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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
About how many days does it take the moon to make one orbit around the earth? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | About how many days does it take the moon to make one orbit around the earth? | 28 | science | null | null | null | 22 | 21 | 30 | 28 | The Moon does not produce any light of its own. It only reflects light from the Sun. The Moon has phases because it orbits around Earth. One orbit takes about 28 days. As the moon moves around Earth, different parts of it appear to be lit up by the Sun. The Moon sometimes appears fully lit and sometimes completely dark. Sometimes it is partially lit. The different appearances of the Moon are referred to as phases of the Moon ( Figure below ). | null | null | null |
Who is introducing Auld Lang Syne to us? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
This is a song millions of Americans will hear this New Year's Eve. It is called Auld Lang Syne (<<>> ). It is the traditional music played during the New Year's celebration. Auld Lang Syne is an old Scottish poem. It tells about the need to remember old friends.
The words "auld lang syne" mean "old long since". No one knows who wrote the poem first. However, a version by Scottish poet Robert Bums was published in 1796. The words and music we know today first appeared in a songbook three years later.
The song is played in the United States mainly on New Year's Eve. The version you are hearing today is by the Washington Saxophone Quartet. As we end our program with Auld Lang Syne. I would like to wish all of our radio friends a very Happy New Year! This is Buddy Thomas.
,.
Question:
Who is introducing Auld Lang Syne to us?
Choices:
A. Robert Bums.
B. The Washington Saxophone Quartet.
C. Buddy Thomas.
D. The passage doesn't tell us. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle5189.txt | This is a song millions of Americans will hear this New Year's Eve. It is called Auld Lang Syne (<<>> ). It is the traditional music played during the New Year's celebration. Auld Lang Syne is an old Scottish poem. It tells about the need to remember old friends.
The words "auld lang syne" mean "old long since". No one knows who wrote the poem first. However, a version by Scottish poet Robert Bums was published in 1796. The words and music we know today first appeared in a songbook three years later.
The song is played in the United States mainly on New Year's Eve. The version you are hearing today is by the Washington Saxophone Quartet. As we end our program with Auld Lang Syne. I would like to wish all of our radio friends a very Happy New Year! This is Buddy Thomas.
,. | [
"Robert Bums.",
"The Washington Saxophone Quartet.",
"Buddy Thomas.",
"The passage doesn't tell us."
] |
Animal cells grow mainly by synthesizing protein-rich cytoplasm, a process that is described as expensive in what way? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | Animal cells grow mainly by synthesizing protein-rich cytoplasm, a process that is described as expensive in what way? | metabolically | science | null | null | null | time spent | calorically | synthetically | metabolically | null | null | null | |
Which sentence from the story best supports Nilda's sense of fulfillment? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
A gust of wind blew a canvas chair across the yard. My eyes followed the circling dirt out to the road and down toward the school bus stop. I was going to miss walking down the road to catch the big school bus that took us into town to school. I enjoyed being with the teachers and the other students. Now that I was finished with school I seemed to have lost some of the excitement from my life.
As I was folding the canvas chair, Chatita Chavez drove into our yard in her father's old truck. It made short loud sounds and sent out a trail of black smoke out of its tailpipe. She got out smiling as usual and excitedly pointed toward the storm that seemed to be moving toward us.
"I can't stay long, Nilda. There's a storm coming and I need to beat it home." I was glad to see her. "Yes, I think we're in for some bad weather. Come on in and have a cup of coffee at least," I said as I took her into our kitchen.
"I'm so excited, Nilda! You'll never guess what I just did!" I stopped pouring the coffee and turned and looked at her.
"I just went over to Edinburg and registered for junior college," she said and looked at me and smiled. "Don't you want to go take classes with me?"
I was astonished. I didn't know what to say. How could I go to college? I didn't have any money. I gave Chatita a cup of coffee. "I don't know. I don't think I can. Isn't college expensive?"
Chatita sat down at the table and began adding sugar to her coffee. "Not really, and I'm working part-time at the packing shed on Canal Road. You could work there, too."
The wind began to gust causing the house to occasionally make sounds and shake. The lightbulb hanging over the table flashed off and on and I heard a low roll of thunder in the distance.
I hesitantly asked, "Do you think I could get a job at the packing shed?"
"Sure. My cousin is the boss. He'll give you a job." Mama came into the kitchen and exchanged greetings with Chatita. She must have heard our conversation.
"I think it's nice that you're going to go to college, Chatita. What will you study?" my
mother asked as she joined us at the table.
"I want to be a teacher."
"A teacher! How nice!" Mama said as she patted Chatita's arm.
"A teacher?" I asked. "Don't you need a degree?"
"You can start teaching before you get your degree. Clarence Duncan has been teaching in Brownsville since last year and I think Zulema will start this year."
The lightbulb blinked again and went out. Mama quickly arose from the table. "I'm going to have to bring in the lanterns. I knew I shouldn't have packed them away."
"Well, Nilda, do you want to go? Because, if you do, you can go over to Edinburg with me tomorrow."
I hesitated, then said, "Yes. I want to go." My heart was beating fast. I couldn't believe how happy I was feeling.
"But I have to talk to Mama and Papa. What if they won't let me?"
"You can at least go with me tomorrow and find out what it's all about. I'll come by for you around eight."
Chatita left me sitting at the table staring at my cup of coffee. It seemed so unreal, this idea of me going to college. My parents had never had the opportunity for much education. Juana had quit school to get married and Roberto and Zeke had graduated from high school as I had. But college? I would be the first one in my family to go to college. Yes, college was exactly what I wanted.
The day had turned dark and the rain had started. My mother came back into the kitchen with two lanterns.
"Mama, I need to ask you something."
She picked up a cloth and began to clean the dust from the lanterns. She looked at me and smiled.
"Mama, if I could find a way to pay, could I take classes at the junior college?" I asked, trying to control my excitement.
She stopped cleaning and raised her eyebrows. "What would you study, my daughter?"
"I think I want to be a teacher," I quietly replied.
Mama sat down at the table across from me. "Then, I would like for you to go to college," she said in a serious tone.
"What about Papa? Do you think he will allow me to go?"
"Your father wants you to be happy. If going to college and being a teacher makes you happy, then he will probably allow it," she answered.
I didn't say anything. I was enjoying the feeling of happiness and sense of wonder that had come over me. The two of us sat in the darkened room without speaking until I saw my mama rubbing her eyes with the edge of her apron.
"What's wrong, Mama."
"Nothing," she replied. "I probably got some dust in my eyes. That's all."
Question:
Which sentence from the story best supports Nilda's sense of fulfillment?
Choices:
A. "Now that I was finished with school I seemed to have lost some of the excitement from my life."
B. "I haltingly asked, 'Do you think I could get a job at the packing shed?' "
C. " 'Mama, if I could find a way to pay, could I take classes at the junior college?' "
D. "I was enjoying the feeling of happiness and sense of wonder that had come over me." | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high9925.txt | A gust of wind blew a canvas chair across the yard. My eyes followed the circling dirt out to the road and down toward the school bus stop. I was going to miss walking down the road to catch the big school bus that took us into town to school. I enjoyed being with the teachers and the other students. Now that I was finished with school I seemed to have lost some of the excitement from my life.
As I was folding the canvas chair, Chatita Chavez drove into our yard in her father's old truck. It made short loud sounds and sent out a trail of black smoke out of its tailpipe. She got out smiling as usual and excitedly pointed toward the storm that seemed to be moving toward us.
"I can't stay long, Nilda. There's a storm coming and I need to beat it home." I was glad to see her. "Yes, I think we're in for some bad weather. Come on in and have a cup of coffee at least," I said as I took her into our kitchen.
"I'm so excited, Nilda! You'll never guess what I just did!" I stopped pouring the coffee and turned and looked at her.
"I just went over to Edinburg and registered for junior college," she said and looked at me and smiled. "Don't you want to go take classes with me?"
I was astonished. I didn't know what to say. How could I go to college? I didn't have any money. I gave Chatita a cup of coffee. "I don't know. I don't think I can. Isn't college expensive?"
Chatita sat down at the table and began adding sugar to her coffee. "Not really, and I'm working part-time at the packing shed on Canal Road. You could work there, too."
The wind began to gust causing the house to occasionally make sounds and shake. The lightbulb hanging over the table flashed off and on and I heard a low roll of thunder in the distance.
I hesitantly asked, "Do you think I could get a job at the packing shed?"
"Sure. My cousin is the boss. He'll give you a job." Mama came into the kitchen and exchanged greetings with Chatita. She must have heard our conversation.
"I think it's nice that you're going to go to college, Chatita. What will you study?" my
mother asked as she joined us at the table.
"I want to be a teacher."
"A teacher! How nice!" Mama said as she patted Chatita's arm.
"A teacher?" I asked. "Don't you need a degree?"
"You can start teaching before you get your degree. Clarence Duncan has been teaching in Brownsville since last year and I think Zulema will start this year."
The lightbulb blinked again and went out. Mama quickly arose from the table. "I'm going to have to bring in the lanterns. I knew I shouldn't have packed them away."
"Well, Nilda, do you want to go? Because, if you do, you can go over to Edinburg with me tomorrow."
I hesitated, then said, "Yes. I want to go." My heart was beating fast. I couldn't believe how happy I was feeling.
"But I have to talk to Mama and Papa. What if they won't let me?"
"You can at least go with me tomorrow and find out what it's all about. I'll come by for you around eight."
Chatita left me sitting at the table staring at my cup of coffee. It seemed so unreal, this idea of me going to college. My parents had never had the opportunity for much education. Juana had quit school to get married and Roberto and Zeke had graduated from high school as I had. But college? I would be the first one in my family to go to college. Yes, college was exactly what I wanted.
The day had turned dark and the rain had started. My mother came back into the kitchen with two lanterns.
"Mama, I need to ask you something."
She picked up a cloth and began to clean the dust from the lanterns. She looked at me and smiled.
"Mama, if I could find a way to pay, could I take classes at the junior college?" I asked, trying to control my excitement.
She stopped cleaning and raised her eyebrows. "What would you study, my daughter?"
"I think I want to be a teacher," I quietly replied.
Mama sat down at the table across from me. "Then, I would like for you to go to college," she said in a serious tone.
"What about Papa? Do you think he will allow me to go?"
"Your father wants you to be happy. If going to college and being a teacher makes you happy, then he will probably allow it," she answered.
I didn't say anything. I was enjoying the feeling of happiness and sense of wonder that had come over me. The two of us sat in the darkened room without speaking until I saw my mama rubbing her eyes with the edge of her apron.
"What's wrong, Mama."
"Nothing," she replied. "I probably got some dust in my eyes. That's all." | [
"\"Now that I was finished with school I seemed to have lost some of the excitement from my life.\"",
"\"I haltingly asked, 'Do you think I could get a job at the packing shed?' \"",
"\" 'Mama, if I could find a way to pay, could I take classes at the junior college?' \"",
"\"I was enjoying the feeling of happiness and sense of wonder that had come over me.\""
] |
In which section can readers probably read the passage? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Life comes in a package. This package includes happiness and sorrow, failure and success, hope and despair. Life is a learning process. Experiences in life teach us new lessons and make us a better person. With each passing day we learn to handle various situations.
Love
Love plays a pivotal role on out life. Love makes you feel wanted. Without love a person could go hayward and also become cruel and ferocious. In the early stage of our life, our parents are the ones who shower us with unconditional love and care, they teach us about what is right and wrong, good and bad. But we always tend to take this for granted. It is only after marriage and having kids that a person understands and becomes sensitive to others feelings. Kids make a person responsible and mature and help us to understand life better.
Happiness and sorrow
Materialistic happiness is short-lived, but happiness achieved by bringing a smile on others face gives a certain level of fulfillment. Peace of mind is the main link to happiness. No mind is happy without peace. We realize the true worth of happiness when we are in sorrow. Sorrow is basically due to death of a loved one, failure and despair. But these things are temporary and pass away.
Failure and success
Failure is the path to success. It helps us to touch the sky, teaches us to survive and shows us a specific way. Success brings in money, fame, pride and self-respect. Here it becomes very important to keep our head on out shoulder. The only way to show our gratitude to god for bestowing success on us is by being humble, modest, courteous and respectful to the less fortunate ones.
Hope and despair
Hope is what keeps life going. Parents always hope their children will do well. Hope makes us dream. Hope builds in patience. Life teaches us not to despair even in the darkest hour, because after every night there is a day. Nothing remains the same we have only one choice keep moving on in life and be hopeful. Life teaches us not to regret over yesterday, for it has passed and is beyond our control. Tomorrow is unknown, for it could either be bright or dull. So the only alternative is work hard today, so that we will enjoy a better tomorrow.
Question:
In which section can readers probably read the passage?
Choices:
A. Opinions.
B. Politics.
C. Education.
D. Lifestyles. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high10452.txt | Life comes in a package. This package includes happiness and sorrow, failure and success, hope and despair. Life is a learning process. Experiences in life teach us new lessons and make us a better person. With each passing day we learn to handle various situations.
Love
Love plays a pivotal role on out life. Love makes you feel wanted. Without love a person could go hayward and also become cruel and ferocious. In the early stage of our life, our parents are the ones who shower us with unconditional love and care, they teach us about what is right and wrong, good and bad. But we always tend to take this for granted. It is only after marriage and having kids that a person understands and becomes sensitive to others feelings. Kids make a person responsible and mature and help us to understand life better.
Happiness and sorrow
Materialistic happiness is short-lived, but happiness achieved by bringing a smile on others face gives a certain level of fulfillment. Peace of mind is the main link to happiness. No mind is happy without peace. We realize the true worth of happiness when we are in sorrow. Sorrow is basically due to death of a loved one, failure and despair. But these things are temporary and pass away.
Failure and success
Failure is the path to success. It helps us to touch the sky, teaches us to survive and shows us a specific way. Success brings in money, fame, pride and self-respect. Here it becomes very important to keep our head on out shoulder. The only way to show our gratitude to god for bestowing success on us is by being humble, modest, courteous and respectful to the less fortunate ones.
Hope and despair
Hope is what keeps life going. Parents always hope their children will do well. Hope makes us dream. Hope builds in patience. Life teaches us not to despair even in the darkest hour, because after every night there is a day. Nothing remains the same we have only one choice keep moving on in life and be hopeful. Life teaches us not to regret over yesterday, for it has passed and is beyond our control. Tomorrow is unknown, for it could either be bright or dull. So the only alternative is work hard today, so that we will enjoy a better tomorrow. | [
"Opinions.",
"Politics.",
"Education.",
"Lifestyles."
] |
According to Para 3, birds' feather cleaning _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
When many people see birds cleaning their feathers,
. But, in reality, what they are doing is maintaining their wings, the instruments that they depend on for safe flight. If a bird's wings are not in perfect condition, the bird either won't be able to fly or won't be able to control its flight. That is why after a long flight and even throughout the day, you will see them cleaning their feathers.
Most birds, if they get a chance, will take a bath at least once a day. They do this to get rid of the dust that has accumulated in their feathers throughout their flight s during the day. In dry or desert areas, birds will not always be able to find water in which to bath, but they still need to clean their feathers. What many birds will do is to take dust baths. They will roll around in dust until it covers their feathers. They will stand up, shaking the dust out, and then clean their feathers with their beaks as usual.
Baths are important for another reason. During the course of the day and night, many parasites are attracted to birds. Bugs, mites, fleas and so on will try to reach birds and suck from their blood. Daily baths help to keep the parasites to a minimum.
Some birds, especially those that spend a lot of time in or around water, have skin glands that produce oil. After bathing, these birds will squeeze the glands to spread the oil over their wings to keep them free of water.
If you are a bird lover and have bird houses in your yard, it can be good to go to the extra step, providing a bird bath. Once the birds in your neighborhood discover it, you will be surprised at how popular it becomes as they periodically stop by to take their daily bath.
Question:
According to Para 3, birds' feather cleaning _ .
Choices:
A. helps keep them healthy
B. keeps them free of any parasite
C. makes them more attractive
D. helps them relax enough | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high15534.txt | When many people see birds cleaning their feathers,
. But, in reality, what they are doing is maintaining their wings, the instruments that they depend on for safe flight. If a bird's wings are not in perfect condition, the bird either won't be able to fly or won't be able to control its flight. That is why after a long flight and even throughout the day, you will see them cleaning their feathers.
Most birds, if they get a chance, will take a bath at least once a day. They do this to get rid of the dust that has accumulated in their feathers throughout their flight s during the day. In dry or desert areas, birds will not always be able to find water in which to bath, but they still need to clean their feathers. What many birds will do is to take dust baths. They will roll around in dust until it covers their feathers. They will stand up, shaking the dust out, and then clean their feathers with their beaks as usual.
Baths are important for another reason. During the course of the day and night, many parasites are attracted to birds. Bugs, mites, fleas and so on will try to reach birds and suck from their blood. Daily baths help to keep the parasites to a minimum.
Some birds, especially those that spend a lot of time in or around water, have skin glands that produce oil. After bathing, these birds will squeeze the glands to spread the oil over their wings to keep them free of water.
If you are a bird lover and have bird houses in your yard, it can be good to go to the extra step, providing a bird bath. Once the birds in your neighborhood discover it, you will be surprised at how popular it becomes as they periodically stop by to take their daily bath. | [
"helps keep them healthy",
"keeps them free of any parasite",
"makes them more attractive",
"helps them relax enough"
] |
If you want to watch The Secret Circle you should choose channel _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
In the Night Garden
In a magical forest, colourful characters have adventures. A mysterious tide of water appears suddenly next to Igglepiggle. He discovers that he can control it by moving his feet. Excited, he takes it to Makka Pakka who finds it very useful indeed.
Children Under 5
Today on BBC2 from 11:05am to 11:35am
Last of the Summer Wine
To relax, Howard tries a simple trick to change his appearance enough to fool even Pearl. But he soon discovers that taking over someone else's identity can be equally dangerous.
Comedy Sitcoms
Today on G.O.L.D. from 12:40pm to 1: 20pm
The Secret Circle
Cassie is an orphaned teenager who discovers that not only is she a witch but that she is also the key that will unlock a centuries-old battle between good and evil. When Cassie accepts a cute boy's invitation to the school dance, Adam struggles to control his anger.
Today on Sky Living from 10:00pm to 11:00pm
The Kid's Speech
Eleven-year-olds, Reggie and William, and 14-year-old Bethan, are determined to improve their speech. Along with their parents, they start a unique course at the Michael Palin Centre for Stammering children. Over two weeks, they open up about their fears and frustrations.
Documentary
Today on BBC1 London from 10:35pm to 11:25pm
Question:
If you want to watch The Secret Circle you should choose channel _ .
Choices:
A. BBC2 from 11:05am to 11:35am
B. G.O.L.
C. Sky Living from 10:00pm to 11:00pm
D. BBC1 London from 10:35pm to 11:25pm | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high5249.txt | In the Night Garden
In a magical forest, colourful characters have adventures. A mysterious tide of water appears suddenly next to Igglepiggle. He discovers that he can control it by moving his feet. Excited, he takes it to Makka Pakka who finds it very useful indeed.
Children Under 5
Today on BBC2 from 11:05am to 11:35am
Last of the Summer Wine
To relax, Howard tries a simple trick to change his appearance enough to fool even Pearl. But he soon discovers that taking over someone else's identity can be equally dangerous.
Comedy Sitcoms
Today on G.O.L.D. from 12:40pm to 1: 20pm
The Secret Circle
Cassie is an orphaned teenager who discovers that not only is she a witch but that she is also the key that will unlock a centuries-old battle between good and evil. When Cassie accepts a cute boy's invitation to the school dance, Adam struggles to control his anger.
Today on Sky Living from 10:00pm to 11:00pm
The Kid's Speech
Eleven-year-olds, Reggie and William, and 14-year-old Bethan, are determined to improve their speech. Along with their parents, they start a unique course at the Michael Palin Centre for Stammering children. Over two weeks, they open up about their fears and frustrations.
Documentary
Today on BBC1 London from 10:35pm to 11:25pm | [
"BBC2 from 11:05am to 11:35am",
"G.O.L.",
"Sky Living from 10:00pm to 11:00pm",
"BBC1 London from 10:35pm to 11:25pm"
] |
The passage does NOT tell us that _ | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
An article published recently in the scientific journal Nature is shedding new light on an important, but so far little has been appreciated, aspect of human evolution. In this article, Professors Dennis Bramble, and Daniel Lieberman suggest that the ability to run was a decisive factor in the development of our species. According to the two scientists, humans possess a number of anatomical features that make them surprisingly good runners. "We are very confident that strong selection for running,which came at the expense of the historical ability to live in trees-was helpful in the origin of the modern human body form," says Bramble, a biology professor at the University of Utah.
Traditional thinking up to now has been that the upright body form of modern humans has come about as a result of the ability to walk, and that running is simply a by-product of walking. Furthermore, humans have usually been regarded as poor runners compared to such animals as dogs, horses or antelopes. However, this is only true if we consider fast running over short distances. Even Olympic athlete can hardly run as fast as a horse can gallop, and can only keep up a top speed for fifteen seconds or so. Horses and antelopes, on the other hand, can run at top speed for several minutes, clearly outperforming us in this respect. But when it comes to long-distance running, humans do astonishingly well. They can maintain a steady pace for miles, and their overall speed compares favorably with that of horses or dogs.
Bramble and Lieberman examined twenty-six anatomical features found in humans. One of the most interesting of these is the nuchal ligament . When we run, it is this ligament that prevents our head from pitching back and forth or from side to side. Therefore, we are able to run with steady heads held high. The nuchal ligament is not found in any other surviving primates , although the fossil record shows that Homo erectus, an early human species that walked upright, much as we do, also had one. Then there are our Achilles tendons at the backs of our legs, which have nothing to do with walking. When we run, these tendons behave like springs, helping to push us forward. Furthermore, we have low, wide shoulders, virtually disconnected from our skulls (the bony part of the head), another anatomical adaptation which allows us to run more efficiently.
But what evolutionary advantage is gained from being good long-distance runners? One assumption is that this ability may have permitted early humans to obtain food more effectively. "What these features and fossil facts appear to be telling us is that running evolved in order for our direct ancestors to compete with other carnivores (animals that eat meat) for access to the protein needed to grow the big brains that we enjoy today." says Lieberman.
Question:
The passage does NOT tell us that _
Choices:
A. early humans had an advantage in obtaining food thanks to the running ability
B. fossils help us better understand human evolution.
C. our Achilles tendons are an adaptation for running efficiently
D. big brains may have been evolved for running long-distance | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high14125.txt | An article published recently in the scientific journal Nature is shedding new light on an important, but so far little has been appreciated, aspect of human evolution. In this article, Professors Dennis Bramble, and Daniel Lieberman suggest that the ability to run was a decisive factor in the development of our species. According to the two scientists, humans possess a number of anatomical features that make them surprisingly good runners. "We are very confident that strong selection for running,which came at the expense of the historical ability to live in trees-was helpful in the origin of the modern human body form," says Bramble, a biology professor at the University of Utah.
Traditional thinking up to now has been that the upright body form of modern humans has come about as a result of the ability to walk, and that running is simply a by-product of walking. Furthermore, humans have usually been regarded as poor runners compared to such animals as dogs, horses or antelopes. However, this is only true if we consider fast running over short distances. Even Olympic athlete can hardly run as fast as a horse can gallop, and can only keep up a top speed for fifteen seconds or so. Horses and antelopes, on the other hand, can run at top speed for several minutes, clearly outperforming us in this respect. But when it comes to long-distance running, humans do astonishingly well. They can maintain a steady pace for miles, and their overall speed compares favorably with that of horses or dogs.
Bramble and Lieberman examined twenty-six anatomical features found in humans. One of the most interesting of these is the nuchal ligament . When we run, it is this ligament that prevents our head from pitching back and forth or from side to side. Therefore, we are able to run with steady heads held high. The nuchal ligament is not found in any other surviving primates , although the fossil record shows that Homo erectus, an early human species that walked upright, much as we do, also had one. Then there are our Achilles tendons at the backs of our legs, which have nothing to do with walking. When we run, these tendons behave like springs, helping to push us forward. Furthermore, we have low, wide shoulders, virtually disconnected from our skulls (the bony part of the head), another anatomical adaptation which allows us to run more efficiently.
But what evolutionary advantage is gained from being good long-distance runners? One assumption is that this ability may have permitted early humans to obtain food more effectively. "What these features and fossil facts appear to be telling us is that running evolved in order for our direct ancestors to compete with other carnivores (animals that eat meat) for access to the protein needed to grow the big brains that we enjoy today." says Lieberman. | [
"early humans had an advantage in obtaining food thanks to the running ability",
"fossils help us better understand human evolution.",
"our Achilles tendons are an adaptation for running efficiently",
"big brains may have been evolved for running long-distance"
] |
The boy sent newspapers door to door in order to _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
One day, a poor boy who was trying to pay his way through school by sending newspapers door to door, was so hungry that he decided to beg for a meal at the next house.
However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so she brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?"
"You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Then I thank you from the bottom of my heart." With these words, Howard Kelly left that house.
Years later the woman became badly ill and was finally sent to the hospital in a big city. Dr. Howard Kelly, now famous, was called in. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Dressed in his doctor's clothes, Dr. Kelly went into her room and recognized her at once. From that day on, he gave special attention to her, and decided to do his best to save her life.
At last the woman was saved. Dr. Kelly asked the business office to pass the final bill to him. He looked at it and then wrote something on the side. The bill was sent to the woman's room. She was afraid to open it because she was sure that it would take the rest of her life to pay for it off. Finally she looked, and the note on the side of the bill caught her attention. She read these words:
"Paid in full with a glass of milk, Dr. Howard Kelly."
Tear of joy flooded her eyes.
Question:
The boy sent newspapers door to door in order to _ .
Choices:
A. thank the woman for her kindness
B. become a famous doctor
C. continue his schooling
D. support his poor family | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high21591.txt | One day, a poor boy who was trying to pay his way through school by sending newspapers door to door, was so hungry that he decided to beg for a meal at the next house.
However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so she brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?"
"You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Then I thank you from the bottom of my heart." With these words, Howard Kelly left that house.
Years later the woman became badly ill and was finally sent to the hospital in a big city. Dr. Howard Kelly, now famous, was called in. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Dressed in his doctor's clothes, Dr. Kelly went into her room and recognized her at once. From that day on, he gave special attention to her, and decided to do his best to save her life.
At last the woman was saved. Dr. Kelly asked the business office to pass the final bill to him. He looked at it and then wrote something on the side. The bill was sent to the woman's room. She was afraid to open it because she was sure that it would take the rest of her life to pay for it off. Finally she looked, and the note on the side of the bill caught her attention. She read these words:
"Paid in full with a glass of milk, Dr. Howard Kelly."
Tear of joy flooded her eyes. | [
"thank the woman for her kindness",
"become a famous doctor",
"continue his schooling",
"support his poor family"
] |
What is the best title for the passage? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Fatu Kekula is a hero. The 22-year-old Liberian nursing student, in her final year, managed to save the members of her immediate family from the Ebola virus, all without the help and convenience of a hospital.
Kekula reduced the rate to 25 percent. Four of her family members were infected with the virus. Her father, Moses, her mother, Victoria, her sister, Vivian and her 14-year-old cousin, Alfred Winnie. Sadly, Kekula's cousin _ the virus. It's also impressive to note that while Kekula was treating her family members she managed to avoid Ebola entirely.
On July 27, Kekula's father, Moses, went to a hospital in Kanata, after his blood pressure rose sharply. The only reason the hospital had a bed to offer him was because someone had just died. But the staff in the hospital didn't realize the patient died from an Ebola infection. Shortly, after he was admitted to the hospital, Moses developed a fever, started vomiting and was suffering from diarrhea. Once nurses started dying of Ebola, the hospital shut down and Moses had to leave. Kekula drove 90 minutes to Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, to seek treatment. Three hospitals turned them away because there is no spare bed for patients at all.
Kekula made the drive back to Kanata to another hospital. They told Moses he had typhoid fever and did very little to treat him. So Kekula took him home. Once he was there, he infected three other family members. Her mother, sister and their cousin who was living with them.
Kekula only lost one patient, her cousin. Her method proved so effective that international aid workers, including UNICEF, began teaching it to others in West Africa who may not be able to get to hospitals for treatment.
Her father, mother and sister were already recovering when space became available at the JFK Medical Center on August 17. Alfred passed away at the hospital the next day. Kekula's father, Moses said, "I'm very, very proud. She saved my life through the almighty God."
Question:
What is the best title for the passage?
Choices:
A. A courageous and selfless nurse.
B. Give her a medal: Woman saves family members from Ebola.
C. A family survived Ebola with the help of government.
D. The dreadful disease Ebola. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high9503.txt | Fatu Kekula is a hero. The 22-year-old Liberian nursing student, in her final year, managed to save the members of her immediate family from the Ebola virus, all without the help and convenience of a hospital.
Kekula reduced the rate to 25 percent. Four of her family members were infected with the virus. Her father, Moses, her mother, Victoria, her sister, Vivian and her 14-year-old cousin, Alfred Winnie. Sadly, Kekula's cousin _ the virus. It's also impressive to note that while Kekula was treating her family members she managed to avoid Ebola entirely.
On July 27, Kekula's father, Moses, went to a hospital in Kanata, after his blood pressure rose sharply. The only reason the hospital had a bed to offer him was because someone had just died. But the staff in the hospital didn't realize the patient died from an Ebola infection. Shortly, after he was admitted to the hospital, Moses developed a fever, started vomiting and was suffering from diarrhea. Once nurses started dying of Ebola, the hospital shut down and Moses had to leave. Kekula drove 90 minutes to Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, to seek treatment. Three hospitals turned them away because there is no spare bed for patients at all.
Kekula made the drive back to Kanata to another hospital. They told Moses he had typhoid fever and did very little to treat him. So Kekula took him home. Once he was there, he infected three other family members. Her mother, sister and their cousin who was living with them.
Kekula only lost one patient, her cousin. Her method proved so effective that international aid workers, including UNICEF, began teaching it to others in West Africa who may not be able to get to hospitals for treatment.
Her father, mother and sister were already recovering when space became available at the JFK Medical Center on August 17. Alfred passed away at the hospital the next day. Kekula's father, Moses said, "I'm very, very proud. She saved my life through the almighty God." | [
"A courageous and selfless nurse.",
"Give her a medal: Woman saves family members from Ebola.",
"A family survived Ebola with the help of government.",
"The dreadful disease Ebola."
] |
Dinitrophenol (dnp) is an uncoupler that makes the inner mitochondrial membrane leaky to protons. it was used until 1938 as a what? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | Dinitrophenol (dnp) is an uncoupler that makes the inner mitochondrial membrane leaky to protons. it was used until 1938 as a what? | weight loss drug | science | null | null | null | sleep loss drug | immune system booster | bone density drug | weight loss drug | ART CONNECTION QUESTIONS 1. Figure 7.11 Dinitrophenol (DNP) is an uncoupler that makes the inner mitochondrial membrane leaky to protons. It was used until 1938 as a weight-loss drug. What effect would you expect DNP to have on the change in pH across the inner mitochondrial membrane? Why do you think this might be an effective weight-loss drug? 2. Figure 7.12 Cyanide inhibits cytochrome c oxidase, a component of the electron transport chain. If cyanide poisoning occurs, would you expect the pH of the. | null | null | null |
In what kind of a series does the genetic code work? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | In what kind of a series does the genetic code work? | three-letter codes | science | null | null | null | four-letter codes | nine letter-codes | universal codes | three-letter codes | The genetic code works as a series of three-letter codes. Each sequence of three letters, called a triplet, corresponds to one of the twenty common amino acids. The triplets are read by the cell, one after the other, in the process of protein synthesis. The Table below shows all of the possible triplets and the amino acids that result from each three-letter code. | null | null | null |
It can be inferred from the passage that _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
I no longer consider myself as the center of the universe. I show up. I listen. I try to laugh. I am a good friend to my husband. I have tried to make marriage vows mean what they say. I am a good friend to my friends, and they come. Without them, there would be nothing to say to you today.
So here's what I want to tell you today: Get a life. A real life, not a desire of the next promotion, the bigger paycheck, the larger house.
Get a life in which you are not alone. Find people you love, and who love you. And remember that love is not leisure , it is work. Pick up the phone. Send an e-mail. Write a letter. And realize that life is the best thing and that you have no business taking it for granted.
It is so easy to waste our lives, our days, our hours, and our minutes. It is so easy to exist instead of to live. I learned to live many years ago. Something really, really bad happened to me, something that changed my life in ways that, if I had my choice, it would never have been changed at all. And what I learned from it is what, today, seems to be the hardest lesson of all.
I learned to love the journey, not the destination. I learned to look at all the good in the world and try to give some of it back because I believed in it, completely and totally. And I tried to do that, in part, by telling others what I had learned.
By telling them this: Read in the backyard with the sun on your face. Learn to be happy. And think of life as a deadly illness, because if you do, you will live it with joy and passion as it ought to be lived.
Question:
It can be inferred from the passage that _ .
Choices:
A. the author likes traveling very much
B. the author didn't try her best to work well
C. the author spent all her time caring for her children
D. the author is a success in personal life | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high20132.txt | I no longer consider myself as the center of the universe. I show up. I listen. I try to laugh. I am a good friend to my husband. I have tried to make marriage vows mean what they say. I am a good friend to my friends, and they come. Without them, there would be nothing to say to you today.
So here's what I want to tell you today: Get a life. A real life, not a desire of the next promotion, the bigger paycheck, the larger house.
Get a life in which you are not alone. Find people you love, and who love you. And remember that love is not leisure , it is work. Pick up the phone. Send an e-mail. Write a letter. And realize that life is the best thing and that you have no business taking it for granted.
It is so easy to waste our lives, our days, our hours, and our minutes. It is so easy to exist instead of to live. I learned to live many years ago. Something really, really bad happened to me, something that changed my life in ways that, if I had my choice, it would never have been changed at all. And what I learned from it is what, today, seems to be the hardest lesson of all.
I learned to love the journey, not the destination. I learned to look at all the good in the world and try to give some of it back because I believed in it, completely and totally. And I tried to do that, in part, by telling others what I had learned.
By telling them this: Read in the backyard with the sun on your face. Learn to be happy. And think of life as a deadly illness, because if you do, you will live it with joy and passion as it ought to be lived. | [
"the author likes traveling very much",
"the author didn't try her best to work well",
"the author spent all her time caring for her children",
"the author is a success in personal life"
] |
The text is mainly about_. | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
As is known to all, in daily conversation modern people like to use simple words and simple sentences, especially some sentences with some parts left out. Here is an interesting example from the conversation between Henry, a fisherman, and his wife Sylvia. Do you know what they are talking about?
Sylvia: Going?
Henry: Been.
Sylvia: Any?
Henry: Some.
Sylvia: Big?
Henry: Small.
Question:
The text is mainly about_.
Choices:
A. catching fish in the sea
B. spending holidays
C. short forms in daily talks
D. joy in daily life | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high24166.txt | As is known to all, in daily conversation modern people like to use simple words and simple sentences, especially some sentences with some parts left out. Here is an interesting example from the conversation between Henry, a fisherman, and his wife Sylvia. Do you know what they are talking about?
Sylvia: Going?
Henry: Been.
Sylvia: Any?
Henry: Some.
Sylvia: Big?
Henry: Small. | [
"catching fish in the sea",
"spending holidays",
"short forms in daily talks",
"joy in daily life"
] |
Which of thefollowing statements is true accordingtothepassage? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Do youwanttoimprovetheway youstudy? Do you feel nervous before a test? Many students say that a lack of concentration is their biggest problem. It seriously affects their ability tostudy, sodotheir test results.If so, use these tips tohelpyou.
Study Techniques
*You should always study in the same place. You shouldn't sit in a position that you use for another purpose. For example, when you sit on a sofa to study, your brain will think it is time to relax. Don't watch TV while youare studying. Experts warn that your concentration may be reduced by 50 percent if youattempttostudyin thisway. Always try tohave a white wall in front ofyou, so there is nothingtodistract(make less concentrated) you.
*Your eyes will become tired if youtrytoread a text which is on a flat surface. Position your book at an angle of 30 degrees.
*Don't try to complete too much in one study period. Finish one thing before beginning another.If you need a break, get up and walk around for a few minutes.
Test-taking skills
*All your hard work will be for nothing if youare too nervoustotake your test. Getting plenty of rest is very important. This means donotstudyall night before your test! It is a better ideatohave a long-termstudyplan. Try tomake a timetable for yourstudywhich lasts for a few months.
*Exercise is a great waytoreduce pressure. Doing some form of exercise every day will also improveyour concentration. Eat healthy food too.
*When youarrive intheexamination room, find your seat and sit down. Breathe slowly and deeply. Check thetime ontheclock duringthetest, but not too often. Above all, take no notice of everyone else and give thetest paper your undivided attention.
Question:
Which of thefollowing statements is true accordingtothepassage?
Choices:
A. Check thetime duringtheexam at a certain time.
B. Staying up all night and studying is tiring, but effective way.
C. You should studyin a different place every day, soyoudon't get bored.
D. Your concentration will improveifyoustudyand watch TV atthesame time. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high23290.txt | Do youwanttoimprovetheway youstudy? Do you feel nervous before a test? Many students say that a lack of concentration is their biggest problem. It seriously affects their ability tostudy, sodotheir test results.If so, use these tips tohelpyou.
Study Techniques
*You should always study in the same place. You shouldn't sit in a position that you use for another purpose. For example, when you sit on a sofa to study, your brain will think it is time to relax. Don't watch TV while youare studying. Experts warn that your concentration may be reduced by 50 percent if youattempttostudyin thisway. Always try tohave a white wall in front ofyou, so there is nothingtodistract(make less concentrated) you.
*Your eyes will become tired if youtrytoread a text which is on a flat surface. Position your book at an angle of 30 degrees.
*Don't try to complete too much in one study period. Finish one thing before beginning another.If you need a break, get up and walk around for a few minutes.
Test-taking skills
*All your hard work will be for nothing if youare too nervoustotake your test. Getting plenty of rest is very important. This means donotstudyall night before your test! It is a better ideatohave a long-termstudyplan. Try tomake a timetable for yourstudywhich lasts for a few months.
*Exercise is a great waytoreduce pressure. Doing some form of exercise every day will also improveyour concentration. Eat healthy food too.
*When youarrive intheexamination room, find your seat and sit down. Breathe slowly and deeply. Check thetime ontheclock duringthetest, but not too often. Above all, take no notice of everyone else and give thetest paper your undivided attention. | [
"Check thetime duringtheexam at a certain time.",
"Staying up all night and studying is tiring, but effective way.",
"You should studyin a different place every day, soyoudon't get bored.",
"Your concentration will improveifyoustudyand watch TV atthesame time."
] |
The passage is mainly about _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Alice's Adventures in Wonderlandis one of the most loved children's books of all time, and many adults enjoy it as well. It tells the story of a young girl named Alice, who follows a rabbit entering a magical world called Wonderland. She has many experiences which seem to change the rules of reasoning or common sense. The popularity of the book comes from its imagination, interesting story, and art work.
The writer of the book is Lewis Carroll. In fact, Lewis Carroll was not the writer's real name. His real name was Charles Dodgson. One day, he took a boat ride down the Thames River to have a picnic with three little girls who were friends of the family. To keep them entertained on the ride, he told them a story in which Alice, the middle child, was the main character. They enjoyed the story very much.
Charles later wrote the story down under the nameAlice's Adventures Under Groundand gave it to Alice as a Christmas present. Later, he gave a copy to his friend George MacDonald. George read it to his children and they loved it. George suggested to Charles that he make a book from his story. Charles then wrote more parts to the story until it was around 35,000 words. It was first printed in 1866, with art work by John Tenniel, under the nameAlice's Adventures in Wonderland. The book was an immediate success. One of its first fans was Queen Victoria. She immediately requested a collection of all of Lewis Carroll's works. She was surprised to find that they included many works on math. In fact, Charles Dodgson was a highly respected mathematician. This can be seen in many puzzles and plays on reasoning that appear in his books and poems.
Since the story was first printed, it has kept selling up to the present day. It has been translated into over fifty languages and has had several movies based on it.
Question:
The passage is mainly about _ .
Choices:
A. Charles' family life
B. the birth of a book and its lasting influences
C. a magical world called Wonderland
D. a girl's adventurous experiences | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high625.txt | Alice's Adventures in Wonderlandis one of the most loved children's books of all time, and many adults enjoy it as well. It tells the story of a young girl named Alice, who follows a rabbit entering a magical world called Wonderland. She has many experiences which seem to change the rules of reasoning or common sense. The popularity of the book comes from its imagination, interesting story, and art work.
The writer of the book is Lewis Carroll. In fact, Lewis Carroll was not the writer's real name. His real name was Charles Dodgson. One day, he took a boat ride down the Thames River to have a picnic with three little girls who were friends of the family. To keep them entertained on the ride, he told them a story in which Alice, the middle child, was the main character. They enjoyed the story very much.
Charles later wrote the story down under the nameAlice's Adventures Under Groundand gave it to Alice as a Christmas present. Later, he gave a copy to his friend George MacDonald. George read it to his children and they loved it. George suggested to Charles that he make a book from his story. Charles then wrote more parts to the story until it was around 35,000 words. It was first printed in 1866, with art work by John Tenniel, under the nameAlice's Adventures in Wonderland. The book was an immediate success. One of its first fans was Queen Victoria. She immediately requested a collection of all of Lewis Carroll's works. She was surprised to find that they included many works on math. In fact, Charles Dodgson was a highly respected mathematician. This can be seen in many puzzles and plays on reasoning that appear in his books and poems.
Since the story was first printed, it has kept selling up to the present day. It has been translated into over fifty languages and has had several movies based on it. | [
"Charles' family life",
"the birth of a book and its lasting influences",
"a magical world called Wonderland",
"a girl's adventurous experiences"
] |
The homeless man only had something to drink because _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
We were on our way home from Houston one Saturday morning. We decided to stop at a local gas station to get coffee and something to snack on since it was a good hour and a half before we got home.
When we were done, we got back into our car and before I started it, we noticed a man standing outside in front of the building. He was a homeless man with worn clothes and it looked like he had gone in and gotten himself some coffee or something warm to drink since it was cold this time of the year. He must have not had enough money to get something to eat.
Then a dog walked up to the front of the building. I could tell she was a "she", because you could tell that she had baby dogs. She was terribly in need of something to eat and I felt so bad for her. I knew if she didn't eat soon, she and her baby dogs would not make it.
I and my wife sat there and looked at her. We noticed that people walked by and didn't even pet her, like most people do when they walk by an animal in front of a store. We still did not do anything. But the homeless man, who I thought did not buy himself anything to eat, went back into the store. And what he did brought tears to me and my wife. He had gone into the store and with what money he may have had, bought a can of dog food and fed that dog.
This story plays a great part in our lives. You see, that was Mother's Day weekend. And a lot of people forget that some animals are parents too.
It took a homeless man, to show me what I should have done. He make me a better man that day.
Question:
The homeless man only had something to drink because _ .
Choices:
A. he didn't have enough money for food
B. he was thirsty only
C. the store only provided drinks
D. he felt cold that day | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high11367.txt | We were on our way home from Houston one Saturday morning. We decided to stop at a local gas station to get coffee and something to snack on since it was a good hour and a half before we got home.
When we were done, we got back into our car and before I started it, we noticed a man standing outside in front of the building. He was a homeless man with worn clothes and it looked like he had gone in and gotten himself some coffee or something warm to drink since it was cold this time of the year. He must have not had enough money to get something to eat.
Then a dog walked up to the front of the building. I could tell she was a "she", because you could tell that she had baby dogs. She was terribly in need of something to eat and I felt so bad for her. I knew if she didn't eat soon, she and her baby dogs would not make it.
I and my wife sat there and looked at her. We noticed that people walked by and didn't even pet her, like most people do when they walk by an animal in front of a store. We still did not do anything. But the homeless man, who I thought did not buy himself anything to eat, went back into the store. And what he did brought tears to me and my wife. He had gone into the store and with what money he may have had, bought a can of dog food and fed that dog.
This story plays a great part in our lives. You see, that was Mother's Day weekend. And a lot of people forget that some animals are parents too.
It took a homeless man, to show me what I should have done. He make me a better man that day. | [
"he didn't have enough money for food",
"he was thirsty only",
"the store only provided drinks",
"he felt cold that day"
] |
Some swimmers die in water because _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Swimming is very popular. People like swimming in summer because water makes people feel cool. If you like swimming but swim in a wrong place, it may not be safe. These years, a lot of people die when they enjoy themselves in water, and most of them are students. Some people are not careful when they are swimming. They often think they swim so well that nothing will happen to them in water. Summer is here again. If you go swimming, don't forget that better swimmers have died in water. They die because they are not careful, not because they cannot swim. So don't get into the water when you are alone. Don't get into the water if there is a " No swimming" sign. If you remember these, swimming will be safe.
Question:
Some swimmers die in water because _ .
Choices:
A. they swim so well
B. they are not strong enough
C. they are not careful
D. they can't swim well | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle1027.txt | Swimming is very popular. People like swimming in summer because water makes people feel cool. If you like swimming but swim in a wrong place, it may not be safe. These years, a lot of people die when they enjoy themselves in water, and most of them are students. Some people are not careful when they are swimming. They often think they swim so well that nothing will happen to them in water. Summer is here again. If you go swimming, don't forget that better swimmers have died in water. They die because they are not careful, not because they cannot swim. So don't get into the water when you are alone. Don't get into the water if there is a " No swimming" sign. If you remember these, swimming will be safe. | [
"they swim so well",
"they are not strong enough",
"they are not careful",
"they can't swim well"
] |
According to the author, what Franck Ketchouang wrote was _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
As a group of young African immigrants struggle to adapt to life in the United States, an after-school drama program at White Oak Middle School aims to make their lives easier by first making them a little harder.
Project X is a program that uses drama, dance, poetry and other creative outlets to help students discuss the tough and sometimes painful problems they face as pre-teen immigrants with language barriers. A final unveiling of their creation will be performed for friends and family at the end of the year at Imagination Stage.
Wanjiru Kamau, coordinator of White Oak's African Club said it's important to give troubles to group members to help them find their place at the school. "It comforts those who are uncomfortable, and it discomforts those who are comfortable," Kamau said of Project X.
Kamau teamed up with Imagination Stage after she noticed that many African students seemed uncomfortable talking about problems, such as being laughed at by their fellow students about how they look and talk. When most of the kids join the club, they speak little or no English, Kamau said. Each week, the club typically draws five to ten students who are originally from Africa for discussion sessions and the Project X programme.
"We are going to express ourselves through our words and our actions, and that's powerful," said teaching artist Meg Green as she introduced fill-in-the-blank poems the students wrote about their identities.
One student, Frank Ketchouang, 13, wrote, "I am from the world; I am love," which drew oohs and aahs from the group. Ketchouang has been in the United States for less than a year, said Program Coordinator Chad Dike. When Ketchouang started attending Project X, he had been in the United States for two months and spoke no English. Now he's one of the group's most outgoing members and helps translate instructions from English to Creole for the group's newest member, who is from Haiti.
Many people will give up when there's a language barrier, "but these students prove them wrong". Kamau said. "You do have something to give. You are important. When TV, media, etc. are bringing them down, this program is bringing them up."
Question:
According to the author, what Franck Ketchouang wrote was _ .
Choices:
A. silly
B. simple
C. excellent
D. contradictory | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high6046.txt | As a group of young African immigrants struggle to adapt to life in the United States, an after-school drama program at White Oak Middle School aims to make their lives easier by first making them a little harder.
Project X is a program that uses drama, dance, poetry and other creative outlets to help students discuss the tough and sometimes painful problems they face as pre-teen immigrants with language barriers. A final unveiling of their creation will be performed for friends and family at the end of the year at Imagination Stage.
Wanjiru Kamau, coordinator of White Oak's African Club said it's important to give troubles to group members to help them find their place at the school. "It comforts those who are uncomfortable, and it discomforts those who are comfortable," Kamau said of Project X.
Kamau teamed up with Imagination Stage after she noticed that many African students seemed uncomfortable talking about problems, such as being laughed at by their fellow students about how they look and talk. When most of the kids join the club, they speak little or no English, Kamau said. Each week, the club typically draws five to ten students who are originally from Africa for discussion sessions and the Project X programme.
"We are going to express ourselves through our words and our actions, and that's powerful," said teaching artist Meg Green as she introduced fill-in-the-blank poems the students wrote about their identities.
One student, Frank Ketchouang, 13, wrote, "I am from the world; I am love," which drew oohs and aahs from the group. Ketchouang has been in the United States for less than a year, said Program Coordinator Chad Dike. When Ketchouang started attending Project X, he had been in the United States for two months and spoke no English. Now he's one of the group's most outgoing members and helps translate instructions from English to Creole for the group's newest member, who is from Haiti.
Many people will give up when there's a language barrier, "but these students prove them wrong". Kamau said. "You do have something to give. You are important. When TV, media, etc. are bringing them down, this program is bringing them up." | [
"silly",
"simple",
"excellent",
"contradictory"
] |
What can we learn about Alice? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
I'm Marie. I work in a nursing home and my job is to look after the old people. Alice is one of them. She's a very nice old woman.
This year, Alice had a difficult time. She went to hospital twice. In November, I finally could get her back to her "home".
Alice hoped that her daughter could come to visit her on Christmas Eve because she wanted to be with her family, like the old days. But her daughter was coming after Christmas, so she was very sad. I also felt sad because she would be alone on the holiday!
On Christmas Eve, I took her to a candlelight service at church that night.
I didn't take her to my church. I took her to the church in her old neighborhood. We got there early and I let her sit near the door, so people could see her when they came in. Soon some of her friends came to the church and they all talked to her and sat with her.
Alice got a lot of love from her old and new friends there. She said she loved the gift like this. That night, I thought I got the best gift: the smile on Alice's face.
.
Question:
What can we learn about Alice?
Choices:
A. She lived with her daughter.
B. She was in very good health.
C. She liked staying in the nursing home.
D. She was unhappy before the Christmas Eve. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle4708.txt | I'm Marie. I work in a nursing home and my job is to look after the old people. Alice is one of them. She's a very nice old woman.
This year, Alice had a difficult time. She went to hospital twice. In November, I finally could get her back to her "home".
Alice hoped that her daughter could come to visit her on Christmas Eve because she wanted to be with her family, like the old days. But her daughter was coming after Christmas, so she was very sad. I also felt sad because she would be alone on the holiday!
On Christmas Eve, I took her to a candlelight service at church that night.
I didn't take her to my church. I took her to the church in her old neighborhood. We got there early and I let her sit near the door, so people could see her when they came in. Soon some of her friends came to the church and they all talked to her and sat with her.
Alice got a lot of love from her old and new friends there. She said she loved the gift like this. That night, I thought I got the best gift: the smile on Alice's face.
. | [
"She lived with her daughter.",
"She was in very good health.",
"She liked staying in the nursing home.",
"She was unhappy before the Christmas Eve."
] |
You must work _ if you are accepted by calling 345-674132. | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
(1)Needed: Full time secretary position available. Applicants should have at least 2 years experience and be able to type 60 words a minute. No computer skills required. Apply in person at United Business Ltd., 17 Browning Street, Leeds.
(2) Are you looking for a part time job? We require 3 part time shop assistants to work during the evening. No experience required; applicants should between 18 and 26. Call 366 - 76564 for more information.
(3) Computer trained secretaries: Do you have experience working with computers? Would you like a full time position working in an exciting new company? If your answer is yes, give us a call at 457-896754
(4) Teacher Needed: Hania's Playschool needs 2 teacher/trainers to help with classes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Applicants should have appropriate licences. For more information visit Hania's Playschool in Leicester Square
(5) Part Time work available: We are looking for retired adults who would like to work part time at the weekend. Responsibilities include answering the telephone and giving customer's information. For more information contact us by calling 345-674132
(6) University positions open: The University of Bristol is looking for 4 teaching assistants to help with homework correction. Applicants should have a degree in one of the following: Political Science, Religion, Economics or History. Please contact the University of Bristol for more information.
Question:
You must work _ if you are accepted by calling 345-674132.
Choices:
A. during the evening
B. at the weekend
C. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
D. during the day | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high16122.txt | (1)Needed: Full time secretary position available. Applicants should have at least 2 years experience and be able to type 60 words a minute. No computer skills required. Apply in person at United Business Ltd., 17 Browning Street, Leeds.
(2) Are you looking for a part time job? We require 3 part time shop assistants to work during the evening. No experience required; applicants should between 18 and 26. Call 366 - 76564 for more information.
(3) Computer trained secretaries: Do you have experience working with computers? Would you like a full time position working in an exciting new company? If your answer is yes, give us a call at 457-896754
(4) Teacher Needed: Hania's Playschool needs 2 teacher/trainers to help with classes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Applicants should have appropriate licences. For more information visit Hania's Playschool in Leicester Square
(5) Part Time work available: We are looking for retired adults who would like to work part time at the weekend. Responsibilities include answering the telephone and giving customer's information. For more information contact us by calling 345-674132
(6) University positions open: The University of Bristol is looking for 4 teaching assistants to help with homework correction. Applicants should have a degree in one of the following: Political Science, Religion, Economics or History. Please contact the University of Bristol for more information. | [
"during the evening",
"at the weekend",
"from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.",
"during the day"
] |
Five hundred terminally ill patients were interviewed with the main purpose of _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
In the old days, children were familiar with birth and death as part of life. This is perhaps the first generation of American youngsters who have never been close by during the birth of a baby and have never experienced the death of a family member.
Nowadays when people grow old, we often send them to nursing homes. When they get sick, we send them to a hospital, where children are forbidden to visit terminally ill patients - even when those patients are their parents. This deprives the dying patient of significant family members during the last few days of his and it deprives the children of an experience of death, which is an important learning experience.
Some of my colleagues and I once interviewed and followed about 500 terminally ill patients in order to find out what they could teach us and how we could be of more benefit, not just to them but to the members of their families as well. We were most impressed by the fact that even those patients who were not told of their serious illness were aware of its possible result.
It is important for family members, and doctors and nurses to understand these patients' communications in order to truly understand their needs, fears and fantasies. Most of our patients welcomed another human being with whom they could talk openly, honestly, and frankly about their trouble. Many of them shared with us their great need to be informed, to be kept up-to-date on their medical condition and to be told when the end was near. We found out that patients who had been dealt with openly and frankly were better able to deal with the coming of death and finally to reach a true stage of acceptance prior to death.
Question:
Five hundred terminally ill patients were interviewed with the main purpose of _ .
Choices:
A. observing how they reacted to the crisis of death
B. helping them and their families overcome the fear of death
C. finding out their attitude towards the coming of death
D. learning how to best help them and their families | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high20744.txt | In the old days, children were familiar with birth and death as part of life. This is perhaps the first generation of American youngsters who have never been close by during the birth of a baby and have never experienced the death of a family member.
Nowadays when people grow old, we often send them to nursing homes. When they get sick, we send them to a hospital, where children are forbidden to visit terminally ill patients - even when those patients are their parents. This deprives the dying patient of significant family members during the last few days of his and it deprives the children of an experience of death, which is an important learning experience.
Some of my colleagues and I once interviewed and followed about 500 terminally ill patients in order to find out what they could teach us and how we could be of more benefit, not just to them but to the members of their families as well. We were most impressed by the fact that even those patients who were not told of their serious illness were aware of its possible result.
It is important for family members, and doctors and nurses to understand these patients' communications in order to truly understand their needs, fears and fantasies. Most of our patients welcomed another human being with whom they could talk openly, honestly, and frankly about their trouble. Many of them shared with us their great need to be informed, to be kept up-to-date on their medical condition and to be told when the end was near. We found out that patients who had been dealt with openly and frankly were better able to deal with the coming of death and finally to reach a true stage of acceptance prior to death. | [
"observing how they reacted to the crisis of death",
"helping them and their families overcome the fear of death",
"finding out their attitude towards the coming of death",
"learning how to best help them and their families"
] |
Coxal glands collect liquid waste from what? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | Coxal glands collect liquid waste from what? | blood | science | null | null | null | heart | lungs | plasma | blood | Some arthropods have special excretory structures. They are called coxal glands and Malpighian tubules . Coxal glands collect and concentrate liquid waste from blood. They excrete the waste from the body through a pore. Malphigian tubules carry waste from the digestive tract to the anus. The waste is excreted through the anus. | null | null | null |
What is the main idea of the passage? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Online grocery shopping was counted as the next great innovation to make our lives easier. In China more than 3,000 websites offer the service, but none have turned a profit.
Xiang Nian has had a hard day at the office but at least she can skip the trip to the grocery store. A text message on her phone lets her know the order she placed earlier in the day has been delivered to a locker outside her apartment.
"It's really convenient for an office worker like me. My fresh products are waiting for me when I get home and can start cooking. No need to go to the supermarket any more," Xiang says.
One of the largest online supermarkets in Wuhan is Just-easy Fresh Produce. Over the past 3 years, the company has developed its online retail grocery business by guaranteeing fresh produce and an innovative delivery system. They've installed thousands of lockers in communitieshttp:// / around downtown Wuhan.
"We get an average of 8,000 orders per day. That's the most in China, I'm proud of it. We have placed over 20 thousand lockers in more than half of the communities in Wuhan and we plan to expand to all of them. Many e-commerce giants, like Taobao, are talking about cooperation with us," Jie Xiaofeng, manager of Wuhan Just-easy Agricultural Science & Technology Co., says.
While Just-easy may have thousands of customers, a staff of almost 300 and 40 delivery trucks, _ .
"There are over 3,000 companies selling fresh products online in China. But none is making a profit. It will take them at least 3 years before they make a profit. The major challenge is the cost of delivery. But they do have many advantages. The price of their goods is lower than the supermarkets," professor He Dehua at Huazhong Agricultural University, says.
A number of China's e-commerce giants are making moves into online grocery sales, with Taobao opening an online platform it calls "Cainiao". And traditional retailers including Wal-Mart and Carrefour are also looking to start selling their produce online.
Many big B2C e-commerce players usually take fresh farm produce as the last category to add to their offerings. But now more and more large businesses have set their eyes on the industry. They want to prove the fresh food market is definitely suited to online sales.
Question:
What is the main idea of the passage?
Choices:
A. The online grocery shopping is making our life easier.
B. Just-easy Fresh Produce is a pioneer of the online retail grocery business.
C. Conventional retailers are facing challenges.
D. None of the online grocery supermarkets has made a profit. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high5583.txt | Online grocery shopping was counted as the next great innovation to make our lives easier. In China more than 3,000 websites offer the service, but none have turned a profit.
Xiang Nian has had a hard day at the office but at least she can skip the trip to the grocery store. A text message on her phone lets her know the order she placed earlier in the day has been delivered to a locker outside her apartment.
"It's really convenient for an office worker like me. My fresh products are waiting for me when I get home and can start cooking. No need to go to the supermarket any more," Xiang says.
One of the largest online supermarkets in Wuhan is Just-easy Fresh Produce. Over the past 3 years, the company has developed its online retail grocery business by guaranteeing fresh produce and an innovative delivery system. They've installed thousands of lockers in communitieshttp:// / around downtown Wuhan.
"We get an average of 8,000 orders per day. That's the most in China, I'm proud of it. We have placed over 20 thousand lockers in more than half of the communities in Wuhan and we plan to expand to all of them. Many e-commerce giants, like Taobao, are talking about cooperation with us," Jie Xiaofeng, manager of Wuhan Just-easy Agricultural Science & Technology Co., says.
While Just-easy may have thousands of customers, a staff of almost 300 and 40 delivery trucks, _ .
"There are over 3,000 companies selling fresh products online in China. But none is making a profit. It will take them at least 3 years before they make a profit. The major challenge is the cost of delivery. But they do have many advantages. The price of their goods is lower than the supermarkets," professor He Dehua at Huazhong Agricultural University, says.
A number of China's e-commerce giants are making moves into online grocery sales, with Taobao opening an online platform it calls "Cainiao". And traditional retailers including Wal-Mart and Carrefour are also looking to start selling their produce online.
Many big B2C e-commerce players usually take fresh farm produce as the last category to add to their offerings. But now more and more large businesses have set their eyes on the industry. They want to prove the fresh food market is definitely suited to online sales. | [
"The online grocery shopping is making our life easier.",
"Just-easy Fresh Produce is a pioneer of the online retail grocery business.",
"Conventional retailers are facing challenges.",
"None of the online grocery supermarkets has made a profit."
] |
Which of the following statements is TRUE to the facts about most organic produce sold in Britain? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
LONDON(Reuters)--Organic fruit, delivered right to the doorstep. That is what Gabriel Gold prefers, and he is willing to pay for it. If this is not possible, the 26-year-old computer technician will spend the extra money at the supermarket to buy organic food.
"Organic produce is always better,"Gold said."The food is free of pesticides ,and you are generally supporting family farms instead of large farms. And at most times it is locally grown and seasonal, so it is more tasty."Gold is one of a growing number of shoppers accepting the _ , and supermarkets across Britain are counting on more like him as they grow their organic food business. But how many shoppers really know what they are getting, and why are they willing to pay a higher price for organic produce? Market research shows that Gold and others who buy organic food can generally give clear reasons for their preferences but their knowledge of organic food is far from complete. For example, small amount of pesticides can be used on organic products. And about three quarters of organic food in prefix = st1 /Britainis not local but imported to meet growing demand."The demand for organic food is increasing by about one third every year, so it is a very fast-growing market,"said Sue Flock, a specialist in this line of business
Question:
Which of the following statements is TRUE to the facts about most organic produce sold in Britain?
Choices:
A. It grows indoors all year round.
B. It is produced outside Britain.
C. It is grown on family farms.
D. It is produced on large farms. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high22897.txt | LONDON(Reuters)--Organic fruit, delivered right to the doorstep. That is what Gabriel Gold prefers, and he is willing to pay for it. If this is not possible, the 26-year-old computer technician will spend the extra money at the supermarket to buy organic food.
"Organic produce is always better,"Gold said."The food is free of pesticides ,and you are generally supporting family farms instead of large farms. And at most times it is locally grown and seasonal, so it is more tasty."Gold is one of a growing number of shoppers accepting the _ , and supermarkets across Britain are counting on more like him as they grow their organic food business. But how many shoppers really know what they are getting, and why are they willing to pay a higher price for organic produce? Market research shows that Gold and others who buy organic food can generally give clear reasons for their preferences but their knowledge of organic food is far from complete. For example, small amount of pesticides can be used on organic products. And about three quarters of organic food in prefix = st1 /Britainis not local but imported to meet growing demand."The demand for organic food is increasing by about one third every year, so it is a very fast-growing market,"said Sue Flock, a specialist in this line of business | [
"It grows indoors all year round.",
"It is produced outside Britain.",
"It is grown on family farms.",
"It is produced on large farms."
] |
The best title for the passage may be " _ ". | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Scientists know of more than 1,000 volcanoes on the surface of Venus, Earth's "sister" planet. A big question has been: Are they still active? The scientists say yes.
Their evidence for recent volcanic activity on Venus comes from a lava flow in the planet's northern hemisphere. The flow is hotter than the rocks around, which means the lava might still be cooling off. "The flow we studied seems to be very young---it is still warm inside," Nataliya Bondarenko said.
Venus is a difficult planet to study from Earth because it is surrounded by thick clouds. Telescopes on Earth can't see through these clouds, so the best information about Venus comes from spacecraft orbiting it.
Bondarenko and her colleagues studied the lava flow using data from NASA's Magellan mission. That spacecraft spent four years in orbit around Venus and used radar to make a map of 98 percent of the planet's surface. On October 11th, 1994, the mission ended, and the spacecraft plunged through Venus' heavy cloud cover and crashed onto the planet below.
While in orbit, the Magellan craft sent microwaves, which can go through Venus' clouds, to the surface. Microwaves are invisible and can be as long as three feet. These waves are a kind of energy, like light. And like light, they bounce off surfaces. The way the waves bounced off the Venus' surface and back to the craft supplied information that the scientists used to estimate the temperature of various parts of the planet's surface. Bondarenko's team found that the lava flow was hotter than its surroundings---which may mean the lava flow is in the process of cooling.
The scientists say the lava flow can't be very old because if it were, it would have cooled off enough that Magellan wouldn't have noticed the difference in microwaves. She adds that the flow appears in a 1978 view of the surface that a craft called the Pioneer Venus Orbiter captured.
Question:
The best title for the passage may be " _ ".
Choices:
A. Warm lava on Venus
B. More volcanic eruptions on Venus
C. Venus is just like a big active volcano
D. Lava flows are first found on Venus | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high5125.txt | Scientists know of more than 1,000 volcanoes on the surface of Venus, Earth's "sister" planet. A big question has been: Are they still active? The scientists say yes.
Their evidence for recent volcanic activity on Venus comes from a lava flow in the planet's northern hemisphere. The flow is hotter than the rocks around, which means the lava might still be cooling off. "The flow we studied seems to be very young---it is still warm inside," Nataliya Bondarenko said.
Venus is a difficult planet to study from Earth because it is surrounded by thick clouds. Telescopes on Earth can't see through these clouds, so the best information about Venus comes from spacecraft orbiting it.
Bondarenko and her colleagues studied the lava flow using data from NASA's Magellan mission. That spacecraft spent four years in orbit around Venus and used radar to make a map of 98 percent of the planet's surface. On October 11th, 1994, the mission ended, and the spacecraft plunged through Venus' heavy cloud cover and crashed onto the planet below.
While in orbit, the Magellan craft sent microwaves, which can go through Venus' clouds, to the surface. Microwaves are invisible and can be as long as three feet. These waves are a kind of energy, like light. And like light, they bounce off surfaces. The way the waves bounced off the Venus' surface and back to the craft supplied information that the scientists used to estimate the temperature of various parts of the planet's surface. Bondarenko's team found that the lava flow was hotter than its surroundings---which may mean the lava flow is in the process of cooling.
The scientists say the lava flow can't be very old because if it were, it would have cooled off enough that Magellan wouldn't have noticed the difference in microwaves. She adds that the flow appears in a 1978 view of the surface that a craft called the Pioneer Venus Orbiter captured. | [
"Warm lava on Venus",
"More volcanic eruptions on Venus",
"Venus is just like a big active volcano",
"Lava flows are first found on Venus"
] |
There will be _ in Beijing Theater this week. | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Films in Beijing Theater This Week
HARRY POTTER (III)
American film
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
Time: From Monday to Wednesday, at 6:00 p.m.
Ticket Price:Y=50
KUNGFU HUSTLE
Chinese film
Director: Zhou Xingchi
Starring: Zhou Xingchi, Liang Xiaolong, Yuan Hua
Time: From Wednesday to Friday, at 9:00 p.m.
Ticket Price:Y=40
A WORLD WITHOUT THIEVES
Chinese film
Director: Feng Xiaogang
Starring: Liu Dehua, Liu Ruoying, Ge You, Li Bingbing
Time: From Friday to Sunday, at 6:30 p.m.
Ticket Price:Y=40 (Half on Sunday for children)
TROY
American film
Director: Wolfgang Peterson
Starring: Julian Glover, Brian Cox, Nathan Jones, Adoni Maropis
Time: From Tuesday to Saturday, at 9:30 a.m.
Ticket Price:Y=30
Question:
There will be _ in Beijing Theater this week.
Choices:
A. one Chinese film
B. two Chinese films
C. three American films
D. four foreign films | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle63.txt | Films in Beijing Theater This Week
HARRY POTTER (III)
American film
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
Time: From Monday to Wednesday, at 6:00 p.m.
Ticket Price:Y=50
KUNGFU HUSTLE
Chinese film
Director: Zhou Xingchi
Starring: Zhou Xingchi, Liang Xiaolong, Yuan Hua
Time: From Wednesday to Friday, at 9:00 p.m.
Ticket Price:Y=40
A WORLD WITHOUT THIEVES
Chinese film
Director: Feng Xiaogang
Starring: Liu Dehua, Liu Ruoying, Ge You, Li Bingbing
Time: From Friday to Sunday, at 6:30 p.m.
Ticket Price:Y=40 (Half on Sunday for children)
TROY
American film
Director: Wolfgang Peterson
Starring: Julian Glover, Brian Cox, Nathan Jones, Adoni Maropis
Time: From Tuesday to Saturday, at 9:30 a.m.
Ticket Price:Y=30 | [
"one Chinese film",
"two Chinese films",
"three American films",
"four foreign films"
] |
Where does the text probably come from? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
On May 23,1989, Stefania Follini came out from a cave at Carlsbad, New Mexico. She hadn't seen the sun for eighteen and a half weeks. Stefania was in a research program, and the scientists in the program were studying body rhythms . In this experiment Stefania had spent 130 days in a cave, 30 feet in depth.
During her time in the cave, Stefania had been completely alone except for two white mice. Her living place had been very comfortable, but there had been nothing to fell her the time. She'd had no clock or watches, no television or radio. There had been no natural light and the temperature had always been kept at 21degC.
The results were very interesting. Stefania had been in the cave for over four months, but she thought she had been there for only two. Her body clock had changed. She hadn't kept to a 24-hour day. She had stayed awake for 20-25 hours and then had slept for 10 hours. She had eaten fewer meals and had lost 17lbs in weight as a result! She had also become rather depressed .
How had she spent her time in the cave? As part of the experiment she'd done some physical and mental tests. She'd recorded her daily activities and the results of the tests on a computer. This computer had been specially programmed for the project. Whenever she was free, she'd played cards, read books and listened to music. She'd also learned French from tapes.
The experiment showed that our body clocks are affected by light and temperature, For example, the pattern of day and night makes us wake up and go to sleep. However, People are affected in different ways. Some people wake up naturally at 5:00 am, but others don't start to wake up till 9:00 or 10;00 am. This affects the whole daily rhythm. As a result, the early risers are at their best in the late morning. The late risers, on the other hand, are tired during the day and only come to life in the afternoon or evening!
Question:
Where does the text probably come from?
Choices:
A. A novel
B. A news story
C. A pet magazine
D. A travel guide | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high7638.txt | On May 23,1989, Stefania Follini came out from a cave at Carlsbad, New Mexico. She hadn't seen the sun for eighteen and a half weeks. Stefania was in a research program, and the scientists in the program were studying body rhythms . In this experiment Stefania had spent 130 days in a cave, 30 feet in depth.
During her time in the cave, Stefania had been completely alone except for two white mice. Her living place had been very comfortable, but there had been nothing to fell her the time. She'd had no clock or watches, no television or radio. There had been no natural light and the temperature had always been kept at 21degC.
The results were very interesting. Stefania had been in the cave for over four months, but she thought she had been there for only two. Her body clock had changed. She hadn't kept to a 24-hour day. She had stayed awake for 20-25 hours and then had slept for 10 hours. She had eaten fewer meals and had lost 17lbs in weight as a result! She had also become rather depressed .
How had she spent her time in the cave? As part of the experiment she'd done some physical and mental tests. She'd recorded her daily activities and the results of the tests on a computer. This computer had been specially programmed for the project. Whenever she was free, she'd played cards, read books and listened to music. She'd also learned French from tapes.
The experiment showed that our body clocks are affected by light and temperature, For example, the pattern of day and night makes us wake up and go to sleep. However, People are affected in different ways. Some people wake up naturally at 5:00 am, but others don't start to wake up till 9:00 or 10;00 am. This affects the whole daily rhythm. As a result, the early risers are at their best in the late morning. The late risers, on the other hand, are tired during the day and only come to life in the afternoon or evening! | [
"A novel",
"A news story",
"A pet magazine",
"A travel guide"
] |
Which of the following number is Not agree with its description? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Only if you don't have a fear of heights do you want to visit the CN Tower. And if you can take a trip to the top of it will surely be worth it. The CN tower is Canada's most famous symbol and the centre of tourism in Toronto.
Over 550 meters, it is one of the tallest building in the world; on a clear day the view is wonderful. Each year, around 2 million people take the elevator ride to the top of the tower to take in the breath-taking view at the top of the world. Once you are at the top, see if you have the courage to walk across the see-through glass floor .
If you are hungry, plan to eat at the revolving restaurant at the top of the tower. The floor in the 360-degree restaurant rotates once every 72 minutes allowing everyone a complete view of the city below. The CN tower has broken record many times, winning such titles as World's Longest Metal staircase ,World's Tallest building and , most recently , World's Highest Wine Cellar. In 1995, the CN tower was considered as one of the seven wonders of the Modern World.
Today, the top of the tower, more than 333m in the air, serves as the year-round workplace for more than 550 people. The tower's workers help to make the world-class attractions and food there.
While at the CN tower, you'll also have the chance to visit gift shops. You will find the CN Tower in the heart of downtown, on Front Street. On the north shore of Lake Ontario, the CN Tower is open 364 days a year(closed on Christmas Day).
Question:
Which of the following number is Not agree with its description?
Choices:
A. 333 --- the height of the tower
B. 550 --- the number of people who work at the top of the tower
C. 364 --- the days that the tower is open each year
D. 360--- the degree of the restaurant revolves. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high12235.txt | Only if you don't have a fear of heights do you want to visit the CN Tower. And if you can take a trip to the top of it will surely be worth it. The CN tower is Canada's most famous symbol and the centre of tourism in Toronto.
Over 550 meters, it is one of the tallest building in the world; on a clear day the view is wonderful. Each year, around 2 million people take the elevator ride to the top of the tower to take in the breath-taking view at the top of the world. Once you are at the top, see if you have the courage to walk across the see-through glass floor .
If you are hungry, plan to eat at the revolving restaurant at the top of the tower. The floor in the 360-degree restaurant rotates once every 72 minutes allowing everyone a complete view of the city below. The CN tower has broken record many times, winning such titles as World's Longest Metal staircase ,World's Tallest building and , most recently , World's Highest Wine Cellar. In 1995, the CN tower was considered as one of the seven wonders of the Modern World.
Today, the top of the tower, more than 333m in the air, serves as the year-round workplace for more than 550 people. The tower's workers help to make the world-class attractions and food there.
While at the CN tower, you'll also have the chance to visit gift shops. You will find the CN Tower in the heart of downtown, on Front Street. On the north shore of Lake Ontario, the CN Tower is open 364 days a year(closed on Christmas Day). | [
"333 --- the height of the tower",
"550 --- the number of people who work at the top of the tower",
"364 --- the days that the tower is open each year",
"360--- the degree of the restaurant revolves."
] |
My toy's name is _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
I have a dog . It's a girl dog. She is two years old. Her ears and eyes are big. But she has a small nose and a small mouth. Her hair is long. She has four long legs, too. Does she have mum and dad? Yes! They come from Cuba. What's her name? Can you guess? Her name is Juzi, because she is orange. Wow, she is my toy dog.
Question:
My toy's name is _ .
Choices:
A. orange.
B. girl.
C. Juzi
D. dog | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle7718.txt | I have a dog . It's a girl dog. She is two years old. Her ears and eyes are big. But she has a small nose and a small mouth. Her hair is long. She has four long legs, too. Does she have mum and dad? Yes! They come from Cuba. What's her name? Can you guess? Her name is Juzi, because she is orange. Wow, she is my toy dog. | [
"orange.",
"girl.",
"Juzi",
"dog"
] |
The department of Asia represents _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Welcome to the British Museum, the grandest and the most spectacular in the human history.The admission is free and we open every day from 10:00 to 15:30.You can explore 10 departments including:
The Department of Africa, Oceania and America.
The collection of the Department of Africa, Oceania and America includes around 350,000 objects.The scope of the collection is contemporary and historical.It includes most of Africa, the Pacific and Australia, as well as America.All of the collections were got during the 19 th and 20 th centuries and dates from this time.
The Department of Asia.
The Department of Asia covers the material and visual cultures of Asia--a vast geographical area of Japan, Korea, China, central Asia, Afghanistan, south Asia and south -east Asia.The collection dates from about 4000 BC to present day.It represents the cultures and ways of life of local people and other minority groups.
The Department of Greek and Roman Empires.
The Department of Greek and Roman Empires features antiquities .It has one of the most comprehensive collections of antiquities from the Classical world, with over 100,000 objects.These mostly range in date from the beginning of the Greek Bronze Age (about 3200BC) to the time of the Roman emperor Constantine in the fourth century AD.
Question:
The department of Asia represents _ .
Choices:
A. the geographical features of Asia
B. the relationship among Asian countries
C. the life styles and cultural traditions of some nations
D. the cultural fights between some native groups | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high21428.txt | Welcome to the British Museum, the grandest and the most spectacular in the human history.The admission is free and we open every day from 10:00 to 15:30.You can explore 10 departments including:
The Department of Africa, Oceania and America.
The collection of the Department of Africa, Oceania and America includes around 350,000 objects.The scope of the collection is contemporary and historical.It includes most of Africa, the Pacific and Australia, as well as America.All of the collections were got during the 19 th and 20 th centuries and dates from this time.
The Department of Asia.
The Department of Asia covers the material and visual cultures of Asia--a vast geographical area of Japan, Korea, China, central Asia, Afghanistan, south Asia and south -east Asia.The collection dates from about 4000 BC to present day.It represents the cultures and ways of life of local people and other minority groups.
The Department of Greek and Roman Empires.
The Department of Greek and Roman Empires features antiquities .It has one of the most comprehensive collections of antiquities from the Classical world, with over 100,000 objects.These mostly range in date from the beginning of the Greek Bronze Age (about 3200BC) to the time of the Roman emperor Constantine in the fourth century AD. | [
"the geographical features of Asia",
"the relationship among Asian countries",
"the life styles and cultural traditions of some nations",
"the cultural fights between some native groups"
] |
Which of the following is TRUE? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The world is full of amazing things. Today, I'm going to talk about something amazing.
We have lots of things to do every day, so many of us will be tired after a busy day. They all choose sleeping to have a rest. But do you know that sleeping can consume many calories. The energy consumed is even more than watching TV. If you want to have a good health, I think you can't sleep too much.
Do you like animals? There are a lot of surprising things they can do. Goldfish are a lovely kind of fish. Most goldfish have quite a short life -- only 6 to 7 years. Once, the goldfish called Freb had a very long life. It lived up to 41 years. It was the oldest goldfish in the world. Now if people take good care of the goldfish, they can live more than 10 years. Animals are our friends. We should know more about them and give them a good home. Do you have any interesting stories about amazing things? If so, tell us. Let's share them together.
Question:
Which of the following is TRUE?
Choices:
A. Watching TV is good for our health.
B. Most goldfish can't live very long.
C. Goldfish can live over 50 years.
D. Goldfish can live as long as people. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle7335.txt | The world is full of amazing things. Today, I'm going to talk about something amazing.
We have lots of things to do every day, so many of us will be tired after a busy day. They all choose sleeping to have a rest. But do you know that sleeping can consume many calories. The energy consumed is even more than watching TV. If you want to have a good health, I think you can't sleep too much.
Do you like animals? There are a lot of surprising things they can do. Goldfish are a lovely kind of fish. Most goldfish have quite a short life -- only 6 to 7 years. Once, the goldfish called Freb had a very long life. It lived up to 41 years. It was the oldest goldfish in the world. Now if people take good care of the goldfish, they can live more than 10 years. Animals are our friends. We should know more about them and give them a good home. Do you have any interesting stories about amazing things? If so, tell us. Let's share them together. | [
"Watching TV is good for our health.",
"Most goldfish can't live very long.",
"Goldfish can live over 50 years.",
"Goldfish can live as long as people."
] |
Through the passage the writer wants to tell people not to _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
As we know, most of the material things in our daily life have to be bought with money. But money is not all powerful. Money can't buy many things such as time and true love. There are 24 hours in a day. Sometimes when we are very happy, we wish that the period of happiness would last longer. But no matter what we do, or how much money we are willing to pay, we cannot make a day last longer than 24 hours. On the other hand, when we are unhappy, money cannot make the unhappy time pass away more quickly. True love is another thing which money cannot buy. Suppose we have someone who really loves us very much. Once he dies, he can give us no more love. Can our money raise him from death and make him love us as before? Here we can see very clearly that money cannot buy us love. Money can buy us diamond things, beautiful clothes, but never time and love. So money, after all, is not all powerful.
Question:
Through the passage the writer wants to tell people not to _ .
Choices:
A. make money
B. waste money
C. save money
D. worship money | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high22971.txt | As we know, most of the material things in our daily life have to be bought with money. But money is not all powerful. Money can't buy many things such as time and true love. There are 24 hours in a day. Sometimes when we are very happy, we wish that the period of happiness would last longer. But no matter what we do, or how much money we are willing to pay, we cannot make a day last longer than 24 hours. On the other hand, when we are unhappy, money cannot make the unhappy time pass away more quickly. True love is another thing which money cannot buy. Suppose we have someone who really loves us very much. Once he dies, he can give us no more love. Can our money raise him from death and make him love us as before? Here we can see very clearly that money cannot buy us love. Money can buy us diamond things, beautiful clothes, but never time and love. So money, after all, is not all powerful. | [
"make money",
"waste money",
"save money",
"worship money"
] |
It takes Derek 9 minutes to walk a mile if he doesn't have to walk with his brother. If he has to take his brother it takes 12 minutes to walk a mile. How many minutes longer would it take him to walk 20 miles if he had to take his brother? | Alone it would take him 9*20=<<9*20=180>>180 minutes
With his brother, it would take him 12*20=<<12*20=240>>240 minutes
240-180=<<240-180=60>>60 more minutes
#### 60 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | It takes Derek 9 minutes to walk a mile if he doesn't have to walk with his brother. If he has to take his brother it takes 12 minutes to walk a mile. How many minutes longer would it take him to walk 20 miles if he had to take his brother? | Alone it would take him 9*20=<<9*20=180>>180 minutes
With his brother, it would take him 12*20=<<12*20=240>>240 minutes
240-180=<<240-180=60>>60 more minutes
#### 60 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
To the suitors including English courtiers and foreign princes,Elizabeth _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
"I will never marry," the future Elizabeth I declared at the age of eight, and, to the terror of her people, the Great Queen kept her word.
For four centuries, historians have guessed why Elizabeth never married.In her own day, her decision to remain single was considered absurd and dangerous.A queen needed a husband to make political decisions for her and to organise and lead her military campaigns.More important, she needed male heirs to avoid a civil war after her death.
There was no shortage of suitors for the Queen, both English courtiers and foreign princes, and it was confidently expected for the best part of 30 years that Elizabeth would eventually marry one of them.Indeed, although she insisted that she preferred the single state, she kept these suitors in a state of permanent expectation.This was a deliberate policy on the Queen's part, since by keeping foreign princes in hope, sometimes for a decade, she kept them friendly when they might otherwise have made war on her kingdom.
There were, indeed, good political reasons for her avoiding marriage.The disastrous union of her sister Mary I to Philip II of Spain had had an unwelcome foreign influence upon English politics.The English were generally prejudiced against the Queen taking a foreign husband, particularly a Catholic one.Yet if she married an English, jealousy might lead to the separation of the court.
There were other, deeper reasons for Elizabeth's unwillingness to marry, chief of which, I believe, was her fear of losing her autonomy as Queen. In the 16th century, a queen was regarded as holding supreme dominion over the state, while a husband was thought to hold supreme dominion over his wife.Elizabeth knew that marriage and motherhood would bring some harm to her power.
She once pointed out that marriage seemed too uncertain a state for her. She had seen several unions in her immediate family break down, including that of her own parents.
Some writers, based on very fragile evidence, have argued that Elizabeth was frightened or incapable of the sex act, but it is more likely that she feared childbirth. Two of her stepmothers, her grandmother and several acquaintances had died in childbed.
Elizabeth's father, Henry VIII, had had her mother, Anne Boleyn, killed; her stepmother Catherine Howard later suffered the same fate. When Elizabeth was 14 she was all but attracted by Admiral Thomas Seymour, who also went to the prison within a year. Witnessing these terrible events at an early age, it has been argued, may have put Elizabeth off marriage.
Elizabeth had to decide her priorities. Marriage or being single? Elizabeth was far too intelligent.The choice she made was courageous and revolutionary, and, in the long run, the right one for England.
Question:
To the suitors including English courtiers and foreign princes,Elizabeth _ .
Choices:
A. held back the truth
B. gave a definite answer "no"
C. kept them expecting deliberately
D. said she preferred the single state | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high6644.txt | "I will never marry," the future Elizabeth I declared at the age of eight, and, to the terror of her people, the Great Queen kept her word.
For four centuries, historians have guessed why Elizabeth never married.In her own day, her decision to remain single was considered absurd and dangerous.A queen needed a husband to make political decisions for her and to organise and lead her military campaigns.More important, she needed male heirs to avoid a civil war after her death.
There was no shortage of suitors for the Queen, both English courtiers and foreign princes, and it was confidently expected for the best part of 30 years that Elizabeth would eventually marry one of them.Indeed, although she insisted that she preferred the single state, she kept these suitors in a state of permanent expectation.This was a deliberate policy on the Queen's part, since by keeping foreign princes in hope, sometimes for a decade, she kept them friendly when they might otherwise have made war on her kingdom.
There were, indeed, good political reasons for her avoiding marriage.The disastrous union of her sister Mary I to Philip II of Spain had had an unwelcome foreign influence upon English politics.The English were generally prejudiced against the Queen taking a foreign husband, particularly a Catholic one.Yet if she married an English, jealousy might lead to the separation of the court.
There were other, deeper reasons for Elizabeth's unwillingness to marry, chief of which, I believe, was her fear of losing her autonomy as Queen. In the 16th century, a queen was regarded as holding supreme dominion over the state, while a husband was thought to hold supreme dominion over his wife.Elizabeth knew that marriage and motherhood would bring some harm to her power.
She once pointed out that marriage seemed too uncertain a state for her. She had seen several unions in her immediate family break down, including that of her own parents.
Some writers, based on very fragile evidence, have argued that Elizabeth was frightened or incapable of the sex act, but it is more likely that she feared childbirth. Two of her stepmothers, her grandmother and several acquaintances had died in childbed.
Elizabeth's father, Henry VIII, had had her mother, Anne Boleyn, killed; her stepmother Catherine Howard later suffered the same fate. When Elizabeth was 14 she was all but attracted by Admiral Thomas Seymour, who also went to the prison within a year. Witnessing these terrible events at an early age, it has been argued, may have put Elizabeth off marriage.
Elizabeth had to decide her priorities. Marriage or being single? Elizabeth was far too intelligent.The choice she made was courageous and revolutionary, and, in the long run, the right one for England. | [
"held back the truth",
"gave a definite answer \"no\"",
"kept them expecting deliberately",
"said she preferred the single state"
] |
According to the passage,which sentence is RIGHT? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
One day an Australian farmer,Joe,saw a bright light in the sky. The light came nearer and nearer and suddenly Joe realized that it was a spaceship. The spaceship landed in a field nearby.
The door of the spaceship opened and two strange beings climbed out. They seemed to be half man and half bird. Joe was afraid of them. He tried to run away. But the spacemen walked towards him,picked him up and carried him into the spaceship.They put wires from a machine onto his head and they they began to speak to him in English.
They asked him questions about earth."We' re from Venus ,"they said,"But it is getting very hot there. A lot of our people are dying and we have not much time left. We are trying to find a new home."
After some time they freed Joe and at last the spaceship took off and disappeared. Joe told his friends about the spacemen,but no one believed his story.
"You wi ll believe me one day,"Joe told them."The spacemen will come back again."
,.
Question:
According to the passage,which sentence is RIGHT?
Choices:
A. The aliens took away Joe
B. It is getting very cold on Venus
C. A lot of people on Venus are dying
D. Not all the people believed Joe | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle2470.txt | One day an Australian farmer,Joe,saw a bright light in the sky. The light came nearer and nearer and suddenly Joe realized that it was a spaceship. The spaceship landed in a field nearby.
The door of the spaceship opened and two strange beings climbed out. They seemed to be half man and half bird. Joe was afraid of them. He tried to run away. But the spacemen walked towards him,picked him up and carried him into the spaceship.They put wires from a machine onto his head and they they began to speak to him in English.
They asked him questions about earth."We' re from Venus ,"they said,"But it is getting very hot there. A lot of our people are dying and we have not much time left. We are trying to find a new home."
After some time they freed Joe and at last the spaceship took off and disappeared. Joe told his friends about the spacemen,but no one believed his story.
"You wi ll believe me one day,"Joe told them."The spacemen will come back again."
,. | [
"The aliens took away Joe",
"It is getting very cold on Venus",
"A lot of people on Venus are dying",
"Not all the people believed Joe"
] |
What is Ben Nevis special for? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
There is no better way to enjoy Scottish traditions than going fishing and tasting a little bit of whisky at a quiet place like the Inverlochy Castle. When Queen Victoria visited the castle in 1873, she wrote in her diary, "I never saw a lovelier spot ," And she didn't even go fishing.
Scotland is not easily defined. In certain moments, this quiet land of lakes and grasses and mountains changes before your very eyes. When evening gently sweeps the hillside into orange light, the rivers, teeming with fish, can turn into streams of gold . As you settle down with just a fishing pole and a basket on the bank of River Orchy, near the Inverlochy Castle , any frustration will float away as gently as the circling water. It's just you and purple, pink, white flowers, seeking a perfect harmony. If you are a new comer to fishing, learning the basics from a fishing guide may leave you with a lifetime's fun. For many, fishing is more than a sport; it is an art.
Scotland offers interesting place where you can rest after a long day's fishing. Set against a wild mountain and hidden behind woodland, the beautiful Inverlochy Castle Hotel below the Nevis is a perfect place to see the beauty of Scotland's mountains. Ben Nevis is the highest of all British mountains, and reaching its 1343-metre top is a challenge. But it's not just what goes up matters; what comes down is unique. More than 900 metres high, on the mountain's north face, lies an all-important source of pure water. Its name comes from the Gaelic language "usquebaugh" or "water of life"; and it is the single most important ingredient in Scotland's best known drink: whisky.
Question:
What is Ben Nevis special for?
Choices:
A. The Inverlochy Castle Hotel .
B. The beauty of its surroundings.
C. The water from the mountain.
D. The challenge up to its top. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high477.txt | There is no better way to enjoy Scottish traditions than going fishing and tasting a little bit of whisky at a quiet place like the Inverlochy Castle. When Queen Victoria visited the castle in 1873, she wrote in her diary, "I never saw a lovelier spot ," And she didn't even go fishing.
Scotland is not easily defined. In certain moments, this quiet land of lakes and grasses and mountains changes before your very eyes. When evening gently sweeps the hillside into orange light, the rivers, teeming with fish, can turn into streams of gold . As you settle down with just a fishing pole and a basket on the bank of River Orchy, near the Inverlochy Castle , any frustration will float away as gently as the circling water. It's just you and purple, pink, white flowers, seeking a perfect harmony. If you are a new comer to fishing, learning the basics from a fishing guide may leave you with a lifetime's fun. For many, fishing is more than a sport; it is an art.
Scotland offers interesting place where you can rest after a long day's fishing. Set against a wild mountain and hidden behind woodland, the beautiful Inverlochy Castle Hotel below the Nevis is a perfect place to see the beauty of Scotland's mountains. Ben Nevis is the highest of all British mountains, and reaching its 1343-metre top is a challenge. But it's not just what goes up matters; what comes down is unique. More than 900 metres high, on the mountain's north face, lies an all-important source of pure water. Its name comes from the Gaelic language "usquebaugh" or "water of life"; and it is the single most important ingredient in Scotland's best known drink: whisky. | [
"The Inverlochy Castle Hotel .",
"The beauty of its surroundings.",
"The water from the mountain.",
"The challenge up to its top."
] |
The plantable coffee cup _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Unless you bring your own thermos, paper cups are the real option for on-the-go coffee. But as we all know, producing these simple items cuts down forests of trees and contributes to mountains of waste. In fact, Starbucks alone uses 4 billion paper cups a year globally and most of these plastic-lined cups are never recycled.
But a project from Reduce. Reuse. Grow. is handling the coffee industry's paper cup problem by giving these single-use coffee holders a further purpose: reforestation.
A company in California has developed the world's first plantable coffee cup, which has seeds in the paper-based material. That means after you're done with the cup, you can tear it, leave it in water for a few minutes, bury it and let nature take over.
To prevent the spread of invasive plants, the bottom of the cup details the seed variety and also includes instructions on how to plant it either in the northern or central coast of California. For those who don't want to get their hands dirty, the cup can be put into a Reduce. Reuse. Grow bin where it will eventually be taken to a reforestation location. The cup can biodegrade within 180 days and offer nutrition to plants.
The company is trying to put the cup into commercial production and persuade coffee shops to buy the cups.
Question:
The plantable coffee cup _ .
Choices:
A. can be used many times
B. contains seeds in its material
C. can be used as a flowerpot
D. is made of waterproof material | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high19535.txt | Unless you bring your own thermos, paper cups are the real option for on-the-go coffee. But as we all know, producing these simple items cuts down forests of trees and contributes to mountains of waste. In fact, Starbucks alone uses 4 billion paper cups a year globally and most of these plastic-lined cups are never recycled.
But a project from Reduce. Reuse. Grow. is handling the coffee industry's paper cup problem by giving these single-use coffee holders a further purpose: reforestation.
A company in California has developed the world's first plantable coffee cup, which has seeds in the paper-based material. That means after you're done with the cup, you can tear it, leave it in water for a few minutes, bury it and let nature take over.
To prevent the spread of invasive plants, the bottom of the cup details the seed variety and also includes instructions on how to plant it either in the northern or central coast of California. For those who don't want to get their hands dirty, the cup can be put into a Reduce. Reuse. Grow bin where it will eventually be taken to a reforestation location. The cup can biodegrade within 180 days and offer nutrition to plants.
The company is trying to put the cup into commercial production and persuade coffee shops to buy the cups. | [
"can be used many times",
"contains seeds in its material",
"can be used as a flowerpot",
"is made of waterproof material"
] |
You should pay Tianxing Strawberry- Picking Garden _ yuan if you buy 10 kilograms with a discount card. | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
In early summer, one of the most popular fruit is strawberry . It is said strawberry is the "Queen of fruit" as it has many nutritious elements. But many people feel that the strawberry in the current market tastes different as many strawberries are artificially grown and some even have a scent of pesticides . So finding naturally-grown strawberries is a hot issue. There are some places where you can not only find tasteful strawberries, but also enjoy picking them.
Tianxing Strawberry- Picking Garden
As one of the biggest strawberry-growing areas, Tianxing is known for its healthy fruits. The strawberries here are pesticide-free with no artificial coloring. And now the farm has a special offer that you can get a kilogram of strawberries for only 12 yuan. Here, visitors can have fun picking strawberries as well as taste their freshness. And if you are a newcomer, you can get a discount card and enjoy an extra 20 percent discount on your purchase.
Address: Xinzhuang Village, Xingshou Town, Changping District, Beijing.
Tel: 13910667270
Taolin Strawberry Garden
This garden is not as famous as the first one, but it is a quiet place and relaxing. The strawberries here are much cheaper than those sold in markets. It only costs 6 yuan per kilogram.You can also buy freshly-picked lettuce and Tonghao, a green vegetable. You can have fun picking strawberries in person, but you can't taste them for free.
Address: Linzhuang Village, Xingshou Town, Changping District, Beijing.
Tel: 010--88413840
Baihe Green Strawberry Garden
Baihe Town is the biggest strawberry-picking area. Known for the freshest and healthiest strawberries, this place is named as the "Hometown of Strawberries". The price for this fruit is about 12 yuan per kilogram. And you can bargain with the local sellers for further discounts.
Address: Zhaotun Village, Baihe Town, QingpuDistrict, Shanghai.
Tel: 13803456780
Question:
You should pay Tianxing Strawberry- Picking Garden _ yuan if you buy 10 kilograms with a discount card.
Choices:
A. 120
B. 108
C. 96
D. 60 | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high13666.txt | In early summer, one of the most popular fruit is strawberry . It is said strawberry is the "Queen of fruit" as it has many nutritious elements. But many people feel that the strawberry in the current market tastes different as many strawberries are artificially grown and some even have a scent of pesticides . So finding naturally-grown strawberries is a hot issue. There are some places where you can not only find tasteful strawberries, but also enjoy picking them.
Tianxing Strawberry- Picking Garden
As one of the biggest strawberry-growing areas, Tianxing is known for its healthy fruits. The strawberries here are pesticide-free with no artificial coloring. And now the farm has a special offer that you can get a kilogram of strawberries for only 12 yuan. Here, visitors can have fun picking strawberries as well as taste their freshness. And if you are a newcomer, you can get a discount card and enjoy an extra 20 percent discount on your purchase.
Address: Xinzhuang Village, Xingshou Town, Changping District, Beijing.
Tel: 13910667270
Taolin Strawberry Garden
This garden is not as famous as the first one, but it is a quiet place and relaxing. The strawberries here are much cheaper than those sold in markets. It only costs 6 yuan per kilogram.You can also buy freshly-picked lettuce and Tonghao, a green vegetable. You can have fun picking strawberries in person, but you can't taste them for free.
Address: Linzhuang Village, Xingshou Town, Changping District, Beijing.
Tel: 010--88413840
Baihe Green Strawberry Garden
Baihe Town is the biggest strawberry-picking area. Known for the freshest and healthiest strawberries, this place is named as the "Hometown of Strawberries". The price for this fruit is about 12 yuan per kilogram. And you can bargain with the local sellers for further discounts.
Address: Zhaotun Village, Baihe Town, QingpuDistrict, Shanghai.
Tel: 13803456780 | [
"120",
"108",
"96",
"60"
] |
When the captain shouted "all hands on deck ", what did he mean? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
First Frenchman: I once heard someone shout, "Look out." I put my head out of a window and a glass of water fell on me. It seems that "look out" may mean "Don't look out."
Second Frenchman: I was once on a ship and heard the captain shout, "All hands on deck . I put my hands on the deck and someone walked on them."
Third Frenchman: I once went early in the morning to the doctor's and his nurse came to the door and said, "he's not up yet. Come back in half an hour." When I went a second time for him, she said, "he's not down yet." I had to go away again. Later I thought the doctor should be in the house in the evening, so I went there once more. "Oh, how sorry I am! He's not in ! I'd better tell him to wait for you if you could come tomorrow." said the nurse. "Well! He's not up, he is not down, and he is not in. please tell me where he stays!" I said angrily.
Question:
When the captain shouted "all hands on deck ", what did he mean?
Choices:
A. Put up your hands.
B. Put your both hands on deck.
C. Give your hands to me.
D. All the sailors on deck. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle3618.txt | First Frenchman: I once heard someone shout, "Look out." I put my head out of a window and a glass of water fell on me. It seems that "look out" may mean "Don't look out."
Second Frenchman: I was once on a ship and heard the captain shout, "All hands on deck . I put my hands on the deck and someone walked on them."
Third Frenchman: I once went early in the morning to the doctor's and his nurse came to the door and said, "he's not up yet. Come back in half an hour." When I went a second time for him, she said, "he's not down yet." I had to go away again. Later I thought the doctor should be in the house in the evening, so I went there once more. "Oh, how sorry I am! He's not in ! I'd better tell him to wait for you if you could come tomorrow." said the nurse. "Well! He's not up, he is not down, and he is not in. please tell me where he stays!" I said angrily. | [
"Put up your hands.",
"Put your both hands on deck.",
"Give your hands to me.",
"All the sailors on deck."
] |
What will happen to characters as smart gadgets appear? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
As young Chinese increasingly forget how to write characters because they don't have to, using keyboards and touch screen technology on mobile phones is changing the trend.
For Yin Liang, a 26-year-old purchasing agent at a company, his embarrassment over forgetting how to write characters has gradually disappeared since he started to use the handwriting input method on his iPhone 4 a month ago.
"When you write on the touch screen, you use your finger, instead of a mouse or keyboard," Yin says.
"Actually, your finger is like a pen, writing the complicated characters that have long been spelled by pinyin, an alphabet-based input system. Whether typing on computers or texting on phones, most users in China type by phonetically spelling out the sounds of the characters and the software then gives a menu of characters that fit the pronunciation, so users only need to recognize the character.
Handwriting technology on a mobile phone touch screen has been around for years and became popular with the iPhone, which recognizes the input and offers a wide selection of characters.
"It's efficient and accurate," Yin says.
Chinese characters are the oldest continuously used system of writing in the world, but as pinyin-based typing has become more widespread, youths have started forgetting how to write out characters. This was one of the main topics for debate at the first Cross-Straits Chinese Character Art Festival, held recently in Beijing, which attracted experts from Taiwan and the mainland.
According to Zhang Zikang, president of the Culture and Art Publishing House, writing with a pen on the touch screen brings handwriting into the digital age. It is even better when you write with your finger, feeling the flow of the cursive script and the grace and art of Chinese characters, he says.
"Smart gadgets don't take life from the square-shaped characters, instead they offer a new and advanced platform to show the charm of Chinese characters, which are always evolving," Zhang says.
Question:
What will happen to characters as smart gadgets appear?
Choices:
A. The writing of characters will be not important.
B. Characters will disappear sooner or later.
C. Characters can be only written with your finger.
D. Characters will be still attractive by evolving. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high17801.txt | As young Chinese increasingly forget how to write characters because they don't have to, using keyboards and touch screen technology on mobile phones is changing the trend.
For Yin Liang, a 26-year-old purchasing agent at a company, his embarrassment over forgetting how to write characters has gradually disappeared since he started to use the handwriting input method on his iPhone 4 a month ago.
"When you write on the touch screen, you use your finger, instead of a mouse or keyboard," Yin says.
"Actually, your finger is like a pen, writing the complicated characters that have long been spelled by pinyin, an alphabet-based input system. Whether typing on computers or texting on phones, most users in China type by phonetically spelling out the sounds of the characters and the software then gives a menu of characters that fit the pronunciation, so users only need to recognize the character.
Handwriting technology on a mobile phone touch screen has been around for years and became popular with the iPhone, which recognizes the input and offers a wide selection of characters.
"It's efficient and accurate," Yin says.
Chinese characters are the oldest continuously used system of writing in the world, but as pinyin-based typing has become more widespread, youths have started forgetting how to write out characters. This was one of the main topics for debate at the first Cross-Straits Chinese Character Art Festival, held recently in Beijing, which attracted experts from Taiwan and the mainland.
According to Zhang Zikang, president of the Culture and Art Publishing House, writing with a pen on the touch screen brings handwriting into the digital age. It is even better when you write with your finger, feeling the flow of the cursive script and the grace and art of Chinese characters, he says.
"Smart gadgets don't take life from the square-shaped characters, instead they offer a new and advanced platform to show the charm of Chinese characters, which are always evolving," Zhang says. | [
"The writing of characters will be not important.",
"Characters will disappear sooner or later.",
"Characters can be only written with your finger.",
"Characters will be still attractive by evolving."
] |
China's women's curling team won't be eight years old until _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
It was an exciting moment for Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo, a retired married _ from Harbin, China. It was also a great moment for China because it was the country's first gold medal in the pairs figure skating competition at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.
Everyone was very quiet when Shen and Zhao were skating onto the ice. They were expecting something wonderful to happen. As soon as the music started, Shen and Zhao skated around the field quickly with beautiful style; every move was perfect. When the music stopped, all the people cheered. In the end Shen and Zhao won the Olympic gold medal.
In China, winter sports are not as popular as they are in America and Northern European countries. So China sent only 90 athletes to Vancouver to take in a few, carefully chosen sports. Such a good decision also led to Wang Meng and Zhao Yang winning gold medals in the little known, but exciting sports of short track speed skating.
China did not win a lot of medals at these Winter Games. Most of the events are still very new to China and need to be developed. But Chinese athletes learn very quickly. For example, China's women's curling team only began in 2003, but they were No. 1 at the 2009 World Women's Curling Championship.
This means that with hard work and a bit of luck, China's winter stars could soon shine on the world stage.
Question:
China's women's curling team won't be eight years old until _ .
Choices:
A. 2003
B. 2009
C. 2010
D. 2011 | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle1626.txt | It was an exciting moment for Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo, a retired married _ from Harbin, China. It was also a great moment for China because it was the country's first gold medal in the pairs figure skating competition at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.
Everyone was very quiet when Shen and Zhao were skating onto the ice. They were expecting something wonderful to happen. As soon as the music started, Shen and Zhao skated around the field quickly with beautiful style; every move was perfect. When the music stopped, all the people cheered. In the end Shen and Zhao won the Olympic gold medal.
In China, winter sports are not as popular as they are in America and Northern European countries. So China sent only 90 athletes to Vancouver to take in a few, carefully chosen sports. Such a good decision also led to Wang Meng and Zhao Yang winning gold medals in the little known, but exciting sports of short track speed skating.
China did not win a lot of medals at these Winter Games. Most of the events are still very new to China and need to be developed. But Chinese athletes learn very quickly. For example, China's women's curling team only began in 2003, but they were No. 1 at the 2009 World Women's Curling Championship.
This means that with hard work and a bit of luck, China's winter stars could soon shine on the world stage. | [
"2003",
"2009",
"2010",
"2011"
] |
What can we learn from the passage? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Nowadays the problem of the generation gap is becoming more and more serious. Poor relationship between parents and their children are very common.
Whether we like it or not, our parents are responsible for us at least until we're out of high school. So rather than get upset about that fact, maybe we should focus on some ways to make our relationship better. The best way, in my opinion, is to learn to really communicate with my parents.
When I find myself arguing with my mom and dad, I try to stop. If I can manage to stop myself from talking, I usually find that I can calm down quickly. I guess I'm usually acting out of emotion rather than logic . But if I can stop arguing for a minute, it seems that my opinion changes and I start to realize that I'm a bit childish. Emotionally I may still be upset, but logically I understand that yelling and fighting surely won't make things better.
Once I've stopped arguing, I look at my parents in the eye. You'd be amazed at how much easier it is to communicate with your parents when you've actually looking at them. Looking away doesn't do much of anything except for giving them the impression that I'm not listening or that I don't care. It's much easier to see things eye to eye when you're physically seeing them eye to eye.
Finally, I listen to what they're saying (or at least I try). Communication can't happen unless both sides hear and listen to each other. There is nothing wrong with my hearing, but that doesn't mean I always listen to the sounds that people are making. When I argue with my parents, I can physically hear what they're saying without mentally listening to it.
Whether I admit it or not, my parents' experience can actually help them give me some pretty sound advice at times. I don't always agree with them, but I think it's safe to say that it has truly helped our relationship in the long run.
Question:
What can we learn from the passage?
Choices:
A. Listening is better than yelling and fighting.
B. It is impolite to see your parents eye to eye.
C. Be careful when you take your parents' advice.
D. Parents are sometimes easy to get upset. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high5133.txt | Nowadays the problem of the generation gap is becoming more and more serious. Poor relationship between parents and their children are very common.
Whether we like it or not, our parents are responsible for us at least until we're out of high school. So rather than get upset about that fact, maybe we should focus on some ways to make our relationship better. The best way, in my opinion, is to learn to really communicate with my parents.
When I find myself arguing with my mom and dad, I try to stop. If I can manage to stop myself from talking, I usually find that I can calm down quickly. I guess I'm usually acting out of emotion rather than logic . But if I can stop arguing for a minute, it seems that my opinion changes and I start to realize that I'm a bit childish. Emotionally I may still be upset, but logically I understand that yelling and fighting surely won't make things better.
Once I've stopped arguing, I look at my parents in the eye. You'd be amazed at how much easier it is to communicate with your parents when you've actually looking at them. Looking away doesn't do much of anything except for giving them the impression that I'm not listening or that I don't care. It's much easier to see things eye to eye when you're physically seeing them eye to eye.
Finally, I listen to what they're saying (or at least I try). Communication can't happen unless both sides hear and listen to each other. There is nothing wrong with my hearing, but that doesn't mean I always listen to the sounds that people are making. When I argue with my parents, I can physically hear what they're saying without mentally listening to it.
Whether I admit it or not, my parents' experience can actually help them give me some pretty sound advice at times. I don't always agree with them, but I think it's safe to say that it has truly helped our relationship in the long run. | [
"Listening is better than yelling and fighting.",
"It is impolite to see your parents eye to eye.",
"Be careful when you take your parents' advice.",
"Parents are sometimes easy to get upset."
] |
In the passage the author best describes COSMEO as _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Designed specifically for kids that live online, Discovery announced a new fun and interactive homework tool that uses the power of broadband and media to help achieve academic breakthroughs at home. It's COSMEO.
With a click of a mouse, kids have instant access to the only online video destination for homework help, report research and learning games. COSMEO boasts more than 30,000 video clips from the top educational publishers and producers in the world, including Discovery. COSMEO also has 15,000 interactive quizzes and 200 subject-related Brain Games---making homework fun!
And most importantly-----all the content is aligned by state curriculum standards and grade level----- COSMEO gives kids the tools they need to succeed and gives parents the reassurance that the content is not only safe, but powerfully engineered to help their kids with academic breakthroughs.
COSMEO is built on the proven success of Discovery's in-school video streaming resource, which is available in 70,000 schools and reaches 30 million students in the United States. Students who were exposed to their service in the classroom have been scientifically proven to perform 12 to 15 percent better than those who were not. Now kids can access this proven content in their homes, and COSMEO presents the information in a way that is kid-friendly, interactive, appealing and fun.
COSMEO is structured for use by multiple children in the same family. Parents simply select the grade level of the user for access to age-appropriate learning materials. COSMEO can help a third-grader with multiplication tables and an older student with algebra equations . COSMEO uses a multimedia, multi- sensory environment to let kids learn in the way they learn best----- in formats they know, use and, most importantly, enjoy! [
Question:
In the passage the author best describes COSMEO as _ .
Choices:
A. an online study tool
B. a computer game
C. a video destination
D. a fun multimedia | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high20388.txt | Designed specifically for kids that live online, Discovery announced a new fun and interactive homework tool that uses the power of broadband and media to help achieve academic breakthroughs at home. It's COSMEO.
With a click of a mouse, kids have instant access to the only online video destination for homework help, report research and learning games. COSMEO boasts more than 30,000 video clips from the top educational publishers and producers in the world, including Discovery. COSMEO also has 15,000 interactive quizzes and 200 subject-related Brain Games---making homework fun!
And most importantly-----all the content is aligned by state curriculum standards and grade level----- COSMEO gives kids the tools they need to succeed and gives parents the reassurance that the content is not only safe, but powerfully engineered to help their kids with academic breakthroughs.
COSMEO is built on the proven success of Discovery's in-school video streaming resource, which is available in 70,000 schools and reaches 30 million students in the United States. Students who were exposed to their service in the classroom have been scientifically proven to perform 12 to 15 percent better than those who were not. Now kids can access this proven content in their homes, and COSMEO presents the information in a way that is kid-friendly, interactive, appealing and fun.
COSMEO is structured for use by multiple children in the same family. Parents simply select the grade level of the user for access to age-appropriate learning materials. COSMEO can help a third-grader with multiplication tables and an older student with algebra equations . COSMEO uses a multimedia, multi- sensory environment to let kids learn in the way they learn best----- in formats they know, use and, most importantly, enjoy! [ | [
"an online study tool",
"a computer game",
"a video destination",
"a fun multimedia"
] |
What makes the author feel lucky is that _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
I was fortunate enough to discover my love for flying when I was very young. Lucky that some things went my way: my eyesight, for example, was good enough to allow me to become a fighter pilot. And lucky that when I left the army, I found work as an airline pilot, when such jobs weren't plentiful. I still feel lucky, after all these years, to be able to follow my passion. The airline industry has its problems, and a lot of them can be troubling, but I still find purpose and satisfaction in flying.
There's some freedom you feel when you're flying above the surface of the earth, no longer limited by gravity. Even at a thousand feet, you get a wider perspective. Problems that seem large down below feel smaller from that height, and smaller still by the time you reach thirty-five thousand feet.
I love that flying is an intellectual challenge. If you change the angle of the nose by even one degree while traveling at a typical commercial airliner speed of seven miles a minute, it's enough to increase or decrease your rate of climb or descent by seven hundred feet per minute. I enjoy keeping track of all the calculations, staying aware of the weather conditions, working with a team while knowing closely what the plane can and cannot do. I like the challenge of that.
I also like sharing my passion for flying. It's a disappointment to me that a lot of kids today aren't fascinated by flight. I've watched countless children walk past the plane without paying much attention; they're too focused on their video games or their iPods.
When there are children who eagerly want a look inside "my office" at the front of the plane, it's so rewarding to see their excitement about something I care deeply about. If we aren't busy during boarding, the first officer and I enjoy inviting curious children to sit in our seats in the cockpit , ask questions, and let their parents take photos of them wearing a captain's hat.
Being a pilot has a tangible end result that is beneficial to society. It feels good to take a planeload of 183 people where they need or want to go. My job is to reunite people with family and friends, to send them on vacations, to bring them to loved ones' funerals, to get them to their job interviews. By the end of a day, I feel as if I've accomplished something. All of them have their own stories, motivations, needs -- and helping them brings a rewarding feeling.
This is what gets me ready for work, and one of the things I look forward to.
Question:
What makes the author feel lucky is that _ .
Choices:
A. he was able to find a job as a pilot
B. his job is satisfying and totally free of trouble
C. he began flying even when he was very young
D. his physical condition enables him to be a spaceman | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high19919.txt | I was fortunate enough to discover my love for flying when I was very young. Lucky that some things went my way: my eyesight, for example, was good enough to allow me to become a fighter pilot. And lucky that when I left the army, I found work as an airline pilot, when such jobs weren't plentiful. I still feel lucky, after all these years, to be able to follow my passion. The airline industry has its problems, and a lot of them can be troubling, but I still find purpose and satisfaction in flying.
There's some freedom you feel when you're flying above the surface of the earth, no longer limited by gravity. Even at a thousand feet, you get a wider perspective. Problems that seem large down below feel smaller from that height, and smaller still by the time you reach thirty-five thousand feet.
I love that flying is an intellectual challenge. If you change the angle of the nose by even one degree while traveling at a typical commercial airliner speed of seven miles a minute, it's enough to increase or decrease your rate of climb or descent by seven hundred feet per minute. I enjoy keeping track of all the calculations, staying aware of the weather conditions, working with a team while knowing closely what the plane can and cannot do. I like the challenge of that.
I also like sharing my passion for flying. It's a disappointment to me that a lot of kids today aren't fascinated by flight. I've watched countless children walk past the plane without paying much attention; they're too focused on their video games or their iPods.
When there are children who eagerly want a look inside "my office" at the front of the plane, it's so rewarding to see their excitement about something I care deeply about. If we aren't busy during boarding, the first officer and I enjoy inviting curious children to sit in our seats in the cockpit , ask questions, and let their parents take photos of them wearing a captain's hat.
Being a pilot has a tangible end result that is beneficial to society. It feels good to take a planeload of 183 people where they need or want to go. My job is to reunite people with family and friends, to send them on vacations, to bring them to loved ones' funerals, to get them to their job interviews. By the end of a day, I feel as if I've accomplished something. All of them have their own stories, motivations, needs -- and helping them brings a rewarding feeling.
This is what gets me ready for work, and one of the things I look forward to. | [
"he was able to find a job as a pilot",
"his job is satisfying and totally free of trouble",
"he began flying even when he was very young",
"his physical condition enables him to be a spaceman"
] |
The writer gives us _ methods to help us be punctual. | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
To be punctual is important for us because people rather expect us to be on time for appointments. But it seems not easy to be on time every time. Here are some useful methods to help you be punctual.
Plan your route. If your destination is unfamiliar, go online the night before to map out your route and see how long it's going to take. Then you will know when you have to leave the house.
Do as much as possible the night before. Make your mornings less stressful by doing what you can the night before to make your time enough. Get your clothes ready. Set the breakfast table. Make your lunch if you need to take it.
Make a time table. You need to make a time table if you have lots of things to do in a day. For example, the time you get up, the time you leave the house, and the time you wait for the bus. You also need to estimate how long it takes.
Give yourself a gift of being early. If you plan to get to your destination 15 minutes early, you'll probably never be late again. Being early seems a waste of time. But you can do something you love. Read the newspaper, read your favorite blogs and even call a friend. It really can be a gift.
Question:
The writer gives us _ methods to help us be punctual.
Choices:
A. one
B. two
C. three
D. four | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high6857.txt | To be punctual is important for us because people rather expect us to be on time for appointments. But it seems not easy to be on time every time. Here are some useful methods to help you be punctual.
Plan your route. If your destination is unfamiliar, go online the night before to map out your route and see how long it's going to take. Then you will know when you have to leave the house.
Do as much as possible the night before. Make your mornings less stressful by doing what you can the night before to make your time enough. Get your clothes ready. Set the breakfast table. Make your lunch if you need to take it.
Make a time table. You need to make a time table if you have lots of things to do in a day. For example, the time you get up, the time you leave the house, and the time you wait for the bus. You also need to estimate how long it takes.
Give yourself a gift of being early. If you plan to get to your destination 15 minutes early, you'll probably never be late again. Being early seems a waste of time. But you can do something you love. Read the newspaper, read your favorite blogs and even call a friend. It really can be a gift. | [
"one",
"two",
"three",
"four"
] |
What is offline shopping? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Online shopping has become something very common for young people, however, it's not easy for the old people to buy things on the internet. Therefore, offline Daigou stores, or buy-for-you stores, are becoming popular among the old.
64-year-old man Li Hui'an is searching for his favorite CD in an offline Daigou shop. He says, "It's very convenient to buy things online, however, I can't use the internet. After I happened to find this buy-for-you shop, I decided to try, as I wanted to buy an opera CD. Finally I got one I'd searched for several years. I was so happy. I have become crazy about offline shopping. "
The store owner Liu Min says in order to meet the need of people who want to buy things online but can't use the internet, she started the business of offline buy-for-you. In only about ten days since the start of the business, she has received more than 20 orders from customers . Liu Min is not the only one who finds the large need of offline buy-for-you business in the market. In Dalian city, northeast China, more than 300 such stores opened their doors only in April.
In order to attract more customers, they have opened their shops in residential communities . And they charge a suitable service fee. For example, when buying things that cost less than 200 Yuan for customers, they usually charge 5 Yuan as service fee.
Though the offline buy-for-you service makes it easier for certain people to shop online, what if there is any problem with the ordered thing, let's say, like a quality problem? The shop owners say they will deal with any quality problems that may happen when using their Daigou service.
Question:
What is offline shopping?
Choices:
A. Buying things in a common store.
B. Buying and selling things on the internet.
C. Buying things on the internet for the old.
D. Buying things on the internet for the people who can't use the internet. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle146.txt | Online shopping has become something very common for young people, however, it's not easy for the old people to buy things on the internet. Therefore, offline Daigou stores, or buy-for-you stores, are becoming popular among the old.
64-year-old man Li Hui'an is searching for his favorite CD in an offline Daigou shop. He says, "It's very convenient to buy things online, however, I can't use the internet. After I happened to find this buy-for-you shop, I decided to try, as I wanted to buy an opera CD. Finally I got one I'd searched for several years. I was so happy. I have become crazy about offline shopping. "
The store owner Liu Min says in order to meet the need of people who want to buy things online but can't use the internet, she started the business of offline buy-for-you. In only about ten days since the start of the business, she has received more than 20 orders from customers . Liu Min is not the only one who finds the large need of offline buy-for-you business in the market. In Dalian city, northeast China, more than 300 such stores opened their doors only in April.
In order to attract more customers, they have opened their shops in residential communities . And they charge a suitable service fee. For example, when buying things that cost less than 200 Yuan for customers, they usually charge 5 Yuan as service fee.
Though the offline buy-for-you service makes it easier for certain people to shop online, what if there is any problem with the ordered thing, let's say, like a quality problem? The shop owners say they will deal with any quality problems that may happen when using their Daigou service. | [
"Buying things in a common store.",
"Buying and selling things on the internet.",
"Buying things on the internet for the old.",
"Buying things on the internet for the people who can't use the internet."
] |
According to Michael Yost, we can infer that _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Three-dimensional printers are fast becoming everyday devices in the United States. Three-D printers are used to make everything from automobile parts to bone replacements for human patients. American research scientists are now working on creating replacements for living tissue.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have been working on creating and manufacturing living tissue since 2003.This process is called biofabrication . It requires special printing equipment and a special kind of ink.
Traditional printers require ink to produce an image or design on a piece of paper. For their three-D printer, the South Carolina researchers prepare complex nutritious solutions they call bio-inks. Bio-inks are made of proteins and glucose , which normally provides energy for most cells of the body. The researchers also add living cells taken from the animal that will receive the new, printed tissue. The bio-inks are then added to a device that researchers call the Palmetto bio-printer.
Sarah Grace Dennis is one of the researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina. She says new technology, like the Palmetto bio-printer, is a great help to the biofabrication process.
The bio-inks are placed in three dispensers , containers, inside the printer. Lasers control both the position of the printing surface and the places where the bio-ink is released.
Michael Yost is a leader of the research team. He says the printing process is fully automated-- machine-operated. He says that the Palmetto bio-printer makes it possible to create complex tissue types.
The researchers say bio-printing is still experimental. But they hope in a few years they may be able to print tissue to replace damaged human organs.
But there are still some problems which need to be solved. Some scientists worry about how to get blood to the replacement tissue. The flow of blood is important to keep the printed tissue alive.
Michael Yost hopes that more people will believe in the benefits of biofabrication.
"Tissue biofabrication is a reality, and it is a reality now, and if you come here and you get to see it. You will get to see it. You can't touch it, but you will see it and think this is real. And this is really human."
Question:
According to Michael Yost, we can infer that _ .
Choices:
A. the Palmetto bio-printer can workwithout power
B. the Palmetto bio-printer has been used to treat the patients
C. the Palmetto bio-printer can only be found in the United States
D. the Palmetto bio-printer will have a bright future in medical use | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high9969.txt | Three-dimensional printers are fast becoming everyday devices in the United States. Three-D printers are used to make everything from automobile parts to bone replacements for human patients. American research scientists are now working on creating replacements for living tissue.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have been working on creating and manufacturing living tissue since 2003.This process is called biofabrication . It requires special printing equipment and a special kind of ink.
Traditional printers require ink to produce an image or design on a piece of paper. For their three-D printer, the South Carolina researchers prepare complex nutritious solutions they call bio-inks. Bio-inks are made of proteins and glucose , which normally provides energy for most cells of the body. The researchers also add living cells taken from the animal that will receive the new, printed tissue. The bio-inks are then added to a device that researchers call the Palmetto bio-printer.
Sarah Grace Dennis is one of the researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina. She says new technology, like the Palmetto bio-printer, is a great help to the biofabrication process.
The bio-inks are placed in three dispensers , containers, inside the printer. Lasers control both the position of the printing surface and the places where the bio-ink is released.
Michael Yost is a leader of the research team. He says the printing process is fully automated-- machine-operated. He says that the Palmetto bio-printer makes it possible to create complex tissue types.
The researchers say bio-printing is still experimental. But they hope in a few years they may be able to print tissue to replace damaged human organs.
But there are still some problems which need to be solved. Some scientists worry about how to get blood to the replacement tissue. The flow of blood is important to keep the printed tissue alive.
Michael Yost hopes that more people will believe in the benefits of biofabrication.
"Tissue biofabrication is a reality, and it is a reality now, and if you come here and you get to see it. You will get to see it. You can't touch it, but you will see it and think this is real. And this is really human." | [
"the Palmetto bio-printer can workwithout power",
"the Palmetto bio-printer has been used to treat the patients",
"the Palmetto bio-printer can only be found in the United States",
"the Palmetto bio-printer will have a bright future in medical use"
] |
Misfolding of polypeptides is a serious problem in what? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | Misfolding of polypeptides is a serious problem in what? | cells | science | null | null | null | muscles | blood | lipids | cells | null | null | null | |
Which of the following is TRUE from the passage? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
If you have failed in the past to try to make big changes in life,try again now,one tiny step at a time.
Every year it's the same.As December comes to an end,you think about the new year and all the ways you want to improve your life. But as you start to write down your hopes for the new year,you think about the last year.You excitedly write down all the changes you are going to make,but by the end of January those ideas get lost in your busy life.
Here's a suggestion:Forget the too big,hard-to-achieve goals and just think about the small ones."We often think that we have to do everything in big steps, even though it's so hard for us to reach it." said Robert Maurer,who recently wrote the book One Small Step Can Change Your Life."What we try to do is to begin with such a small step that we can't find any excuse not to do it."
"Kaizen",a Japanese word,is used to mean to change behavior and attitudes .During World War Il,American factory managers were able to increase productivity by trying small, continuous improvements instead of sudden changes.After the war,the idea was brought to a rebuilding Japan.It made Japan develop fast. The Japanese called it "kaizen", which means "improvement".
Maurer studied the idea and did some experiments with it. "Kaizen" could possibly help people succeed in doing everything
Question:
Which of the following is TRUE from the passage?
Choices:
A. Robert Maurer studied "kaizen" and found it helpful.
B. You can achieve your goals if you are not too busy.
C. You can't find any excuse not to reach a big goal.
D. "Kaizen" was brought to Japan during World WarII. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle1619.txt | If you have failed in the past to try to make big changes in life,try again now,one tiny step at a time.
Every year it's the same.As December comes to an end,you think about the new year and all the ways you want to improve your life. But as you start to write down your hopes for the new year,you think about the last year.You excitedly write down all the changes you are going to make,but by the end of January those ideas get lost in your busy life.
Here's a suggestion:Forget the too big,hard-to-achieve goals and just think about the small ones."We often think that we have to do everything in big steps, even though it's so hard for us to reach it." said Robert Maurer,who recently wrote the book One Small Step Can Change Your Life."What we try to do is to begin with such a small step that we can't find any excuse not to do it."
"Kaizen",a Japanese word,is used to mean to change behavior and attitudes .During World War Il,American factory managers were able to increase productivity by trying small, continuous improvements instead of sudden changes.After the war,the idea was brought to a rebuilding Japan.It made Japan develop fast. The Japanese called it "kaizen", which means "improvement".
Maurer studied the idea and did some experiments with it. "Kaizen" could possibly help people succeed in doing everything | [
"Robert Maurer studied \"kaizen\" and found it helpful.",
"You can achieve your goals if you are not too busy.",
"You can't find any excuse not to reach a big goal.",
"\"Kaizen\" was brought to Japan during World WarII."
] |
Each myofibril is made up of two types of proteins, called actin and what? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | Each myofibril is made up of two types of proteins, called actin and what? | myosin | science | null | null | null | Fatty Acid | dynein | elongation | myosin | Each myofibril is made up of two types of proteins, called actin and myosin. These proteins form thread-like filaments. | null | null | null |
_ does some reading in the morning. | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Some school officials want to change class time from 8:00am to 9:00am.What do you think?
Jill----"I think it's a good idea! I usually get up at 6:10 and it's difficult for me. At night I have to do lots of homework and I like to watch TV . I go to bed at about 11:00 pm. I usually can't catch the bus at 7:30 in the morning. I am often late for school."
Sally---"I don't think it's a good idea. I always get up at 5:30 in the morning. It's the best time of the day. First I do some morning exercises. Then I read and have breakfast. So I will be happy if class begins at 8:00 ."
Billy---"I never get up before 6:30.I always go to school without breakfast. A morning class is not good for me. I hope I can go to school after 8:30."
Question:
_ does some reading in the morning.
Choices:
A. Jill
B. Sally
C. Billy
D. both Jill and Billy | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle6074.txt | Some school officials want to change class time from 8:00am to 9:00am.What do you think?
Jill----"I think it's a good idea! I usually get up at 6:10 and it's difficult for me. At night I have to do lots of homework and I like to watch TV . I go to bed at about 11:00 pm. I usually can't catch the bus at 7:30 in the morning. I am often late for school."
Sally---"I don't think it's a good idea. I always get up at 5:30 in the morning. It's the best time of the day. First I do some morning exercises. Then I read and have breakfast. So I will be happy if class begins at 8:00 ."
Billy---"I never get up before 6:30.I always go to school without breakfast. A morning class is not good for me. I hope I can go to school after 8:30." | [
"Jill",
"Sally",
"Billy",
"both Jill and Billy"
] |
What suggestion may the researchers in the passage make? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Parents will do anything for their children. Whether it would be the food, clothes, or the place they live in, parents will always make sure their children have the best of everything. One of the biggest concerns that parents currently have is educating their children. They are faced with lots of difficulties when it comes to education for their young ones. Choices include private school, charter school, public school or home schooling.
Fortunately for parents,there are a variety of different strategies that they can take in order to increase their child's overall intelligence. According to Ross A. Thompson, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of California at Davis, a child's brain will actually reach 90% of its full size by the time they start kindergarten.
Researchers at Northwestern University in Chicago concluded that playing a musical instrument directly affected the brain stem, the lower section of the brain. Moreover, children that learn an instrument at an early age tend to continue it when they are older. And numerous studies show that a well balanced meal is essential for a child's mental as well as physical health. Some other researchers recommended that a second language should be taught when children are in preschool. They state that three to four years of age is the perfect time and that any age under four would work perfectly well for a child's brain development.
The average child will learn how to read between kindergarten and second grade. Many parents can give their children a _ by teaching them to read before they start school. Children could have an adequate background of the alphabet and sounds of words before attending school. This can be done by simply reading to them whenever you want. The more comfortable they get,the easier the process will be.
Question:
What suggestion may the researchers in the passage make?
Choices:
A. To train kids as early as possible.
B. To try as many means as possible.
C. To help kids develop as fully as possible.
D. To use as many available resources as possible. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high14434.txt | Parents will do anything for their children. Whether it would be the food, clothes, or the place they live in, parents will always make sure their children have the best of everything. One of the biggest concerns that parents currently have is educating their children. They are faced with lots of difficulties when it comes to education for their young ones. Choices include private school, charter school, public school or home schooling.
Fortunately for parents,there are a variety of different strategies that they can take in order to increase their child's overall intelligence. According to Ross A. Thompson, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of California at Davis, a child's brain will actually reach 90% of its full size by the time they start kindergarten.
Researchers at Northwestern University in Chicago concluded that playing a musical instrument directly affected the brain stem, the lower section of the brain. Moreover, children that learn an instrument at an early age tend to continue it when they are older. And numerous studies show that a well balanced meal is essential for a child's mental as well as physical health. Some other researchers recommended that a second language should be taught when children are in preschool. They state that three to four years of age is the perfect time and that any age under four would work perfectly well for a child's brain development.
The average child will learn how to read between kindergarten and second grade. Many parents can give their children a _ by teaching them to read before they start school. Children could have an adequate background of the alphabet and sounds of words before attending school. This can be done by simply reading to them whenever you want. The more comfortable they get,the easier the process will be. | [
"To train kids as early as possible.",
"To try as many means as possible.",
"To help kids develop as fully as possible.",
"To use as many available resources as possible."
] |
How many methods were used to test the portrait? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Birthdays often involve surprises. But this year's surprise on the birthday of the great British playwright William Shakespeare is surely one of the most dramatic.
On April 22, one day before his 441st birthday anniversary, experts discovered that one of the most recognizable portraits of William Shakespeare is a fake. This means that we no longer have a good idea of what Shakespeare looked like. "It's very possible that many pictures of Shakespeare might be unreliable because many of them are copies of this one," said an expert from Britain's National Portrait Gallery.
The discovery comes after four months of testing using X-rays, ultraviolet light, microphotography and paint samples. The experts from the gallery say the image --commonly known as the "Flower portrait"-- was actually painted in the 1800s, about two centuries after Shakespeare's death. The art experts who work at the gallery say they also used modern chemistry technology to check the paint on the picture. These checks found traces of paint dating from about 1814. Shakespeare died in 1616, and the date that appears on the portrait is 1609.
"We now think the portrait dates back to around 1818 to 1840. This was when there was a renewed interest in Shakespeare's plays," Tarnya Cooper, the gallery's curator , told the Associated President.
The fake picture has often been used as a cover for collections of his plays. It is called the Flower portrait because one of its owners, Desmond Flower, gave it to the Royal Shakespeare Company.
"There have always been questions about the painting," said David Howells, curator for the Royal Shakespeare Company. "Now we know the truth, we can put the image in its proper place in the history of Shakespearean portraiture."
Two other images of Shakespeare, are also being studied as part of the investigation and the results will come out later this month. _
Question:
How many methods were used to test the portrait?
Choices:
A. Not mentioned.
B. Two
C. Three
D. At least four. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high2504.txt | Birthdays often involve surprises. But this year's surprise on the birthday of the great British playwright William Shakespeare is surely one of the most dramatic.
On April 22, one day before his 441st birthday anniversary, experts discovered that one of the most recognizable portraits of William Shakespeare is a fake. This means that we no longer have a good idea of what Shakespeare looked like. "It's very possible that many pictures of Shakespeare might be unreliable because many of them are copies of this one," said an expert from Britain's National Portrait Gallery.
The discovery comes after four months of testing using X-rays, ultraviolet light, microphotography and paint samples. The experts from the gallery say the image --commonly known as the "Flower portrait"-- was actually painted in the 1800s, about two centuries after Shakespeare's death. The art experts who work at the gallery say they also used modern chemistry technology to check the paint on the picture. These checks found traces of paint dating from about 1814. Shakespeare died in 1616, and the date that appears on the portrait is 1609.
"We now think the portrait dates back to around 1818 to 1840. This was when there was a renewed interest in Shakespeare's plays," Tarnya Cooper, the gallery's curator , told the Associated President.
The fake picture has often been used as a cover for collections of his plays. It is called the Flower portrait because one of its owners, Desmond Flower, gave it to the Royal Shakespeare Company.
"There have always been questions about the painting," said David Howells, curator for the Royal Shakespeare Company. "Now we know the truth, we can put the image in its proper place in the history of Shakespearean portraiture."
Two other images of Shakespeare, are also being studied as part of the investigation and the results will come out later this month. _ | [
"Not mentioned.",
"Two",
"Three",
"At least four."
] |
Which phenomenon can be described as the "Bystander Apathy Effect"? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The "Bystander Apathy Effect" was first studied by researchers in New York after neighbors ignored--and in some cases turned up the volume on their TVs--the cries of a woman as she was murdered (over a half-hour period). With regard to helping those in difficulty generally, they found that:
(1) women are helped more than men;
(2) men help more than women;
(3) attractive women are helped more than unattractive women.
Other factors relate to the number of people in the area, whether the person is thought to be in trouble through their own fault, and whether a person sees himself as being able to help.
According to Adrian Furnham, Professor of University College, London, there are three reasons why we tend to stand by doing nothing:
(1) "Shifting of responsibility"-the more people there are, the less likely help is to be given. Each person excuses himself by thinking someone else will help, so that the more "other people' there are, the greater the total shifting of responsibility.
(2) "'Fear of making a mistake''-situations are often not clear. People think that those involved in an accident may know each other or it may be a joke, so a fear of embarrassment makes them keep themselves to themselves.
(3) "Fear of the consequences if attention is turned on you, and the person is violent."
Laurie Taylor, Professor of Sociology at London University, says: "In the experiments I've seen on intervention , much depends on the neighborhood or setting. There is a silence on public transport which is hard to break. We are embarrassed to draw attention to something that is happening, while in a football match, people get involved, and a fight would easily follow. "
Psychotherapist Alan Dupuy identifies the importance of the individual: "The British as a whole have some difficulty intervening, but there are exceptional individuals in every group who are prepared to intervene, regardless of their own safety: These would be people with a strong moral code or religious ideals."
Question:
Which phenomenon can be described as the "Bystander Apathy Effect"?
Choices:
A. When one is in trouble, people think it's his own fault.
B. In a football match, people get involved in a fight.
C. Seeing a murder, people feel sorry that it should have happened.
D. On hearing a cry for help, people keep themselves to themselves. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high15969.txt | The "Bystander Apathy Effect" was first studied by researchers in New York after neighbors ignored--and in some cases turned up the volume on their TVs--the cries of a woman as she was murdered (over a half-hour period). With regard to helping those in difficulty generally, they found that:
(1) women are helped more than men;
(2) men help more than women;
(3) attractive women are helped more than unattractive women.
Other factors relate to the number of people in the area, whether the person is thought to be in trouble through their own fault, and whether a person sees himself as being able to help.
According to Adrian Furnham, Professor of University College, London, there are three reasons why we tend to stand by doing nothing:
(1) "Shifting of responsibility"-the more people there are, the less likely help is to be given. Each person excuses himself by thinking someone else will help, so that the more "other people' there are, the greater the total shifting of responsibility.
(2) "'Fear of making a mistake''-situations are often not clear. People think that those involved in an accident may know each other or it may be a joke, so a fear of embarrassment makes them keep themselves to themselves.
(3) "Fear of the consequences if attention is turned on you, and the person is violent."
Laurie Taylor, Professor of Sociology at London University, says: "In the experiments I've seen on intervention , much depends on the neighborhood or setting. There is a silence on public transport which is hard to break. We are embarrassed to draw attention to something that is happening, while in a football match, people get involved, and a fight would easily follow. "
Psychotherapist Alan Dupuy identifies the importance of the individual: "The British as a whole have some difficulty intervening, but there are exceptional individuals in every group who are prepared to intervene, regardless of their own safety: These would be people with a strong moral code or religious ideals." | [
"When one is in trouble, people think it's his own fault.",
"In a football match, people get involved in a fight.",
"Seeing a murder, people feel sorry that it should have happened.",
"On hearing a cry for help, people keep themselves to themselves."
] |
What would be the best title for the passage? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Welcome to the Van Gogh Gallery for information about the life and work of Vincent van Gogh. As a post impressionist painter and one of the most famous artists of all time, Vincent van Gogh has become a model. From growing up in Holland and working as a pastor , moving to France and creating an unbelievable collection of artwork, this site takes an in-depth look at Van Gogh's life , his work and the influence he has had on our culture.
Van Gogh had many influences on his life including his family and friends, other artists such as Edgar Degas, and his health. To see how each of these affected his life please visit the Important Figures, Artistic Influences and Health sections. For information about how Van Gogh's art has influenced our society today, view the Impact on Art, Cultural References, or News section.
If you are interested in adding more Van Gogh to your life, the Van Gogh Gallery has plenty to offer. Download Van Gogh images of some of his most famous paintings as wallpaper for your computer, shop for Van Gogh posters or prints, or check out some of the additional resources available including links to Van Gogh museums and shows. There are even lesson plans from multidiscipline areas for those interested in educating others about Van Gogh's art and life.
Van Gogh has influenced generations of young artists worldwide since his time. Today we can see his influence in painting, in poetry and in video. We are happy to display new examples of art that were influenced by Van Gogh in our Van Gogh Community Art section.
Tragically, Van Gogh died not knowing the praise his art would receive. He will be forever known as one of the greatest artists of the modern era. Through this website, the Van Gogh Gallery aims to share his life and heritage with the world.
Question:
What would be the best title for the passage?
Choices:
A. learn about Van Gogh's life
B. welcome to the Van Gogh Gallery
C. Van Gogh's information on younger artists.
D. Welcome to an unbelievable collection of artworks. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high8929.txt | Welcome to the Van Gogh Gallery for information about the life and work of Vincent van Gogh. As a post impressionist painter and one of the most famous artists of all time, Vincent van Gogh has become a model. From growing up in Holland and working as a pastor , moving to France and creating an unbelievable collection of artwork, this site takes an in-depth look at Van Gogh's life , his work and the influence he has had on our culture.
Van Gogh had many influences on his life including his family and friends, other artists such as Edgar Degas, and his health. To see how each of these affected his life please visit the Important Figures, Artistic Influences and Health sections. For information about how Van Gogh's art has influenced our society today, view the Impact on Art, Cultural References, or News section.
If you are interested in adding more Van Gogh to your life, the Van Gogh Gallery has plenty to offer. Download Van Gogh images of some of his most famous paintings as wallpaper for your computer, shop for Van Gogh posters or prints, or check out some of the additional resources available including links to Van Gogh museums and shows. There are even lesson plans from multidiscipline areas for those interested in educating others about Van Gogh's art and life.
Van Gogh has influenced generations of young artists worldwide since his time. Today we can see his influence in painting, in poetry and in video. We are happy to display new examples of art that were influenced by Van Gogh in our Van Gogh Community Art section.
Tragically, Van Gogh died not knowing the praise his art would receive. He will be forever known as one of the greatest artists of the modern era. Through this website, the Van Gogh Gallery aims to share his life and heritage with the world. | [
"learn about Van Gogh's life",
"welcome to the Van Gogh Gallery",
"Van Gogh's information on younger artists.",
"Welcome to an unbelievable collection of artworks."
] |
The passage is mainly about _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Celebrity has become one of the most important representatives of popular culture. Fans used to be crazy about a specific film, but now the public tends to base its consumption on the interest of celebrity attached to any given product. Besides, fashion magazines have almost abandoned the practice of putting models on the cover because they don't sell nearly as well as famous faces. As a result, celebrities have realized their unbelievably powerful market potential, moving from advertising for others' products to developing their own.
Celebrity clothing lines aren't a completely new phenomenon, but in the past they were typically aimed at the ordinary consumers, and limited to a few TV actresses. Today they're started by first-class stars whose products enjoy equal fame with some world top brands. The most successful start-ups have been those by celebrities with specific personal style. As celebrities become more and more experienced at the market, they expand their production scale rapidly, covering almost all the products of daily life.
However, for every success story, there's a related warning tale of a celebrity who overvalued his consumer appeal. No matter how famous the product's origins is, if it fails to impress consumers with its own qualities it begins to resemble an exercise in self-promotional marketing. And once the initial attention dies down, consumer interest might fade, loyalty returning to tried-and-true labels.
Today, celebrities face ever more severe embarrassment. The pop-cultural circle might be bigger than ever, but its rate of turnover has speeded up as well. _ and the same newspaper or magazine that once brought him fame has no problem picking him to pieces when the opportunity appears. Still, the ego's potential for expansion is limitless. Having already achieved great wealth and public recognition, many celebrities see fashion as the next frontier to be conquered. As the saying goes, success and failure always go hand in hand. Their success as designers might last only a short time, but fashion -- like celebrity -- has always been temporary.
Question:
The passage is mainly about _ .
Choices:
A. celebrity and personal style
B. celebrity and market potential
C. celebrity and fashion design
D. celebrity and clothing industry | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high12500.txt | Celebrity has become one of the most important representatives of popular culture. Fans used to be crazy about a specific film, but now the public tends to base its consumption on the interest of celebrity attached to any given product. Besides, fashion magazines have almost abandoned the practice of putting models on the cover because they don't sell nearly as well as famous faces. As a result, celebrities have realized their unbelievably powerful market potential, moving from advertising for others' products to developing their own.
Celebrity clothing lines aren't a completely new phenomenon, but in the past they were typically aimed at the ordinary consumers, and limited to a few TV actresses. Today they're started by first-class stars whose products enjoy equal fame with some world top brands. The most successful start-ups have been those by celebrities with specific personal style. As celebrities become more and more experienced at the market, they expand their production scale rapidly, covering almost all the products of daily life.
However, for every success story, there's a related warning tale of a celebrity who overvalued his consumer appeal. No matter how famous the product's origins is, if it fails to impress consumers with its own qualities it begins to resemble an exercise in self-promotional marketing. And once the initial attention dies down, consumer interest might fade, loyalty returning to tried-and-true labels.
Today, celebrities face ever more severe embarrassment. The pop-cultural circle might be bigger than ever, but its rate of turnover has speeded up as well. _ and the same newspaper or magazine that once brought him fame has no problem picking him to pieces when the opportunity appears. Still, the ego's potential for expansion is limitless. Having already achieved great wealth and public recognition, many celebrities see fashion as the next frontier to be conquered. As the saying goes, success and failure always go hand in hand. Their success as designers might last only a short time, but fashion -- like celebrity -- has always been temporary. | [
"celebrity and personal style",
"celebrity and market potential",
"celebrity and fashion design",
"celebrity and clothing industry"
] |
While climbing, it is much easier for a rock climber if he _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
If you have ever been rock climbing, you will know that it is not a very easy sport. In fact, you probably felt quite defeated when you first tried to do any serious climbing. Indoor and outdoor rock climbing are both extremely demanding and require practice to get good at. It is one of the most physically and mentally demanding sports.
There are three basic types of rock climbing. Top roping is the most common type and the climber need to climb with a partner. The second type, which is very similar to top roping, is called lead climbing. In both of the types, the climber can sit off the wall and rest on the rope. The third type is called bouldering. Bouldering is a type of free climbing without any ropes. This is the most demanding of all climbing types. The climber must be able to complete the climbing without taking a rest on the rope.
Believe it or not, climbing is said to be about 75% legs and only 25% arms. To climb efficiently and successfully, a person needs to have a wonderful technique. One of the major rules of rock climbing is to always have three points touching the wall, whether it is both feet and one hand, or one foot and both hands, as it is much easier to have your weight cases will not do the climbing; they only hold you into the wall so that your legs are actually pushing you upward. Also, the closer you are to the wall, the easier it is to climb.
Rock climbing may sound a bit too extreme for the everyday person, but it is really an amazing workout. Once you get into the sport, and learn how to position your body and rest your weight, then you can begin to deal with some difficult problems. The great thing about rock climbing is that it is mentally challenging as well. You are constantly analyzing the way your body moves and how to do certain moves on the wall. For anyone who wants to get into shape, rock climbing is a fun and effective way to exercise muscles.
Question:
While climbing, it is much easier for a rock climber if he _ .
Choices:
A. takes a rope
B. has a partner
C. has three points touching the wall
D. uses feet more often | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high2258.txt | If you have ever been rock climbing, you will know that it is not a very easy sport. In fact, you probably felt quite defeated when you first tried to do any serious climbing. Indoor and outdoor rock climbing are both extremely demanding and require practice to get good at. It is one of the most physically and mentally demanding sports.
There are three basic types of rock climbing. Top roping is the most common type and the climber need to climb with a partner. The second type, which is very similar to top roping, is called lead climbing. In both of the types, the climber can sit off the wall and rest on the rope. The third type is called bouldering. Bouldering is a type of free climbing without any ropes. This is the most demanding of all climbing types. The climber must be able to complete the climbing without taking a rest on the rope.
Believe it or not, climbing is said to be about 75% legs and only 25% arms. To climb efficiently and successfully, a person needs to have a wonderful technique. One of the major rules of rock climbing is to always have three points touching the wall, whether it is both feet and one hand, or one foot and both hands, as it is much easier to have your weight cases will not do the climbing; they only hold you into the wall so that your legs are actually pushing you upward. Also, the closer you are to the wall, the easier it is to climb.
Rock climbing may sound a bit too extreme for the everyday person, but it is really an amazing workout. Once you get into the sport, and learn how to position your body and rest your weight, then you can begin to deal with some difficult problems. The great thing about rock climbing is that it is mentally challenging as well. You are constantly analyzing the way your body moves and how to do certain moves on the wall. For anyone who wants to get into shape, rock climbing is a fun and effective way to exercise muscles. | [
"takes a rope",
"has a partner",
"has three points touching the wall",
"uses feet more often"
] |
From the passage, we learn that _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The coast of the State of Maine is one of the most irregular in the world. A straight line running from the southernmost coastal city to the northernmost coastal city would measure about 225 miles. If you followed the
coastline between these points, you would travel more than ten times as far. This irregularity is the result of what is called a drowned coastline. The term comes from the glacial activity of the Ice Age. At that time, the whole area that is now Maine was part of a mountain range that towered above the sea. As the glacier descended, however, it applied enormous force on those mountains, and they sank into the sea.
As the mountains sank, ocean water charged over the lowest parts of the remaining land. And the highest parts of the former mountain range, nearest the shore, remained as islands. Marine fossils found here are 225 feet above sea level indicating the level of the shoreline prior to the glacier.
The 2,500-mile-long rocky and jagged coastline of Maine keeps watch over nearly 2,000 islands. Many of these islands are tiny and uninhabited, but many are home to blooming communities. Mt. Desert Island is one of the largest, most beautiful of the Maine coast islands left behind by the glacier. Measuring 16 miles by 12 miles, Mt. Desert was very nearly formed as two distinct islands. It is split almost in half by Somes Sound, a very deep and very narrow stretch of water seven miles long.
For years, Mt. Desert Island, particularly its major settlement, Bar Harbor, has afforded summer homes for the wealthy. Recently, though, Bar Harbor has become a new arts community as well. But the best part of the island is the unspoiled forest land known as Acadia National Park. Since the island sits on the border between two different geographical zones, the park supports the plants and animals of both zones. It also lies in a major bird migration lane and is a resting spot for many birds.
The establishment of Acadia National park in 1916 means that this natural monument will be preserved and that it will be available to all people, not just the wealthy. Visitors to Acadia may receive nature instruction from the park naturalists as well as enjoy camping, hiking, cycling, and boating. Or they may choose to spend time at the museum learning about the Stone Age inhabitants of the island.
Question:
From the passage, we learn that _ .
Choices:
A. the coastline of Maine is ten times longer after the Ice Age
B. there are more than 2500 islands along the Maine coastline
C. Mt. Desert Island has been broken apart by a 7-mile-long water stretch
D. an arts community gave way to the summer homes on Mt. Desert Island | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high21479.txt | The coast of the State of Maine is one of the most irregular in the world. A straight line running from the southernmost coastal city to the northernmost coastal city would measure about 225 miles. If you followed the
coastline between these points, you would travel more than ten times as far. This irregularity is the result of what is called a drowned coastline. The term comes from the glacial activity of the Ice Age. At that time, the whole area that is now Maine was part of a mountain range that towered above the sea. As the glacier descended, however, it applied enormous force on those mountains, and they sank into the sea.
As the mountains sank, ocean water charged over the lowest parts of the remaining land. And the highest parts of the former mountain range, nearest the shore, remained as islands. Marine fossils found here are 225 feet above sea level indicating the level of the shoreline prior to the glacier.
The 2,500-mile-long rocky and jagged coastline of Maine keeps watch over nearly 2,000 islands. Many of these islands are tiny and uninhabited, but many are home to blooming communities. Mt. Desert Island is one of the largest, most beautiful of the Maine coast islands left behind by the glacier. Measuring 16 miles by 12 miles, Mt. Desert was very nearly formed as two distinct islands. It is split almost in half by Somes Sound, a very deep and very narrow stretch of water seven miles long.
For years, Mt. Desert Island, particularly its major settlement, Bar Harbor, has afforded summer homes for the wealthy. Recently, though, Bar Harbor has become a new arts community as well. But the best part of the island is the unspoiled forest land known as Acadia National Park. Since the island sits on the border between two different geographical zones, the park supports the plants and animals of both zones. It also lies in a major bird migration lane and is a resting spot for many birds.
The establishment of Acadia National park in 1916 means that this natural monument will be preserved and that it will be available to all people, not just the wealthy. Visitors to Acadia may receive nature instruction from the park naturalists as well as enjoy camping, hiking, cycling, and boating. Or they may choose to spend time at the museum learning about the Stone Age inhabitants of the island. | [
"the coastline of Maine is ten times longer after the Ice Age",
"there are more than 2500 islands along the Maine coastline",
"Mt. Desert Island has been broken apart by a 7-mile-long water stretch",
"an arts community gave way to the summer homes on Mt. Desert Island"
] |
We can learn from the passage that _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Look closely at ,your hands-are they clean? It doesn't matter how many times you was your hands. They're still crowded with microbes, which are also called "germs" or "bacteria". Microbes are everywhere. But don't worry-most microbes don't harm you. and many actually help you stay alive.
Now, scientists say the microbes that live on our hands could be used in a surprising way: fighting crime.
When police visit the scene of a crime, they often look for fingerprints to try to identifythe criminal. But according to a recent study, investigators could even use microbes to help break a criminal case.
Every person has his or her own set of microbes that live on their hands, according to scientists at,the University of:Colorado. That means the mix of different kinds of microbes on everybody's hand is unique-much like one's fingerprint.
The scientists wanted to know whether this microbe mix could be used as a new kind of fingerprint-especially in a crime scene where fingerprints might be hard to find. And policemen use forensics such as studying fingerprints to identify the criminal.
"Microbe fingerprints are harder to hide," said Noah Fierer, one of the scientists.
"You can't sterilize(......) a surface just by wiping it off. "
His team compared the bacteria on the hands of 273 people with the bacteria found on each person's computer keyboard. For the study, the keyboards had been used only by the people who were being tested. The study showed that the mix of microbes from each per- son's hands matched the mix of microbes on that person's keyboard. The scientists were easily able to tell the 273 people apart-just by looking at their keyboards.
But there are a lot more than 273 criminals. Other scientists wonder whetherthe microbe fingerprint can really be that useful.
Fierer agrees that scientists have a lot more work to do before the microbe fingerprint will be a useful tool.
Question:
We can learn from the passage that _ .
Choices:
A. your microbes may give you away
B. scientists will come to a clear conclusion soon
C. many scientists think microbe fingerprints useless
D. the microbe fingerprint has been used in many cases | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high3020.txt | Look closely at ,your hands-are they clean? It doesn't matter how many times you was your hands. They're still crowded with microbes, which are also called "germs" or "bacteria". Microbes are everywhere. But don't worry-most microbes don't harm you. and many actually help you stay alive.
Now, scientists say the microbes that live on our hands could be used in a surprising way: fighting crime.
When police visit the scene of a crime, they often look for fingerprints to try to identifythe criminal. But according to a recent study, investigators could even use microbes to help break a criminal case.
Every person has his or her own set of microbes that live on their hands, according to scientists at,the University of:Colorado. That means the mix of different kinds of microbes on everybody's hand is unique-much like one's fingerprint.
The scientists wanted to know whether this microbe mix could be used as a new kind of fingerprint-especially in a crime scene where fingerprints might be hard to find. And policemen use forensics such as studying fingerprints to identify the criminal.
"Microbe fingerprints are harder to hide," said Noah Fierer, one of the scientists.
"You can't sterilize(......) a surface just by wiping it off. "
His team compared the bacteria on the hands of 273 people with the bacteria found on each person's computer keyboard. For the study, the keyboards had been used only by the people who were being tested. The study showed that the mix of microbes from each per- son's hands matched the mix of microbes on that person's keyboard. The scientists were easily able to tell the 273 people apart-just by looking at their keyboards.
But there are a lot more than 273 criminals. Other scientists wonder whetherthe microbe fingerprint can really be that useful.
Fierer agrees that scientists have a lot more work to do before the microbe fingerprint will be a useful tool. | [
"your microbes may give you away",
"scientists will come to a clear conclusion soon",
"many scientists think microbe fingerprints useless",
"the microbe fingerprint has been used in many cases"
] |
What weather events move with the prevailing winds and originate in the trade winds in the northern hemisphere? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What weather events move with the prevailing winds and originate in the trade winds in the northern hemisphere? | hurricanes | science | null | null | null | droughts | tsunamis | earthquakes | hurricanes | Hurricanes move with the prevailing winds. In the Northern Hemisphere, they originate in the trade winds and are blown to the west. When they reach the westerlies, they switch direction. So they travel toward the north or northeast. You can look at a map of hurricane tracks to see this happen ( Figure below ). Hurricanes may cover 800 km (500 miles) in one day. | null | null | null |
What takes both the shape and the volume of their container? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What takes both the shape and the volume of their container? | gases | science | null | null | null | fluids | solids | tissues | gases | Solids have a fixed volume and a fixed shape. Liquids have a fixed volume but take the shape of their container. Gases take both the volume and the shape of their container. | null | null | null |
What is the name of the disorder of the arteries in which cholesterol and other materials are deposited on the interior of the arterial wall? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What is the name of the disorder of the arteries in which cholesterol and other materials are deposited on the interior of the arterial wall? | atherosclerosis | science | null | null | null | paralysis | arthritis | anemia | atherosclerosis | Cholesterol has been implicated in heart disease for decades. Atherosclerosis is a disorder of the arteries in which cholesterol and other materials are deposited on the interior of the arterial wall. These deposits lead to the formation of plaques that can restrict or even block the flow of blood through these blood vessels (see Figure below ). A decrease in the flow of blood can lead to high blood pressure and a lowered oxygen supply to the heart muscle. A complete blockage of blood flow to parts of the heart (a heart attack) can cause significant damage due to oxygen deprivation, in some cases leading to death. | null | null | null |
What do we know about the detection system? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Drink drivers could be prohibited from driving under the influence if new technology from Nissan is introduced.
The Japanese car maker has developed a new odor detection system designed to prevent drivers from operating a car if they are over the legal limit. The system works by using a series of sensors to detect the level of alcohol the driver has consumed.
A high-sensitivity alcohol odor sensor is built into the gear stick , which is able to detect the presence of the driver's palm as he or she attempts to start driving. If the alcohol level detected is above a pre-determined limit, the system automatically locks the transmission , immobilizing the car. A voice alert is also issued via the car navigation system telling the driver that he or she is over the limit.
Extra sensors are also placed in the driver and passenger seats and a warning is issued if these sensors detect the presence of alcohol in the air inside the vehicle cabin.
While still in the developmental stage the concept of drink driving detectors being built into cars has generally been welcomed by many drivers.
Nissan said the technology is part of a project aimed at halving the number of fatalities and serious injuries in Nissan cars by 2015 compared to 2005 levels.
Question:
What do we know about the detection system?
Choices:
A. The detection system is still in the developmental stage.
B. The new technology from Nissan has been introduced.
C. The driving detectors are being built into cars.
D. The system has already been used in some car companies. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high10999.txt | Drink drivers could be prohibited from driving under the influence if new technology from Nissan is introduced.
The Japanese car maker has developed a new odor detection system designed to prevent drivers from operating a car if they are over the legal limit. The system works by using a series of sensors to detect the level of alcohol the driver has consumed.
A high-sensitivity alcohol odor sensor is built into the gear stick , which is able to detect the presence of the driver's palm as he or she attempts to start driving. If the alcohol level detected is above a pre-determined limit, the system automatically locks the transmission , immobilizing the car. A voice alert is also issued via the car navigation system telling the driver that he or she is over the limit.
Extra sensors are also placed in the driver and passenger seats and a warning is issued if these sensors detect the presence of alcohol in the air inside the vehicle cabin.
While still in the developmental stage the concept of drink driving detectors being built into cars has generally been welcomed by many drivers.
Nissan said the technology is part of a project aimed at halving the number of fatalities and serious injuries in Nissan cars by 2015 compared to 2005 levels. | [
"The detection system is still in the developmental stage.",
"The new technology from Nissan has been introduced.",
"The driving detectors are being built into cars.",
"The system has already been used in some car companies."
] |
If you take interest in the Summer course, _ | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Now is a great time to start thinking about how the 2015 Summer course offerings might help you complete your academic program at a faster rate and with less money! Whether you register for Summer not, we have some great activities and other special events planned for Rowan students, faculty and staff. Wehope you will join us!
Registration Information
Register online at Gwinnett Online Campus between March 16, 2015 and June l, 2015.
Class Dates
Online Summer School
June 8, 2015 to July 6, 2015
GCPS offers free Academic Summer School for qualifying elementary and middle school students in Grades 3~8.
Details
15-day session with no classes on Fridays, (NO classes on June12,June19,and June26)
First day of class is Monday, June8,and last day is Wednesday, Julyl.(June8-11:June15-18, June 22-25,June 29-Julyl) '
The dates for elementary and middle school summer school are June 8 through July l with no Summer school on Fridays (15 days).
Parents of suitable students will be _ that their children may participate in the free session and given specifics about location and hours.
The free academic summer school is for students who did not meet promotion criteria at their grade level.
Summer school will not be provided at every school, due to maintenance and construction at some schools and plans for combined "cluster" summer school sites, Participating students will be told of location for summer school.
Most summer school sites will not offer transportation. Those schools with additional federal funding to offer transportation will tell parents regarding availability.
Question:
If you take interest in the Summer course, _
Choices:
A. you can visit its website
B. you can go to the campus
C. you can register on July l, 2015
D. you can complete a form | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high11801.txt | Now is a great time to start thinking about how the 2015 Summer course offerings might help you complete your academic program at a faster rate and with less money! Whether you register for Summer not, we have some great activities and other special events planned for Rowan students, faculty and staff. Wehope you will join us!
Registration Information
Register online at Gwinnett Online Campus between March 16, 2015 and June l, 2015.
Class Dates
Online Summer School
June 8, 2015 to July 6, 2015
GCPS offers free Academic Summer School for qualifying elementary and middle school students in Grades 3~8.
Details
15-day session with no classes on Fridays, (NO classes on June12,June19,and June26)
First day of class is Monday, June8,and last day is Wednesday, Julyl.(June8-11:June15-18, June 22-25,June 29-Julyl) '
The dates for elementary and middle school summer school are June 8 through July l with no Summer school on Fridays (15 days).
Parents of suitable students will be _ that their children may participate in the free session and given specifics about location and hours.
The free academic summer school is for students who did not meet promotion criteria at their grade level.
Summer school will not be provided at every school, due to maintenance and construction at some schools and plans for combined "cluster" summer school sites, Participating students will be told of location for summer school.
Most summer school sites will not offer transportation. Those schools with additional federal funding to offer transportation will tell parents regarding availability. | [
"you can visit its website",
"you can go to the campus",
"you can register on July l, 2015",
"you can complete a form"
] |
On the snowy day, Prana _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Prana was a beautiful dog, whose name means "breath of life". Although he died several years ago, I can still remember the days we spent together and what he has taught me about love.
I have two apple trees in the garden. Prana loved apples. When he went outside, he'd catch an apple and take it into the house to eat later. The apples had been on the ground and were often dirty so I wasn't always happy that Prana had brought them into the house.
It was an autumn day in America, but it was very cold. A big snow fell and we had not done anything for its coming. On that special day, Prana went outside and I watched him through the window. I noticed that he was madly digging holes and bringing the apples to the ground so they could be seen above the snow. I did not know why he was doing this. He seemed to want to do something special.
When I called him back, he had his usual one apple in his mouth. About five minutes later, I looked outside. The garden was completely covered with birds. Prana had dug up all those apples for his bird friends to eat. He knew that they wouldn't have stored enough food for the coming winter!
Question:
On the snowy day, Prana _ .
Choices:
A. ate up all the apples
B. dug holes to put the apples in them
C. brought the apples under the snow to the ground
D. left the house and died | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle553.txt | Prana was a beautiful dog, whose name means "breath of life". Although he died several years ago, I can still remember the days we spent together and what he has taught me about love.
I have two apple trees in the garden. Prana loved apples. When he went outside, he'd catch an apple and take it into the house to eat later. The apples had been on the ground and were often dirty so I wasn't always happy that Prana had brought them into the house.
It was an autumn day in America, but it was very cold. A big snow fell and we had not done anything for its coming. On that special day, Prana went outside and I watched him through the window. I noticed that he was madly digging holes and bringing the apples to the ground so they could be seen above the snow. I did not know why he was doing this. He seemed to want to do something special.
When I called him back, he had his usual one apple in his mouth. About five minutes later, I looked outside. The garden was completely covered with birds. Prana had dug up all those apples for his bird friends to eat. He knew that they wouldn't have stored enough food for the coming winter! | [
"ate up all the apples",
"dug holes to put the apples in them",
"brought the apples under the snow to the ground",
"left the house and died"
] |
It can be inferred from the text that _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
EBay will launch an online group gift-buying service today designed to make it easier for several people to chip in, buy and pay for gifts using their social-network and e-mail contacts.
EBay North America Vice President Christopher Payne says it is going to be a major step forward in social commerce, which is the still-small practice of selling products through social networks.Online retail experts aren't as certain, but eBay says the new tool makes it easier for friends and relatives to chip in for gifts because it eliminates the headache of collecting contributions.It can also be used for family members to pitch in to buy, say, an expensive child seat for a mother.
Anything on eBay that's available immediately, rather than up for bid, can be purchased this way starting today atgroupgifts.eBay.com.If members of an extended family wanted to buy a gift for one member, one person would choose a gift -- or have one recommended by eBay -- and invite family members to chip in using Facebook or e-mail.Those who wanted to join in would choose an amount to contribute (or agree to pay a requested amount) and pay using either PayPal or a credit card.They could also add a personal note.
If enough people don't chip in, the organizer can ask people to contribute more or choose a less expensive gift.
"I see myself using this most in cases when I typically might not buy someone what they want because of price," says Nitzan Shaer of Boston, who was part of an online test of the site.
EBay, with its 200 million products, millions of sellers and mobile commerce proficiency, is a logical place to pull together the products, groups of buyers and payment tools, Payne says.
At least 12 sites, such as FrumUs.com and eDivvy.com, facilitate (,) group purchases but don't sell products.Although a handful of retailers, including Victoria's Secret and 1-800-Flowers, sell products through Facebook, Payne says he expects social commerce will take off as rapidly as shopping using mobile devices.EBay did more than $600 million in sales on mobile devices last year and expects mobile sales to increase to $1.5 billion this year.
Although one in five consumers surveyed said they'd used Facebook for shopping in the past year, 88% said they would not be buying holiday gifts through a social network, mobile phone or smartphone.Of these, 26% were reluctant because of security or privacy concerns, and 20% were unclear about the benefits of using phones or Facebook to shop.
Question:
It can be inferred from the text that _ .
Choices:
A. through eBay's new tool, 200 million products on eBay are available to online shoppers
B. social commerce can eliminate the headache of collecting contributions
C. eBay's new tool will gain mass adoption by online shoppers
D. with the help of eBay's new tool, FrumUs.com and eDivvy.com will also sell products | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high11377.txt | EBay will launch an online group gift-buying service today designed to make it easier for several people to chip in, buy and pay for gifts using their social-network and e-mail contacts.
EBay North America Vice President Christopher Payne says it is going to be a major step forward in social commerce, which is the still-small practice of selling products through social networks.Online retail experts aren't as certain, but eBay says the new tool makes it easier for friends and relatives to chip in for gifts because it eliminates the headache of collecting contributions.It can also be used for family members to pitch in to buy, say, an expensive child seat for a mother.
Anything on eBay that's available immediately, rather than up for bid, can be purchased this way starting today atgroupgifts.eBay.com.If members of an extended family wanted to buy a gift for one member, one person would choose a gift -- or have one recommended by eBay -- and invite family members to chip in using Facebook or e-mail.Those who wanted to join in would choose an amount to contribute (or agree to pay a requested amount) and pay using either PayPal or a credit card.They could also add a personal note.
If enough people don't chip in, the organizer can ask people to contribute more or choose a less expensive gift.
"I see myself using this most in cases when I typically might not buy someone what they want because of price," says Nitzan Shaer of Boston, who was part of an online test of the site.
EBay, with its 200 million products, millions of sellers and mobile commerce proficiency, is a logical place to pull together the products, groups of buyers and payment tools, Payne says.
At least 12 sites, such as FrumUs.com and eDivvy.com, facilitate (,) group purchases but don't sell products.Although a handful of retailers, including Victoria's Secret and 1-800-Flowers, sell products through Facebook, Payne says he expects social commerce will take off as rapidly as shopping using mobile devices.EBay did more than $600 million in sales on mobile devices last year and expects mobile sales to increase to $1.5 billion this year.
Although one in five consumers surveyed said they'd used Facebook for shopping in the past year, 88% said they would not be buying holiday gifts through a social network, mobile phone or smartphone.Of these, 26% were reluctant because of security or privacy concerns, and 20% were unclear about the benefits of using phones or Facebook to shop. | [
"through eBay's new tool, 200 million products on eBay are available to online shoppers",
"social commerce can eliminate the headache of collecting contributions",
"eBay's new tool will gain mass adoption by online shoppers",
"with the help of eBay's new tool, FrumUs.com and eDivvy.com will also sell products"
] |
What is the author's chief concern about the increasing use of Citi Bikes in New York? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Bright blue Citi Bikes are becoming a fine sight in the New Yorker street. New Yorkers are gradually getting used to more pedaling passengers on those blue Citi Bikes. But what about local bike shops ? Is City Bike booming at their expense? At Gotham Bikes in Tribeca, a manager who gave his name as "Ben W." said the shop has seen an increase in its overall sales due to the bike-share program. "It's getting more people on the road, more people learning about the sport and getting involved," he said. An employee at Danny's Cycles in Gramercy said Citi Bike is a good option for people in a city famed for its traffic jams and aggressive drivers. "They can try out a bike without buying one:' James Ryan said.
Rentals are not a big part of the business at either Gotham Bikes or Danny's Cycles. But for Frank's Bike Shop, a small business on Grand St., the bike-share program has been bad news. Owner Frank Arroyo said that his rental business has decreased by 90% since Citi Bike was launched last month. Arroyo's main rental customers are European tourists, who have since been drawn away by Citi Bikes.
However, Ben said the bike-share is good for bike sales at his shop. "People have used the bike-share and realized how great it is to bike in the city, then decide that they want something nicer for themselves," he noted.
Christian Farrell of Waterfront Bicycle Shop, on West St. said at first he was concerned about bike-share, though, he admitted, "I was happy to see people on bikes."
Farrell's early concerns were repeated by Andrew Crooks, owner of NYC Velo, at 64 Second Ave. "It seemed like a great idea, but one that would be difficult to put into use:' Crooks said of Citi Bike. He said he worried about inexperienced riders' lack of awareness of biking rules and strong negative reaction from non-cyclists. However, he said, it's still too early to tell if his business has been impacted .
While it's possible bike-share will cause a drop in business, Crooks agreed that the idea is a positive step forward for New York City.
Question:
What is the author's chief concern about the increasing use of Citi Bikes in New York?
Choices:
A. Whether local bike shops will suffer.
B. How non-cyclists will respond to it.
C. Whether local bike businesses will oppose it.
D. How the safety of bike riders can be ensured. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high11249.txt | Bright blue Citi Bikes are becoming a fine sight in the New Yorker street. New Yorkers are gradually getting used to more pedaling passengers on those blue Citi Bikes. But what about local bike shops ? Is City Bike booming at their expense? At Gotham Bikes in Tribeca, a manager who gave his name as "Ben W." said the shop has seen an increase in its overall sales due to the bike-share program. "It's getting more people on the road, more people learning about the sport and getting involved," he said. An employee at Danny's Cycles in Gramercy said Citi Bike is a good option for people in a city famed for its traffic jams and aggressive drivers. "They can try out a bike without buying one:' James Ryan said.
Rentals are not a big part of the business at either Gotham Bikes or Danny's Cycles. But for Frank's Bike Shop, a small business on Grand St., the bike-share program has been bad news. Owner Frank Arroyo said that his rental business has decreased by 90% since Citi Bike was launched last month. Arroyo's main rental customers are European tourists, who have since been drawn away by Citi Bikes.
However, Ben said the bike-share is good for bike sales at his shop. "People have used the bike-share and realized how great it is to bike in the city, then decide that they want something nicer for themselves," he noted.
Christian Farrell of Waterfront Bicycle Shop, on West St. said at first he was concerned about bike-share, though, he admitted, "I was happy to see people on bikes."
Farrell's early concerns were repeated by Andrew Crooks, owner of NYC Velo, at 64 Second Ave. "It seemed like a great idea, but one that would be difficult to put into use:' Crooks said of Citi Bike. He said he worried about inexperienced riders' lack of awareness of biking rules and strong negative reaction from non-cyclists. However, he said, it's still too early to tell if his business has been impacted .
While it's possible bike-share will cause a drop in business, Crooks agreed that the idea is a positive step forward for New York City. | [
"Whether local bike shops will suffer.",
"How non-cyclists will respond to it.",
"Whether local bike businesses will oppose it.",
"How the safety of bike riders can be ensured."
] |
The above rules will help you _ . | B | 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:
The above rules will help you _ .
Choices:
A. study better
B. make more friends
C. stay healthier
D. finish your homework | Answer: B | 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.
,. | [
"study better",
"make more friends",
"stay healthier",
"finish your homework"
] |
Why did Michael decide not to go home immediately? | 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:
Why did Michael decide not to go home immediately?
Choices:
A. Because it was still early
B. Because he didn't want to give his mother any trouble.
C. Because he wanted to go to the park to have a rest.
D. Because his mother was not at home yet at that time. | 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. | [
"Because it was still early",
"Because he didn't want to give his mother any trouble.",
"Because he wanted to go to the park to have a rest.",
"Because his mother was not at home yet at that time."
] |
The Biosphere Expedition is probably held _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Become a volunteer and help those who need your help in your community ! Volunteer work includes helping the poor, helping the families whose houses were destroyed by national disasters or creating green spaces for neighborhood families. Whichever service activity you choose, you have the "power of one" to make a difference and create a real change in the community!
Our holiday volunteer jobs are open to all Americans. You don't need any special skills to join and there are no age limits . With Biosphere Expedition , you can be a wildlife and environmental volunteer for anywhere from two weeks to two months. You'll work with local scientists, and the leaders from Biosphere Expedition will be by your side.
We need students at the age of 16 and up who study at school and want a chance to use their talents, skills and knowledge to help the little kids. Most of them have enough patience and are warm-hearted. Join the Volunteer Service Center today! Volunteers are the greatest people in the world. Let's work together to make the world a better place.
Question:
The Biosphere Expedition is probably held _ .
Choices:
A. for three months
B. in summer vacation
C. only by local scientists
D. between America and China | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle6707.txt | Become a volunteer and help those who need your help in your community ! Volunteer work includes helping the poor, helping the families whose houses were destroyed by national disasters or creating green spaces for neighborhood families. Whichever service activity you choose, you have the "power of one" to make a difference and create a real change in the community!
Our holiday volunteer jobs are open to all Americans. You don't need any special skills to join and there are no age limits . With Biosphere Expedition , you can be a wildlife and environmental volunteer for anywhere from two weeks to two months. You'll work with local scientists, and the leaders from Biosphere Expedition will be by your side.
We need students at the age of 16 and up who study at school and want a chance to use their talents, skills and knowledge to help the little kids. Most of them have enough patience and are warm-hearted. Join the Volunteer Service Center today! Volunteers are the greatest people in the world. Let's work together to make the world a better place. | [
"for three months",
"in summer vacation",
"only by local scientists",
"between America and China"
] |
The writer can't put up with stealing because he thinks that _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Pulling heavy suitcases all day in the summer is hard work, especially when you're a thin 14-year-old.That was me in 1940-the youngest and smallest baggage boy at New York City's Pennsyl-vania Railway Station.
After just a few days on the job, I began noticing that the other fellows were overcharging passengers. I'd like to join them, thinking, "Everyone else is doing it."
When I got home that night, I told my dad what I wanted to do." You give an honest day's work," he said, looking at me straight in the eye." They're paying you. If they want to do that, you let them do that."
I followed my dad's advice for the rest of that summer and have lived by his words ever since.
Of all the jobs I've had, it was my experience at Pennsylvania Railway Station that has stuck with me. Now I teach my players to have respect for other people and their possessions. Being a member of a team is a totally shared experience. If one person steals, it destroys trust and hurts everyone. I can put up with many things, but not with people who steal. If one of my players were caught stealing, he'd be gone.
Whether you're on a sports team, in an office or a member of a family, if you can't trust one another, there's going to be trouble.
Question:
The writer can't put up with stealing because he thinks that _ .
Choices:
A. it is a totally shared experience
B. it is considered as the most dangerous
C. it does great harm to human relationship
D. it may lead to the loss of his sports team | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high4527.txt | Pulling heavy suitcases all day in the summer is hard work, especially when you're a thin 14-year-old.That was me in 1940-the youngest and smallest baggage boy at New York City's Pennsyl-vania Railway Station.
After just a few days on the job, I began noticing that the other fellows were overcharging passengers. I'd like to join them, thinking, "Everyone else is doing it."
When I got home that night, I told my dad what I wanted to do." You give an honest day's work," he said, looking at me straight in the eye." They're paying you. If they want to do that, you let them do that."
I followed my dad's advice for the rest of that summer and have lived by his words ever since.
Of all the jobs I've had, it was my experience at Pennsylvania Railway Station that has stuck with me. Now I teach my players to have respect for other people and their possessions. Being a member of a team is a totally shared experience. If one person steals, it destroys trust and hurts everyone. I can put up with many things, but not with people who steal. If one of my players were caught stealing, he'd be gone.
Whether you're on a sports team, in an office or a member of a family, if you can't trust one another, there's going to be trouble. | [
"it is a totally shared experience",
"it is considered as the most dangerous",
"it does great harm to human relationship",
"it may lead to the loss of his sports team"
] |
why did the organization committee change the name "Friendlies" into "Fuwa" without giving a formal announcement? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Friendlies abandoned as name for mascots
The name "Friendlies" has been abandoned as the organization committee for the 2008 Beijing Olympics silently changed the English name of the Games' five mascot dolls last week. The organization committee decided to adopt the name "Fuwa", which is a pinyin translation of its Chinese name and is more frequently used in prefix = st1 /China.
However, the organization committee replaced all Friendlies to Fuwa on its official site, but without giving a formal announcement to inform the public of the change. It is said that they received an inside notice about the change last week but don't want to emphasize it for fear of affecting the sales of Olympic goods.
Li Yanjun, a Legal Affairs Department official, said the decision was made considering a variety of reasons but did not want to comment on them. "You may know about the background and many unfavorable comments concerning the mascots' former name across the web, but I won't comment on them," Li said. "I'm not in the position to make it clear if the change was caused by this."
A report published last week on China Radio International (CRI)made the name change known and listed the reasons why the Friendlies name should be changed. "Firstly, Friendly is somewhat an unclear name, which could refer both to friendly people and friendly matches,"a Dr. Li from LanzhouUniversitywas quoted as saying on the site. "Secondly, the term Friendlies has a similar pronunciation to 'friendless' and thirdly, the spelling of Friendlies could be split as 'friend lies'."
Laura Fitch, a Canadian who works in Chinaas news editor, welcomed the change, saying the name Friendlies sounds a "a little bit childish" and "doesn't really have a meaning."
Question:
why did the organization committee change the name "Friendlies" into "Fuwa" without giving a formal announcement?
Choices:
A. Because it is not important to make it known.
B. Because everybody will know it by surfing the internet.
C. Because it will perhaps affect the sales of Olympic products.
D. Because all the people will criticize them for changing its name. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high17175.txt | Friendlies abandoned as name for mascots
The name "Friendlies" has been abandoned as the organization committee for the 2008 Beijing Olympics silently changed the English name of the Games' five mascot dolls last week. The organization committee decided to adopt the name "Fuwa", which is a pinyin translation of its Chinese name and is more frequently used in prefix = st1 /China.
However, the organization committee replaced all Friendlies to Fuwa on its official site, but without giving a formal announcement to inform the public of the change. It is said that they received an inside notice about the change last week but don't want to emphasize it for fear of affecting the sales of Olympic goods.
Li Yanjun, a Legal Affairs Department official, said the decision was made considering a variety of reasons but did not want to comment on them. "You may know about the background and many unfavorable comments concerning the mascots' former name across the web, but I won't comment on them," Li said. "I'm not in the position to make it clear if the change was caused by this."
A report published last week on China Radio International (CRI)made the name change known and listed the reasons why the Friendlies name should be changed. "Firstly, Friendly is somewhat an unclear name, which could refer both to friendly people and friendly matches,"a Dr. Li from LanzhouUniversitywas quoted as saying on the site. "Secondly, the term Friendlies has a similar pronunciation to 'friendless' and thirdly, the spelling of Friendlies could be split as 'friend lies'."
Laura Fitch, a Canadian who works in Chinaas news editor, welcomed the change, saying the name Friendlies sounds a "a little bit childish" and "doesn't really have a meaning." | [
"Because it is not important to make it known.",
"Because everybody will know it by surfing the internet.",
"Because it will perhaps affect the sales of Olympic products.",
"Because all the people will criticize them for changing its name."
] |
There are _ different learning types according to the passage. | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Why are you study habits different from those of your friends? Why do you seem to learn faster in some classes while more slowly in others? One reason you may not know is that people have different types. Scientists say there are three different learning types: Visual ,Auditory ,and Kinesthetic .
Visual learners learn best by seeing. If you seem to easily remember information from pictures, graphs ,and videos, you are probably a visual learner. You're not good at copying down what the teacher says in class. Never mind. You can draw graphs or pictures instead, if you find that works better for you.
Auditory learners learn best by hearing. If you seem to easily remember things by hearing them, then you are probably an auditory learner. You must listen carefully while the teacher is speaking because it's the easiest way for you to learn . Sometimes you may find that taking notes tops you from listening carefully. After class, you can write down what you remember or borrow your friend's notes to copy.
Kinesthetic learners learn best by doing. If you seem to learn best by working with your hands, you are probably a kinesthetic learner. Taking notes by writing can make you pay close attention to information as you receive it. Of course, you can learn best by making full use of labs or other class activities.
Hope you learn better by knowing what your personal learning type is.
Question:
There are _ different learning types according to the passage.
Choices:
A. two
B. three
C. four
D. five | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle3009.txt | Why are you study habits different from those of your friends? Why do you seem to learn faster in some classes while more slowly in others? One reason you may not know is that people have different types. Scientists say there are three different learning types: Visual ,Auditory ,and Kinesthetic .
Visual learners learn best by seeing. If you seem to easily remember information from pictures, graphs ,and videos, you are probably a visual learner. You're not good at copying down what the teacher says in class. Never mind. You can draw graphs or pictures instead, if you find that works better for you.
Auditory learners learn best by hearing. If you seem to easily remember things by hearing them, then you are probably an auditory learner. You must listen carefully while the teacher is speaking because it's the easiest way for you to learn . Sometimes you may find that taking notes tops you from listening carefully. After class, you can write down what you remember or borrow your friend's notes to copy.
Kinesthetic learners learn best by doing. If you seem to learn best by working with your hands, you are probably a kinesthetic learner. Taking notes by writing can make you pay close attention to information as you receive it. Of course, you can learn best by making full use of labs or other class activities.
Hope you learn better by knowing what your personal learning type is. | [
"two",
"three",
"four",
"five"
] |
According to the letter, which of the following is NOT true? | C | 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 as excited as you both are 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 _
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 curiosity and mischief and those 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 count for much 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 instill in 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 region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.
Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country--but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free--that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.
That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.
She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better--and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It's a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.
I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much--although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.
These are the things I want for you--to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure.
I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.
Love, Dad
Question:
According to the letter, which of the following is NOT true?
Choices:
A. The writer and his two daughters had been apart for a long time.
B. The writer hoped that his daughters would live up to his great expectations.
C. The only way to settle the differences in the world is through violence.
D. There still exist some divides of race and region, gender and religion somewhere in the world. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high8956.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 as excited as you both are 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 _
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 curiosity and mischief and those 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 count for much 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 instill in 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 region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.
Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country--but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free--that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.
That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.
She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better--and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It's a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.
I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much--although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.
These are the things I want for you--to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure.
I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.
Love, Dad | [
"The writer and his two daughters had been apart for a long time.",
"The writer hoped that his daughters would live up to his great expectations.",
"The only way to settle the differences in the world is through violence.",
"There still exist some divides of race and region, gender and religion somewhere in the world."
] |
According to the passage, which of the following is true? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
English words don't stay the same. People need new words for new ideas and new inventions. Some new words come into use, and some old words are used in a new way.
English can change by borrowing words from other languages. The word "tomato" was borrowed from Mexico, and "tea" came from China, and so on. Now a great many new space and science words are being borrowed from other countries, too. New words can be created in other ways. For example, some can be created by adding two words together. "Weekend" and "cookbook" are made up of two parts. Sometimes new words are shorter forms of older words. The word "photo" was made from "photograph" by cutting off the end of the longer word. "Plane" was made by cutting off the front part of "airplane". The names of people and products can become new words. Our "sandwich" was named after a man named Sandwich and "sello " was a name given by the company that first made the product.
Question:
According to the passage, which of the following is true?
Choices:
A. New words come into use while older words disappear.
B. New words can only be formed by adding two words together.
C. The word "tea" was borrowed from China.
D. The word "photo" was named after its inventor. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high8553.txt | English words don't stay the same. People need new words for new ideas and new inventions. Some new words come into use, and some old words are used in a new way.
English can change by borrowing words from other languages. The word "tomato" was borrowed from Mexico, and "tea" came from China, and so on. Now a great many new space and science words are being borrowed from other countries, too. New words can be created in other ways. For example, some can be created by adding two words together. "Weekend" and "cookbook" are made up of two parts. Sometimes new words are shorter forms of older words. The word "photo" was made from "photograph" by cutting off the end of the longer word. "Plane" was made by cutting off the front part of "airplane". The names of people and products can become new words. Our "sandwich" was named after a man named Sandwich and "sello " was a name given by the company that first made the product. | [
"New words come into use while older words disappear.",
"New words can only be formed by adding two words together.",
"The word \"tea\" was borrowed from China.",
"The word \"photo\" was named after its inventor."
] |
The city authorities will firstly develop _ in the future. | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei province, has issued smog warnings for three days since Monday because of serious air pollution.
The lingering smog forced construction sites to stop work and primary and middle schools to suspend outdoor activities. From Monday through Wednesday, the city's air quality index reading remained high, with the highest reading at 323, with PM2.5, or particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns, as the main pollutant, according to the city's meteorological bureau. Any reading over 300 is considered "seriously polluted".
The city experienced at least eight heavily polluted days in the first two weeks of December, with the air quality index reading reaching a high of 440, China News Service reported.
Among those affected was a square dancing team in Jiang'an district, which had to stop daily practices after several members fell ill. Square dancing is a common open-air fitness practice across China, with most of the participants middle-aged or elderly women.
Media reported the leader of one dancing team had to go to a hospital after she had an asthma attack on Dec 11.
Identified only as Fang, 65, the dance team leader said she decided to suspend the practices after she learned her illness was caused by smog, and after several other members also fell ill, the report said.
The city plans to invest 28 billion yuan ($4.61 billion) in air pollution control by 2017. The plan says the city will boost the development of clean energy vehicles for public transportation and remove all of the current 140,000 heavy-polluting vehicles from Wuhan's roads by the end of 2016.
Question:
The city authorities will firstly develop _ in the future.
Choices:
A. green transportation
B. environmentally friendly energy
C. heavy vehicles
D. transport network | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high18449.txt | Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei province, has issued smog warnings for three days since Monday because of serious air pollution.
The lingering smog forced construction sites to stop work and primary and middle schools to suspend outdoor activities. From Monday through Wednesday, the city's air quality index reading remained high, with the highest reading at 323, with PM2.5, or particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns, as the main pollutant, according to the city's meteorological bureau. Any reading over 300 is considered "seriously polluted".
The city experienced at least eight heavily polluted days in the first two weeks of December, with the air quality index reading reaching a high of 440, China News Service reported.
Among those affected was a square dancing team in Jiang'an district, which had to stop daily practices after several members fell ill. Square dancing is a common open-air fitness practice across China, with most of the participants middle-aged or elderly women.
Media reported the leader of one dancing team had to go to a hospital after she had an asthma attack on Dec 11.
Identified only as Fang, 65, the dance team leader said she decided to suspend the practices after she learned her illness was caused by smog, and after several other members also fell ill, the report said.
The city plans to invest 28 billion yuan ($4.61 billion) in air pollution control by 2017. The plan says the city will boost the development of clean energy vehicles for public transportation and remove all of the current 140,000 heavy-polluting vehicles from Wuhan's roads by the end of 2016. | [
"green transportation",
"environmentally friendly energy",
"heavy vehicles",
"transport network"
] |
Which of the following plays an important part in the spread of foreign words? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
There is one foreign product the Japanese are buying faster than others and its popularity has caused an uneasy feeling among many Japanese.
That product is foreign words.
that come from outside - have been part of the Japanese language for centuries. Mostly borrowed from English and Chinese, these terms are often changed into forms no longer understood by native speakers.
But in the last few years the trickle of foreign words has become a flood, and people fear the increasing use of foreign words is making it hard for the Japanese to understand each other and could lead to many people forgetting the good qualities of traditional Japanese.
"The popularity of foreign words is part of the Japanese interest in anything new,"says University Lecturer and Writer Takashi Saito."By using a foreign word you can make a subject seem new, which makes it easier for the media to pick up."
"Experts often study abroad and use English terms when they speak with people in their own fields. Those terms are then included in government white papers," said Muturo Kai, president of the National Language Research Institute."Foreign words find their way easily into announcements made to the general public, when they should really be explained in Japanese."
Against the flow of new words, many Japanese are turning back to the study of their own language. Saito's
is one of many language books that are now flying off booksellers' shelves.
"We were expecting to sell the books to young people," said the writer, "but it turns out they are more popular with the older generation, who seem uneasy about the future of Japanese."
Question:
Which of the following plays an important part in the spread of foreign words?
Choices:
A. The media and government papers.
B. Best-selling Japanese textbooks.
C. The interest of young Japanese.
D. Foreign products and experts. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high16200.txt | There is one foreign product the Japanese are buying faster than others and its popularity has caused an uneasy feeling among many Japanese.
That product is foreign words.
that come from outside - have been part of the Japanese language for centuries. Mostly borrowed from English and Chinese, these terms are often changed into forms no longer understood by native speakers.
But in the last few years the trickle of foreign words has become a flood, and people fear the increasing use of foreign words is making it hard for the Japanese to understand each other and could lead to many people forgetting the good qualities of traditional Japanese.
"The popularity of foreign words is part of the Japanese interest in anything new,"says University Lecturer and Writer Takashi Saito."By using a foreign word you can make a subject seem new, which makes it easier for the media to pick up."
"Experts often study abroad and use English terms when they speak with people in their own fields. Those terms are then included in government white papers," said Muturo Kai, president of the National Language Research Institute."Foreign words find their way easily into announcements made to the general public, when they should really be explained in Japanese."
Against the flow of new words, many Japanese are turning back to the study of their own language. Saito's
is one of many language books that are now flying off booksellers' shelves.
"We were expecting to sell the books to young people," said the writer, "but it turns out they are more popular with the older generation, who seem uneasy about the future of Japanese." | [
"The media and government papers.",
"Best-selling Japanese textbooks.",
"The interest of young Japanese.",
"Foreign products and experts."
] |
Juanita goes through 1 bottle of sunscreen a month. She likes to stock up for the entire year when a certain website offers 30% off her entire purchase. If each bottle is $30.00 how much will all of the sunscreen cost after the discount? | She goes through 1 bottle a month and she likes to stock up for the entire year, which is 12 months so she needs 1*12 = <<1*12=12>>12 bottles
Each bottle is $30.00 and she needs 12 bottles so they will cost 30*12 = $<<30*12=360.00>>360.00
The website offers a 30% discount off of her $360.00 purchase so the discount will be .30*360 = $<<30*.01*360=108.00>>108.00
Her sunscreen costs $360.00 and her discount is 108.00 making her purchase total 360-108 = $<<360-108=252.00>>252.00
#### 252 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | Juanita goes through 1 bottle of sunscreen a month. She likes to stock up for the entire year when a certain website offers 30% off her entire purchase. If each bottle is $30.00 how much will all of the sunscreen cost after the discount? | She goes through 1 bottle a month and she likes to stock up for the entire year, which is 12 months so she needs 1*12 = <<1*12=12>>12 bottles
Each bottle is $30.00 and she needs 12 bottles so they will cost 30*12 = $<<30*12=360.00>>360.00
The website offers a 30% discount off of her $360.00 purchase so the discount will be .30*360 = $<<30*.01*360=108.00>>108.00
Her sunscreen costs $360.00 and her discount is 108.00 making her purchase total 360-108 = $<<360-108=252.00>>252.00
#### 252 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
The end of the story shows that _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The policeman moved up the avenue impressively.It was barely 10 o'clock at night,but the chilly wind with rain had kept people out of the streets.
The policeman suddenly slowed his walk.In the doorway of a darkened store a man leaned,with an unlighted cigar in his mouth.As the policeman walked up to him the man spoke up quickly.
"It's all right,officer,"he said,"I'm just waiting for a friend.It's an appointment made twenty years ago.Well,about that long ago there used to be a restaurant where this store stands--'Big Joe'Brady's restaurant."
"Until five years ago,"said the policeman."It was torn down then."
The man in the doorway struck a match and lit his cigar.The light showed a pale,squarejawed face with keen eyes,and a little white scar near his right eyebrow.His scarf pin was a large diamond.
"Twenty years ago tonight,"said the man,"I dined here at 'Big Joe'Brady's with Jimmy Wells,my best friend,and the finest guy in the world.He and I were raised here in New York,just like two brothers,together.I was eighteen and Jimmy was twenty.The next morning I was to start for the West to make my fortune.You couldn't have dragged Jimmy out of New York;he thought it was the only place on earth.Well,we agreed that night that we would meet here again exactly twenty years from that date and time,no matter what our conditions might be or from what distance we might have to come.We figured that in twenty years each of us ought to have our fortunes made,whatever they were going to be."
"It sounds pretty interesting," said the policeman."Rather a long time between meets,though,it seems to me.Haven't you heard from your friend since you left?"
"Well,yes,for a time we corresponded," said the other."But after a year or two we lost track of each other.Yet I know Jimmy will meet me here if he's alive,for he always was the truest guy in the world.He'll never forget.I came a thousand miles to stand in this door tonight,and it's worth it if my old partner turns up."
The policeman twirled his club and took a step or two,saying:"I'll be on my way.Hope your friend comes around all right."
"I'll give him half an hour at least.If Jimmy is alive he'll be here by that time.So long,officer."
"Goodnight,sir," the policeman went away.
The man who had come a thousand miles to fill an appointment with the friend of his youth,smoked his cigar and waited.
About twenty minutes he waited,and then a tall man in a long overcoat,with collar turned up to his ears,hurried across from the opposite side of the street.He went directly to the waiting man.
"Is that you,Bob?" he asked,doubtfully.
"Is that you,Jimmy Wells?" cried the man in the door.
"Bless my heart!" exclaimed the new arrival,grasping both the other's hands with his own."It's Bob,sure as fate.I was certain I'd find you here.Well,twenty years is a long time."
"You've changed lots,Jimmy.I never thought you were so tall by two or three inches."
"Oh,I grew a bit after I was twenty.Come on,Bob;we'll go around to a place I know of,and have a good long talk about old times."
The two men started up the street,arm in arm.The man from the West,his egotism enlarged by success,was beginning to outline the history of his career.The other,hidden in his overcoat,listened with interest.
At the corner stood a drugstore,brilliant with electric lights.When they came in,each of them turned to gaze upon the other's face.
The man from the West stopped suddenly and released his arm.
"You're not Jimmy Wells," he said sharply. "Twenty years is a long time,but not long enough to change a man's nose from straight to flat."
The tall man said,"You've been under arrest for ten minutes,Bob.Chicago thinks you may have dropped over our way and asks us to have a chat with you.Going quietly,are you?That's sensible.Now,before we go on to the station here's a note to you.You may read it here at the window.It's from Patrolman Wells."
The man from the West unfolded the little piece of paper.His hand was steady when he began to read,but it trembled a little when he had finished.The note was rather short.
"Bob:I was at the appointed place on time.When you struck the match to light your cigar I saw it was the face of the man wanted in Chicago.Somehow I couldn't do it myself,so I went around and got a plain clothes man to do the job.JIMMY."
Question:
The end of the story shows that _ .
Choices:
A. time will wait for no man
B. friendship is precious
C. justice can hardly be done
D. life is hard to predict | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high18747.txt | The policeman moved up the avenue impressively.It was barely 10 o'clock at night,but the chilly wind with rain had kept people out of the streets.
The policeman suddenly slowed his walk.In the doorway of a darkened store a man leaned,with an unlighted cigar in his mouth.As the policeman walked up to him the man spoke up quickly.
"It's all right,officer,"he said,"I'm just waiting for a friend.It's an appointment made twenty years ago.Well,about that long ago there used to be a restaurant where this store stands--'Big Joe'Brady's restaurant."
"Until five years ago,"said the policeman."It was torn down then."
The man in the doorway struck a match and lit his cigar.The light showed a pale,squarejawed face with keen eyes,and a little white scar near his right eyebrow.His scarf pin was a large diamond.
"Twenty years ago tonight,"said the man,"I dined here at 'Big Joe'Brady's with Jimmy Wells,my best friend,and the finest guy in the world.He and I were raised here in New York,just like two brothers,together.I was eighteen and Jimmy was twenty.The next morning I was to start for the West to make my fortune.You couldn't have dragged Jimmy out of New York;he thought it was the only place on earth.Well,we agreed that night that we would meet here again exactly twenty years from that date and time,no matter what our conditions might be or from what distance we might have to come.We figured that in twenty years each of us ought to have our fortunes made,whatever they were going to be."
"It sounds pretty interesting," said the policeman."Rather a long time between meets,though,it seems to me.Haven't you heard from your friend since you left?"
"Well,yes,for a time we corresponded," said the other."But after a year or two we lost track of each other.Yet I know Jimmy will meet me here if he's alive,for he always was the truest guy in the world.He'll never forget.I came a thousand miles to stand in this door tonight,and it's worth it if my old partner turns up."
The policeman twirled his club and took a step or two,saying:"I'll be on my way.Hope your friend comes around all right."
"I'll give him half an hour at least.If Jimmy is alive he'll be here by that time.So long,officer."
"Goodnight,sir," the policeman went away.
The man who had come a thousand miles to fill an appointment with the friend of his youth,smoked his cigar and waited.
About twenty minutes he waited,and then a tall man in a long overcoat,with collar turned up to his ears,hurried across from the opposite side of the street.He went directly to the waiting man.
"Is that you,Bob?" he asked,doubtfully.
"Is that you,Jimmy Wells?" cried the man in the door.
"Bless my heart!" exclaimed the new arrival,grasping both the other's hands with his own."It's Bob,sure as fate.I was certain I'd find you here.Well,twenty years is a long time."
"You've changed lots,Jimmy.I never thought you were so tall by two or three inches."
"Oh,I grew a bit after I was twenty.Come on,Bob;we'll go around to a place I know of,and have a good long talk about old times."
The two men started up the street,arm in arm.The man from the West,his egotism enlarged by success,was beginning to outline the history of his career.The other,hidden in his overcoat,listened with interest.
At the corner stood a drugstore,brilliant with electric lights.When they came in,each of them turned to gaze upon the other's face.
The man from the West stopped suddenly and released his arm.
"You're not Jimmy Wells," he said sharply. "Twenty years is a long time,but not long enough to change a man's nose from straight to flat."
The tall man said,"You've been under arrest for ten minutes,Bob.Chicago thinks you may have dropped over our way and asks us to have a chat with you.Going quietly,are you?That's sensible.Now,before we go on to the station here's a note to you.You may read it here at the window.It's from Patrolman Wells."
The man from the West unfolded the little piece of paper.His hand was steady when he began to read,but it trembled a little when he had finished.The note was rather short.
"Bob:I was at the appointed place on time.When you struck the match to light your cigar I saw it was the face of the man wanted in Chicago.Somehow I couldn't do it myself,so I went around and got a plain clothes man to do the job.JIMMY." | [
"time will wait for no man",
"friendship is precious",
"justice can hardly be done",
"life is hard to predict"
] |
Which of the following is correct about Vanellus? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
From cosy cabins and yurts to campervans and huts with character and mod-cons, winter camping can be cool, rather than just chilly, in these beautiful UK settings.
Great Langdale, Cumbria
Winner of the Great Outdoors accommodation of the year award 2014, this campsite at the head of a valley is a beautiful spot for winter walks. But while hiking should keep you warm by day, a selection of cosy hideaways will keep you _ at night. Visitors can choose from double-glazed wooden camping pods, which include heating and lighting or, for those who want a more boutique outdoors experience, luxury yurts furnished with Moroccan-style rugs and throws, fairy lights, lanterns and a wood-burning stove. And with the Sticklebarn pub - known for its real ales and good local grub - nearby, you should be able to slip into a pretty comfortable routine in no time.
Standard pods from PS35 a night (two adults, one child), 01539 432733, nationaltrust.org.uk
Vanellus, Elmley national nature reserve, Isle of Sheppey, Kent
In the stunning surroundings of the Isle of Sheppey nature reserve, Vanellus is a large shepherd's hut. From the comfort of your abode (which is hooked up to electricity), you can gaze out through floor-to-ceiling windows as the sun rises and sets, watching birds of prey and other wildlife. The reserve can be explored on foot, or you can book a 4WD tour of the area. The farm has a lounge in a converted barn, where you can hang out or eat communally, but if you really can't bear to step into the cold, you can have meals - including hot bacon rolls for breakfast - delivered to your door.
From PS180 for a two-night stay (sleeps two), 0117 204 7830, canopyandstars.co.uk
The Cabin at NantyrOnnen, near Llandovery, Wales
The Cabin is an unusual octagonal wood structure, built by local craftsmen keen to make an eco-friendly home. The electricity supply, for example, is powered by the nearby stream. From the sheltered veranda you can enjoy views across the hills, and the surrounding countryside is perfect for walking all year round. Inside the cosy hut is a wood-burning stove, and you can also warm up in a recently built spring-fed hot tub.
From PS85 a night throughout December (sleeps two), mulled wine available 15 Dec-4 Jan, 0117 204 7830, canopyandstars.co.uk
Guilden Gate Glamping, Hertfordshire
Just 35 minutes by train from London, the Guilden Gate campsite is ideal for an easy rural family escape from the capital. Set in a woodland glade, a campervan is your main bedroom, and a bell tent can act as another bedroom, or a lounge. There's also a huge wok-shaped hot tub, big enough for six adults. The site is close to Cambridge (20 minutes' drive), so you can explore the city by day - if the icy countryside gets too much.
From PS65 a night (sleeps four, minimum two-night stay), 01763 243960, goglamping.net
Question:
Which of the following is correct about Vanellus?
Choices:
A. Vanellus is the biggest shepherd hut around the nature reserve.
B. Tourists cannot continue to use their electronic devices in the hut.
C. People can either walk or cycle to travel around the nature reserve.
D. The shepherd hut provides different dining options for the tourists. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high9142.txt | From cosy cabins and yurts to campervans and huts with character and mod-cons, winter camping can be cool, rather than just chilly, in these beautiful UK settings.
Great Langdale, Cumbria
Winner of the Great Outdoors accommodation of the year award 2014, this campsite at the head of a valley is a beautiful spot for winter walks. But while hiking should keep you warm by day, a selection of cosy hideaways will keep you _ at night. Visitors can choose from double-glazed wooden camping pods, which include heating and lighting or, for those who want a more boutique outdoors experience, luxury yurts furnished with Moroccan-style rugs and throws, fairy lights, lanterns and a wood-burning stove. And with the Sticklebarn pub - known for its real ales and good local grub - nearby, you should be able to slip into a pretty comfortable routine in no time.
Standard pods from PS35 a night (two adults, one child), 01539 432733, nationaltrust.org.uk
Vanellus, Elmley national nature reserve, Isle of Sheppey, Kent
In the stunning surroundings of the Isle of Sheppey nature reserve, Vanellus is a large shepherd's hut. From the comfort of your abode (which is hooked up to electricity), you can gaze out through floor-to-ceiling windows as the sun rises and sets, watching birds of prey and other wildlife. The reserve can be explored on foot, or you can book a 4WD tour of the area. The farm has a lounge in a converted barn, where you can hang out or eat communally, but if you really can't bear to step into the cold, you can have meals - including hot bacon rolls for breakfast - delivered to your door.
From PS180 for a two-night stay (sleeps two), 0117 204 7830, canopyandstars.co.uk
The Cabin at NantyrOnnen, near Llandovery, Wales
The Cabin is an unusual octagonal wood structure, built by local craftsmen keen to make an eco-friendly home. The electricity supply, for example, is powered by the nearby stream. From the sheltered veranda you can enjoy views across the hills, and the surrounding countryside is perfect for walking all year round. Inside the cosy hut is a wood-burning stove, and you can also warm up in a recently built spring-fed hot tub.
From PS85 a night throughout December (sleeps two), mulled wine available 15 Dec-4 Jan, 0117 204 7830, canopyandstars.co.uk
Guilden Gate Glamping, Hertfordshire
Just 35 minutes by train from London, the Guilden Gate campsite is ideal for an easy rural family escape from the capital. Set in a woodland glade, a campervan is your main bedroom, and a bell tent can act as another bedroom, or a lounge. There's also a huge wok-shaped hot tub, big enough for six adults. The site is close to Cambridge (20 minutes' drive), so you can explore the city by day - if the icy countryside gets too much.
From PS65 a night (sleeps four, minimum two-night stay), 01763 243960, goglamping.net | [
"Vanellus is the biggest shepherd hut around the nature reserve.",
"Tourists cannot continue to use their electronic devices in the hut.",
"People can either walk or cycle to travel around the nature reserve.",
"The shepherd hut provides different dining options for the tourists."
] |
We can infer from the passage that _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
A hoarder is someone who is unable or unwilling to throw items away, and the disposal of items causes them considerable pain. When people hoard a massive amount of objects, it takes over the inhabitable spaces of their home. As the collection grows, they are unable to do simple , _ activities such as cooking a meal or watch TV. Sometimes the hoarding is so severe that parts of their homes become inaccessible.
But among the many problems that such behavior brings about, the most significant are the health risks. Once hallways and windows are blocked, hoarders are at the risk of dying in a fire, since they no longer have a clear path of evacuation . Things that are piled up high can fall on top of the homeowner, or a person trying to climb over a pile of objects can experience a fall. There is also the problem of sanitation . Areas where food can't be properly cleaned begin to attract insects, and bathrooms that are full of many possessions can no longer be washed.
Unfortunately, the serious effect of the problem can become worse for two reasons. One is that since the behavior progress behind closed doors, people can accumulate collections of objects for years before friends or family members become aware of the problem. A second reason is that hoarders often don't recognize that they have a problem, and will continue to live in denial until they get professional help.
When attempting to make a diagnosis, psychologists don't regard hoarding as a disorder in itself. Instead, it's often seen as a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder , depression, or anxiety. The mental health community has only recently begun an intensive study of boarding, and more research is needed in order to understand its causes and find effective treatment.
Question:
We can infer from the passage that _ .
Choices:
A. hoarding is a serious problem that needs concern.
B. the main reason of hoarding is the economic burden.
C. food preparation becomes easier if a person is a hoarder.
D. hoarded items can't be piled higher than a person's head. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high10626.txt | A hoarder is someone who is unable or unwilling to throw items away, and the disposal of items causes them considerable pain. When people hoard a massive amount of objects, it takes over the inhabitable spaces of their home. As the collection grows, they are unable to do simple , _ activities such as cooking a meal or watch TV. Sometimes the hoarding is so severe that parts of their homes become inaccessible.
But among the many problems that such behavior brings about, the most significant are the health risks. Once hallways and windows are blocked, hoarders are at the risk of dying in a fire, since they no longer have a clear path of evacuation . Things that are piled up high can fall on top of the homeowner, or a person trying to climb over a pile of objects can experience a fall. There is also the problem of sanitation . Areas where food can't be properly cleaned begin to attract insects, and bathrooms that are full of many possessions can no longer be washed.
Unfortunately, the serious effect of the problem can become worse for two reasons. One is that since the behavior progress behind closed doors, people can accumulate collections of objects for years before friends or family members become aware of the problem. A second reason is that hoarders often don't recognize that they have a problem, and will continue to live in denial until they get professional help.
When attempting to make a diagnosis, psychologists don't regard hoarding as a disorder in itself. Instead, it's often seen as a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder , depression, or anxiety. The mental health community has only recently begun an intensive study of boarding, and more research is needed in order to understand its causes and find effective treatment. | [
"hoarding is a serious problem that needs concern.",
"the main reason of hoarding is the economic burden.",
"food preparation becomes easier if a person is a hoarder.",
"hoarded items can't be piled higher than a person's head."
] |
Who can become addicted to sugar easily? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Have you ever wanted to stop eating something sweet but you just couldn't ? Is the first thing you do when you get home from school to look in the biscuit tin ? Can you eat a huge bar of chocolate all by yourself ? Can you say "no" to sweets at parties ? If you can't , then there is a reason...perhaps you're sugar addict ! Does that sound funny ? Well, doctors say that people who eat sweets regularly can easily become addicted to sugar .What's more, most sugar addicts don't even realize that they're addicted! Sugar addiction is serious because it can really _ your health .Doctors say that we should eat food which is healthy such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and that we shouldn't eat a lot of sugar ,fat or fast food .But sugar addicts can't follow this advice.They know they must stop eating sweet food, but they can't .So what can you do if you think you're addicted to the taste of sugar ?Well, here is some advice:
Eat some fresh fruits when you really want something sweet to eat .
Cut down on sweet food slowly. Don't try to stop eating it all at once.
You have to tell your parents, If they know, they will help you.
Question:
Who can become addicted to sugar easily?
Choices:
A. People who eat sweet regularly.
B. People who eat lots of fat and fast food.
C. People who don't have a balanced diet.
D. People who eat lots of fruits and vegetables. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle2986.txt | Have you ever wanted to stop eating something sweet but you just couldn't ? Is the first thing you do when you get home from school to look in the biscuit tin ? Can you eat a huge bar of chocolate all by yourself ? Can you say "no" to sweets at parties ? If you can't , then there is a reason...perhaps you're sugar addict ! Does that sound funny ? Well, doctors say that people who eat sweets regularly can easily become addicted to sugar .What's more, most sugar addicts don't even realize that they're addicted! Sugar addiction is serious because it can really _ your health .Doctors say that we should eat food which is healthy such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and that we shouldn't eat a lot of sugar ,fat or fast food .But sugar addicts can't follow this advice.They know they must stop eating sweet food, but they can't .So what can you do if you think you're addicted to the taste of sugar ?Well, here is some advice:
Eat some fresh fruits when you really want something sweet to eat .
Cut down on sweet food slowly. Don't try to stop eating it all at once.
You have to tell your parents, If they know, they will help you. | [
"People who eat sweet regularly.",
"People who eat lots of fat and fast food.",
"People who don't have a balanced diet.",
"People who eat lots of fruits and vegetables."
] |
When Danny's mother came for Mrs. Green, the matter was now _ to Mrs Green. | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Danny was just tired about the way things were going. His mum came to school and talked on and on about Rick Jackson. It seemed that she would never stop talking. "Somebody's got to stop that boy!" she was shouting. "Rick's troubling everybody in the neighborhood. And he loves to pick on little boys like Danny."
Mrs. Green, Danny's teacher, was concerned a lot. "I didn't know that Danny was being picked on," she said. "He's never said anything about this to me!" Mrs. Green looked at Danny. "How long had this been going on?" she asked. Danny could only shake his head and look at the floor. He knew if he said a word about this, he would have trouble at school.
Danny hadn't said anything about the problem because he wanted to do things with the boys in the neighborhood. After all, most of them were nice to him. He hated to leave the _ just because of Rick. Maybe the time had come to find new friends. He felt it hard to make up his mind.
Question:
When Danny's mother came for Mrs. Green, the matter was now _ to Mrs Green.
Choices:
A. serious
B. common
C. untrue
D. similar | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle843.txt | Danny was just tired about the way things were going. His mum came to school and talked on and on about Rick Jackson. It seemed that she would never stop talking. "Somebody's got to stop that boy!" she was shouting. "Rick's troubling everybody in the neighborhood. And he loves to pick on little boys like Danny."
Mrs. Green, Danny's teacher, was concerned a lot. "I didn't know that Danny was being picked on," she said. "He's never said anything about this to me!" Mrs. Green looked at Danny. "How long had this been going on?" she asked. Danny could only shake his head and look at the floor. He knew if he said a word about this, he would have trouble at school.
Danny hadn't said anything about the problem because he wanted to do things with the boys in the neighborhood. After all, most of them were nice to him. He hated to leave the _ just because of Rick. Maybe the time had come to find new friends. He felt it hard to make up his mind. | [
"serious",
"common",
"untrue",
"similar"
] |
Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Once upon a time two brothers who lived on neighboring farms fell into conflict . It was the first serious one in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed.
Then the long cooperation fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.
One morning there was a knock on John' door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days' work," he said. "Could I help you?"
"Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor, in fact, it's my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll go him one better. I want you to build me a fence--an 8-foot fence --so I won't need to see his place anymore. Cool him down, anyhow."
The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. I'll be able to do a job that pleases you." The older brother had to go to town for supplies, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day.
The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped.
There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge-- a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work-- and his younger brother was coming across, his hand outstretched.
"You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done."
The brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter lift his toolbox on his shoulder. "No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother.
"I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, "but, I have so many more bridges to build."
Question:
Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?
Choices:
A. The younger brother used his bulldozer to dig a creek.
B. After the conflict John was angry with his younger brother.
C. At first the carpenter planned to build an 8-foot fence as John asked him to.
D. The two brother made peace at last. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high20005.txt | Once upon a time two brothers who lived on neighboring farms fell into conflict . It was the first serious one in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed.
Then the long cooperation fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.
One morning there was a knock on John' door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days' work," he said. "Could I help you?"
"Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor, in fact, it's my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll go him one better. I want you to build me a fence--an 8-foot fence --so I won't need to see his place anymore. Cool him down, anyhow."
The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. I'll be able to do a job that pleases you." The older brother had to go to town for supplies, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day.
The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped.
There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge-- a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work-- and his younger brother was coming across, his hand outstretched.
"You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done."
The brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter lift his toolbox on his shoulder. "No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother.
"I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, "but, I have so many more bridges to build." | [
"The younger brother used his bulldozer to dig a creek.",
"After the conflict John was angry with his younger brother.",
"At first the carpenter planned to build an 8-foot fence as John asked him to.",
"The two brother made peace at last."
] |
In which way did the boy's uncle help with the operation? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Eight-year-old Jesse Abrogate was playing in the sea late one evening in July 2001 when a 7-foot bull shark attacked him and tore off his arm. Jesse's uncle jumped into the sea and dragged the boy to the store. The boy was not breathing. His aunt gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while his uncle rang the emergency services. Pretty soon, a helicopter arrived and flew the boy to hospital. It was a much quicker journey than the journey by road.
Jesse's uncle, Vance Folsenzier, ran back into the sea and found the shark that had attacked his nephew. He picked the shark up and threw it onto the beach. A coastguard shot the fish four times and although this didn't kill it, the shark's jaws relaxed so that they could open them, and reach down onto its stomach, and pull out the boy's arm.
At the Baptist hospital in Pensacola, Dr Lan Rogers spent eleven hours reattaching Jesse's arm. "It was a complicated operation," he said, "but we were lucky. If the arm hadn't been recovered in time, we wouldn't have been able to do the operation at all. What I means is that if they hadn't found the shark, well then we wouldn't have had a chance."
According to local park ranger Jack Tomosvic, shark attacks are not that common. "Jesse was just unlucky" he says, "Evening is the shark's feeding time. And Jesse was in the area without lifeguards. This would never have happened if he had been in the area where swimming is allowed." When reporters asked Jesse's uncle how he had had the courage to fight a shark , he replied, "I was mad and you do some strange things when you're mad."
Question:
In which way did the boy's uncle help with the operation?
Choices:
A. By finding his lost arm
B. By shooting the fish
C. By flying him to hospital
D. By offering his blood | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high2739.txt | Eight-year-old Jesse Abrogate was playing in the sea late one evening in July 2001 when a 7-foot bull shark attacked him and tore off his arm. Jesse's uncle jumped into the sea and dragged the boy to the store. The boy was not breathing. His aunt gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while his uncle rang the emergency services. Pretty soon, a helicopter arrived and flew the boy to hospital. It was a much quicker journey than the journey by road.
Jesse's uncle, Vance Folsenzier, ran back into the sea and found the shark that had attacked his nephew. He picked the shark up and threw it onto the beach. A coastguard shot the fish four times and although this didn't kill it, the shark's jaws relaxed so that they could open them, and reach down onto its stomach, and pull out the boy's arm.
At the Baptist hospital in Pensacola, Dr Lan Rogers spent eleven hours reattaching Jesse's arm. "It was a complicated operation," he said, "but we were lucky. If the arm hadn't been recovered in time, we wouldn't have been able to do the operation at all. What I means is that if they hadn't found the shark, well then we wouldn't have had a chance."
According to local park ranger Jack Tomosvic, shark attacks are not that common. "Jesse was just unlucky" he says, "Evening is the shark's feeding time. And Jesse was in the area without lifeguards. This would never have happened if he had been in the area where swimming is allowed." When reporters asked Jesse's uncle how he had had the courage to fight a shark , he replied, "I was mad and you do some strange things when you're mad." | [
"By finding his lost arm",
"By shooting the fish",
"By flying him to hospital",
"By offering his blood"
] |
What color are the windows? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
We have a new house.It has blue windows and a red door.There is a big garden in front of the house.There are many flowers in it.They are red, yellow, pink and white.We have a dog and a cat now.The dog's name is Brownie.She is brown and yellow.The cat's name is Tabby.He is black and grey.They are lovely.Dad, Mum, Brownie, Tabby and I are a happy family.
Question:
What color are the windows?
Choices:
A. Blue
B. Yellow
C. Red
D. Brown | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle2460.txt | We have a new house.It has blue windows and a red door.There is a big garden in front of the house.There are many flowers in it.They are red, yellow, pink and white.We have a dog and a cat now.The dog's name is Brownie.She is brown and yellow.The cat's name is Tabby.He is black and grey.They are lovely.Dad, Mum, Brownie, Tabby and I are a happy family. | [
"Blue",
"Yellow",
"Red",
"Brown"
] |
Tamia is making dinner. She is using 5 bell peppers to make her meal. She likes to have a variety of sizes so some will melt and some will be thick enough to eat whole. First she cuts each bell pepper into 20 large slices. Then she takes half those slices and cuts them into 3 smaller pieces each. How many slices and pieces of bell pepper total is Tamia going to add to her meal? | First, Tamia cuts the 5 bell peppers into 20 slices each, 5 x 20 = <<5*20=100>>100 slices.
Then, she takes 1/2 of those to cut into smaller pieces, 100 / 2 = <<100/2=50>>50 slices to cut smaller.
Tamia takes each of those 50 slices and cuts them into 3 pieces each, 50 x 3 = <<50*3=150>>150.
Tamia is adding 50 slices + 150 smaller pieces = <<50+150=200>>200 pieces of bell pepper added to her meal.
#### 200 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | Tamia is making dinner. She is using 5 bell peppers to make her meal. She likes to have a variety of sizes so some will melt and some will be thick enough to eat whole. First she cuts each bell pepper into 20 large slices. Then she takes half those slices and cuts them into 3 smaller pieces each. How many slices and pieces of bell pepper total is Tamia going to add to her meal? | First, Tamia cuts the 5 bell peppers into 20 slices each, 5 x 20 = <<5*20=100>>100 slices.
Then, she takes 1/2 of those to cut into smaller pieces, 100 / 2 = <<100/2=50>>50 slices to cut smaller.
Tamia takes each of those 50 slices and cuts them into 3 pieces each, 50 x 3 = <<50*3=150>>150.
Tamia is adding 50 slices + 150 smaller pieces = <<50+150=200>>200 pieces of bell pepper added to her meal.
#### 200 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Fred has 38 red marbles, half as many green ones, and the rest are dark blue. If he has 63 marbles, how many of them are dark blue? | Fred has 38/2 = <<38/2=19>>19 green marbles.
Fred has 63-38-19 = <<63-38-19=6>>6 dark blue marbles.
#### 6 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | Fred has 38 red marbles, half as many green ones, and the rest are dark blue. If he has 63 marbles, how many of them are dark blue? | Fred has 38/2 = <<38/2=19>>19 green marbles.
Fred has 63-38-19 = <<63-38-19=6>>6 dark blue marbles.
#### 6 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
The author mentions all of the items listed below EXCEPT _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
As the United States nears the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that killed more than 3,000 people, President Obama announced Sunday night that the al Qaeda leader and mastermind of that horrific day, Osama bin Laden, has been killed.
CNN reports that a senior government official confirmed that bin Laden was shot by a small team of U.S. soldiers while in a mansion with family members outside Islamabad . His body is now in American custody and is being handled according to Islamic customs. Three other adult men were killed in the firefight, including a son of bin Laden's, who was a senior member of the terrorist organization.
"Justice has been done," the president announced, saying that the operation he ordered after receiving intelligence information is "the most significant achievement to date in our nation's effort to defeat al-Qaeda."
The immediate reactions ranged from cautious to ecstatic. Crowds cheered outside the White House. But officials said a "worldwide caution" would be set for Americans in case of al Qaeda retaliation .
Will bin Laden's death be the justice Americans have sought for nearly a decade?
Gordon Felt, president of Families of Flight 93, said it does bring comfort.
"This is important news for us, and for the world. It cannot ease our pain, or bring back our loved ones. It does bring a measure of comfort that the mastermind of the September 11th tragedy and the face of global terror can no longer spread his evil," Felt said.
President Obama says this victory does not close the book.
"His death does not mark the end of our effort. There's no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must and we will remain cautious," he noted.
Question:
The author mentions all of the items listed below EXCEPT _ .
Choices:
A. Four people were killed in the firefight.
B. Families of the victims in the 9/11 attacks celebrated together.
C. President Obama thought highly of the Anti-Terrorist Military Action
D. Obama thought that al Qaeda will continue attack against the United States. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high12456.txt | As the United States nears the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that killed more than 3,000 people, President Obama announced Sunday night that the al Qaeda leader and mastermind of that horrific day, Osama bin Laden, has been killed.
CNN reports that a senior government official confirmed that bin Laden was shot by a small team of U.S. soldiers while in a mansion with family members outside Islamabad . His body is now in American custody and is being handled according to Islamic customs. Three other adult men were killed in the firefight, including a son of bin Laden's, who was a senior member of the terrorist organization.
"Justice has been done," the president announced, saying that the operation he ordered after receiving intelligence information is "the most significant achievement to date in our nation's effort to defeat al-Qaeda."
The immediate reactions ranged from cautious to ecstatic. Crowds cheered outside the White House. But officials said a "worldwide caution" would be set for Americans in case of al Qaeda retaliation .
Will bin Laden's death be the justice Americans have sought for nearly a decade?
Gordon Felt, president of Families of Flight 93, said it does bring comfort.
"This is important news for us, and for the world. It cannot ease our pain, or bring back our loved ones. It does bring a measure of comfort that the mastermind of the September 11th tragedy and the face of global terror can no longer spread his evil," Felt said.
President Obama says this victory does not close the book.
"His death does not mark the end of our effort. There's no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must and we will remain cautious," he noted. | [
"Four people were killed in the firefight.",
"Families of the victims in the 9/11 attacks celebrated together.",
"President Obama thought highly of the Anti-Terrorist Military Action",
"Obama thought that al Qaeda will continue attack against the United States."
] |
The doctor asked the young man _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
This story is about a young man.He worked very hard at his lessons.He was too busy to have a rest.At last, he became ill, so he couldn't go to sleep.Every night, when he went to bed, he closed his eyes and tried to sleep.But the more he tried, the more he stayed awake.
After a while he decided to visit the doctor."I just can't go to sleep at night.What should I do?"
"I have a suggestion," said the doctor."Try counting numbers.By the time you reach one thousand, you'll be asleep.I'm sure of it."
The next day the man returned to the doctor's office."Well," said the doctor, "how are you today? Did you try my suggestion?"
The man still looked tired."Yes," he said, "I tried counting one, two, three...up to one thousand.But when I reached five hundred and sixty-nine, I began to feel sleepy.I had to get up and drink some tea so that I could go on counting up to one thousand.But then I still couldn't fall asleep."
Question:
The doctor asked the young man _ .
Choices:
A. to count numbers before he went to bed
B. to put all numbers from 1 to 1,000 together
C. to count numbers while he was lying in bed
D. to take some medicine and go to bed earlier | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle5530.txt | This story is about a young man.He worked very hard at his lessons.He was too busy to have a rest.At last, he became ill, so he couldn't go to sleep.Every night, when he went to bed, he closed his eyes and tried to sleep.But the more he tried, the more he stayed awake.
After a while he decided to visit the doctor."I just can't go to sleep at night.What should I do?"
"I have a suggestion," said the doctor."Try counting numbers.By the time you reach one thousand, you'll be asleep.I'm sure of it."
The next day the man returned to the doctor's office."Well," said the doctor, "how are you today? Did you try my suggestion?"
The man still looked tired."Yes," he said, "I tried counting one, two, three...up to one thousand.But when I reached five hundred and sixty-nine, I began to feel sleepy.I had to get up and drink some tea so that I could go on counting up to one thousand.But then I still couldn't fall asleep." | [
"to count numbers before he went to bed",
"to put all numbers from 1 to 1,000 together",
"to count numbers while he was lying in bed",
"to take some medicine and go to bed earlier"
] |
At the beginning of the passage, the author uses the stories to _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
When your pet meets your infant ,it might not be love at first sniff. When Jennifer brought her baby home from the hospital, her cherished dogs had very different reactions. Her Boxer, Sonya, was immediately gentle and protective. But Tiger, the Pomeranian, was less welcoming. "If any diapers or toys were on the floor, he peed on them," says the Greenbrier, mom. In the eyes of a pet, there's a new star in home who's stealing his spotlight. Even the gentlest animal will probably act up if he doesn't get his usual attention. These simple steps will help your pet adjust and keep your baby safe.
Introduce Them with Care
Your newborn and per's first encounter can set the tone for their relationship. To make it as smooth as possible, try this trick from Caryn Ruiz:"Before we left the hospital, my husband took blankets home to our dog, Daisy, so she'd know our newborn Devon's smell." When you get home, have your husband carry the baby so you can greet your pet without worrying about her jumping on you. A cat will likely walk away at first, while a dog probably wants to investigate right away.
To introduce your baby, get down on your pet's level and let her have a hello sniff. Don't panic and pull your baby away unless your pet is barking or hissing, because it'll send the message that the baby is a threat.
Learn the Safety Basics
No matter how smoothly the introduction goes, there are certain safety rules you should follow. Never leave your baby alone with the pet. Even the gentlest animal can react unpredictably. Your baby's crying could frighten your cat, or your dog could suddenly become territorial. Consider setting up baby gates to limit your pet's access. To keep your cat from jumping into the bassinet , try putting mosquito netting over the top. Cats hate sticky paws, so keep the crib and changing table off-limits by lining the edges with sticky strips made for furniture. You can also train your dog to sleep in a crate .
Question:
At the beginning of the passage, the author uses the stories to _ .
Choices:
A. illustrate possible reactions when pets meet a newborn baby
B. show that pets don't like a newborn baby
C. prove how friendly a pet is when it meets a newborn baby
D. introduce how terrible the pets are when a mother gets a baby home | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high7447.txt | When your pet meets your infant ,it might not be love at first sniff. When Jennifer brought her baby home from the hospital, her cherished dogs had very different reactions. Her Boxer, Sonya, was immediately gentle and protective. But Tiger, the Pomeranian, was less welcoming. "If any diapers or toys were on the floor, he peed on them," says the Greenbrier, mom. In the eyes of a pet, there's a new star in home who's stealing his spotlight. Even the gentlest animal will probably act up if he doesn't get his usual attention. These simple steps will help your pet adjust and keep your baby safe.
Introduce Them with Care
Your newborn and per's first encounter can set the tone for their relationship. To make it as smooth as possible, try this trick from Caryn Ruiz:"Before we left the hospital, my husband took blankets home to our dog, Daisy, so she'd know our newborn Devon's smell." When you get home, have your husband carry the baby so you can greet your pet without worrying about her jumping on you. A cat will likely walk away at first, while a dog probably wants to investigate right away.
To introduce your baby, get down on your pet's level and let her have a hello sniff. Don't panic and pull your baby away unless your pet is barking or hissing, because it'll send the message that the baby is a threat.
Learn the Safety Basics
No matter how smoothly the introduction goes, there are certain safety rules you should follow. Never leave your baby alone with the pet. Even the gentlest animal can react unpredictably. Your baby's crying could frighten your cat, or your dog could suddenly become territorial. Consider setting up baby gates to limit your pet's access. To keep your cat from jumping into the bassinet , try putting mosquito netting over the top. Cats hate sticky paws, so keep the crib and changing table off-limits by lining the edges with sticky strips made for furniture. You can also train your dog to sleep in a crate . | [
"illustrate possible reactions when pets meet a newborn baby",
"show that pets don't like a newborn baby",
"prove how friendly a pet is when it meets a newborn baby",
"introduce how terrible the pets are when a mother gets a baby home"
] |
A hairstylist charges $5 for a normal haircut, $6 for a special haircut, and $8 for a trendy haircut. If he cuts 5 normal haircuts, 3 special haircuts, and 2 trendy haircuts per day, how much money does he earn per week? | The hairstylist earns $5 x 5 = $<<5*5=25>>25 for a normal haircut per day.
He earns $6 x 3 = $<<6*3=18>>18 for a special haircut.
And he earns $8 x 2 = $<<8*2=16>>16 for a trendy haircut.
So, the total amount he earns per day is $25 + $18 + $16 = $<<25+18+16=59>>59.
Therefore, a hairstylist earns $59 x 7= $<<59*7=413>>413 per month.
#### 413 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | A hairstylist charges $5 for a normal haircut, $6 for a special haircut, and $8 for a trendy haircut. If he cuts 5 normal haircuts, 3 special haircuts, and 2 trendy haircuts per day, how much money does he earn per week? | The hairstylist earns $5 x 5 = $<<5*5=25>>25 for a normal haircut per day.
He earns $6 x 3 = $<<6*3=18>>18 for a special haircut.
And he earns $8 x 2 = $<<8*2=16>>16 for a trendy haircut.
So, the total amount he earns per day is $25 + $18 + $16 = $<<25+18+16=59>>59.
Therefore, a hairstylist earns $59 x 7= $<<59*7=413>>413 per month.
#### 413 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
The Dragon Boat Festival _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
As we all know, the Dragon Boat Festival is our country's traditional festival, but do you know there is also a Dragon Boat Festival in South Korea, which also falls on May 5 of the luar calendar ? It has been reported that South Korea will apply to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO ) to make the celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival its own intangible cultural heritage . If successful, people from other countries may see the Dragon Festival as a Korean creation.
As the birthplace of the yearly event more than 2,000 years ago, China is not happy with the situation. "It would be a shame if another country successfully made a traditional Chinese festival part of its own cultural heritage ahead of China," said Zhou Heping, deputy culture minister. The Ministry of Culture is even thinking of making its own application to UNESCO, covering all traditional Chinese festivals, including the Dragon Boat event.
It is thought that the festival is held in memory of the great poet Qu Yuan (340-278 BC), who lived in the State of Chu during the Warring States Period. Qu was known to be a patriot and admired by ordinary people.
He is said to have jumped into Miluo River, because he had lost hope in his country's future. When people heard about Qu's death, they sailed up and down the river searching for his body. They also beat the drums to frighten away the fish and threw Zongzi into the water to stop the fish touching Qu. Dragon boat racing is said to come from this search for the poet's body.
Over the years, the Dragon Boat Festival has spread throughout the world. In Japan and Viet Nam, as well as South Korea, the festival has mixed with and become part of the local culture.
Question:
The Dragon Boat Festival _ .
Choices:
A. is also kept by South Korea
B. comes from South Korea
C. was created by South Korea
D. is South Korea's cultural heritage | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high9033.txt | As we all know, the Dragon Boat Festival is our country's traditional festival, but do you know there is also a Dragon Boat Festival in South Korea, which also falls on May 5 of the luar calendar ? It has been reported that South Korea will apply to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO ) to make the celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival its own intangible cultural heritage . If successful, people from other countries may see the Dragon Festival as a Korean creation.
As the birthplace of the yearly event more than 2,000 years ago, China is not happy with the situation. "It would be a shame if another country successfully made a traditional Chinese festival part of its own cultural heritage ahead of China," said Zhou Heping, deputy culture minister. The Ministry of Culture is even thinking of making its own application to UNESCO, covering all traditional Chinese festivals, including the Dragon Boat event.
It is thought that the festival is held in memory of the great poet Qu Yuan (340-278 BC), who lived in the State of Chu during the Warring States Period. Qu was known to be a patriot and admired by ordinary people.
He is said to have jumped into Miluo River, because he had lost hope in his country's future. When people heard about Qu's death, they sailed up and down the river searching for his body. They also beat the drums to frighten away the fish and threw Zongzi into the water to stop the fish touching Qu. Dragon boat racing is said to come from this search for the poet's body.
Over the years, the Dragon Boat Festival has spread throughout the world. In Japan and Viet Nam, as well as South Korea, the festival has mixed with and become part of the local culture. | [
"is also kept by South Korea",
"comes from South Korea",
"was created by South Korea",
"is South Korea's cultural heritage"
] |
What do the four toys have in common? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
YOUR KIDS ARE AMAZING --especially compared with everybody else's (who seem to cry all the time). How do you show your love for your kids this holiday season? With toys that are smooth and colorful, interactive and exciting. And with ones that have educational value -- because you are the boss.
FLAX ART HOSPITAL PUZZLE AND PLAY SET
Here is a toy that doesn't need power, and the kids have to put it together themselves. This 50-piece-puzzle set is made of soft-edged hardwood and makes a complete hospital, with an X-ray room. It also includes eight patients, a car and a driver. $135.
TINY LOVE ACTIVITY BALL
Sure, it's cool, but this colorful baby toy also develops problem solving and motor skills. It has a head and legs, a magnetic hand and a tail. Suitable for little ones from 6-36 months. $19.95; tiny-love.com.
ROBOSAPIEN
This small, remote-control robot is really powerful. It performs 67 preprogrammed functions, including throwing, kicking, picking up and dancing. You can even program your own function -- which, sadly, does not include doing windows. $99 robosapienonline.com.
MINI PEDAL CAR
Want a mini Cooper but can't fit the family inside? Get one for the kids. They can jump into this mini car, which comes in hot orange with a single adjustable seat, and ride away. But it could spoil them for that used car they'll be driving when they turn 16. For ages 3 to 5. $189; minicar.com (click on "gear up" then "mini motoring gear")
Question:
What do the four toys have in common?
Choices:
A. None of them needs batteries.
B. They are all intended for kids under 3.
C. All of them cost less than $100.
D. They all have educational value. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high14778.txt | YOUR KIDS ARE AMAZING --especially compared with everybody else's (who seem to cry all the time). How do you show your love for your kids this holiday season? With toys that are smooth and colorful, interactive and exciting. And with ones that have educational value -- because you are the boss.
FLAX ART HOSPITAL PUZZLE AND PLAY SET
Here is a toy that doesn't need power, and the kids have to put it together themselves. This 50-piece-puzzle set is made of soft-edged hardwood and makes a complete hospital, with an X-ray room. It also includes eight patients, a car and a driver. $135.
TINY LOVE ACTIVITY BALL
Sure, it's cool, but this colorful baby toy also develops problem solving and motor skills. It has a head and legs, a magnetic hand and a tail. Suitable for little ones from 6-36 months. $19.95; tiny-love.com.
ROBOSAPIEN
This small, remote-control robot is really powerful. It performs 67 preprogrammed functions, including throwing, kicking, picking up and dancing. You can even program your own function -- which, sadly, does not include doing windows. $99 robosapienonline.com.
MINI PEDAL CAR
Want a mini Cooper but can't fit the family inside? Get one for the kids. They can jump into this mini car, which comes in hot orange with a single adjustable seat, and ride away. But it could spoil them for that used car they'll be driving when they turn 16. For ages 3 to 5. $189; minicar.com (click on "gear up" then "mini motoring gear") | [
"None of them needs batteries.",
"They are all intended for kids under 3.",
"All of them cost less than $100.",
"They all have educational value."
] |
_ helps the boy. | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
A father isn't happy with his only son. He doesn't think his son is clever.
One day, the father gives his son a task. He says, here is a coin. Go to buy one thing. That must be something to eat, something to drink, and something to plant.
"What can I buy with one coin? It is too hard!" Then a girl finds the boy is not happy and comes up to him. "Can I help you? " The boy tells her that hard task. "I know what you can do, " she says. "Go and buy a watermelon with this coin. " It will give you everything your father wants." The boy thanks the girl and then runs to buy a watermelon.
When the father sees the watermelon, he is very happy. "Good Job!" "In fact, that's not my idea. A girl helps me", says the boy. The father then says, " _ is more important than cleverness."
,.
Question:
_ helps the boy.
Choices:
A. A girl
B. An old man
C. A friend
D. A teacher | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle1384.txt | A father isn't happy with his only son. He doesn't think his son is clever.
One day, the father gives his son a task. He says, here is a coin. Go to buy one thing. That must be something to eat, something to drink, and something to plant.
"What can I buy with one coin? It is too hard!" Then a girl finds the boy is not happy and comes up to him. "Can I help you? " The boy tells her that hard task. "I know what you can do, " she says. "Go and buy a watermelon with this coin. " It will give you everything your father wants." The boy thanks the girl and then runs to buy a watermelon.
When the father sees the watermelon, he is very happy. "Good Job!" "In fact, that's not my idea. A girl helps me", says the boy. The father then says, " _ is more important than cleverness."
,. | [
"A girl",
"An old man",
"A friend",
"A teacher"
] |
According to the passage, _ succeeded in giving up smoking. | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Promised yourself to quit smoking in the new year, but just can't stop lighting up? You're not alone, with an Australian survey showing that only 3 percent of smokers who made such resolutions stuck with them.
An online poll of just over 1,000 people, conducted ahead of the launch of a video game designed to help smokers quit, showed one in four Australians made New Year's resolutions to quit ---- but more than half went back on their word within a week.Some 15 percent lit up within hours of making the pledge, the survey showed,
The research revealed that seven out of ten smokers have tried to kick the habit at some point.
"Our research shows that the majority of smokers in Australia want to quit but are struggling to stick to their resolution.For most people, the desire to stop smoking is not enough, "Edward Fong, general manager of Ubisoft, the videogame manufacturer selling the anti-- smoking software, said in a statement.
According to the survey, Australian smokers light up an average of 13.8 cigarettes every day or 5,037 cigarettes a year.There are currently 2.63 million smokers in Australia, which equates to 16 percent of the population over the age of 18, with women on average making more attempts to quit than men.The World Health Organization says smoking kills about 4 million people each year, causing a quarter of deaths related to heart disease.The organization estimates that by 2030, more than 8 million people will die from tobacco - related causes each year, mainly in developing countries.
Question:
According to the passage, _ succeeded in giving up smoking.
Choices:
A. most of the smokers
B. None of the smokers
C. a few of the smokers
D. a quarter of the smokers | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high7923.txt | Promised yourself to quit smoking in the new year, but just can't stop lighting up? You're not alone, with an Australian survey showing that only 3 percent of smokers who made such resolutions stuck with them.
An online poll of just over 1,000 people, conducted ahead of the launch of a video game designed to help smokers quit, showed one in four Australians made New Year's resolutions to quit ---- but more than half went back on their word within a week.Some 15 percent lit up within hours of making the pledge, the survey showed,
The research revealed that seven out of ten smokers have tried to kick the habit at some point.
"Our research shows that the majority of smokers in Australia want to quit but are struggling to stick to their resolution.For most people, the desire to stop smoking is not enough, "Edward Fong, general manager of Ubisoft, the videogame manufacturer selling the anti-- smoking software, said in a statement.
According to the survey, Australian smokers light up an average of 13.8 cigarettes every day or 5,037 cigarettes a year.There are currently 2.63 million smokers in Australia, which equates to 16 percent of the population over the age of 18, with women on average making more attempts to quit than men.The World Health Organization says smoking kills about 4 million people each year, causing a quarter of deaths related to heart disease.The organization estimates that by 2030, more than 8 million people will die from tobacco - related causes each year, mainly in developing countries. | [
"most of the smokers",
"None of the smokers",
"a few of the smokers",
"a quarter of the smokers"
] |
There are 500 students in a local high school. 40 percent are juniors. 70 percent of juniors are involved in sports. How many juniors are involved in sports? | Juniors:500(.40)=200
Juniors in sports:200(.70)=140 students
#### 140 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | There are 500 students in a local high school. 40 percent are juniors. 70 percent of juniors are involved in sports. How many juniors are involved in sports? | Juniors:500(.40)=200
Juniors in sports:200(.70)=140 students
#### 140 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
The author's attitude towards the scientific inaccuracies of the phrases is _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Concepts from science and nature are filled with our language's common phrases , idioms and spoken expressions. The unbelieving expression "Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle" has its origin in bitter disbelief over Darwin's writings on evolution. These colourful expressions bring spice to our language.
Yet certain well-used phrases from science are just plain wrong! Some are obvious, yet we use them anyhow. For example, a person who acutely shakes her head and says " A watched pot never boils" while you are waiting second after tiring second for test results to arrive or job offers to come in knows that if she sat down and watched a pot containing water on a stove over high heat for long enough, the water will eventually boil.
However, a few phrases have less obvious scientific inaccuracies. Here are a few for you to consider.
Once in a blue moon: This poetic phrase refers to something that occurs extremely rarely. A blue moon is the term commonly used for a second full moon that occasionally appears in a single month of our solar-based calendars. The problem with the phrase, however, is that blue moons are not so rare. They happen every few years at least, and can even happen within months of each other when the 29.5-day lunar cycle puts the full moon at the beginning of any month but February. The usage of "blue moon" as the second full moon in a month dates back to a 1937 Marine Farmer's Almanac . But before that, blue moons meant something slightly different. Typically, 12 full moons occur from winter solstice to the next winter solstice, but occasionally a fourth full moon in a season could be observed . In such a case, one of the four full moons in that season was known as "blue"
Where there's smoke, there's fire: The phrase means that if something looks wrong, it likely is wrong. But let's step back. Do you always have to have fire if you see smoke? Answering that first requires defining 'fire" , Merriam--Webster's first definition of fire is " the phenomenon of combustion manifested in light, flame and heat". Combustion is the chemical reaction that occurs when fuel is burned in the presence of oxygen---denying a fire any of these three things will stop the fire; attempting to start a fire without any one of the three things will be impossible. In complete combustion---what occurs when you light a gas stove--- the fire produces no smoke. However, when most materials are burned, they have incomplete combustion, which means that the fire isn't able to completely burn all of the fuel . Smoke, then, can be considered to be a product of pyrolysis rather than of fire itself. You're probably thinking---so what? To get the smoke, a fire needed to be present at some point, right? Not always.
Diamonds are forever: Thanks to the DeBeers slogan , decorating your honey's neck, wrists and fingers with diamonds means true and timeless love. Of course, no object that you can hold in your hand can last forever. But diamonds have a special reason for being incapable of timelessness. Without the extreme pressures of the deep Earth where they formed, a diamond will slowly turn back into graphite , which is why the older a diamond is, the more inclusions it's likely to have.
What common phrases _ when viewed under the microscope of science? Are you curious about the hidden knowledge of some " big" phrases ? Or perhaps you have the ability to uncover the secret of some unscientific phrases? Let us know!
Question:
The author's attitude towards the scientific inaccuracies of the phrases is _ .
Choices:
A. indifferent
B. objective
C. critical
D. favourable | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high11973.txt | Concepts from science and nature are filled with our language's common phrases , idioms and spoken expressions. The unbelieving expression "Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle" has its origin in bitter disbelief over Darwin's writings on evolution. These colourful expressions bring spice to our language.
Yet certain well-used phrases from science are just plain wrong! Some are obvious, yet we use them anyhow. For example, a person who acutely shakes her head and says " A watched pot never boils" while you are waiting second after tiring second for test results to arrive or job offers to come in knows that if she sat down and watched a pot containing water on a stove over high heat for long enough, the water will eventually boil.
However, a few phrases have less obvious scientific inaccuracies. Here are a few for you to consider.
Once in a blue moon: This poetic phrase refers to something that occurs extremely rarely. A blue moon is the term commonly used for a second full moon that occasionally appears in a single month of our solar-based calendars. The problem with the phrase, however, is that blue moons are not so rare. They happen every few years at least, and can even happen within months of each other when the 29.5-day lunar cycle puts the full moon at the beginning of any month but February. The usage of "blue moon" as the second full moon in a month dates back to a 1937 Marine Farmer's Almanac . But before that, blue moons meant something slightly different. Typically, 12 full moons occur from winter solstice to the next winter solstice, but occasionally a fourth full moon in a season could be observed . In such a case, one of the four full moons in that season was known as "blue"
Where there's smoke, there's fire: The phrase means that if something looks wrong, it likely is wrong. But let's step back. Do you always have to have fire if you see smoke? Answering that first requires defining 'fire" , Merriam--Webster's first definition of fire is " the phenomenon of combustion manifested in light, flame and heat". Combustion is the chemical reaction that occurs when fuel is burned in the presence of oxygen---denying a fire any of these three things will stop the fire; attempting to start a fire without any one of the three things will be impossible. In complete combustion---what occurs when you light a gas stove--- the fire produces no smoke. However, when most materials are burned, they have incomplete combustion, which means that the fire isn't able to completely burn all of the fuel . Smoke, then, can be considered to be a product of pyrolysis rather than of fire itself. You're probably thinking---so what? To get the smoke, a fire needed to be present at some point, right? Not always.
Diamonds are forever: Thanks to the DeBeers slogan , decorating your honey's neck, wrists and fingers with diamonds means true and timeless love. Of course, no object that you can hold in your hand can last forever. But diamonds have a special reason for being incapable of timelessness. Without the extreme pressures of the deep Earth where they formed, a diamond will slowly turn back into graphite , which is why the older a diamond is, the more inclusions it's likely to have.
What common phrases _ when viewed under the microscope of science? Are you curious about the hidden knowledge of some " big" phrases ? Or perhaps you have the ability to uncover the secret of some unscientific phrases? Let us know! | [
"indifferent",
"objective",
"critical",
"favourable"
] |
If you take up running, you should _ | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
While there has been public debate about whether running is good for your health for a long time, experts agree that running has more benefits than the costs. Some people are concerned that the pressure on your knees and ankles can be _ . While this can be true, there are many things that you can do to reduce your risk of injury.
You should always go to a doctor for advice before you begin any type of exercise program. Then, a good pair of running shoes can be helpful as your feet hit the ground. They will help protect your ankles by providing stability to your feet. So it is good idea to visit a specialty running shoe store. The staff there can suggest shoes which are ideal for your running style.
In order to learn the proper form, you may get some advice from a friend who has been running for some time, or even join a running club. They can provide good tips as well as some support and encouragement for you.
Lastly, it is important to start out slowly. When it comes to getting in shape and losing weight , short bursts of speed followed by periods of slower movement would be proper. Aim for around 30 minutes of exercise a few days a week. As you get better, you can increase your speed. Always allow your body to rest in between heavy exercise as your muscles need time to bring energy back.
Follow these instructions and your running experience will be a great one!
Question:
If you take up running, you should _
Choices:
A. worry about the pressure on your knees and ankles
B. ask the shopkeeper for a pair of running shoes
C. take advice from friends whom you will start running with
D. join a running club so that you can get encouragement | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high5423.txt | While there has been public debate about whether running is good for your health for a long time, experts agree that running has more benefits than the costs. Some people are concerned that the pressure on your knees and ankles can be _ . While this can be true, there are many things that you can do to reduce your risk of injury.
You should always go to a doctor for advice before you begin any type of exercise program. Then, a good pair of running shoes can be helpful as your feet hit the ground. They will help protect your ankles by providing stability to your feet. So it is good idea to visit a specialty running shoe store. The staff there can suggest shoes which are ideal for your running style.
In order to learn the proper form, you may get some advice from a friend who has been running for some time, or even join a running club. They can provide good tips as well as some support and encouragement for you.
Lastly, it is important to start out slowly. When it comes to getting in shape and losing weight , short bursts of speed followed by periods of slower movement would be proper. Aim for around 30 minutes of exercise a few days a week. As you get better, you can increase your speed. Always allow your body to rest in between heavy exercise as your muscles need time to bring energy back.
Follow these instructions and your running experience will be a great one! | [
"worry about the pressure on your knees and ankles",
"ask the shopkeeper for a pair of running shoes",
"take advice from friends whom you will start running with",
"join a running club so that you can get encouragement"
] |
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