen boy approached my car and asked me for money to help him and his mother stay in their hotel for an additional week. He stated that if they did not come up with $25 they would be _ that same evening. Having worked in social services before and having doubt about this, I asked why his mother hadn't applied for social services for assistance. The boy said that they needed to remain in their hotel for one more week until his grandmother, who lived out of town, could take them in. I gave the boy what I had -- $5. He thanked me and continued to wander the parking lot asking for help. I got my gas and drove away.
Some weeks ago, a boy asked me for money and I told him I didn't have any though I did. Yet, I thought about it for a while and went looking for the boy to give him a dollar. But it seemed that he had disappeared into thin air. "This time," I thought, "I'll do it differently." I went to my bank and got an additional $20, then I returned to the gas station. The boy was still there. I observed him shyly approaching strangers who walked past him without notice. I pulled up and waved at the boy to come over. I handed him the $20 bill. He reached through my car window and gave me a huge hug. His hug told me all I needed to know -- that finally this kid could get out of the rain, the cold and the darkening skies and go inside where it was warm. | [
"dirty tricks by poor teenage boys",
"a car accident in a gas station",
"warm help in a cold rainy evening",
"loving gifts from a rich stranger"
] |
How did grandma feel when Daniel announced his intention to give her one of his kidneys? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
My grandson, Daniel, and I have always been very close. When Daniel's father remarried after a divorce, Daniel, who was eleven, and his little sister, Kristie, came to live with us. My husband and I were more than happy to have kids in the house again.
Things were going along just fine until the diabetes I've lived with most of my adult life started affecting my eyes, and then more seriously, my kidneys . Then everything seemed to fall apart.
Three times a week, I had to go to the hospital to be hooked up to a dialysis machine . I was living, but I couldn't really call it a life -- it was an existence. I had no energy. I dragged myself through daily chores and slept as much as I could. My sense of humor seemed to disappear.
Daniel, seventeen by then, was really affected by the change in me. He tried as hard as he could to make me laugh, to bring back the grandma who loved to clown around with him. Even in my sorry state, Daniel could still bring a smile to my face.
But things were not improving. After a year on dialysis, my condition was deteriorating and the doctors felt that if I didn't receive a kidney transplant within six months, I would surely die. No one told Daniel this, but he knew -- he said all he had to do was look after me. To top it off, as my condition worsened, there was a chance that I would become too weak to have the transplant surgery at all, and then there would be nothing they could do for me. So we started the tense and desperate wait for a kidney.
I was adamant that I didn't want a kidney from anyone I knew. I would wait until an appropriate kidney became available, or I would literally die waiting. But Daniel had other plans. The time that he took me to my dialysis appointments, he did a little secret research on his own. Then he announced his intention to me.
"Grandma, I'm giving you one of my kidneys. I'm young and I'm healthy ..." He paused. He could see I wasn't at all happy with his offer. He continued, almost in whisper, "And most of all, I couldn't stand it if you weren't around." His face wore an expression of appeal mixed with determination. He can be as stubborn as a mule once he decides on something -- but I've been told many times that I can out-stubborn any mule!
We argued. I couldn't let him do it. We both knew that if he gave up his kidney, he would also give up his life's dream; to play football. It was all he ever talked about. And he was good, too. Daniel was co-captain and star defensive tackle of his high school team; he expected to apply for a football scholarship and was looking forward to playing college football. He just loved the sport.
"How can I let you throw away the thing that means the most to you?" I pleaded with him.
"Grandma," he said softly, "compared to your life, football means nothing to me."
After that, I couldn't argue anymore. So we agreed to see if he was a good donor match, and then we'd discuss it further. When the tests came back, they showed Daniel was a perfect match. That was it. I knew I wasn't going to win that argument, so we scheduled the transplant.
Both surgeries went smoothly. As soon as I came out of the anesthesia , I could tell things were different. I felt great! The nurses in the intensive care unit had to keep telling me to lie back and be quiet -- I wasn't supposed to be that lively! I was afraid to go to sleep, for fear I would break the spell and wake up the way I had been before. But the good feeling didn't go away, and I spent the evening joking and laughing with anyone who would listen. It was so wonderful to feel alive again.
The next day they moved me out of ICU and onto the floor where Daniel was recuperating three doors away. His grandfather helped him walk down to see me as soon as I was moved into my room. When we saw each other, we did not know what to say. Holding hands, we just sat there and looked at each other for a long time, overwhelmed by the deep feeling of love that connected us.
Finally, he spoke, "Was it worthwhile, grandma?"
I laughed a little ruefully . "It was for me! But was it for you?" I asked him.
He nodded and smiled at me. "I've got my grandma back."
And I have my life back. It still amazes me. Every morning, when I wake up, I thank God --and Daniel -- for this miracle. A miracle born of the purest love.
Question:
How did grandma feel when Daniel announced his intention to give her one of his kidneys?
Choices:
A. She was moved by his selfless decision.
B. She wasn't at all happy with his offer.
C. She felt relieved that an appropriate kidney was available.
D. She was enthusiastic about having a kidney of someone she loved. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high5233.txt | My grandson, Daniel, and I have always been very close. When Daniel's father remarried after a divorce, Daniel, who was eleven, and his little sister, Kristie, came to live with us. My husband and I were more than happy to have kids in the house again.
Things were going along just fine until the diabetes I've lived with most of my adult life started affecting my eyes, and then more seriously, my kidneys . Then everything seemed to fall apart.
Three times a week, I had to go to the hospital to be hooked up to a dialysis machine . I was living, but I couldn't really call it a life -- it was an existence. I had no energy. I dragged myself through daily chores and slept as much as I could. My sense of humor seemed to disappear.
Daniel, seventeen by then, was really affected by the change in me. He tried as hard as he could to make me laugh, to bring back the grandma who loved to clown around with him. Even in my sorry state, Daniel could still bring a smile to my face.
But things were not improving. After a year on dialysis, my condition was deteriorating and the doctors felt that if I didn't receive a kidney transplant within six months, I would surely die. No one told Daniel this, but he knew -- he said all he had to do was look after me. To top it off, as my condition worsened, there was a chance that I would become too weak to have the transplant surgery at all, and then there would be nothing they could do for me. So we started the tense and desperate wait for a kidney.
I was adamant that I didn't want a kidney from anyone I knew. I would wait until an appropriate kidney became available, or I would literally die waiting. But Daniel had other plans. The time that he took me to my dialysis appointments, he did a little secret research on his own. Then he announced his intention to me.
"Grandma, I'm giving you one of my kidneys. I'm young and I'm healthy ..." He paused. He could see I wasn't at all happy with his offer. He continued, almost in whisper, "And most of all, I couldn't stand it if you weren't around." His face wore an expression of appeal mixed with determination. He can be as stubborn as a mule once he decides on something -- but I've been told many times that I can out-stubborn any mule!
We argued. I couldn't let him do it. We both knew that if he gave up his kidney, he would also give up his life's dream; to play football. It was all he ever talked about. And he was good, too. Daniel was co-captain and star defensive tackle of his high school team; he expected to apply for a football scholarship and was looking forward to playing college football. He just loved the sport.
"How can I let you throw away the thing that means the most to you?" I pleaded with him.
"Grandma," he said softly, "compared to your life, football means nothing to me."
After that, I couldn't argue anymore. So we agreed to see if he was a good donor match, and then we'd discuss it further. When the tests came back, they showed Daniel was a perfect match. That was it. I knew I wasn't going to win that argument, so we scheduled the transplant.
Both surgeries went smoothly. As soon as I came out of the anesthesia , I could tell things were different. I felt great! The nurses in the intensive care unit had to keep telling me to lie back and be quiet -- I wasn't supposed to be that lively! I was afraid to go to sleep, for fear I would break the spell and wake up the way I had been before. But the good feeling didn't go away, and I spent the evening joking and laughing with anyone who would listen. It was so wonderful to feel alive again.
The next day they moved me out of ICU and onto the floor where Daniel was recuperating three doors away. His grandfather helped him walk down to see me as soon as I was moved into my room. When we saw each other, we did not know what to say. Holding hands, we just sat there and looked at each other for a long time, overwhelmed by the deep feeling of love that connected us.
Finally, he spoke, "Was it worthwhile, grandma?"
I laughed a little ruefully . "It was for me! But was it for you?" I asked him.
He nodded and smiled at me. "I've got my grandma back."
And I have my life back. It still amazes me. Every morning, when I wake up, I thank God --and Daniel -- for this miracle. A miracle born of the purest love. | [
"She was moved by his selfless decision.",
"She wasn't at all happy with his offer.",
"She felt relieved that an appropriate kidney was available.",
"She was enthusiastic about having a kidney of someone she loved."
] |
What conclusion can be drawn from the research findings? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Elderly women who eat foods higher in potassium are less likely to have strokes and die than women who eat less potassium-rich foods, according to new research in the American Heart Association. "Previous studies have shown that potassium consumption may lower blood pressure. But whether potassium intake could prevent stroke or death wasn't clear," said Smoller, professor of the department of population health at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.
Researchers studied 90,137 women, aged from 50 to 79 for an average 11 years. They looked at how much potassium the women consumed, as well as if they had strokes, including ischemic strokes , or died during the study period. Women in the study were stroke-free at the start and their average dietary potassium intake was 2,611 mg/day. Results of this study are based on potassium from food, not supplements.
The researchers found: Women who ate the most potassium were 12 percent less likely to suffer stroke in general and 16 percent less likely to suffer an ischemic stroke than women who ate the least. Women who ate the most potassium were 10 percent less likely to die than those who ate the least. Among women who did not have high blood pressure, those who ate the most potassium had a 27 percent lower ischemic stroke risk and 21 perc ent reduced risk for all stroke types, compared to women who ate the least potassium in their daily diets. Among women with high blood pressure, those who ate the most potassium had a lower risk of death, but potassium intake did not lower their stroke risk.
"Our findings suggest that women need to eat more p otassium-rich foods. You won't find high potassium in junk food. Some foods rich in potassium include white and sweet potatoes, bananas and white beans."
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that women eat at least 4,700 mg of potassium daily. "Only 2.8 percent of women in our study met or went beyond this level. The World Health Organization's daily potassium recommendation for women is lower, at 3,510 mg or more. Still, only 16.6 percent of women we studied met or went beyond that," said Smoller.
While increasing potassium intake is probably a good idea for most elderly women, there are some people who have too much potassium in their blood, which can be dangerous to the heart. "People should check with their doctor about how much potassium they should eat," she said.
The study was observational and included only elderly women. Researchers also did not take sodium intake into consideration, so the potential importance of a balance between sodium and potassium is not among the findings. Researchers said more studies are needed to determine whether potassium has the same effects on men and younger people.
Question:
What conclusion can be drawn from the research findings?
Choices:
A. Increasing potassium is definitely a good idea for all elderly women.
B. Elderly women with high blood pressure benefit more from potassium.
C. Potassium intake is more beneficial to those without high blood pressure.
D. There was not any association between potassium intake and ischemic strokes. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high18632.txt | Elderly women who eat foods higher in potassium are less likely to have strokes and die than women who eat less potassium-rich foods, according to new research in the American Heart Association. "Previous studies have shown that potassium consumption may lower blood pressure. But whether potassium intake could prevent stroke or death wasn't clear," said Smoller, professor of the department of population health at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.
Researchers studied 90,137 women, aged from 50 to 79 for an average 11 years. They looked at how much potassium the women consumed, as well as if they had strokes, including ischemic strokes , or died during the study period. Women in the study were stroke-free at the start and their average dietary potassium intake was 2,611 mg/day. Results of this study are based on potassium from food, not supplements.
The researchers found: Women who ate the most potassium were 12 percent less likely to suffer stroke in general and 16 percent less likely to suffer an ischemic stroke than women who ate the least. Women who ate the most potassium were 10 percent less likely to die than those who ate the least. Among women who did not have high blood pressure, those who ate the most potassium had a 27 percent lower ischemic stroke risk and 21 perc ent reduced risk for all stroke types, compared to women who ate the least potassium in their daily diets. Among women with high blood pressure, those who ate the most potassium had a lower risk of death, but potassium intake did not lower their stroke risk.
"Our findings suggest that women need to eat more p otassium-rich foods. You won't find high potassium in junk food. Some foods rich in potassium include white and sweet potatoes, bananas and white beans."
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that women eat at least 4,700 mg of potassium daily. "Only 2.8 percent of women in our study met or went beyond this level. The World Health Organization's daily potassium recommendation for women is lower, at 3,510 mg or more. Still, only 16.6 percent of women we studied met or went beyond that," said Smoller.
While increasing potassium intake is probably a good idea for most elderly women, there are some people who have too much potassium in their blood, which can be dangerous to the heart. "People should check with their doctor about how much potassium they should eat," she said.
The study was observational and included only elderly women. Researchers also did not take sodium intake into consideration, so the potential importance of a balance between sodium and potassium is not among the findings. Researchers said more studies are needed to determine whether potassium has the same effects on men and younger people. | [
"Increasing potassium is definitely a good idea for all elderly women.",
"Elderly women with high blood pressure benefit more from potassium.",
"Potassium intake is more beneficial to those without high blood pressure.",
"There was not any association between potassium intake and ischemic strokes."
] |
Earthworms and ants possess what type of bodies, which means division into multiple parts? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | Earthworms and ants possess what type of bodies, which means division into multiple parts? | segmented | science | null | null | null | elliptical | elongated | truncated | segmented | Segmentation evolved next. Segmentation is the division of the body into multiple parts, or segments. Both the earthworm (Phylum Annelida) in Figure below and ant (Phylum Arthropoda) in Figure below have segmented bodies. The earthworm has many small segments. The ant has three larger segments. Segmentation increases an animal’s flexibility. It allows a wider range of motion. Different segments can also be specialized for different functions. All modern annelids and arthropods are segmented. | null | null | null |
A switch in a circuit controls the flow of what, specifically, within the circuit? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | A switch in a circuit controls the flow of what, specifically, within the circuit? | current | science | null | null | null | density | pressure | resistance | current | Many circuits have switches to control the flow of current through the circuit. When the switch is turned on, the circuit is closed and current can flow through it. When the switch is turned off, the circuit is open and current cannot flow through it. | null | null | null |
From the experiment, we know _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Now scientists have discovered that the dogs behave like their masters, too. Just like children, they use a " look and learn" ways when they go about their tasks.
Scientists at Oxford universities designed an experiment to test if the dogs have the ability to copy humans' actions by using a simple wooden box. 10 owners showed their dogs how to open the wooden box .Sometimes they use their heads to push it and sometimes they use their hands.
10 dogs were divided into two groups---Group1 and Group2. In the first part of the test, Group1 were rewarded with a piece of meat for copying their owner's actions. Group2 were rewarded with food for not copying and using other ways. With each dog the experiment was repeated hundreds of times. Scientists recorded the time to see which group was first to get 85% right. They found that Group1finished the task much sooner than Group2.
In the second part of the test, all the dogs were only rewarded for copying the way that their owners used. Group1 reached the 85% mark more quickly than Group2.
So the scientists draw a conclusion: "Like humans, dogs can copy actions that they see. Dogs' imitative behavior is shaped more by their interactions with humans than by evolution ."
Scientists said,"A dog's behavior is influenced much like that of a child; they look and learn similar behavior. We hope that owners understand the importance of their actions and use this knowledge to set good examples and therefore have a good effect on the behavior of their pets."
Question:
From the experiment, we know _ .
Choices:
A. It took the two groups of dogs the same time to finish the required task.
B. The dogs that copied their masters finished the required task much sooner.
C. The dogs that were encouraged to copy their masters finished the task more slowly..
D. The dogs that were encouraged not to copy their masters finished the task more quickly.. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle2948.txt | Now scientists have discovered that the dogs behave like their masters, too. Just like children, they use a " look and learn" ways when they go about their tasks.
Scientists at Oxford universities designed an experiment to test if the dogs have the ability to copy humans' actions by using a simple wooden box. 10 owners showed their dogs how to open the wooden box .Sometimes they use their heads to push it and sometimes they use their hands.
10 dogs were divided into two groups---Group1 and Group2. In the first part of the test, Group1 were rewarded with a piece of meat for copying their owner's actions. Group2 were rewarded with food for not copying and using other ways. With each dog the experiment was repeated hundreds of times. Scientists recorded the time to see which group was first to get 85% right. They found that Group1finished the task much sooner than Group2.
In the second part of the test, all the dogs were only rewarded for copying the way that their owners used. Group1 reached the 85% mark more quickly than Group2.
So the scientists draw a conclusion: "Like humans, dogs can copy actions that they see. Dogs' imitative behavior is shaped more by their interactions with humans than by evolution ."
Scientists said,"A dog's behavior is influenced much like that of a child; they look and learn similar behavior. We hope that owners understand the importance of their actions and use this knowledge to set good examples and therefore have a good effect on the behavior of their pets." | [
"It took the two groups of dogs the same time to finish the required task.",
"The dogs that copied their masters finished the required task much sooner.",
"The dogs that were encouraged to copy their masters finished the task more slowly..",
"The dogs that were encouraged not to copy their masters finished the task more quickly.."
] |
Minerals form when they precipitate from hot fluids that have done what? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | Minerals form when they precipitate from hot fluids that have done what? | cooled down | science | null | null | null | accelerated down | heated up | dried out | cooled down | Minerals form when they precipitate from hot fluids that have cooled down. | null | null | null |
If heat is released by the system into the surroundings, a chemical reaction or physical change is called what? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | If heat is released by the system into the surroundings, a chemical reaction or physical change is called what? | exothermic | science | null | null | null | biochemical | static | endothermic | exothermic | In the study of thermochemical processes, things are viewed from the point of view of the system. A chemical reaction or physical change is endothermic if heat is absorbed by the system from the surroundings. In the course of an endothermic process, the system gains heat from the surroundings and so the temperature of the surroundings decreases. The quantity of heat for a process is represented by the letter . The sign of for an endothermic process is positive because the system is gaining heat. A chemical reaction or physical change is exothermic if heat is released by the system into the surroundings. Because the surroundings is gaining heat from the system, the temperature of the surroundings increases. The sign of for an exothermic process is negative because the system is losing heat. | null | null | null |
How did Frank save Lisa? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Lisa was running late. Lisa, 25, had a lot to do at work,plus visitors on the way: her parents were coming in for Thanksgiving from her hometown. But as she hurried down the subway stairs, she started to feel uncomfortably warm. By the time she got to the platform, Lisa felt weak and tired-maybe it hadn't been a good idea to give blood the night before, she thought. She rested herself against a post close to the tracks.
Several yards away, Frank, 43, and his girlfriend, Jennifer, found a spot close to where the front of the train would stop. They were deep in discussion about a house they were thinking of buying.
But when he heard the scream, followed by someone yelling, "Oh, my God, she fell in!" Frank didn't hesitate. He jumped down to the tracks and ran some 40 feet toward the body lying on the rails. "No! Not you! " his girlfriend screamed after him.
She was right to be alarmed. By the time Frank reached Lisa, he could feel the tracks shaking and see the light coming. The train was about 20 seconds from the station.
It was hard to lift her. She was just out. But he managed to raise her the four feet to the platform so that bystanders could hold her by the arms and drag her away from the edge. That was where Lisa briefly regained consciousness, felt herself being pulled along the ground, and saw someone else holding her purse.
Lisa thought she'd been robbed. A woman held her hand and a man gave his shirt to help stop the blood pouring from her head. And she tried to talk but she couldn't, and that was when she realized how much pain she was in.
Police and fire officials soon arrived, and Frank told the story to an officer. Jennifer said her boyfriend was calm on their 40-minute train ride downtown-just as he had been seconds after the rescue, which made her think about her reaction at the time. "I saw the train coming and I was thinking he was going to die." she explained.
Question:
How did Frank save Lisa?
Choices:
A. By lifting her to the platform.
B. By helping her rise to her feet.
C. By pulling her along the ground.
D. By dragging her away from the edge. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high17819.txt | Lisa was running late. Lisa, 25, had a lot to do at work,plus visitors on the way: her parents were coming in for Thanksgiving from her hometown. But as she hurried down the subway stairs, she started to feel uncomfortably warm. By the time she got to the platform, Lisa felt weak and tired-maybe it hadn't been a good idea to give blood the night before, she thought. She rested herself against a post close to the tracks.
Several yards away, Frank, 43, and his girlfriend, Jennifer, found a spot close to where the front of the train would stop. They were deep in discussion about a house they were thinking of buying.
But when he heard the scream, followed by someone yelling, "Oh, my God, she fell in!" Frank didn't hesitate. He jumped down to the tracks and ran some 40 feet toward the body lying on the rails. "No! Not you! " his girlfriend screamed after him.
She was right to be alarmed. By the time Frank reached Lisa, he could feel the tracks shaking and see the light coming. The train was about 20 seconds from the station.
It was hard to lift her. She was just out. But he managed to raise her the four feet to the platform so that bystanders could hold her by the arms and drag her away from the edge. That was where Lisa briefly regained consciousness, felt herself being pulled along the ground, and saw someone else holding her purse.
Lisa thought she'd been robbed. A woman held her hand and a man gave his shirt to help stop the blood pouring from her head. And she tried to talk but she couldn't, and that was when she realized how much pain she was in.
Police and fire officials soon arrived, and Frank told the story to an officer. Jennifer said her boyfriend was calm on their 40-minute train ride downtown-just as he had been seconds after the rescue, which made her think about her reaction at the time. "I saw the train coming and I was thinking he was going to die." she explained. | [
"By lifting her to the platform.",
"By helping her rise to her feet.",
"By pulling her along the ground.",
"By dragging her away from the edge."
] |
Which proverb can best describe the story? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
A jobless man applied for the position of "office boy" at Microsoft.The HR manager interviewed him and then watched him cleaning the floor as a test."You are employed," he said."Give me your e-mail address and I'll send you the application to fill in, as well as the date when you may start." The man replied, "But I don't have a computer, neither an e-mail." "I'm sorry," said the HR manager."If you don't have an email, that means you do not exist. And who doesn't exist cannot have the job."
The man left with no hope at all.He didn't know what to do, with only ten dollars in his pocket.He then decided to go to the supermarket and buy 10 kg tomatoes.He then sold the tomatoes from door to door.In less than two hours, he succeeded to double his capital . He repeated the operation three times, and returned home happily with 60 dollars.
The man realized that he could survive in this way, and started to go every day earlier, and return later.Thus, his money doubled or _ every day.Shortly, he bought a cart, then a truck, and then he had his own fleet of delivery vehicles.Five years later, the man was one of the biggest food retailers in the US.
He started to plan his family's future and decided to have a life insurance.He called an insurance broker and chose a protection plan.When the conversation was concluded, the broker asked him his e-mail.The man replied, "I don't have an e-mail."The broker said curiously, "You don't have an e-mail, and yet have succeeded to build an empire.Can you imagine what you could have been if you had an e-mail?" The man thought for a while and replied, "Yes, I'd be an office boy at Microsoft !"
Question:
Which proverb can best describe the story?
Choices:
A. Misfortune may be an actual blessing.
B. Where there is a will, there is a way.
C. Accidents will happen
D. No pains, no gains | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high3834.txt | A jobless man applied for the position of "office boy" at Microsoft.The HR manager interviewed him and then watched him cleaning the floor as a test."You are employed," he said."Give me your e-mail address and I'll send you the application to fill in, as well as the date when you may start." The man replied, "But I don't have a computer, neither an e-mail." "I'm sorry," said the HR manager."If you don't have an email, that means you do not exist. And who doesn't exist cannot have the job."
The man left with no hope at all.He didn't know what to do, with only ten dollars in his pocket.He then decided to go to the supermarket and buy 10 kg tomatoes.He then sold the tomatoes from door to door.In less than two hours, he succeeded to double his capital . He repeated the operation three times, and returned home happily with 60 dollars.
The man realized that he could survive in this way, and started to go every day earlier, and return later.Thus, his money doubled or _ every day.Shortly, he bought a cart, then a truck, and then he had his own fleet of delivery vehicles.Five years later, the man was one of the biggest food retailers in the US.
He started to plan his family's future and decided to have a life insurance.He called an insurance broker and chose a protection plan.When the conversation was concluded, the broker asked him his e-mail.The man replied, "I don't have an e-mail."The broker said curiously, "You don't have an e-mail, and yet have succeeded to build an empire.Can you imagine what you could have been if you had an e-mail?" The man thought for a while and replied, "Yes, I'd be an office boy at Microsoft !" | [
"Misfortune may be an actual blessing.",
"Where there is a will, there is a way.",
"Accidents will happen",
"No pains, no gains"
] |
Mother made 2 dozen brownies and placed them on the kitchen counter to cool. Father smelled the brownies, came into the kitchen and ate 8 of them. Then, their daughter, Mooney, wandered into the kitchen and ate 4 of the brownies. The next morning, Mother made another two dozen brownies and added them to those remaining from the day before. After that, how many brownies were on the counter? | Two dozen brownies is 2 * 12 = <<2*12=24>>24 brownies.
After Father ate his 8, there were 24 - 8 = <<24-8=16>>16 brownies remaining on the counter.
After Mooney ate her 4, there were 16 - 4 = <<16-4=12>>12 brownies remaining on the counter.
Mother made a second batch of two-dozen brownies, or 2 * 12 = <<2*12=24>>24 brownies.
After Mother added the second two-dozen, there were 12 + 24 = <<12+24=36>>36 brownies on the kitchen counter.
#### 36 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | Mother made 2 dozen brownies and placed them on the kitchen counter to cool. Father smelled the brownies, came into the kitchen and ate 8 of them. Then, their daughter, Mooney, wandered into the kitchen and ate 4 of the brownies. The next morning, Mother made another two dozen brownies and added them to those remaining from the day before. After that, how many brownies were on the counter? | Two dozen brownies is 2 * 12 = <<2*12=24>>24 brownies.
After Father ate his 8, there were 24 - 8 = <<24-8=16>>16 brownies remaining on the counter.
After Mooney ate her 4, there were 16 - 4 = <<16-4=12>>12 brownies remaining on the counter.
Mother made a second batch of two-dozen brownies, or 2 * 12 = <<2*12=24>>24 brownies.
After Mother added the second two-dozen, there were 12 + 24 = <<12+24=36>>36 brownies on the kitchen counter.
#### 36 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Which of the following can be described as good news? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The world's native languages are dying out at an unprecedented rate, taking with them irreplaceable knowledge about the natural world, according to a new study.
The study identified five global "hot spots" where languages are _ faster than anywhere else ---- eastern Siberia, northern Australia, central South America, the US state of Oklahoma and the US Pacific Northwest. "Languages are suffering a global extinction crisis that greatly goes beyond the pace of species extinction," linguistics professor David Harrison noted, who said half of the world's 7,000 languages were expected to disappear before the end of the century.
Native people had an intimate knowledge of their environment that was lost when their language disappeared, along with other certain things often unfamiliar to us, Harrison stressed. "Most of what we know about species and ecosystems is not written down anywhere, it's only in people's heads," he said. "We are seeing in front of our eyes the loss of the human knowledge base."
Harrison was one of a team of linguists who carried out the study. The researchers traveled to Australia this year to study native languages, some of the most endangered. According to Harrison, in Australia, they were heartened to see a woman in her 80s who was one of the only three remaining speakers of the Yawuru language passing on her knowledge to schoolchildren. He said such inter-generational exchanges were the only way native languages could survive. "The children had elected to take this course, no one forced them," he said. "When we asked them why they were learning it, they said,'This is a dying language, we need to learn it'." Also, while there they found a man with knowledge of the Amurdag language, which had previously been thought extinct.
The researchers said all five of the hot spots identified were areas that had been successfully colonized and where a dominant language such as Spanish or English was threatening native tongues.
Question:
Which of the following can be described as good news?
Choices:
A. Native languages became less endangered in Australia.
B. A man was found with knowledge of the Amurdag language.
C. Researchers were well received by native people in Australia.
D. Many schoolchildren showed interest in the Yawuru language. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high5374.txt | The world's native languages are dying out at an unprecedented rate, taking with them irreplaceable knowledge about the natural world, according to a new study.
The study identified five global "hot spots" where languages are _ faster than anywhere else ---- eastern Siberia, northern Australia, central South America, the US state of Oklahoma and the US Pacific Northwest. "Languages are suffering a global extinction crisis that greatly goes beyond the pace of species extinction," linguistics professor David Harrison noted, who said half of the world's 7,000 languages were expected to disappear before the end of the century.
Native people had an intimate knowledge of their environment that was lost when their language disappeared, along with other certain things often unfamiliar to us, Harrison stressed. "Most of what we know about species and ecosystems is not written down anywhere, it's only in people's heads," he said. "We are seeing in front of our eyes the loss of the human knowledge base."
Harrison was one of a team of linguists who carried out the study. The researchers traveled to Australia this year to study native languages, some of the most endangered. According to Harrison, in Australia, they were heartened to see a woman in her 80s who was one of the only three remaining speakers of the Yawuru language passing on her knowledge to schoolchildren. He said such inter-generational exchanges were the only way native languages could survive. "The children had elected to take this course, no one forced them," he said. "When we asked them why they were learning it, they said,'This is a dying language, we need to learn it'." Also, while there they found a man with knowledge of the Amurdag language, which had previously been thought extinct.
The researchers said all five of the hot spots identified were areas that had been successfully colonized and where a dominant language such as Spanish or English was threatening native tongues. | [
"Native languages became less endangered in Australia.",
"A man was found with knowledge of the Amurdag language.",
"Researchers were well received by native people in Australia.",
"Many schoolchildren showed interest in the Yawuru language."
] |
This passage is probably _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Hi guys! I'm Lucy the ladybird and while I'm very much of a lady, I'm not actually a bird but a glowing red bettle with decorative black spots.
I'm a friendly little bug, to be honest, and simply like to be close with my pals as long as they handle me very gently. I don't bite humans but I do sink my teeth into aphids which, unlike me, are very harmful to all the plants. I milk the aphids just like people do with cows and I milk them dry of all the sap they have got from your poor plants. I'm a real gardeners' friend and love helping out around the place by pollinating flowers, tidying up plants' fallen leaves and helping to turn them into nice rich fertilizer to feed everything both above and below the soil, and naturally, being so attractive to look at, we are perfect living garden decorations.
One thing I can not tolerate is all that poisonous pollution from vehicles, garbage burning and other environmentally unfriendly acts that occur in the cities every single minute of the day and night. Pollution of any kind really chokes me to death, so these days, I only live in clean countryside areas, particularly cool ones where it rains and everything grows fresh and green from spring right through to autumn. In winter, when the weather is too cold for me to bear, then I find a nice place to sleep until the snow has gone and I can come back out to play.
Oh! I almost forgot to tell you that although I am not a bird I do have wings and can fly for short distances. So if you pick me up and let me run up and down your hands and arms, then please don't frighten me by screaming if I suddenly decide to take off!
Question:
This passage is probably _ .
Choices:
A. a self -introduction by a lady named Lucy
B. description of a ladybird'life
C. letter of praise for a gardener
D. a speech made by a woman on ladybirds | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high20026.txt | Hi guys! I'm Lucy the ladybird and while I'm very much of a lady, I'm not actually a bird but a glowing red bettle with decorative black spots.
I'm a friendly little bug, to be honest, and simply like to be close with my pals as long as they handle me very gently. I don't bite humans but I do sink my teeth into aphids which, unlike me, are very harmful to all the plants. I milk the aphids just like people do with cows and I milk them dry of all the sap they have got from your poor plants. I'm a real gardeners' friend and love helping out around the place by pollinating flowers, tidying up plants' fallen leaves and helping to turn them into nice rich fertilizer to feed everything both above and below the soil, and naturally, being so attractive to look at, we are perfect living garden decorations.
One thing I can not tolerate is all that poisonous pollution from vehicles, garbage burning and other environmentally unfriendly acts that occur in the cities every single minute of the day and night. Pollution of any kind really chokes me to death, so these days, I only live in clean countryside areas, particularly cool ones where it rains and everything grows fresh and green from spring right through to autumn. In winter, when the weather is too cold for me to bear, then I find a nice place to sleep until the snow has gone and I can come back out to play.
Oh! I almost forgot to tell you that although I am not a bird I do have wings and can fly for short distances. So if you pick me up and let me run up and down your hands and arms, then please don't frighten me by screaming if I suddenly decide to take off! | [
"a self -introduction by a lady named Lucy",
"description of a ladybird'life",
"letter of praise for a gardener",
"a speech made by a woman on ladybirds"
] |
Joey wants to buy the latest released pair of designer High Jump basketball sneakers. He plans to mow 3 neighbors’ lawns for $8 a lawn, sell 2 collectible figures to his friends for $9 each, and work an after-school job for 10 hours at $5 per hour. If his earnings just cover the price of the High Jump sneakers, how much do the shoes cost? | Joey will earn 3 * $8 = $<<3*8=24>>24 mowing his neighbors’ lawns.
He will earn 2 * $9 = $<<2*9=18>>18 selling his collectable figures.
He will earn 10 * $5 = $<<10*5=50>>50 at his after-school job.
The sneakers cost $24 + $18 + $50 = $<<24+18+50=92>>92.
#### 92 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | Joey wants to buy the latest released pair of designer High Jump basketball sneakers. He plans to mow 3 neighbors’ lawns for $8 a lawn, sell 2 collectible figures to his friends for $9 each, and work an after-school job for 10 hours at $5 per hour. If his earnings just cover the price of the High Jump sneakers, how much do the shoes cost? | Joey will earn 3 * $8 = $<<3*8=24>>24 mowing his neighbors’ lawns.
He will earn 2 * $9 = $<<2*9=18>>18 selling his collectable figures.
He will earn 10 * $5 = $<<10*5=50>>50 at his after-school job.
The sneakers cost $24 + $18 + $50 = $<<24+18+50=92>>92.
#### 92 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Why did Obama run for president? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Dear Malia and Sasha,
I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail , going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that though you both are excited about that new puppy , it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.
When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me--about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't be so important unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.
I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential --schools that challenge them, inspire them, and teach them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college--even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity .
I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and gender that keep us from seeing the best in each other.
(An extract from Obama letter to his daughters)
Question:
Why did Obama run for president?
Choices:
A. He wanted to set a good example to his daughters.
B. He promised to realize his dream.
C. He expected to build a way of success for his daughters.
D. He thought he was supposed to help every American child with happiness and fulfillment. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high16842.txt | Dear Malia and Sasha,
I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail , going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that though you both are excited about that new puppy , it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.
When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me--about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't be so important unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.
I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential --schools that challenge them, inspire them, and teach them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college--even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity .
I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and gender that keep us from seeing the best in each other.
(An extract from Obama letter to his daughters) | [
"He wanted to set a good example to his daughters.",
"He promised to realize his dream.",
"He expected to build a way of success for his daughters.",
"He thought he was supposed to help every American child with happiness and fulfillment."
] |
According to the writer, what is the best way to calm down after being hurt? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
When someone has deeply hurt you, it can be extremely difficult to let go of your _ . But forgiveness is possible and it can be surprisingly helpful to your physical and mental health. Indeed, research has shown that people who forgive report more energy, better appetite and better sleep patterns. "People who forgive show less anger and more hopefulness," says Dr. Frederic Luskin, who wrote the book Forgive for Good. "So it can help save on the wear and tear, and allow people to feel more energetic."
So when someone has hurt you, calm yourself first. Take a couple of breaths and think of something that gives you pleasure: a beautiful scene in nature, someone you love. Don't wait for an apology. "Many times the person who hurt you may never think of apologizing," says Dr. Luskin. "They may have wanted to hurt you or they just don't see things the same way. So if you wait for people to apologize, you could be waiting a very long time." Keep in mind that forgiveness does not necessarily mean accepting the action of the person who upset you. Mentally going over your hurt gives power to the person who brought you pain. Instead, learn to look for the love, beauty and kindness around you. Finally, try to see things from the other person' s perspective. You may realize that he or she was acting out of ignorance , fear even love. To gain perspective, you may want to write a letter to yourself from that person's point of view.
Question:
According to the writer, what is the best way to calm down after being hurt?
Choices:
A. Try to figure out why you get hurt.
B. Writer a letter to person who hurt you.
C. Persuade yourself to accept what others have done to you.
D. Think about pleasant things and forget about the hurt. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high4011.txt | When someone has deeply hurt you, it can be extremely difficult to let go of your _ . But forgiveness is possible and it can be surprisingly helpful to your physical and mental health. Indeed, research has shown that people who forgive report more energy, better appetite and better sleep patterns. "People who forgive show less anger and more hopefulness," says Dr. Frederic Luskin, who wrote the book Forgive for Good. "So it can help save on the wear and tear, and allow people to feel more energetic."
So when someone has hurt you, calm yourself first. Take a couple of breaths and think of something that gives you pleasure: a beautiful scene in nature, someone you love. Don't wait for an apology. "Many times the person who hurt you may never think of apologizing," says Dr. Luskin. "They may have wanted to hurt you or they just don't see things the same way. So if you wait for people to apologize, you could be waiting a very long time." Keep in mind that forgiveness does not necessarily mean accepting the action of the person who upset you. Mentally going over your hurt gives power to the person who brought you pain. Instead, learn to look for the love, beauty and kindness around you. Finally, try to see things from the other person' s perspective. You may realize that he or she was acting out of ignorance , fear even love. To gain perspective, you may want to write a letter to yourself from that person's point of view. | [
"Try to figure out why you get hurt.",
"Writer a letter to person who hurt you.",
"Persuade yourself to accept what others have done to you.",
"Think about pleasant things and forget about the hurt."
] |
There are two _ in the bus. | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
It is a fine Saturday morning. Lily and Lucy get up at six thirty. They want to go to the Great Wall with their mother. At seven fifty they are in a big bus to the Great Wall. There are forty people in it. Some of them are Americans, some are English. There are two Chinese in the bus, too. One is a woman. She is driving the bus. The other is a young man. He's now talking about the Great Wall in English. They are listening to him. At about nine o'clock, they get to the Great Wall.
Question:
There are two _ in the bus.
Choices:
A. Americans
B. English girls
C. Chinese
D. Chinese women | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle4648.txt | It is a fine Saturday morning. Lily and Lucy get up at six thirty. They want to go to the Great Wall with their mother. At seven fifty they are in a big bus to the Great Wall. There are forty people in it. Some of them are Americans, some are English. There are two Chinese in the bus, too. One is a woman. She is driving the bus. The other is a young man. He's now talking about the Great Wall in English. They are listening to him. At about nine o'clock, they get to the Great Wall. | [
"Americans",
"English girls",
"Chinese",
"Chinese women"
] |
The nice talking machine could _ | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
A man made a nice talking machine. It could weigh people. The man wanted to try the machine before he could make a lot of these kinds of machines.
He put the machine into the waiting room of a station . There were always lots of people in and out there.
The first one began to use the machine. It was an Indian woman. When she stand on the machine, the machine thought for a few minutes to decide which language it should speak. "Good morning, madam," it said in Indian. "Your weight is 72 kilos. That's three kilos more. If you eat more fruit and vegetables, you will be soon all right. Wish you a nice day."
The second one who used the machine was a nice Chinese girl. She stood on the machine and waited to hear her weight. "Good morning , Miss ,"the machine said in Chinese. "Your weight is 45 kilos. It's all right for your age and height. Go on to eat what you eat every day. Wish you a nice day."
The third one to use the machine was a very fat American woman. She thought for a long time before standing on the machine. But as soon as she stood on the machine, the machine spoke quickly in English , "Good morning . Will one of you get off?"
Question:
The nice talking machine could _
Choices:
A. tell people what they should eat
B. weigh and talk to people
C. tell people how old they are
D. tell a story | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle225.txt | A man made a nice talking machine. It could weigh people. The man wanted to try the machine before he could make a lot of these kinds of machines.
He put the machine into the waiting room of a station . There were always lots of people in and out there.
The first one began to use the machine. It was an Indian woman. When she stand on the machine, the machine thought for a few minutes to decide which language it should speak. "Good morning, madam," it said in Indian. "Your weight is 72 kilos. That's three kilos more. If you eat more fruit and vegetables, you will be soon all right. Wish you a nice day."
The second one who used the machine was a nice Chinese girl. She stood on the machine and waited to hear her weight. "Good morning , Miss ,"the machine said in Chinese. "Your weight is 45 kilos. It's all right for your age and height. Go on to eat what you eat every day. Wish you a nice day."
The third one to use the machine was a very fat American woman. She thought for a long time before standing on the machine. But as soon as she stood on the machine, the machine spoke quickly in English , "Good morning . Will one of you get off?" | [
"tell people what they should eat",
"weigh and talk to people",
"tell people how old they are",
"tell a story"
] |
What is the author's purpose of writing the text? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The largest known outbreak of the lethal Ebola virus in West Africa is prompting authorities as far away as Asia to take preventive measures, although scientists say a global spread of the disease is unlikely.
At South Korea's Incheon International airport, a major hub for air travel in Asia, quarantine inspections of arriving passengers are being enhanced. Authorities say all passengers are being recorded by an infrared camera to detect fevers because Ebola is becoming a big concern.
The incubation period of the Ebola virus is between two and 21 days, during which time an infected person might not show any signs of infection. In Hong Kong, the Center for Health Protection says public hospitals will begin to report and test all those who developed fever who, within the past 21 days, traveled to the three affected African countries.
Singapore's health ministry is urging the public there "not to be alarmed." It has issued a statement deeming Ebola to pose "a low public health risk to Singapore," in part because "there is low travel connectivity to West Africa where the current outbreak remains limited to."
Some airlines have suspended flights into the affected region. But health authorities say there is little risk of passengers contracting the virus on a flight from an infected person.Dr. Day, a tropical medicine researcher, explains Ebola is only spread through direct contact with blood, saliva and other bodily fluids.
Since March, there have been more than 1,200 confirmed Ebola cases in West Africa. This is believed to be a new strain of the virus and nearly 700 of those infected in this worst-known outbreak have died.There is no known cure for Ebola. It was first recognized in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) in 1976. There is no approved vaccine, but at least four are under development.
Question:
What is the author's purpose of writing the text?
Choices:
A. To tell people not to travel any more.
B. To introduce the character of the virus
C. To find cures for the virus
D. To make people aware of the severity of the virus | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high8666.txt | The largest known outbreak of the lethal Ebola virus in West Africa is prompting authorities as far away as Asia to take preventive measures, although scientists say a global spread of the disease is unlikely.
At South Korea's Incheon International airport, a major hub for air travel in Asia, quarantine inspections of arriving passengers are being enhanced. Authorities say all passengers are being recorded by an infrared camera to detect fevers because Ebola is becoming a big concern.
The incubation period of the Ebola virus is between two and 21 days, during which time an infected person might not show any signs of infection. In Hong Kong, the Center for Health Protection says public hospitals will begin to report and test all those who developed fever who, within the past 21 days, traveled to the three affected African countries.
Singapore's health ministry is urging the public there "not to be alarmed." It has issued a statement deeming Ebola to pose "a low public health risk to Singapore," in part because "there is low travel connectivity to West Africa where the current outbreak remains limited to."
Some airlines have suspended flights into the affected region. But health authorities say there is little risk of passengers contracting the virus on a flight from an infected person.Dr. Day, a tropical medicine researcher, explains Ebola is only spread through direct contact with blood, saliva and other bodily fluids.
Since March, there have been more than 1,200 confirmed Ebola cases in West Africa. This is believed to be a new strain of the virus and nearly 700 of those infected in this worst-known outbreak have died.There is no known cure for Ebola. It was first recognized in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) in 1976. There is no approved vaccine, but at least four are under development. | [
"To tell people not to travel any more.",
"To introduce the character of the virus",
"To find cures for the virus",
"To make people aware of the severity of the virus"
] |
What can Mimi do? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
My name is Mimi. I'm black and white. I like sitting on the chair in the sun in winter. Do you know my favorite food? It is fish. I don't like apples. I can climb trees. I can sing " Miao, miao". What am I? Can you guess?
Question:
What can Mimi do?
Choices:
A. Climb trees.
B. Play computer games.
C. Watch television.
D. Cook | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle8142.txt | My name is Mimi. I'm black and white. I like sitting on the chair in the sun in winter. Do you know my favorite food? It is fish. I don't like apples. I can climb trees. I can sing " Miao, miao". What am I? Can you guess? | [
"Climb trees.",
"Play computer games.",
"Watch television.",
"Cook"
] |
According to the text, when does Youth choir to perform start? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Art Beat in January 2016
Beijing
Youth choir to perform
The youth choir of China National Symphony Orchestra will soon perform classics including the Mexican folk song, The Golden Nightingale, and the Blue Danube, adapted from a waltz by Johann Strauss II. Pianists Zhao Lin and Wang Tianyang will join in the show.
7:30 pm, Jan 23. Forbidden City Concert Hall, inside Zhongshan Park, west of Tian'anmen Square, Xicheng district. 010-6559-8285.
Orchestra recitals
The China National Center for the Performing Arts Orchestra led by conductor Lyu Jia will give two recitals, featuring works including Beethoven's Coriolanus Overture and Mozart's Symphonies No. 40 & No. 41 Jupiter. Cellist Wang Jian will join in the performances, playing Schumann's Cello Concerto in A minor, Op 129 and Saint-Saens' Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op 33.
7:30 pm, Jan 15; 2:30 pm, Jan 16. China National Center for the Performing Arts, No. 2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng District. 010-6655-0000.
Ballet from Paris
Paris Opera Ballet will present two gala performances in the city. Besides highlights of classical ballet, such as Swan Lake and Manon, the program will also include modern pieces from the company's repertoire. The leading etoiles are Ludmila Pagliero and Karl Paquette.
7:15 pm, Jan 15-16. Shanghai Oriental Art Center, 425 Dingxiang Road, Pudong district. 021-6854-1234.
Ensemble of swans
Shanghai Ballet will present two performances of Swan Lake. The production choreographed by British artist Derek Deane who has just completed a tour in 26 cities of the Netherlands. The spectacular production features an ensemble of 48 dancers.
7:15 pm, Jan 22-23. Shanghai Grand Theater, 300 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district. 400-106-8686.
Question:
According to the text, when does Youth choir to perform start?
Choices:
A. 7:15 pm, Jan 22-23.
B. 7:30 pm, Jan 15; 2:30 pm, Jan 16.
C. 7:15 pm, Jan 15-16.
D. 7:30 pm, Jan 23. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high14011.txt | Art Beat in January 2016
Beijing
Youth choir to perform
The youth choir of China National Symphony Orchestra will soon perform classics including the Mexican folk song, The Golden Nightingale, and the Blue Danube, adapted from a waltz by Johann Strauss II. Pianists Zhao Lin and Wang Tianyang will join in the show.
7:30 pm, Jan 23. Forbidden City Concert Hall, inside Zhongshan Park, west of Tian'anmen Square, Xicheng district. 010-6559-8285.
Orchestra recitals
The China National Center for the Performing Arts Orchestra led by conductor Lyu Jia will give two recitals, featuring works including Beethoven's Coriolanus Overture and Mozart's Symphonies No. 40 & No. 41 Jupiter. Cellist Wang Jian will join in the performances, playing Schumann's Cello Concerto in A minor, Op 129 and Saint-Saens' Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op 33.
7:30 pm, Jan 15; 2:30 pm, Jan 16. China National Center for the Performing Arts, No. 2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng District. 010-6655-0000.
Ballet from Paris
Paris Opera Ballet will present two gala performances in the city. Besides highlights of classical ballet, such as Swan Lake and Manon, the program will also include modern pieces from the company's repertoire. The leading etoiles are Ludmila Pagliero and Karl Paquette.
7:15 pm, Jan 15-16. Shanghai Oriental Art Center, 425 Dingxiang Road, Pudong district. 021-6854-1234.
Ensemble of swans
Shanghai Ballet will present two performances of Swan Lake. The production choreographed by British artist Derek Deane who has just completed a tour in 26 cities of the Netherlands. The spectacular production features an ensemble of 48 dancers.
7:15 pm, Jan 22-23. Shanghai Grand Theater, 300 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district. 400-106-8686. | [
"7:15 pm, Jan 22-23.",
"7:30 pm, Jan 15; 2:30 pm, Jan 16.",
"7:15 pm, Jan 15-16.",
"7:30 pm, Jan 23."
] |
What does 'dark horse' mean? It means _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
What's the meaning of "dark horse"? It's someone who wins when no one expects it.
Han Xiaopeng took China's first gold on snow. He became an Olympic "dark horse" by winning the gold medal in men's freestyle aerial skiing at Turin in Italy. He made two almost perfect jumps for the highest score. Han had never won a world gold medal before, let alone in the Olympics!
"I never thought this would happen," said the 23-year-old. "I feel like I'm in a dream." It's China's second gold medal at the Turin Olympics. But more important, Han's gold was the country's first ever in a snow sport. In 2002, China's Yang Yang won the gold for speed skating at the winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, US.
That Han's win was unexpected doesn't mean that he didn't work hard.
Han grew up in Jiangsu Province. Before he started his training on snow, he used to be an acrobat at a circus. In 1995, a coach found his talent . The coach, Yang Er'qi, said Han had the agility and courage to be a ski jumper. When Yang first took the 12-year-old to northern China, the boy couldn't swim, skate or ski. But he wasn't afraid of the high platform and kept on training.
Han almost left the sport after hurting his knee months before the Salt Lake Games. In that Olympics he only got 24th. "I was hopeless at that time, but my family and the coach stood firmly behind me, helping me through," he recalled.
Han Xiaopeng worked so hard that he won the gold medal in the Olympics at last. Because of his success, more and more people in China are becoming interested in skiing. We are proud of him and we hope he will have another big success in the next winter Olympics.
Question:
What does 'dark horse' mean? It means _ .
Choices:
A. a horse which is dark
B. someone who is unexpected to win
C. a horse which likes the dark
D. someone whose win is expected | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high17035.txt | What's the meaning of "dark horse"? It's someone who wins when no one expects it.
Han Xiaopeng took China's first gold on snow. He became an Olympic "dark horse" by winning the gold medal in men's freestyle aerial skiing at Turin in Italy. He made two almost perfect jumps for the highest score. Han had never won a world gold medal before, let alone in the Olympics!
"I never thought this would happen," said the 23-year-old. "I feel like I'm in a dream." It's China's second gold medal at the Turin Olympics. But more important, Han's gold was the country's first ever in a snow sport. In 2002, China's Yang Yang won the gold for speed skating at the winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, US.
That Han's win was unexpected doesn't mean that he didn't work hard.
Han grew up in Jiangsu Province. Before he started his training on snow, he used to be an acrobat at a circus. In 1995, a coach found his talent . The coach, Yang Er'qi, said Han had the agility and courage to be a ski jumper. When Yang first took the 12-year-old to northern China, the boy couldn't swim, skate or ski. But he wasn't afraid of the high platform and kept on training.
Han almost left the sport after hurting his knee months before the Salt Lake Games. In that Olympics he only got 24th. "I was hopeless at that time, but my family and the coach stood firmly behind me, helping me through," he recalled.
Han Xiaopeng worked so hard that he won the gold medal in the Olympics at last. Because of his success, more and more people in China are becoming interested in skiing. We are proud of him and we hope he will have another big success in the next winter Olympics. | [
"a horse which is dark",
"someone who is unexpected to win",
"a horse which likes the dark",
"someone whose win is expected"
] |
What provides autos with electric power in an automated highway system? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Some pessimistic experts feel that the automobile is bound to fall into disuse. They see a day in the not-too-distant future when all autos will be abandoned and allowed to rust. Other authorities, however, think the auto is here to stay. They hold that the car will remain a leading means of urban travel in the foreseeable future.
The motorcar will undoubtedly change significantly over the next 30 years. It should become smaller, safer, and more economical, and should not be powered by the gasoline engine. The car of the future should be far more pollution-free than present types.
Regardless of its power source, the auto in the future will still be the main problem in urban traffic congestion ( ). One proposed solution to this problem is the automated highway system.
When the auto enters the highway system, a retractable ( ) arm will drop from the auto and make contact with a rail, which is similar to those powering subway trains electrically. Once attached to the rail, the car will become electrically powered from the system, and control of the vehicle will pass to a central computer. The computer will then monitor all of the car 's movements.
The driver will use a telephone to dial instructions about his destination into the system. The computer will calculate the best route, and reserve space for the car all the way to the correct exit from the highway. The driver will then be free to relax and wait for the buzzer ( ) that will warn him of his coming exit. It is estimated that an automated highway will be able to handle 10,000 vehicles per hour, compared with the 1,500 to 2,000 vehicles that can be carried by a present-day highway.
Question:
What provides autos with electric power in an automated highway system?
Choices:
A. A rail.
B. An engine.
C. A retractable arm.
D. A computer controller. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high22092.txt | Some pessimistic experts feel that the automobile is bound to fall into disuse. They see a day in the not-too-distant future when all autos will be abandoned and allowed to rust. Other authorities, however, think the auto is here to stay. They hold that the car will remain a leading means of urban travel in the foreseeable future.
The motorcar will undoubtedly change significantly over the next 30 years. It should become smaller, safer, and more economical, and should not be powered by the gasoline engine. The car of the future should be far more pollution-free than present types.
Regardless of its power source, the auto in the future will still be the main problem in urban traffic congestion ( ). One proposed solution to this problem is the automated highway system.
When the auto enters the highway system, a retractable ( ) arm will drop from the auto and make contact with a rail, which is similar to those powering subway trains electrically. Once attached to the rail, the car will become electrically powered from the system, and control of the vehicle will pass to a central computer. The computer will then monitor all of the car 's movements.
The driver will use a telephone to dial instructions about his destination into the system. The computer will calculate the best route, and reserve space for the car all the way to the correct exit from the highway. The driver will then be free to relax and wait for the buzzer ( ) that will warn him of his coming exit. It is estimated that an automated highway will be able to handle 10,000 vehicles per hour, compared with the 1,500 to 2,000 vehicles that can be carried by a present-day highway. | [
"A rail.",
"An engine.",
"A retractable arm.",
"A computer controller."
] |
When the boy was offered a job, he wanted to _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The Price of a Dream
I grew up poor. We had little money, but plenty of love and attention. I understood that no matter how poor a person was, they could still afford a dream. My dream was athletics.
By the time I was sixteen, I was good at baseball and football. My high-school coach was Ollie Jarvis. He not only believed in me, but taught me the difference between having a dream and showing conviction .
One summer a friend recommended me for a summer job. This meant a chance for money in my pocket -- cash for dates with girls, certainly, money for a new bike and new clothes, and the start of savings for a house for my mother.
Then I realized I would have to give up summer baseball to handle the work schedule, and that meant I would have to tell Coach Jarvis I wouldn't be playing. I was dreading this, but my mother said: " _ "
When I told Coach Jarvis, he was as mad as I expected him to be. "Your playing days are limited. You can't afford to waste them," he said.
I stood before him with my head hanging, trying to think of the words that would explain to him why my dream of buying my mom a house.
"How much are you going to make at this job, son?" he demanded.
"Three twenty-five an hour," I replied.
"Well," he asked, "is $3.25 an hour the price of a dream?"
That question laid bare for me the difference between wanting something right now and having a goal. I devoted myself to sports that summer, and within the year I was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates to play rookie-league ball, and offered a $20,000 contract. I signed with the Denver Broncos in 1984 for $1.7 million, and bought my mother the house of my dream.
Question:
When the boy was offered a job, he wanted to _ .
Choices:
A. balance summer baseball and the work schedule
B. refuse the job offer for summer baseball
C. give up summer baseball for the job
D. ask his coach Jarvis for advice | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high13155.txt | The Price of a Dream
I grew up poor. We had little money, but plenty of love and attention. I understood that no matter how poor a person was, they could still afford a dream. My dream was athletics.
By the time I was sixteen, I was good at baseball and football. My high-school coach was Ollie Jarvis. He not only believed in me, but taught me the difference between having a dream and showing conviction .
One summer a friend recommended me for a summer job. This meant a chance for money in my pocket -- cash for dates with girls, certainly, money for a new bike and new clothes, and the start of savings for a house for my mother.
Then I realized I would have to give up summer baseball to handle the work schedule, and that meant I would have to tell Coach Jarvis I wouldn't be playing. I was dreading this, but my mother said: " _ "
When I told Coach Jarvis, he was as mad as I expected him to be. "Your playing days are limited. You can't afford to waste them," he said.
I stood before him with my head hanging, trying to think of the words that would explain to him why my dream of buying my mom a house.
"How much are you going to make at this job, son?" he demanded.
"Three twenty-five an hour," I replied.
"Well," he asked, "is $3.25 an hour the price of a dream?"
That question laid bare for me the difference between wanting something right now and having a goal. I devoted myself to sports that summer, and within the year I was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates to play rookie-league ball, and offered a $20,000 contract. I signed with the Denver Broncos in 1984 for $1.7 million, and bought my mother the house of my dream. | [
"balance summer baseball and the work schedule",
"refuse the job offer for summer baseball",
"give up summer baseball for the job",
"ask his coach Jarvis for advice"
] |
When did the author meet her teacher---Mr Rupp? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Dear Mr Rupp,
The day I met you was the first day of high school. We liked each other immediately. You gave me a lot of advice over the next four years, like how I should get my ass to Berkeley where I belonged. I'm still there, by the way. I wish you were still around, too.
I remember your laugh, which would start with a rough guffaw and end with a hacking smoker's cough that would make even the most rebellious teenager swear to lay off the cigarettes.
I remember the way you didn't lower your standards, yet still refused to give up on us. You were tough on us, and we were tough on you. Love is tough sometimes.
The last time I wrote you a letter, it was 2005---four years after I graduated. I had just become a teacher, like you, and it had given me a new appreciation for the work you did with countless high school students over the years.
It's hard to say what I'll miss the most about you. There are simply too many memories to sort through those four years, and it hurts to think you'll never read this letter. I want to believe that you knew how much you meant to your family, your students, your community, and your colleagues, but that would be a lot of realization to handle, even for you.
You changed the lives of everyone around you. Even now, you are reminding me to cherish life and its brevity and beauty, and to tell the people I love how much they mean to me before it is too late.
Dear teacher, dear mentor, and dear friend----I miss you and all that is about you. God bless you in Heaven.
To infinity and beyond,
Teresea
Question:
When did the author meet her teacher---Mr Rupp?
Choices:
A. In 1997
B. In 2001
C. In 2005
D. In 2009 | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high19437.txt | Dear Mr Rupp,
The day I met you was the first day of high school. We liked each other immediately. You gave me a lot of advice over the next four years, like how I should get my ass to Berkeley where I belonged. I'm still there, by the way. I wish you were still around, too.
I remember your laugh, which would start with a rough guffaw and end with a hacking smoker's cough that would make even the most rebellious teenager swear to lay off the cigarettes.
I remember the way you didn't lower your standards, yet still refused to give up on us. You were tough on us, and we were tough on you. Love is tough sometimes.
The last time I wrote you a letter, it was 2005---four years after I graduated. I had just become a teacher, like you, and it had given me a new appreciation for the work you did with countless high school students over the years.
It's hard to say what I'll miss the most about you. There are simply too many memories to sort through those four years, and it hurts to think you'll never read this letter. I want to believe that you knew how much you meant to your family, your students, your community, and your colleagues, but that would be a lot of realization to handle, even for you.
You changed the lives of everyone around you. Even now, you are reminding me to cherish life and its brevity and beauty, and to tell the people I love how much they mean to me before it is too late.
Dear teacher, dear mentor, and dear friend----I miss you and all that is about you. God bless you in Heaven.
To infinity and beyond,
Teresea | [
"In 1997",
"In 2001",
"In 2005",
"In 2009"
] |
The article above probably is taken from a _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Shanghai Xintiandi Style Mall is filled with a festive mood, featuring large-scale equipment, knit works and various activities, under the theme "kiss".
"Kissing is seldom taken as the theme of artworks because in oriental culture, people restrain themselves from expressing their emotions," says Jiang Shan, who is in charge of the exhibition.
"Through the exhibition, we hope to encourage people to be confident and brave in expressing their love."
Inside the mall, which covers a large area from Zizhong Lu (Road) to Fuxingnan Lu (Road), dozens of color1ful decorations, including balloons, lollipops and lip-shaped decorations are hung on the walls and from the ceiling.
Among the decorations, a bright-color1ed wool artwork attracts most eyeballs and brings about a feeling of warmth.
The designer, Gu Yeli, says the art piece, Kiss Forest, was inspired by US artist Andy Warhol's 1963 experimental film Kiss, which featured various couples kissing for three and a half minutes each. Gu also organizes a small workshop to teach knitting to children.
Artist Wang Xuejun sets up a stainless-steel mirror at the mall's gate leading to Zizhong Lu. Visitors, including men, are invited to put on lipstick and kiss the mirror, thus kissing themselves.
The Beast Floral Shop, a flower shop in Shanghai, contributes two walls of flowers that are made into the shape of a book, named Kiss Book. Artifacts of bees and butterflies are fixed among the blossoms, kissing the flowers. The work represents love and harmony in nature.
Architect Ma Ke creates a Kiss Bridge with transparent acrylic boards and ceramic fishbowls. Bridges are often spots for dating lovers in traditional Chinese folk stories and the goldfish in the bowls are witnesses of the lovers' kisses.
In the south plaza, an18-meter-high interactive tree-shaped light equipment encourages people to kiss. Each kiss turns a certain light on, reminding audiences of their sweet childhood memories of kisses.
At the side of the tree is a counter, in which each kiss is counted and represents a donation to charity organizations.
Question:
The article above probably is taken from a _ .
Choices:
A. text book
B. science and technology magazine
C. news website
D. travel leaflet | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high17394.txt | Shanghai Xintiandi Style Mall is filled with a festive mood, featuring large-scale equipment, knit works and various activities, under the theme "kiss".
"Kissing is seldom taken as the theme of artworks because in oriental culture, people restrain themselves from expressing their emotions," says Jiang Shan, who is in charge of the exhibition.
"Through the exhibition, we hope to encourage people to be confident and brave in expressing their love."
Inside the mall, which covers a large area from Zizhong Lu (Road) to Fuxingnan Lu (Road), dozens of color1ful decorations, including balloons, lollipops and lip-shaped decorations are hung on the walls and from the ceiling.
Among the decorations, a bright-color1ed wool artwork attracts most eyeballs and brings about a feeling of warmth.
The designer, Gu Yeli, says the art piece, Kiss Forest, was inspired by US artist Andy Warhol's 1963 experimental film Kiss, which featured various couples kissing for three and a half minutes each. Gu also organizes a small workshop to teach knitting to children.
Artist Wang Xuejun sets up a stainless-steel mirror at the mall's gate leading to Zizhong Lu. Visitors, including men, are invited to put on lipstick and kiss the mirror, thus kissing themselves.
The Beast Floral Shop, a flower shop in Shanghai, contributes two walls of flowers that are made into the shape of a book, named Kiss Book. Artifacts of bees and butterflies are fixed among the blossoms, kissing the flowers. The work represents love and harmony in nature.
Architect Ma Ke creates a Kiss Bridge with transparent acrylic boards and ceramic fishbowls. Bridges are often spots for dating lovers in traditional Chinese folk stories and the goldfish in the bowls are witnesses of the lovers' kisses.
In the south plaza, an18-meter-high interactive tree-shaped light equipment encourages people to kiss. Each kiss turns a certain light on, reminding audiences of their sweet childhood memories of kisses.
At the side of the tree is a counter, in which each kiss is counted and represents a donation to charity organizations. | [
"text book",
"science and technology magazine",
"news website",
"travel leaflet"
] |
What do the volunteers do according to the passage? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Every Wednesday, I go to Cantata Adult Life Services, a local retirement community in Brookfield, Illinois, US, with my classmates to do community service.
After my very first visit to Cantata, my life changed forever. That may sound a bit dramatic, but volunteering with the elderly has changed my views on life.
Our visits last about an hour, and we bring 25-30 students every time. We play board games and cards with the residents while we're there.
You can watch all the movies and TV shows you want about "life back then", but nothing compares to talking to the people who were actually there. Just hearing their stories has touched me in a way I never thought possible.
Whether it was talking to 98-year-old "Hurricane Hilda" about her glory days as a roller skater or chatting with Lou about the times she danced with a famous actor, I was completely attracted by every single memory the residents wanted to share with me.
Even the residents who don't have amazing memories make the experience satisfying . I remember visiting Mrs Robinson. She couldn't recall much about her past, but she told me she'd never forget how kind I was just to listen to her "rambling ". It made me realize that it's the little things that make life worth living. That's something I won't forget anytime soon.
If there's one thing I've realized in my three years of visiting Cantata, it's that presence - just being there - means more than anything to many of the residents. And despite how busy our lives are, there's always time to make someone's day.
For me, it feels great to be a source of happiness, a smile on a bad day or a listening ear for old memories. And at the end of the day, that's all that matters.
It's easy to feel like you don't have anything in common with the elderly - especially when you're a teenager. But that's not true at all.
I hate to be overly cliched here, but age really is just a number. As young adults, it's important for us to realize this sooner rather than later. We can learn a lot from the elderly, and they can often benefit from teenagers too.
Question:
What do the volunteers do according to the passage?
Choices:
A. They share everything with the residents.
B. They play board games and cards with the residents.
C. They watch the residents play games.
D. They buy gifts for the residents. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high10599.txt | Every Wednesday, I go to Cantata Adult Life Services, a local retirement community in Brookfield, Illinois, US, with my classmates to do community service.
After my very first visit to Cantata, my life changed forever. That may sound a bit dramatic, but volunteering with the elderly has changed my views on life.
Our visits last about an hour, and we bring 25-30 students every time. We play board games and cards with the residents while we're there.
You can watch all the movies and TV shows you want about "life back then", but nothing compares to talking to the people who were actually there. Just hearing their stories has touched me in a way I never thought possible.
Whether it was talking to 98-year-old "Hurricane Hilda" about her glory days as a roller skater or chatting with Lou about the times she danced with a famous actor, I was completely attracted by every single memory the residents wanted to share with me.
Even the residents who don't have amazing memories make the experience satisfying . I remember visiting Mrs Robinson. She couldn't recall much about her past, but she told me she'd never forget how kind I was just to listen to her "rambling ". It made me realize that it's the little things that make life worth living. That's something I won't forget anytime soon.
If there's one thing I've realized in my three years of visiting Cantata, it's that presence - just being there - means more than anything to many of the residents. And despite how busy our lives are, there's always time to make someone's day.
For me, it feels great to be a source of happiness, a smile on a bad day or a listening ear for old memories. And at the end of the day, that's all that matters.
It's easy to feel like you don't have anything in common with the elderly - especially when you're a teenager. But that's not true at all.
I hate to be overly cliched here, but age really is just a number. As young adults, it's important for us to realize this sooner rather than later. We can learn a lot from the elderly, and they can often benefit from teenagers too. | [
"They share everything with the residents.",
"They play board games and cards with the residents.",
"They watch the residents play games.",
"They buy gifts for the residents."
] |
In plants, pigment molecules absorb only visible light for photosynthesis. the visible light seen by humans as white light actually exists in a what? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | In plants, pigment molecules absorb only visible light for photosynthesis. the visible light seen by humans as white light actually exists in a what? | rainbow of colors | science | null | null | null | invisible spectrum | vacuum | transparency | rainbow of colors | Absorption of Light Light energy enters the process of photosynthesis when pigments absorb the light. In plants, pigment molecules absorb only visible light for photosynthesis. The visible light seen by humans as white light actually exists in a rainbow of colors. Certain objects, such as a prism or a drop of water, disperse white light to reveal these colors to the human eye. The visible light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum is perceived by the human eye as a rainbow of colors, with violet and blue having shorter wavelengths and, therefore, higher energy. At the other end of the spectrum toward red, the wavelengths are longer and have lower energy. | null | null | null |
The three girls are from _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Liu Xiaohua is 12 years old. She is from Mianyang, Sichuan Province. When Premier Wen Jiabao visited people in the Jiuzhou Gymnasium, he met Liu Xiaohua. Premier Wen held her hand and told her not to cry. He also encouraged her to live on.
Ren Siyu is 6 years old. She is from Beichuan, Sichuan Province. She was buried under the rubble for two days and nights and her legs were trapped. When people came to save her, she sang the songTwo Tigers. She said singing the song could lessen the pain .
Li Yue is 12 years old. She is also from Beichuan, Sichuan Province. Li Yue likes dancing, but she can't dance any more. Doctors had to cut off her two legs to save her. She was buried with her classmates. She told them to be quiet when people saved them.
Question:
The three girls are from _ .
Choices:
A. Sichuan Province
B. Jiangsu Province
C. Hunan Province
D. Yunnan Province | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle708.txt | Liu Xiaohua is 12 years old. She is from Mianyang, Sichuan Province. When Premier Wen Jiabao visited people in the Jiuzhou Gymnasium, he met Liu Xiaohua. Premier Wen held her hand and told her not to cry. He also encouraged her to live on.
Ren Siyu is 6 years old. She is from Beichuan, Sichuan Province. She was buried under the rubble for two days and nights and her legs were trapped. When people came to save her, she sang the songTwo Tigers. She said singing the song could lessen the pain .
Li Yue is 12 years old. She is also from Beichuan, Sichuan Province. Li Yue likes dancing, but she can't dance any more. Doctors had to cut off her two legs to save her. She was buried with her classmates. She told them to be quiet when people saved them. | [
"Sichuan Province",
"Jiangsu Province",
"Hunan Province",
"Yunnan Province"
] |
In the initial stage, the current economic crisis is likely to _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
In times of economic crisis, Americans turn to their families for support. If the Great Depression is any guide, we may see a drop in our sky-high divorce rate. But this won't necessarily represent an increase in happy marriages. In the long run, the Depression weakened American families, and the current crisis will probably do the same.
We tend to think of the Depression as a time when families pulled together to survive huge job losses. By 1932, when nearly one-quarter of the work force was unemployed, it had declined by around 25 percent from 1929. But this does not mean that people were suddenly happier with their marriages. Rather, with incomes plummeting and insecure jobs, unhappy couples often couldn't afford to divorce. They feared that neither would be able to manage alone.
Today, given the job losses of the past year, fewer unhappy couples will risk starting separate households. Furthermore, the housing market meltdown will make it more difficult for them to finance their separations by selling their homes.
After financial disasters family members also tend to do whatever they can to help each other and their communities. A 1940 book, "The Unemployed Man and His Family," described a family in which the husband first reacted to losing his job "with tireless search for work." He was always active, looking for odd jobs to do.
The problem is that such an impulse is hard to sustain (continue). For some, the hardships of life without steady work eventually defeated their attempts to keep their families together. The rate rose again during the rest of the decade as the recovery took hold.
Millions of American families may now be in the initial (earliest) stage of their responses to the current crisis, working together and supporting one another through the early months of unemployment.
Today's economic depression could well generate a similar backlog of couples whose relationships have been irreparably ruined. So it is only when the economy is healthy again that we will begin to see just how many fractured families have been created.
Question:
In the initial stage, the current economic crisis is likely to _ .
Choices:
A. tear many troubled families apart
B. contribute to enduring and strong family ties
C. bring about a drop in the divorce rate
D. cause a lot of conflicts in the family | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high23987.txt | In times of economic crisis, Americans turn to their families for support. If the Great Depression is any guide, we may see a drop in our sky-high divorce rate. But this won't necessarily represent an increase in happy marriages. In the long run, the Depression weakened American families, and the current crisis will probably do the same.
We tend to think of the Depression as a time when families pulled together to survive huge job losses. By 1932, when nearly one-quarter of the work force was unemployed, it had declined by around 25 percent from 1929. But this does not mean that people were suddenly happier with their marriages. Rather, with incomes plummeting and insecure jobs, unhappy couples often couldn't afford to divorce. They feared that neither would be able to manage alone.
Today, given the job losses of the past year, fewer unhappy couples will risk starting separate households. Furthermore, the housing market meltdown will make it more difficult for them to finance their separations by selling their homes.
After financial disasters family members also tend to do whatever they can to help each other and their communities. A 1940 book, "The Unemployed Man and His Family," described a family in which the husband first reacted to losing his job "with tireless search for work." He was always active, looking for odd jobs to do.
The problem is that such an impulse is hard to sustain (continue). For some, the hardships of life without steady work eventually defeated their attempts to keep their families together. The rate rose again during the rest of the decade as the recovery took hold.
Millions of American families may now be in the initial (earliest) stage of their responses to the current crisis, working together and supporting one another through the early months of unemployment.
Today's economic depression could well generate a similar backlog of couples whose relationships have been irreparably ruined. So it is only when the economy is healthy again that we will begin to see just how many fractured families have been created. | [
"tear many troubled families apart",
"contribute to enduring and strong family ties",
"bring about a drop in the divorce rate",
"cause a lot of conflicts in the family"
] |
When the first piece hits the South Atlantic, it causes _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The year is 2094. It has been announced that a comet is heading towards the earth. Most of it will miss our planet, but two pieces will probably hit the southern half of the earth.
On 17 July, a piece of 4 kilometers wide comet enters the Earth's atmosphere with a massive explosion . About half of the piece is destroyed, but the remaining part hits the South Atlantic at 200 times the speed of sound. The sea boils and a huge hole is made in the seabed. Huge waves are created and spread outwards form the hole. The wall of water, a kilometer high, rushes towards southern Africa at 800 kilometers an hour. Cities on the African coast are totally destroyed and millions of people are drowned .
Before the waves reach South America, the second piece of the comet lands in Argentina. Earthquakes and volcanoes ash set off in the Andes Mountains. The shock waves move north into California and all around the Pacific Ocean. The cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Tokyo are completely destroyed by earthquakes. Millions of people in the southern half of the earth are already dead, but the north won't escape for long. Because of the explosions, the sun is hidden by clouds of dust, temperatures around the world fall to almost zero. Crops are ruined. The sun won't be seen again for many years. Wars break out as countries fight for food. A year later, no more than 10 million people remain alive.
Could it really happen? In fact, it has already happened more than once in the history of the earth. The dinosaurs were on the Earth for over 160 million years. Then 65 million years ago they suddenly disappeared. Many scientists believe that the Earth was hit by a piece of object in space. The dinosaurs couldn't live through the cold climate that followed and they died out. Will we meet the same end?
Question:
When the first piece hits the South Atlantic, it causes _ .
Choices:
A. an earthquake
B. hunger
C. an Earth explosion
D. huge waves | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high3687.txt | The year is 2094. It has been announced that a comet is heading towards the earth. Most of it will miss our planet, but two pieces will probably hit the southern half of the earth.
On 17 July, a piece of 4 kilometers wide comet enters the Earth's atmosphere with a massive explosion . About half of the piece is destroyed, but the remaining part hits the South Atlantic at 200 times the speed of sound. The sea boils and a huge hole is made in the seabed. Huge waves are created and spread outwards form the hole. The wall of water, a kilometer high, rushes towards southern Africa at 800 kilometers an hour. Cities on the African coast are totally destroyed and millions of people are drowned .
Before the waves reach South America, the second piece of the comet lands in Argentina. Earthquakes and volcanoes ash set off in the Andes Mountains. The shock waves move north into California and all around the Pacific Ocean. The cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Tokyo are completely destroyed by earthquakes. Millions of people in the southern half of the earth are already dead, but the north won't escape for long. Because of the explosions, the sun is hidden by clouds of dust, temperatures around the world fall to almost zero. Crops are ruined. The sun won't be seen again for many years. Wars break out as countries fight for food. A year later, no more than 10 million people remain alive.
Could it really happen? In fact, it has already happened more than once in the history of the earth. The dinosaurs were on the Earth for over 160 million years. Then 65 million years ago they suddenly disappeared. Many scientists believe that the Earth was hit by a piece of object in space. The dinosaurs couldn't live through the cold climate that followed and they died out. Will we meet the same end? | [
"an earthquake",
"hunger",
"an Earth explosion",
"huge waves"
] |
Mrs. Smith wanted to buy wears worth $500. She went to a boutique with the $500 but by the time she had picked out everything she liked, she realized that she would need two-fifths more money than she had. If the shop owner gave her a discount of 15%, how much more money will she still need? | Two fifths of $500 is (2/5)*$500 = $<<(2/5)*500=200>>200
She needed $200 more than $500 which is $200+ $500 = $<<200+500=700>>700
15% of $700 is (15/100)*$700 = $<<(15/100)*700=105>>105
She was given a $105 discount so she has to pay $700-$105 = $595
She would still need $595-$500= $<<595-500=95>>95
#### 95 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | Mrs. Smith wanted to buy wears worth $500. She went to a boutique with the $500 but by the time she had picked out everything she liked, she realized that she would need two-fifths more money than she had. If the shop owner gave her a discount of 15%, how much more money will she still need? | Two fifths of $500 is (2/5)*$500 = $<<(2/5)*500=200>>200
She needed $200 more than $500 which is $200+ $500 = $<<200+500=700>>700
15% of $700 is (15/100)*$700 = $<<(15/100)*700=105>>105
She was given a $105 discount so she has to pay $700-$105 = $595
She would still need $595-$500= $<<595-500=95>>95
#### 95 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Why does happiness increase with age? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Are people less happy or happier when they get older? If your answer is"happier", then you are right,based on a study published seven years ago.It found that people become happier and experience less worry after age fifty.In fact,it found that by the age of eighty-five,people are happier with their life than they were at eighteen.
The finding came from a Gallup survey of more than three hundred and forty thousand adults in the United States in 2008.At that time,people were between the ages of eighteen and eighty-five.
Arthur Stone in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at Stony Brook University in New York led the study.His team found that levels of stress were the highest among adults between the ages of twenty-two and twenty-five.Stress levels dropped sharply after people reached their fifties.
Levels of happiness were the highest among the kids and those in their early seventies.
The survey also found that men and women have similar emotional patterns as they grow older.However, women at all ages reported more sadness,stress and worry than men did.
So why would happiness increase with age? One theory is that,as people get older, they become more thankful for what they have and have better control of their emotions.They also spend less time thinking about bad experiences.
Question:
Why does happiness increase with age?
Choices:
A. People aren't able to control their emotions better.
B. It takes them less time to think about bad experiences.
C. People become less thankful for what they have.
D. Women feel sadder, more stressed and worried than men. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle4959.txt | Are people less happy or happier when they get older? If your answer is"happier", then you are right,based on a study published seven years ago.It found that people become happier and experience less worry after age fifty.In fact,it found that by the age of eighty-five,people are happier with their life than they were at eighteen.
The finding came from a Gallup survey of more than three hundred and forty thousand adults in the United States in 2008.At that time,people were between the ages of eighteen and eighty-five.
Arthur Stone in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at Stony Brook University in New York led the study.His team found that levels of stress were the highest among adults between the ages of twenty-two and twenty-five.Stress levels dropped sharply after people reached their fifties.
Levels of happiness were the highest among the kids and those in their early seventies.
The survey also found that men and women have similar emotional patterns as they grow older.However, women at all ages reported more sadness,stress and worry than men did.
So why would happiness increase with age? One theory is that,as people get older, they become more thankful for what they have and have better control of their emotions.They also spend less time thinking about bad experiences. | [
"People aren't able to control their emotions better.",
"It takes them less time to think about bad experiences.",
"People become less thankful for what they have.",
"Women feel sadder, more stressed and worried than men."
] |
What did the author learn from the trip? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
At the end of eight grade, our class went to Washington, D.C. For a group of 14-year-olds, this was a big deal!
The first day was so tiring; we could hardly remember where we were and what we were seeing. The next morning, we were off to seemonuments ,starting with Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson. We walked along the paths through trees. Then the Wall came into view--the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
As I moved slowly closer to the Wall, I heard abagpipe in the distance, which seemed to show respect to the lives lost in the jungles of Vietnam .
We continued walking and felt surprised at the number of names carved in the black stone. I was determined to find a soldier with my last name, but my hunt was stopped when a man caught my eyes. He waskneeling at the Wall, a single rose at his feet. His head was bowed and he was rubbing his fingers over one name. I thought how sad he was, and then moved on .
After a few minutes I found one with my last name, but my eyes returned to the kneeling man. He was still rubbing his fingers over the same name. He never knew I was watching him, lost in deep sorrow. It was time for me to leave the kneeling man and the Wall. On the way home, I couldn't help thinking of the kneeling man and his sad face. I wasn't sure of the effects of war before, but at that moment I realized how much that man suffered from losing his loved one. Maybe he was the only one of so many families who experienced the same .
I never knew the full effects of war until I saw that man. I only know about war from history classes. The kneeling man taught me more about war and the effects it has on people than any history book .
Question:
What did the author learn from the trip?
Choices:
A. How fierce war is in history.
B. How people remember those who died in wars.
C. What bad effects war had on many families.
D. What we should do to prevent war. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high11382.txt | At the end of eight grade, our class went to Washington, D.C. For a group of 14-year-olds, this was a big deal!
The first day was so tiring; we could hardly remember where we were and what we were seeing. The next morning, we were off to seemonuments ,starting with Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson. We walked along the paths through trees. Then the Wall came into view--the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
As I moved slowly closer to the Wall, I heard abagpipe in the distance, which seemed to show respect to the lives lost in the jungles of Vietnam .
We continued walking and felt surprised at the number of names carved in the black stone. I was determined to find a soldier with my last name, but my hunt was stopped when a man caught my eyes. He waskneeling at the Wall, a single rose at his feet. His head was bowed and he was rubbing his fingers over one name. I thought how sad he was, and then moved on .
After a few minutes I found one with my last name, but my eyes returned to the kneeling man. He was still rubbing his fingers over the same name. He never knew I was watching him, lost in deep sorrow. It was time for me to leave the kneeling man and the Wall. On the way home, I couldn't help thinking of the kneeling man and his sad face. I wasn't sure of the effects of war before, but at that moment I realized how much that man suffered from losing his loved one. Maybe he was the only one of so many families who experienced the same .
I never knew the full effects of war until I saw that man. I only know about war from history classes. The kneeling man taught me more about war and the effects it has on people than any history book . | [
"How fierce war is in history.",
"How people remember those who died in wars.",
"What bad effects war had on many families.",
"What we should do to prevent war."
] |
It's especially dangerous for a color-blind person to cross a street when _ | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
People who cannot tell all colors apart are said to be color-blind. Most color-blind people can see yellows and blues, but confuse reds with green. It is very rare for a person to be blind to all colors, but they may see everything in shades of black, white and gray.
It is interesting to point out that many color-blind people don't even realize that they are color-blind, they don't know that the colors they are seeing and naming are not the actual colors that people with normal vision can see. This can be dangerous when a color-blind person confuses the red and green of a traffic light.
Color blindness is thought to be inherited and although doctors have tested color blindness, there is no cure to treatment for it.
Question:
It's especially dangerous for a color-blind person to cross a street when _
Choices:
A. it is crowded
B. it is a dark night
C. there are no traffic lights at the cross of the streets
D. the traffic light turns red | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high4641.txt | People who cannot tell all colors apart are said to be color-blind. Most color-blind people can see yellows and blues, but confuse reds with green. It is very rare for a person to be blind to all colors, but they may see everything in shades of black, white and gray.
It is interesting to point out that many color-blind people don't even realize that they are color-blind, they don't know that the colors they are seeing and naming are not the actual colors that people with normal vision can see. This can be dangerous when a color-blind person confuses the red and green of a traffic light.
Color blindness is thought to be inherited and although doctors have tested color blindness, there is no cure to treatment for it. | [
"it is crowded",
"it is a dark night",
"there are no traffic lights at the cross of the streets",
"the traffic light turns red"
] |
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