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What does a businessman want? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
All of the people have ambitions. An ambition is something we want to do, want to have, or want to be. A student's ambition, for example, might be to pass his or her exams. An athlete's ambition could be to win an important competition. A businessman's ambition is usually to make a lot of money.
Not all ambitions are about success at work, however. Some people just want to be good people, have a happy family or help others.
Ben's ambition is to be a sports writer. He writes the sports reports for his class newspaper. He likes most sports, but swimming and football are his favorites.
Trudy's ambition is to be a concert pianist. She is very serious about it and practices every day with her best friend Lily. It is very important to her.
Harry's ambition changes every day! One day he wants to be an astronaut. The next day he wants to be a pop singer. Then he wants to drive a racing car. His mother would be happy if his ambition was to get up in time for school every day!
What is your ambition?
Question:
What does a businessman want?
Choices:
A. To pass the exams.
B. To win a competition.
C. To make a lot of money.
D. To get a good job. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle592.txt | All of the people have ambitions. An ambition is something we want to do, want to have, or want to be. A student's ambition, for example, might be to pass his or her exams. An athlete's ambition could be to win an important competition. A businessman's ambition is usually to make a lot of money.
Not all ambitions are about success at work, however. Some people just want to be good people, have a happy family or help others.
Ben's ambition is to be a sports writer. He writes the sports reports for his class newspaper. He likes most sports, but swimming and football are his favorites.
Trudy's ambition is to be a concert pianist. She is very serious about it and practices every day with her best friend Lily. It is very important to her.
Harry's ambition changes every day! One day he wants to be an astronaut. The next day he wants to be a pop singer. Then he wants to drive a racing car. His mother would be happy if his ambition was to get up in time for school every day!
What is your ambition? | [
"To pass the exams.",
"To win a competition.",
"To make a lot of money.",
"To get a good job."
] |
Which of the following is the best title for the passage? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
When Mr. Jones went to a restaurant one day, he left his coat near the door. There was nothing in the pockets of the coat when he left it, so he was very surprised when he took his coat after his meal and found the pockets full of jewelry .There was a waiter near the door, so Mr. Jones said to him, "Somebody has made a mistake. He has put some jewelry in my coat. Take it, and when he comes back, give it to him." The waiter took it and went away. Suddenly another man came in with a coat just like Mr. Jones's. "I'm sorry ",said this man. "but I made a mistake. I mistook your coat and you have got mine. Please give me my coat and jewelry ."Mr. Jones answered, "I gave the jewelry to the waiter. He will give it to you." Mr. Jones called the manager of the restaurant at once, but the manager said, "We have no waiter here. We only have waitresses." "You gave the jewelry to a thief !" Shouted the other man. "I shall call the police!" Mr. Jones was frightened and paid the man a lot of money for the jewelry.
Question:
Which of the following is the best title for the passage?
Choices:
A. We have no waiters here.
B. Mr. Jones.
C. Jewelry in Mr. Jones' coat.
D. A clever waiter. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle2022.txt | When Mr. Jones went to a restaurant one day, he left his coat near the door. There was nothing in the pockets of the coat when he left it, so he was very surprised when he took his coat after his meal and found the pockets full of jewelry .There was a waiter near the door, so Mr. Jones said to him, "Somebody has made a mistake. He has put some jewelry in my coat. Take it, and when he comes back, give it to him." The waiter took it and went away. Suddenly another man came in with a coat just like Mr. Jones's. "I'm sorry ",said this man. "but I made a mistake. I mistook your coat and you have got mine. Please give me my coat and jewelry ."Mr. Jones answered, "I gave the jewelry to the waiter. He will give it to you." Mr. Jones called the manager of the restaurant at once, but the manager said, "We have no waiter here. We only have waitresses." "You gave the jewelry to a thief !" Shouted the other man. "I shall call the police!" Mr. Jones was frightened and paid the man a lot of money for the jewelry. | [
"We have no waiters here.",
"Mr. Jones.",
"Jewelry in Mr. Jones' coat.",
"A clever waiter."
] |
Which is the correct from large to small? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
DNA is a substance that makes up genes. Everything alive has genes. Plants have genes. Animals have genes. You have genes. Genes are the basic units of heredity . Heredity means all the characteristics you inherit from your parents. You get your genes from your parents. You inherit half of your genes from your mother. You inherit half of your genes from your father. Genes are a kind of code. A tree's genes tell what shape its leaves will be. A cat's genes tell what color1 its fur will be. Your genes tell what color1 your eyes will be. Your genes tell what color1 your hair will be. Everything about you comes from the code in your genes. Genes line up on strands called chromosomes in cells. Everything alive is made up of cells. Chromosomes are in the center, or nucleus, of cells.
An Austrian monk named Gregor Mendel first saw inherited patterns in pea plants. He experimented with pea plants in the 1860s. One of the things, or traits , Mendel studied was what makes some pea plants tall and some short. He said that the traits must come from units of heredity passed from the parent plants. These units were called genes.
In the mid-1900s, scientists discovered that genes are made of DNA. In the 1970s, scientists learned how to change DNA with genetic engineering. Scientists also learned that problems with certain genes cause diseases. Muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, and hemophilia are some genetic diseases--diseases caused by problems in genes. Today, scientists are looking for ways to cure genetic diseases by _ genes through a process called gene therapy.
Question:
Which is the correct from large to small?
Choices:
A. genes---chromosomes---cells
B. cells---chromosomes---genes
C. chromosomes---cells---genes
D. cells---genes---chromosomes | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high23744.txt | DNA is a substance that makes up genes. Everything alive has genes. Plants have genes. Animals have genes. You have genes. Genes are the basic units of heredity . Heredity means all the characteristics you inherit from your parents. You get your genes from your parents. You inherit half of your genes from your mother. You inherit half of your genes from your father. Genes are a kind of code. A tree's genes tell what shape its leaves will be. A cat's genes tell what color1 its fur will be. Your genes tell what color1 your eyes will be. Your genes tell what color1 your hair will be. Everything about you comes from the code in your genes. Genes line up on strands called chromosomes in cells. Everything alive is made up of cells. Chromosomes are in the center, or nucleus, of cells.
An Austrian monk named Gregor Mendel first saw inherited patterns in pea plants. He experimented with pea plants in the 1860s. One of the things, or traits , Mendel studied was what makes some pea plants tall and some short. He said that the traits must come from units of heredity passed from the parent plants. These units were called genes.
In the mid-1900s, scientists discovered that genes are made of DNA. In the 1970s, scientists learned how to change DNA with genetic engineering. Scientists also learned that problems with certain genes cause diseases. Muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, and hemophilia are some genetic diseases--diseases caused by problems in genes. Today, scientists are looking for ways to cure genetic diseases by _ genes through a process called gene therapy. | [
"genes---chromosomes---cells",
"cells---chromosomes---genes",
"chromosomes---cells---genes",
"cells---genes---chromosomes"
] |
Blinky wants to make a three-layer birthday cake for her mom. The recipe for the smallest layer of the cake requires 2 cups of sugar. If the second layer is twice as big as the first and the third layer is three times larger than the second, how many total cups of sugar will she need for the third layer? | Since the second layer is twice as big as the first, then it requires 2* 2 = <<2*2=4>>4 cups of sugar.
Since the third layer is three times bigger than the second, then it requires 4 * 3 = <<3*4=12>>12 cups of sugar.
#### 12 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | Blinky wants to make a three-layer birthday cake for her mom. The recipe for the smallest layer of the cake requires 2 cups of sugar. If the second layer is twice as big as the first and the third layer is three times larger than the second, how many total cups of sugar will she need for the third layer? | Since the second layer is twice as big as the first, then it requires 2* 2 = <<2*2=4>>4 cups of sugar.
Since the third layer is three times bigger than the second, then it requires 4 * 3 = <<3*4=12>>12 cups of sugar.
#### 12 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
If you want to become a good speaker you should _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Great speakers are not born but made. You too can become a good orator by taking up the public speaking courses. Those who are incapable of speaking in front of the public can' t come up in their life. The art of public speaking must be practiced by everybody who wants to reach great heights in their career. A lot of public speaking courses are available on the Internet. Choosing the best course that is right for you may be difficult but not impossible.
The basic motive of public speaking courses should be to train you to become a public speaker and improve your skills of _ a public speech. The course should first educate you with the principles of public speaking and tell you how to overcome stress and anxiety. By overcoming fear, you will be able to deliver your presentation clearly to your audience.
A speaker can have a great influence on the audience with his body language and your public speaking course should tell you the gestures on stage that can attract the audience. Non-verbal communication also has a major role to play in delivering a speech effectively to a group. Though body language is important, the content and the natural use of words are what the audience are closely caring about. Public speaking courses should give tips in using the right words at the right time.
Even though you have prepared well, the real success of public speaking lies in the way your speech is delivered. Public speaking courses will train you to present the contents in a lively manner impressing the audience. Your presentation should be professional and stylish. You can add humor or interactive sessions to your presentation to gain the audience attraction.
Question:
If you want to become a good speaker you should _ .
Choices:
A. be born an excellent one
B. practise speaking in public
C. attend all kinds of courses
D. make a search on the Internet | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high13394.txt | Great speakers are not born but made. You too can become a good orator by taking up the public speaking courses. Those who are incapable of speaking in front of the public can' t come up in their life. The art of public speaking must be practiced by everybody who wants to reach great heights in their career. A lot of public speaking courses are available on the Internet. Choosing the best course that is right for you may be difficult but not impossible.
The basic motive of public speaking courses should be to train you to become a public speaker and improve your skills of _ a public speech. The course should first educate you with the principles of public speaking and tell you how to overcome stress and anxiety. By overcoming fear, you will be able to deliver your presentation clearly to your audience.
A speaker can have a great influence on the audience with his body language and your public speaking course should tell you the gestures on stage that can attract the audience. Non-verbal communication also has a major role to play in delivering a speech effectively to a group. Though body language is important, the content and the natural use of words are what the audience are closely caring about. Public speaking courses should give tips in using the right words at the right time.
Even though you have prepared well, the real success of public speaking lies in the way your speech is delivered. Public speaking courses will train you to present the contents in a lively manner impressing the audience. Your presentation should be professional and stylish. You can add humor or interactive sessions to your presentation to gain the audience attraction. | [
"be born an excellent one",
"practise speaking in public",
"attend all kinds of courses",
"make a search on the Internet"
] |
An American marketing expert has found background music can _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Background music may seem harmless, but it can have a powerful effect on those who hear it. Recorded background music first found its way into factories, shops and restaurants in the USA. Very soon it spread to other parts of the world. Now it is becoming difficult to go shopping or eat a meal without listening to background music.
To begin with, background music was intended simply to create a soothing atmosphere. Recently, however, it's becoming a big business. An American marketing expert has shown that music can boost sales or increase factory production by as much as a third.
But it has to be the light music. Lively music has no effect at all on sales. Slow music can increase receipts by 34%. This is probably because shoppers slow down and have more opportunity to spot items they would like to buy. Yet, slow music isn't always the answer. The expert found that in restaurants slow music meant customers took longer to eat their meals, which reduced overall sales. So restaurant owners might be well advised to play faster music to keep the customers moving-unless, of course, the resulting indigestion leads to complaints.
Question:
An American marketing expert has found background music can _ .
Choices:
A. increase sales or factory production
B. create a soothing atmosphere
C. make people slow down
D. make people forget their worries | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high3561.txt | Background music may seem harmless, but it can have a powerful effect on those who hear it. Recorded background music first found its way into factories, shops and restaurants in the USA. Very soon it spread to other parts of the world. Now it is becoming difficult to go shopping or eat a meal without listening to background music.
To begin with, background music was intended simply to create a soothing atmosphere. Recently, however, it's becoming a big business. An American marketing expert has shown that music can boost sales or increase factory production by as much as a third.
But it has to be the light music. Lively music has no effect at all on sales. Slow music can increase receipts by 34%. This is probably because shoppers slow down and have more opportunity to spot items they would like to buy. Yet, slow music isn't always the answer. The expert found that in restaurants slow music meant customers took longer to eat their meals, which reduced overall sales. So restaurant owners might be well advised to play faster music to keep the customers moving-unless, of course, the resulting indigestion leads to complaints. | [
"increase sales or factory production",
"create a soothing atmosphere",
"make people slow down",
"make people forget their worries"
] |
Some westerners like to _ at home during their vacation. | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The westerners have more vacation days than us. Some people like to stay at home during their vacation. They work in the garden, visit their friends, read books or watch television. Many families take their lunch to a park or somewhere far from the city. They like to eat under some trees or near a nice lake. If they live near the sea, they often go to the seaside. There they can fish, swim or enjoy the sun.
The westerners like travelling. They think travelling and outdoor activities are the parts of their lives. They work hard to save money, but their main purpose is to travel.
Most western students often make use of their vacation to camp. There are thousands of camp interesting bases in western countries. They can swim, go fishing, attend lectures, and take part in many other recreational activities there. It can help them wrest from the secrets of nature, train their viability , and teach them how to be self-reliant .
Question:
Some westerners like to _ at home during their vacation.
Choices:
A. clean their rooms
B. cook their meals
C. work in the garden and watch TV
D. go fishing | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle2066.txt | The westerners have more vacation days than us. Some people like to stay at home during their vacation. They work in the garden, visit their friends, read books or watch television. Many families take their lunch to a park or somewhere far from the city. They like to eat under some trees or near a nice lake. If they live near the sea, they often go to the seaside. There they can fish, swim or enjoy the sun.
The westerners like travelling. They think travelling and outdoor activities are the parts of their lives. They work hard to save money, but their main purpose is to travel.
Most western students often make use of their vacation to camp. There are thousands of camp interesting bases in western countries. They can swim, go fishing, attend lectures, and take part in many other recreational activities there. It can help them wrest from the secrets of nature, train their viability , and teach them how to be self-reliant . | [
"clean their rooms",
"cook their meals",
"work in the garden and watch TV",
"go fishing"
] |
In the author's opinion, we hold on to our anger often because we think _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
So many of us hold on to little complaints that may have come from an argument ,a misunderstanding,the way we were raised,or some other painful events. Stubbornly,we wait for someone else to reach out to us -- believing this is the only way we can forgive or _ a friendship or family relationship.
A friend of mine,recently told me that she hadn't spoken to her son in almost three years. She said that she and her son had had a disagreement about his wife and that she wouldn't speak to him again unless he called first. When I suggested that she be the one to reach out,she said," I can't do that. He's the one who should apologize. " After a little gentle encouragement,however,she did decide to be the first one to reach out. To her amazement,her son was grateful for her willingness to call and offered an apology of his own. As is usually the case,when someone takes the chance and reaches out,everyone wins.
Whenever we hold on to our anger, we turn" small stuff")"into really" big stuff" in our minds. We start to believe that our positions are more important than our happiness. They are not. If you want to be a more peaceful person you must understand that being right is almost never more important than allowing yourself to be happy. The way to be happy is to let go,and reach out. Let other people be right. This doesn't mean that you're wrong. Everything will be fine. You'll experience the peace of letting go,as well as the joy of letting others be right.
You'11 also notice that,as you reach out and let others be "right",they will become less defensive and more loving toward you. They might even reach back. But,if for some reason they don't, that's okay too. You '11 have the inner satisfaction of knowing that you have done your part to create a more loving world,and certainly you'11 be more peaceful yourself.
Question:
In the author's opinion, we hold on to our anger often because we think _ .
Choices:
A. we can turn small issues into big ones
B. our positions are higher than others
C. our own opinions matter most
D. others will be less defensive | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high12841.txt | So many of us hold on to little complaints that may have come from an argument ,a misunderstanding,the way we were raised,or some other painful events. Stubbornly,we wait for someone else to reach out to us -- believing this is the only way we can forgive or _ a friendship or family relationship.
A friend of mine,recently told me that she hadn't spoken to her son in almost three years. She said that she and her son had had a disagreement about his wife and that she wouldn't speak to him again unless he called first. When I suggested that she be the one to reach out,she said," I can't do that. He's the one who should apologize. " After a little gentle encouragement,however,she did decide to be the first one to reach out. To her amazement,her son was grateful for her willingness to call and offered an apology of his own. As is usually the case,when someone takes the chance and reaches out,everyone wins.
Whenever we hold on to our anger, we turn" small stuff")"into really" big stuff" in our minds. We start to believe that our positions are more important than our happiness. They are not. If you want to be a more peaceful person you must understand that being right is almost never more important than allowing yourself to be happy. The way to be happy is to let go,and reach out. Let other people be right. This doesn't mean that you're wrong. Everything will be fine. You'll experience the peace of letting go,as well as the joy of letting others be right.
You'11 also notice that,as you reach out and let others be "right",they will become less defensive and more loving toward you. They might even reach back. But,if for some reason they don't, that's okay too. You '11 have the inner satisfaction of knowing that you have done your part to create a more loving world,and certainly you'11 be more peaceful yourself. | [
"we can turn small issues into big ones",
"our positions are higher than others",
"our own opinions matter most",
"others will be less defensive"
] |
Fatigue can result in _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
There is a lot of misunderstanding about studying. Most students have not been taught the principles behind really effective working. Imagine a graph showing the amount a person learns against the number of hours he works in a day. If he doesn't do any work, he learns nothing (point 0). If he does an hour's work he learns a certain amount (point 1). If he does two hours' work he learns about twice as much (point 2). If he does more work he'll learn still more (point 3). However, if he tries to do twenty-three and a half hours' work in a day, he will be so tired that he'll hardly remember anything: what he learns will be very little (point 4). If he did less work he'd learn more (point 5).
Now whatever the exact shape of the graph's curve , made by joining these points, it must have a high point. Point "X" is the very maximum anyone can learn in the day. And this represents the optimum , the best, amount of work to do. It is the best possible compromise between adequate time at the books and fatigue . Fatigue is an absolutely real thing; one can't escape it or ignore it. If you try to ignore it and press yourself to work past the optimum, you will only get on this downward slope and achieve less than the best - and then become very tired and lose your power of concentration.
The skill in being a student consists of getting one's daily study as near the optimum point as possible. I cannot tell you what the optimum is. It differs with the type of work, it differs from person to person, and even in the same person it varies from week to week. You must try to find your own. Every day you study, bear this principle of the optimum in mind. When you feel yourself getting fatigued, if you find yourself reading the same paragraph over and over again and not taking it in, that's a pretty good sign you've reached your highest point for the day and should stop. Most ordinary students find their optimum at five hours a day. Yours may be a little more or a little less - but if you get in five hours' good work a day, you will be doing well.
Now, what are you doing with yourself when you aren't working? Before examinations some students do nothing at all except sit in a chair and worry. Here is another misunderstanding. People often think that the mind works like the body; it does not. If one wanted to save one's physical energy in order to cut the maximum amount of firewood, one would lie flat on a bed and rest when one wasn't chopping. But the mind cannot rest. Even in sleep you dream, even if you forget your dreams. The mind is always turning. It gets its relaxation only by variety. That is what makes the mind rest.
When you've finished your optimum number of hours you must stop. You must not then sit around in the chair thinking about the work - that only tires without any learning. You must get out and do something. It doesn't matter what - anything so long as you are actively doing something else but work.
Question:
Fatigue can result in _ .
Choices:
A. loss of memory
B. a need for relaxation
C. a lot of anxiety
D. loss of concentration | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high1352.txt | There is a lot of misunderstanding about studying. Most students have not been taught the principles behind really effective working. Imagine a graph showing the amount a person learns against the number of hours he works in a day. If he doesn't do any work, he learns nothing (point 0). If he does an hour's work he learns a certain amount (point 1). If he does two hours' work he learns about twice as much (point 2). If he does more work he'll learn still more (point 3). However, if he tries to do twenty-three and a half hours' work in a day, he will be so tired that he'll hardly remember anything: what he learns will be very little (point 4). If he did less work he'd learn more (point 5).
Now whatever the exact shape of the graph's curve , made by joining these points, it must have a high point. Point "X" is the very maximum anyone can learn in the day. And this represents the optimum , the best, amount of work to do. It is the best possible compromise between adequate time at the books and fatigue . Fatigue is an absolutely real thing; one can't escape it or ignore it. If you try to ignore it and press yourself to work past the optimum, you will only get on this downward slope and achieve less than the best - and then become very tired and lose your power of concentration.
The skill in being a student consists of getting one's daily study as near the optimum point as possible. I cannot tell you what the optimum is. It differs with the type of work, it differs from person to person, and even in the same person it varies from week to week. You must try to find your own. Every day you study, bear this principle of the optimum in mind. When you feel yourself getting fatigued, if you find yourself reading the same paragraph over and over again and not taking it in, that's a pretty good sign you've reached your highest point for the day and should stop. Most ordinary students find their optimum at five hours a day. Yours may be a little more or a little less - but if you get in five hours' good work a day, you will be doing well.
Now, what are you doing with yourself when you aren't working? Before examinations some students do nothing at all except sit in a chair and worry. Here is another misunderstanding. People often think that the mind works like the body; it does not. If one wanted to save one's physical energy in order to cut the maximum amount of firewood, one would lie flat on a bed and rest when one wasn't chopping. But the mind cannot rest. Even in sleep you dream, even if you forget your dreams. The mind is always turning. It gets its relaxation only by variety. That is what makes the mind rest.
When you've finished your optimum number of hours you must stop. You must not then sit around in the chair thinking about the work - that only tires without any learning. You must get out and do something. It doesn't matter what - anything so long as you are actively doing something else but work. | [
"loss of memory",
"a need for relaxation",
"a lot of anxiety",
"loss of concentration"
] |
We can learn from the text that the tomato grown by Rod Matless _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
It's not often a tomato that is described as so sweet "whenever people see it they just want to hug"-but this was no ordinary piece of fruit.
The heart-shaped tomato was grown by the retired worker, Rod Matless, who said he was surprised when he noticed it in his field. Mr. Matless, 69, who had a heart attack a few years ago, was so _ the fruit that he decided to sell it and donate the money to the British Heart Foundation. The 64 g tomato was bought for$16 on eBay by woman from Wales - who said she planned to give it to someone special.
Mr. Matless, of Wymondham, near Norwich, said:"I spent a couple of days thinking about what to do with it and I wasn't really sure, but this seems like a good use. I hope it will do someone somewhere a bit of good." He added:"It's very sweet - whenever people see it they just want to hug it." But with the tomato's freshness a key factor, Mr. Matless was up against the clock to send it to its new owner before it went bad. He said:"I didn't want to send someone something horrible. I probably could have raised a bit more money with more time but I was worried about it."
"It will certainly make a nice present for a loved one. I hope that they like it and I'm glad I got to help. It's all been very good fun and I've really enjoyed growing this very special tomato."
Question:
We can learn from the text that the tomato grown by Rod Matless _ .
Choices:
A. is very big
B. is very tough
C. is very special
D. is good for health | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high10956.txt | It's not often a tomato that is described as so sweet "whenever people see it they just want to hug"-but this was no ordinary piece of fruit.
The heart-shaped tomato was grown by the retired worker, Rod Matless, who said he was surprised when he noticed it in his field. Mr. Matless, 69, who had a heart attack a few years ago, was so _ the fruit that he decided to sell it and donate the money to the British Heart Foundation. The 64 g tomato was bought for$16 on eBay by woman from Wales - who said she planned to give it to someone special.
Mr. Matless, of Wymondham, near Norwich, said:"I spent a couple of days thinking about what to do with it and I wasn't really sure, but this seems like a good use. I hope it will do someone somewhere a bit of good." He added:"It's very sweet - whenever people see it they just want to hug it." But with the tomato's freshness a key factor, Mr. Matless was up against the clock to send it to its new owner before it went bad. He said:"I didn't want to send someone something horrible. I probably could have raised a bit more money with more time but I was worried about it."
"It will certainly make a nice present for a loved one. I hope that they like it and I'm glad I got to help. It's all been very good fun and I've really enjoyed growing this very special tomato." | [
"is very big",
"is very tough",
"is very special",
"is good for health"
] |
If it is 2: 45pm now and Mike's plane is going to take off at 8:35pm, which is the best timing for him? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Singapore is a dynamic city-state where you will find a harmonious mixture of culture, cuisine, arts, people and architecture. If you have at least 5 hours to spare in transit before your next flight, join us in one of our free two-hour guided tours, which runs daily at regular times. Registration for the tour must be made at least one hour before the start of the tour.
*HERITAGE TOUR
Tour Timings:
9:00 am to 11:00 am 11:30 am to 1:30 pm 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
The heritage tour has a short stopover at the Merlion Park before going to the Colonial District, Central Business District and Chinatown or Little India. The journey to the Merlion Park offers you a entire view of Singapore's landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Flyer and Gardens by the Bay. The tour will bring you through a discovery journey where you will have a glimpse of a unique mixture of East and West, tradition and modernity. It will be a splendid way for you to explore the history, culture and lifestyle of multi-racial Singapore while in your transit.
*CITY LIGHT TOUR
Tour Timings: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
As night falls, Singapore takes another look to offer an entertainment choice. The City Light Tour brings you to various attractions in Singapore. As the journey begins from Changi Airport towards Benjamin Sheares Bridge, you will get a wide view of Singapore's famous symbols- the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands and Esplanade. Next, you will see the Helix Bridge which is inspired by the double helix of our DNA structure.
Question:
If it is 2: 45pm now and Mike's plane is going to take off at 8:35pm, which is the best timing for him?
Choices:
A. 9:00 am to 11:00 am
B. 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
C. 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
D. 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high7976.txt | Singapore is a dynamic city-state where you will find a harmonious mixture of culture, cuisine, arts, people and architecture. If you have at least 5 hours to spare in transit before your next flight, join us in one of our free two-hour guided tours, which runs daily at regular times. Registration for the tour must be made at least one hour before the start of the tour.
*HERITAGE TOUR
Tour Timings:
9:00 am to 11:00 am 11:30 am to 1:30 pm 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
The heritage tour has a short stopover at the Merlion Park before going to the Colonial District, Central Business District and Chinatown or Little India. The journey to the Merlion Park offers you a entire view of Singapore's landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Flyer and Gardens by the Bay. The tour will bring you through a discovery journey where you will have a glimpse of a unique mixture of East and West, tradition and modernity. It will be a splendid way for you to explore the history, culture and lifestyle of multi-racial Singapore while in your transit.
*CITY LIGHT TOUR
Tour Timings: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
As night falls, Singapore takes another look to offer an entertainment choice. The City Light Tour brings you to various attractions in Singapore. As the journey begins from Changi Airport towards Benjamin Sheares Bridge, you will get a wide view of Singapore's famous symbols- the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands and Esplanade. Next, you will see the Helix Bridge which is inspired by the double helix of our DNA structure. | [
"9:00 am to 11:00 am",
"11:30 am to 1:30 pm",
"2:30 pm to 4:30 pm",
"4:00 pm to 6:00 pm"
] |
You can buy 4 apples or 1 watermelon for the same price. You bought 36 fruits evenly split between oranges, apples and watermelons, and the price of 1 orange is $0.50. How much does 1 apple cost if your total bill was $66? | If 36 fruits were evenly split between 3 types of fruits, then I bought 36/3 = <<36/3=12>>12 units of each fruit
If 1 orange costs $0.50 then 12 oranges will cost $0.50 * 12 = $<<0.5*12=6>>6
If my total bill was $66 and I spent $6 on oranges then I spent $66 - $6 = $<<66-6=60>>60 on the other 2 fruit types.
Assuming the price of watermelon is W, and knowing that you can buy 4 apples for the same price and that the price of one apple is A, then 1W=4A
If we know we bought 12 watermelons and 12 apples for $60, then we know that $60 = 12W + 12A
Knowing that 1W=4A, then we can convert the above to $60 = 12(4A) + 12A
$60 = 48A + 12A
$60 = <<60=60>>60A
Then we know the price of one apple (A) is $60/60= $<<60/60=1>>1
#### 1 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | You can buy 4 apples or 1 watermelon for the same price. You bought 36 fruits evenly split between oranges, apples and watermelons, and the price of 1 orange is $0.50. How much does 1 apple cost if your total bill was $66? | If 36 fruits were evenly split between 3 types of fruits, then I bought 36/3 = <<36/3=12>>12 units of each fruit
If 1 orange costs $0.50 then 12 oranges will cost $0.50 * 12 = $<<0.5*12=6>>6
If my total bill was $66 and I spent $6 on oranges then I spent $66 - $6 = $<<66-6=60>>60 on the other 2 fruit types.
Assuming the price of watermelon is W, and knowing that you can buy 4 apples for the same price and that the price of one apple is A, then 1W=4A
If we know we bought 12 watermelons and 12 apples for $60, then we know that $60 = 12W + 12A
Knowing that 1W=4A, then we can convert the above to $60 = 12(4A) + 12A
$60 = 48A + 12A
$60 = <<60=60>>60A
Then we know the price of one apple (A) is $60/60= $<<60/60=1>>1
#### 1 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
When we say someone feels a little green, it means he/she _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
As is known to all, color1s appear in every language to express people's feeling and thoughts.Then, what is the situation in American English?
Red is a hot color1.Americans may say they are red hot about something unfair.They are red hot when they are very angry about something.The small hot-tasting peppers found in many Mexican foods are called red hot for their color1 and their fiery taste.Fast loud music is popular with many people.They may say the music is red hot, especially the kind called Dixieland Jazz.
Pink is a lighter kind of red.People sometimes say they are in the pink when they are in good health.The expression was first used in America at the beginning of the twentieth century.It comes from the fact that many babies are born with nice pink skin that shows that they are in good health.
The color1 black is often used in expressions.People describe a day on which everything goes wrong as a black day.People or things on a blacklist are connected with things illegal now.But at one time, some businesses refused to employ people who were on a blacklist for belonging to unpopular organizations.
The color1 green is natural for trees and grass.But it is an unnatural color1 for humans.A person who has a sick feeling in his stomach may say he feels a little green.A passenger on a boat who is feeling very sick from high waves may look very green.
Sometimes a person may be upset because he does not have something as nice as a friend has.That person may say he is green with envy.Some people are green with envy because a friend has more dollars or greenbacks.Dollars are called greenbacks because green is the color1 of the back side of the paper money.
Question:
When we say someone feels a little green, it means he/she _ .
Choices:
A. enjoys himself in boating
B. is hit by a high wave
C. has a stomachache
D. likes trees and grass | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high19622.txt | As is known to all, color1s appear in every language to express people's feeling and thoughts.Then, what is the situation in American English?
Red is a hot color1.Americans may say they are red hot about something unfair.They are red hot when they are very angry about something.The small hot-tasting peppers found in many Mexican foods are called red hot for their color1 and their fiery taste.Fast loud music is popular with many people.They may say the music is red hot, especially the kind called Dixieland Jazz.
Pink is a lighter kind of red.People sometimes say they are in the pink when they are in good health.The expression was first used in America at the beginning of the twentieth century.It comes from the fact that many babies are born with nice pink skin that shows that they are in good health.
The color1 black is often used in expressions.People describe a day on which everything goes wrong as a black day.People or things on a blacklist are connected with things illegal now.But at one time, some businesses refused to employ people who were on a blacklist for belonging to unpopular organizations.
The color1 green is natural for trees and grass.But it is an unnatural color1 for humans.A person who has a sick feeling in his stomach may say he feels a little green.A passenger on a boat who is feeling very sick from high waves may look very green.
Sometimes a person may be upset because he does not have something as nice as a friend has.That person may say he is green with envy.Some people are green with envy because a friend has more dollars or greenbacks.Dollars are called greenbacks because green is the color1 of the back side of the paper money. | [
"enjoys himself in boating",
"is hit by a high wave",
"has a stomachache",
"likes trees and grass"
] |
The reason why the writer admires Anne now is that _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Mark Twain was my hero when I was nine because that was when I discovered Tom Sawyer. But even at the height of my admiration, I couldn't agree with him that Anne, the main character inAnne of Green Gables, was "the dearest and most loveable child in fiction since the best-known Alice". I had readAnne of Green Gables as well asTom Sawyer, and she had made me as sick as a dog.
Another Mark Twain's quote will explain my problem. He said, "When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant that I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years." I gradually understood his words as growing up. When I picked up the book again a few years later, I too was astonished at how much it had improved--and shortly afterwards shocked by the fact that not only could I be a fool in all sporting, artistic and practical matters, I could also be so when it came to reading too.
On rereading, then, I learned that Anne is indeed a dear and most lovable child. I couldn't help adoring the girl who insists that her name be spelled with the "e" instead of Ann as she believes that is "so much more distinguished." She is a brave and determined survivor of a severe upbringing who has refused to let her circumstances crush her spirit. She arrives at Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert's farm with everything unfavorable--orphaned, unwanted and her biggest trouble of red-hair and freckled face. However, she gets along well, through her strange way of seeing things, through her honest love of beauty and lovable attempts to master her unreasonable desires. She finally wins over the Cuthberts, their neighbors and millions of readers who have met her over the 101 years since the book was first published.
When I settle down with it these days, I've come to see the truth in Mark Twain's praise for the book, and this reminds me of the great truth that you are never too young to start rereading.
Question:
The reason why the writer admires Anne now is that _ .
Choices:
A. she is an ambitious girl
B. she is welcome by the readers
C. she adapts to her environment well
D. she changes her name to make it easy to remember | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high20940.txt | Mark Twain was my hero when I was nine because that was when I discovered Tom Sawyer. But even at the height of my admiration, I couldn't agree with him that Anne, the main character inAnne of Green Gables, was "the dearest and most loveable child in fiction since the best-known Alice". I had readAnne of Green Gables as well asTom Sawyer, and she had made me as sick as a dog.
Another Mark Twain's quote will explain my problem. He said, "When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant that I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years." I gradually understood his words as growing up. When I picked up the book again a few years later, I too was astonished at how much it had improved--and shortly afterwards shocked by the fact that not only could I be a fool in all sporting, artistic and practical matters, I could also be so when it came to reading too.
On rereading, then, I learned that Anne is indeed a dear and most lovable child. I couldn't help adoring the girl who insists that her name be spelled with the "e" instead of Ann as she believes that is "so much more distinguished." She is a brave and determined survivor of a severe upbringing who has refused to let her circumstances crush her spirit. She arrives at Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert's farm with everything unfavorable--orphaned, unwanted and her biggest trouble of red-hair and freckled face. However, she gets along well, through her strange way of seeing things, through her honest love of beauty and lovable attempts to master her unreasonable desires. She finally wins over the Cuthberts, their neighbors and millions of readers who have met her over the 101 years since the book was first published.
When I settle down with it these days, I've come to see the truth in Mark Twain's praise for the book, and this reminds me of the great truth that you are never too young to start rereading. | [
"she is an ambitious girl",
"she is welcome by the readers",
"she adapts to her environment well",
"she changes her name to make it easy to remember"
] |
What's the similarity of the four items? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
For the Travel section, writers and editors selected special items to profile from a dozen cities.
Brussels: Chocolate.
Nearly half the chocolate consumed in the world is eaten in Europe, and Belgium--with average consumption of 14.99 pounds per person a year--certainly covers its fair share. While Brussels, the country's capital, is home to hundreds of chocolate makers, what makes a visit necessary is the rich heritage of traditional chocolate makers.
Budapest: Paprika
The job of preparing Hungarian paprika was once considered too dangerous for mothers to do. A woman who touched her children upon returning from work risked burning them, so only the elderly and unmarried were allowed the delicate task of separating the skin from the flesh. But by the early 20thcentury, sweeter varieties and a machine turned paprika into a common feature of all Hungarian cuisine.
Lisbon: Tiles
Is there a bluer country than Portugal? The blue sky and Atlantic Ocean embrace the land. The blue moods of Fado, the dark folk music, form the national soundtrack. And all across Portugal, the typically--blue designs of azulejos--ceramic tiles--are spread across churches, castles, palaces, university halls, parks. The result is a beautiful land of Christian saints, Portuguese kings, historical glories, aristocrats at leisure, seascapes and so on.
Madrid: Guitars
Walking into one the Madrid's storied guitar makers' workshops can feel like stepping into the past. Curly wood shavings, from the palest pine to ebony, fall onto the floor as artisans turn some humble wood into works of art. It's painstaking work--all done by hand--with classical guitar models and the methods of making them changing little over the last century.
Question:
What's the similarity of the four items?
Choices:
A. They're all treasures of a city.
B. They all date back several centuries.
C. Their production processes are all painstaking.
D. They all win popularity in most European countries. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high14290.txt | For the Travel section, writers and editors selected special items to profile from a dozen cities.
Brussels: Chocolate.
Nearly half the chocolate consumed in the world is eaten in Europe, and Belgium--with average consumption of 14.99 pounds per person a year--certainly covers its fair share. While Brussels, the country's capital, is home to hundreds of chocolate makers, what makes a visit necessary is the rich heritage of traditional chocolate makers.
Budapest: Paprika
The job of preparing Hungarian paprika was once considered too dangerous for mothers to do. A woman who touched her children upon returning from work risked burning them, so only the elderly and unmarried were allowed the delicate task of separating the skin from the flesh. But by the early 20thcentury, sweeter varieties and a machine turned paprika into a common feature of all Hungarian cuisine.
Lisbon: Tiles
Is there a bluer country than Portugal? The blue sky and Atlantic Ocean embrace the land. The blue moods of Fado, the dark folk music, form the national soundtrack. And all across Portugal, the typically--blue designs of azulejos--ceramic tiles--are spread across churches, castles, palaces, university halls, parks. The result is a beautiful land of Christian saints, Portuguese kings, historical glories, aristocrats at leisure, seascapes and so on.
Madrid: Guitars
Walking into one the Madrid's storied guitar makers' workshops can feel like stepping into the past. Curly wood shavings, from the palest pine to ebony, fall onto the floor as artisans turn some humble wood into works of art. It's painstaking work--all done by hand--with classical guitar models and the methods of making them changing little over the last century. | [
"They're all treasures of a city.",
"They all date back several centuries.",
"Their production processes are all painstaking.",
"They all win popularity in most European countries."
] |
All of the beads in Sue's necklace are either purple, blue, or green. If Sue has 7 purple beads, twice as many blue beads as purple beads, and 11 more green beads than blue beads, how many beads are in the necklace? | Twice as many blue beads as purple beads in the necklace are 2*7 = <<2*7=14>>14 beads.
Sue also has 11 more green beads than blue beads, a total of 14+11 = 25 beads.
The necklace has 7 purple + 14 blue + 25 green = <<7+14+25=46>>46 beads.
#### 46 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | All of the beads in Sue's necklace are either purple, blue, or green. If Sue has 7 purple beads, twice as many blue beads as purple beads, and 11 more green beads than blue beads, how many beads are in the necklace? | Twice as many blue beads as purple beads in the necklace are 2*7 = <<2*7=14>>14 beads.
Sue also has 11 more green beads than blue beads, a total of 14+11 = 25 beads.
The necklace has 7 purple + 14 blue + 25 green = <<7+14+25=46>>46 beads.
#### 46 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Who wrote this email? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
From: _ Sent: Wed., Oct. 19
To: _
Subject: Hello!
Hi, Liam!
So you're my new pen friend. Let me tell you a bit about myself. I'm 14 years old and I live in
Calgary, Canada. I have two older brothers, Brian and Sam. I'm the only girl.
I love sports and I'm always looking for exciting new hobbies to try. I like playing baseball in winter.
It's fun beating the boys! But summer is my favourite time of the year. I love skateboarding and
rock climbing in summer.
Skateboarding's great because it's so fun and easy to learn! I often skateboard after school. There
are many places in the park where I can do stunts. I'm good at stunts like jumping and turning the
skateboard!
Rock climbing is also really fun. I usually climb with my dad on weekends. We can't do it on real
mountains very often because we live in the city. We do indoor rock climbing instead but it's not as
challenging.
So that's me! How about you? Please write back soon!
Bye for now!
Anne
Question:
Who wrote this email?
Choices:
A. Liam.
B. Brian.
C. Sam.
D. Anne. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle5132.txt | From: _ Sent: Wed., Oct. 19
To: _
Subject: Hello!
Hi, Liam!
So you're my new pen friend. Let me tell you a bit about myself. I'm 14 years old and I live in
Calgary, Canada. I have two older brothers, Brian and Sam. I'm the only girl.
I love sports and I'm always looking for exciting new hobbies to try. I like playing baseball in winter.
It's fun beating the boys! But summer is my favourite time of the year. I love skateboarding and
rock climbing in summer.
Skateboarding's great because it's so fun and easy to learn! I often skateboard after school. There
are many places in the park where I can do stunts. I'm good at stunts like jumping and turning the
skateboard!
Rock climbing is also really fun. I usually climb with my dad on weekends. We can't do it on real
mountains very often because we live in the city. We do indoor rock climbing instead but it's not as
challenging.
So that's me! How about you? Please write back soon!
Bye for now!
Anne | [
"Liam.",
"Brian.",
"Sam.",
"Anne."
] |
How many flies does Tom's father have? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Tom likes to talk much but his father doesn't want him to speak when they have their meals.One day,when they have supper,Tom wants to say something,but he doesn't say.His father sees it and asks him,"Well,my boy.What's it?""Are flies good to eat,Father?"asks Tom."No,"says his father,"Why do you ask that?""You have one on your food and you have swallowed it."
Question:
How many flies does Tom's father have?
Choices:
A. Two.
B. Three.
C. Four.
D. One. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle6090.txt | Tom likes to talk much but his father doesn't want him to speak when they have their meals.One day,when they have supper,Tom wants to say something,but he doesn't say.His father sees it and asks him,"Well,my boy.What's it?""Are flies good to eat,Father?"asks Tom."No,"says his father,"Why do you ask that?""You have one on your food and you have swallowed it." | [
"Two.",
"Three.",
"Four.",
"One."
] |
What does Proehnik say about us? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
George Prochnik would like the world _ . He makes his case in a new book. Listening for meaning in a World of Noise. Here he explain himself (using his voice);
"We've become so accustomed to noise, there's almost a deep prejudice against the idea that silence might be beneficial, if you tell someone to be quiet ,you sound like an old man. But it's never been important to find continuing quiet. Silence focuses us, improves our health, and is a key to lasting peace and satisfaction."
"We need to excite people about the sounds you start to hear, if you merely quiet things down a little. During a Japanese tea ceremony ,the smallest sounds become a kind of art the spoons making a light ringing sound on a bowl, the edges of a kimono brushing against the floor.
"Deaf people are very attentive in almost every aspect of life. If two deaf people are walking together, using sign language, they constantly watch out for each other and protect each other by paying steady attention to the other. They are connected yet also fully aware of their surroundings. Even deaf teenagers! We in the hearing world can learn from them. If we remove the powerful blasts of noise .we become aware of an extraordinarily rich world around us---of little soft sounds and the sound of footsteps, of bind songs and ice cracking . It's astonishing how beautiful things sound when you can really listen.."
Question:
What does Proehnik say about us?
Choices:
A. We are used to quietness
B. We have to put up with noise
C. We do not think silence to be beneficial
D. We do not believe lasting peace to be available | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high20864.txt | George Prochnik would like the world _ . He makes his case in a new book. Listening for meaning in a World of Noise. Here he explain himself (using his voice);
"We've become so accustomed to noise, there's almost a deep prejudice against the idea that silence might be beneficial, if you tell someone to be quiet ,you sound like an old man. But it's never been important to find continuing quiet. Silence focuses us, improves our health, and is a key to lasting peace and satisfaction."
"We need to excite people about the sounds you start to hear, if you merely quiet things down a little. During a Japanese tea ceremony ,the smallest sounds become a kind of art the spoons making a light ringing sound on a bowl, the edges of a kimono brushing against the floor.
"Deaf people are very attentive in almost every aspect of life. If two deaf people are walking together, using sign language, they constantly watch out for each other and protect each other by paying steady attention to the other. They are connected yet also fully aware of their surroundings. Even deaf teenagers! We in the hearing world can learn from them. If we remove the powerful blasts of noise .we become aware of an extraordinarily rich world around us---of little soft sounds and the sound of footsteps, of bind songs and ice cracking . It's astonishing how beautiful things sound when you can really listen.." | [
"We are used to quietness",
"We have to put up with noise",
"We do not think silence to be beneficial",
"We do not believe lasting peace to be available"
] |
Near the North Pole there are two seasons: _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
There are four seasons in China.March, April and May make the spring.June, July and August make the summer season.September, October and November make the autumn season.The rest of months make the winter season.
The Australia seasons are the opposite of ours.When it's spring in China, it is autumn in Australia.
Australia is in the south of the earth.June, July and August are the winter months.The summer is in December, January and February.It's very hot there, too.
Near the North Pole there are two seasons.The winter nights are long.For more than two months you can't see the sun, even at noon.The summer days are long.For more that two months, the sun never sets , and there's no night.
Question:
Near the North Pole there are two seasons: _ .
Choices:
A. spring and summer
B. summer and winter
C. summer and autumn
D. spring and winter | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle5543.txt | There are four seasons in China.March, April and May make the spring.June, July and August make the summer season.September, October and November make the autumn season.The rest of months make the winter season.
The Australia seasons are the opposite of ours.When it's spring in China, it is autumn in Australia.
Australia is in the south of the earth.June, July and August are the winter months.The summer is in December, January and February.It's very hot there, too.
Near the North Pole there are two seasons.The winter nights are long.For more than two months you can't see the sun, even at noon.The summer days are long.For more that two months, the sun never sets , and there's no night. | [
"spring and summer",
"summer and winter",
"summer and autumn",
"spring and winter"
] |
According to the text a "mystery shopper" would not have to_. | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
"I find myself glancing at my watch to see how long I've been standing in line," she said. "Everywhere I go, I notice if the dumpster gates are open or if there's trash in the parking lot." Ms. Clark is a "mystery shopper", one of thousands of contract workers that companies hire to pretend as regular customers in order to judge customer service, cleanliness and whether a store is selling a product that meets company specifications .
Mystery shoppers can be found or, rather, not found, everywhere from restaurants and automotive shops to convenience stores and department stores. They play a constant cat-and-mouse game with store and restaurant employees and managers. However it's not all fun and games. Once in the field, a mystery shopper will typically visit several stores or restaurants per hour, taking mental notes while inside, then jotting down physical notes after they leave.
It's important for mystery shoppers to be as exact as possible, because the client companies are looking for data they can use to improve their service. The questionnaire won't say, "Does the trash can need to be emptied?" What an educated shopper will say is, "The trash can to the left of the front door was overflowing with 10 pieces of trash on the ground." Companies don't need opinion but facts.
Nowadays mystery shoppers are armed with a number of high-tech devices, such as a digital scale and a digital thermometer, as well as a handheld PC for recording the entire experience. It's a challenging job but a rewarding one. Mystery shoppers can be full time or part time, but the full-time workers tend to stick to standard mystery shopping while part-timers often choose the less complex reward-based programs. In _ , the shoppers stay disguised only until the "shop" is finished, and then reveal themselves to the store management and award prizes to employees who provided excellent service.
To be a mystery shopper, it's important to be a good observer, but sometimes it's important to have the right profile , too. Companies often hire shoppers from particular backgrounds to better blend in with clients' regular customers. If a secret shopper will be sent in, for example, to do a high-end automotive shop, the candidate must have a particular profile that meets a high-end, luxury car-type buyer profile. "It's a challenge to perform your shop without being discovered," Ms. Clark said, "because most of the people that we work for are very aware of the mystery shopping program."
Question:
According to the text a "mystery shopper" would not have to_.
Choices:
A. sign a contract with the employer
B. travel a lot around the city
C. provide exact facts to the company
D. fill in questionnaires | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high22316.txt | "I find myself glancing at my watch to see how long I've been standing in line," she said. "Everywhere I go, I notice if the dumpster gates are open or if there's trash in the parking lot." Ms. Clark is a "mystery shopper", one of thousands of contract workers that companies hire to pretend as regular customers in order to judge customer service, cleanliness and whether a store is selling a product that meets company specifications .
Mystery shoppers can be found or, rather, not found, everywhere from restaurants and automotive shops to convenience stores and department stores. They play a constant cat-and-mouse game with store and restaurant employees and managers. However it's not all fun and games. Once in the field, a mystery shopper will typically visit several stores or restaurants per hour, taking mental notes while inside, then jotting down physical notes after they leave.
It's important for mystery shoppers to be as exact as possible, because the client companies are looking for data they can use to improve their service. The questionnaire won't say, "Does the trash can need to be emptied?" What an educated shopper will say is, "The trash can to the left of the front door was overflowing with 10 pieces of trash on the ground." Companies don't need opinion but facts.
Nowadays mystery shoppers are armed with a number of high-tech devices, such as a digital scale and a digital thermometer, as well as a handheld PC for recording the entire experience. It's a challenging job but a rewarding one. Mystery shoppers can be full time or part time, but the full-time workers tend to stick to standard mystery shopping while part-timers often choose the less complex reward-based programs. In _ , the shoppers stay disguised only until the "shop" is finished, and then reveal themselves to the store management and award prizes to employees who provided excellent service.
To be a mystery shopper, it's important to be a good observer, but sometimes it's important to have the right profile , too. Companies often hire shoppers from particular backgrounds to better blend in with clients' regular customers. If a secret shopper will be sent in, for example, to do a high-end automotive shop, the candidate must have a particular profile that meets a high-end, luxury car-type buyer profile. "It's a challenge to perform your shop without being discovered," Ms. Clark said, "because most of the people that we work for are very aware of the mystery shopping program." | [
"sign a contract with the employer",
"travel a lot around the city",
"provide exact facts to the company",
"fill in questionnaires"
] |
The author writes the text mainly to _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
It's often true that jobs for students sometimes lead to employment after graduation, so it's a good idea to think carefully before you begin working during your college years.
During my entire college life I worked as a
. I have to say that I really enjoyed that job, and was fond of the idea of making money without doing too much work. I also had the opportunity to
( ) while working. I came to be known among the upper class, and gradually became popular on campus because of my job. However, working as a bartender can have the
side that people tend to think that you enjoy drinking.
All in all, I wish I had thought more carefully before deciding to take that job. I got a
in English, qualifying(***) me to work as a writer, but so far I have only been able to use the skills I learned from that part-time job.
It would be different if I had searched for jobs related to writing or editing instead of bartending. It's commonly accepted that employment for students is only
,but we should never forget that it can connect to the work we get after we graduate. After all, employers not only look at the degree, but also your previous experience.
So before getting a part-time job while you're at school, consider what you want to do for the rest of your life.
Question:
The author writes the text mainly to _ .
Choices:
A. describe his part-time job during his college life
B. tell students to be careful with their part-time jobs
C. convince students that bartender is the part-time job
D. advise students to look for their future jobs in the college | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high15662.txt | It's often true that jobs for students sometimes lead to employment after graduation, so it's a good idea to think carefully before you begin working during your college years.
During my entire college life I worked as a
. I have to say that I really enjoyed that job, and was fond of the idea of making money without doing too much work. I also had the opportunity to
( ) while working. I came to be known among the upper class, and gradually became popular on campus because of my job. However, working as a bartender can have the
side that people tend to think that you enjoy drinking.
All in all, I wish I had thought more carefully before deciding to take that job. I got a
in English, qualifying(***) me to work as a writer, but so far I have only been able to use the skills I learned from that part-time job.
It would be different if I had searched for jobs related to writing or editing instead of bartending. It's commonly accepted that employment for students is only
,but we should never forget that it can connect to the work we get after we graduate. After all, employers not only look at the degree, but also your previous experience.
So before getting a part-time job while you're at school, consider what you want to do for the rest of your life. | [
"describe his part-time job during his college life",
"tell students to be careful with their part-time jobs",
"convince students that bartender is the part-time job",
"advise students to look for their future jobs in the college"
] |
Many graduates today turn to cosmetic surgery to_. | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Last week I talked with some of my students about what they wanted to do after they graduated, and what kind of job prospects they thought they had.
Given that I teach students who are training to be doctors, I was surprised do find that most thought that they would not be able to get the jobs they wanted without "outside help". "What kind of help is that?" I asked, expecting them to tell me that they would need a or family friend to help them out.
"Surgery ," one replied.
I was pretty alarmed by that response. It seems that the graduates of today are increasingly willing to go under the knife to get ahead of others when it comes to getting a job .
One girl told me that she was considering surgery to increase her height. "They break your legs, put in special extending screws, and slowly expand the gap between the two ends of the bone as it re-grows, you can get at least 5 cm taller!"
At that point, I was shocked. I am short, I can't deny that, but I don't think I would put myself through months of agony just to be a few centimetres taller. I don't even bother to wear shoes with thick soles, as I'm not trying to hide the fact that I am just not tall!
It seems to me that there is a trend towards wanting "perfection" , and that is an ideal that just does not exist in reality.
No one is born perfect, yet magazines, TV shows and movies present images of thin, tall, beautiful people as being the norm. Advertisements for slimming aids, beauty treatments and cosmetic surgery clinics fill the pages of newspapers, further creating an idea that "perfection" is a requirement, and that it must be purchased, no matter what the cost. In my opinion, skills, rather than appearance, should determine how successful a person is in his/her chosen career.
Question:
Many graduates today turn to cosmetic surgery to_.
Choices:
A. marry a better man/woman
B. become a model
C. get an advantage over others in job-hunting
D. attract more admirers | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high19088.txt | Last week I talked with some of my students about what they wanted to do after they graduated, and what kind of job prospects they thought they had.
Given that I teach students who are training to be doctors, I was surprised do find that most thought that they would not be able to get the jobs they wanted without "outside help". "What kind of help is that?" I asked, expecting them to tell me that they would need a or family friend to help them out.
"Surgery ," one replied.
I was pretty alarmed by that response. It seems that the graduates of today are increasingly willing to go under the knife to get ahead of others when it comes to getting a job .
One girl told me that she was considering surgery to increase her height. "They break your legs, put in special extending screws, and slowly expand the gap between the two ends of the bone as it re-grows, you can get at least 5 cm taller!"
At that point, I was shocked. I am short, I can't deny that, but I don't think I would put myself through months of agony just to be a few centimetres taller. I don't even bother to wear shoes with thick soles, as I'm not trying to hide the fact that I am just not tall!
It seems to me that there is a trend towards wanting "perfection" , and that is an ideal that just does not exist in reality.
No one is born perfect, yet magazines, TV shows and movies present images of thin, tall, beautiful people as being the norm. Advertisements for slimming aids, beauty treatments and cosmetic surgery clinics fill the pages of newspapers, further creating an idea that "perfection" is a requirement, and that it must be purchased, no matter what the cost. In my opinion, skills, rather than appearance, should determine how successful a person is in his/her chosen career. | [
"marry a better man/woman",
"become a model",
"get an advantage over others in job-hunting",
"attract more admirers"
] |
There are 70 cookies in a jar. If there are only 28 cookies left after a week, and Paul took out the same amount each day, how many cookies did he take out in four days? | Paul took out a total of 70-28 = <<70-28=42>>42 cookies in a week.
Paul took out 42/7 = <<42/7=6>>6 cookies out of the jar each day.
Over four days, Paul took out 6*4 = <<6*4=24>>24 cookies from the jar.
#### 24 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | There are 70 cookies in a jar. If there are only 28 cookies left after a week, and Paul took out the same amount each day, how many cookies did he take out in four days? | Paul took out a total of 70-28 = <<70-28=42>>42 cookies in a week.
Paul took out 42/7 = <<42/7=6>>6 cookies out of the jar each day.
Over four days, Paul took out 6*4 = <<6*4=24>>24 cookies from the jar.
#### 24 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Judging from the recent relaxed policy, a couple _ | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
BEIJING--Family planning officers will handle the illegal birth case of film director Zhang Yimou by following legal procedures, a government spokesman said on Tuesday, December 10, 2013.
When asked to comment on Zhang's case at a press conference, Yao Hongwen, spokesman for the National Health and Family Planning Commission(NHFPC), said "Every citizen is equal before the law and nobody is allowed to have privileges to give birth to more children than allowed."
Yao's comment came after media stories claimed that Zhang had remarried and fathered a total of seven children: one with his former wife, three with his present wife, Chen Ting, and another three from two lovers.
"The NHFPC's attitude towards citizens' birth violations is consistent and clear...Every Chinese citizen should obey and safeguard the seriousness of laws and regulations." NHFPC spokesman Yao Hongwen said.
China's family planning policy, introduced in the late 1970s to slow down the country's growing population, limits most urban couples to one child and most rural couples to two. The policy was recently relaxed, allowing couples to have two children if one of them is an only child.
Those who break the policy face severe fines. The amount of the fine is generally several times the yearly annual income of the two spouses . Some media calculations put the fine that Zhang may face at as much as 160 million yuan(over $26 million).
Zhang's birth case has caused criticism online about famous people who have more children than the policy allows.
In an open letter on December 1, Zhang admitted that the couple has two sons and daughter and they are willing to accept investigation and punishment according to China's laws and regulations. He apologized to the public.
However, the letter denied that Zhang had lovers and was father to as many as seven children from various mothers.
Zhang, one of the "fifth generation" of Chinese filmmakers, made his first directorial work in 1987 with "Red Sorghum" and has won a number of award worldwide. He was chief director of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games.
Question:
Judging from the recent relaxed policy, a couple _
Choices:
A. can have as many as three children if they live in a rural area
B. will definitely be fined if they have two children nowadays
C. can give birth to two children if one of them is an only child
D. can only give birth to two children if they live in an urban area | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high5953.txt | BEIJING--Family planning officers will handle the illegal birth case of film director Zhang Yimou by following legal procedures, a government spokesman said on Tuesday, December 10, 2013.
When asked to comment on Zhang's case at a press conference, Yao Hongwen, spokesman for the National Health and Family Planning Commission(NHFPC), said "Every citizen is equal before the law and nobody is allowed to have privileges to give birth to more children than allowed."
Yao's comment came after media stories claimed that Zhang had remarried and fathered a total of seven children: one with his former wife, three with his present wife, Chen Ting, and another three from two lovers.
"The NHFPC's attitude towards citizens' birth violations is consistent and clear...Every Chinese citizen should obey and safeguard the seriousness of laws and regulations." NHFPC spokesman Yao Hongwen said.
China's family planning policy, introduced in the late 1970s to slow down the country's growing population, limits most urban couples to one child and most rural couples to two. The policy was recently relaxed, allowing couples to have two children if one of them is an only child.
Those who break the policy face severe fines. The amount of the fine is generally several times the yearly annual income of the two spouses . Some media calculations put the fine that Zhang may face at as much as 160 million yuan(over $26 million).
Zhang's birth case has caused criticism online about famous people who have more children than the policy allows.
In an open letter on December 1, Zhang admitted that the couple has two sons and daughter and they are willing to accept investigation and punishment according to China's laws and regulations. He apologized to the public.
However, the letter denied that Zhang had lovers and was father to as many as seven children from various mothers.
Zhang, one of the "fifth generation" of Chinese filmmakers, made his first directorial work in 1987 with "Red Sorghum" and has won a number of award worldwide. He was chief director of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games. | [
"can have as many as three children if they live in a rural area",
"will definitely be fined if they have two children nowadays",
"can give birth to two children if one of them is an only child",
"can only give birth to two children if they live in an urban area"
] |
London Mayor boris Johnston launched the new bike scheme in order to _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
London has become a cycle friendly zone after the launch of a new bike hire scheme. It has been designed to encourage more people to cycle in and around central London.
So how does it work?First you have to sign up to the scheme to be sent a key. The key will unlock one of the bikes,which are kept at docking stations in and around central London. You have to pay an access fee for the key and then you pay as you go,for the length of time you use the bike.
Transport for London,which runs the scheme,are hoping to have 6,000 bikes and 400 docking stations in place by the end of the year. The new hire system is hoping to ease congestion in London and is expected to create up to 40,000 extra cycle trips a day into the city centre. London Mayor Boris Johnston launched the scheme and said London had been "filled with thousands of gleaming machines that will transform the look and feel of our streets and become as commonplace on our roads as black cabs and red buses".
However,there have been a few problems since the scheme was launched last Friday. On the first day some people found they couldn't dock their bike properly and their usage of the bike had not registered. Transport for London did admit they had been expecting a few "teething problems" and have said they wouldn't charge for the first day as a "gesture of goodwill". Some other people have criticized the lack of docking stations and locks for the bikes as well as the price it costs to hire the bicycles.
Despite the comments,the green-thinking London Mayor still seems very positive about things,saying,"My campaign for the capital to become the greatest big cycling city in the world has taken a big pedal-powered push forwards."
Question:
London Mayor boris Johnston launched the new bike scheme in order to _ .
Choices:
A. reduce the air pollution of the city
B. encourage the citizens to take exercises
C. deal with the city's traffic problems
D. increase employment opportunities | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high15105.txt | London has become a cycle friendly zone after the launch of a new bike hire scheme. It has been designed to encourage more people to cycle in and around central London.
So how does it work?First you have to sign up to the scheme to be sent a key. The key will unlock one of the bikes,which are kept at docking stations in and around central London. You have to pay an access fee for the key and then you pay as you go,for the length of time you use the bike.
Transport for London,which runs the scheme,are hoping to have 6,000 bikes and 400 docking stations in place by the end of the year. The new hire system is hoping to ease congestion in London and is expected to create up to 40,000 extra cycle trips a day into the city centre. London Mayor Boris Johnston launched the scheme and said London had been "filled with thousands of gleaming machines that will transform the look and feel of our streets and become as commonplace on our roads as black cabs and red buses".
However,there have been a few problems since the scheme was launched last Friday. On the first day some people found they couldn't dock their bike properly and their usage of the bike had not registered. Transport for London did admit they had been expecting a few "teething problems" and have said they wouldn't charge for the first day as a "gesture of goodwill". Some other people have criticized the lack of docking stations and locks for the bikes as well as the price it costs to hire the bicycles.
Despite the comments,the green-thinking London Mayor still seems very positive about things,saying,"My campaign for the capital to become the greatest big cycling city in the world has taken a big pedal-powered push forwards." | [
"reduce the air pollution of the city",
"encourage the citizens to take exercises",
"deal with the city's traffic problems",
"increase employment opportunities"
] |
..Which of the following is a characteristic of a tsunami? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The 9.2magnitude earthquake which caused the tsunami in
the Indian Ocean on Boxing Day last year occurred at 7:58 a.m.,95 miles off the west coast of Aceh, Indonesia.
Eighteen minutes later.10-metre high waves crashed the ashore along a 500----mile-long stretch of Aceh.
Two hours later the tsunami hit Thailand and Malaysia and then Burma, Bangladesh, India,the Maldives,Sri Lanka,Kenya and Somalia.The final death toll is thought to be about 280,000,with tens of thousands more listed as missing.More than l.8 million people lost their homes.
*What Is Tsunami?
A tsunami is a chain of fast moving waves caused by a sudden strong quake in the ocean.They can be caused by earthquakes,volcanic eruptions ,or even the collision of meteorites .Tsunamis are also incorrectly known as tidal waves,but unlike tidal waves they are not caused by changes in the tides.
They are also most common around the edge of the Pacific,where more than half of the world's volcanoes are found.These fast moving waves can attack coastlines,often with little or no warning.Rocks weighing as much as 20 metric tonnes have been pulled from sea walls and carried l 80m inland.
*Wave Power
Atsunami can have a wavelength in excess of 1 00km and there may be an hour between them.They travel at great speeds across an ocean with hardly any energy losses and are barely noticeable out at sea.
Over the deep Pacific Ocean,a tsunami travels at about 800kph.If an earthquake happened in Los Angeles.a tsunami could hit Tokyo quicker than you could fly between the cities by jet.
*Strange Animal Behaviors
Ten days before giant waves slammed into Sri Lanka and India coastlines,wild and domestic animals seemed to know what was about to happen and fled to safety.
Elephants screamed and ran for higher ground.
Dogs refused to go outdoors.
Zoo animals rushed into their shelters and could not be enticed to come back out.
Question:
..Which of the following is a characteristic of a tsunami?
Choices:
A. Having a lot of small waves linked together.
B. The waves of a tsunami travel extremely fast.
C. The waves of a tsunami can be found in the distance.
D. The power of the waves becomes stronger and stronger as a tsunami travels. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high12050.txt | The 9.2magnitude earthquake which caused the tsunami in
the Indian Ocean on Boxing Day last year occurred at 7:58 a.m.,95 miles off the west coast of Aceh, Indonesia.
Eighteen minutes later.10-metre high waves crashed the ashore along a 500----mile-long stretch of Aceh.
Two hours later the tsunami hit Thailand and Malaysia and then Burma, Bangladesh, India,the Maldives,Sri Lanka,Kenya and Somalia.The final death toll is thought to be about 280,000,with tens of thousands more listed as missing.More than l.8 million people lost their homes.
*What Is Tsunami?
A tsunami is a chain of fast moving waves caused by a sudden strong quake in the ocean.They can be caused by earthquakes,volcanic eruptions ,or even the collision of meteorites .Tsunamis are also incorrectly known as tidal waves,but unlike tidal waves they are not caused by changes in the tides.
They are also most common around the edge of the Pacific,where more than half of the world's volcanoes are found.These fast moving waves can attack coastlines,often with little or no warning.Rocks weighing as much as 20 metric tonnes have been pulled from sea walls and carried l 80m inland.
*Wave Power
Atsunami can have a wavelength in excess of 1 00km and there may be an hour between them.They travel at great speeds across an ocean with hardly any energy losses and are barely noticeable out at sea.
Over the deep Pacific Ocean,a tsunami travels at about 800kph.If an earthquake happened in Los Angeles.a tsunami could hit Tokyo quicker than you could fly between the cities by jet.
*Strange Animal Behaviors
Ten days before giant waves slammed into Sri Lanka and India coastlines,wild and domestic animals seemed to know what was about to happen and fled to safety.
Elephants screamed and ran for higher ground.
Dogs refused to go outdoors.
Zoo animals rushed into their shelters and could not be enticed to come back out. | [
"Having a lot of small waves linked together.",
"The waves of a tsunami travel extremely fast.",
"The waves of a tsunami can be found in the distance.",
"The power of the waves becomes stronger and stronger as a tsunami travels."
] |
Why didn't the writer talk to anyone in her new school about her problems? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Sixteen years ago a boy gave me an important gift. It was a smile.
It was the early autumn of my first year at a middle school, and my old school was far away. As a result, no one knew who I was. I was very lonely, and afraid to speak to anyone.
Every time I heard the other students talking and laughing, I felt my heart break. I couldn't talk with anyone about my problems.
Then one day, when my classmates were talking happily with their friends, I was sitting at my desk unhappily as usual. At that moment, a boy entered the classroom. I didn't know who he was. He passed by me and then turned back. He looked at me, with a smile.
Suddenly, I felt the touch of something bright and friendly. It made me feel happy and warm. That smile changed my life. I started to talk with other students and made friends. Day by day, I became closer to everyone in my class. The boy with the lucky smile has become my best friend now.
One day I asked him why he had smiled, but he couldn't remember doing so!
It doesn't matter because all the dark days have gone. I believe that the world is what you think it is. If you think it is lonely, you might always be alone. So smile at the world and it will smile back.
Question:
Why didn't the writer talk to anyone in her new school about her problems?
Choices:
A. Because she was always unhappy.
B. Because she didn't know anyone at the time.
C. Because she was in the first year at the junior high school.
D. Because she didn't want her parents to worry about her. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle2209.txt | Sixteen years ago a boy gave me an important gift. It was a smile.
It was the early autumn of my first year at a middle school, and my old school was far away. As a result, no one knew who I was. I was very lonely, and afraid to speak to anyone.
Every time I heard the other students talking and laughing, I felt my heart break. I couldn't talk with anyone about my problems.
Then one day, when my classmates were talking happily with their friends, I was sitting at my desk unhappily as usual. At that moment, a boy entered the classroom. I didn't know who he was. He passed by me and then turned back. He looked at me, with a smile.
Suddenly, I felt the touch of something bright and friendly. It made me feel happy and warm. That smile changed my life. I started to talk with other students and made friends. Day by day, I became closer to everyone in my class. The boy with the lucky smile has become my best friend now.
One day I asked him why he had smiled, but he couldn't remember doing so!
It doesn't matter because all the dark days have gone. I believe that the world is what you think it is. If you think it is lonely, you might always be alone. So smile at the world and it will smile back. | [
"Because she was always unhappy.",
"Because she didn't know anyone at the time.",
"Because she was in the first year at the junior high school.",
"Because she didn't want her parents to worry about her."
] |
TreShaun's full marker has enough ink in it to paint three 4 inch by 4 inch squares. If he colors in two 6 inch by 2 inch rectangles, what percentage of ink is left? | Each 4 by 4 square equals 16 square inches because 4 x 4 = <<4*4=16>>16
Three squares equals 48 square inches because 3 x 16 = <<48=48>>48
Each rectangle uses 12 square inches because 2 x 6 = <<2*6=12>>12
Both rectangles will use 24 square inches because 2 x 12 = <<2*12=24>>24
He has 1/2 of the ink left because 24 / 48 = 1/2
He has 50% of the ink left because 1/2 x 100 = <<1/2*100=50>>50
#### 50 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | TreShaun's full marker has enough ink in it to paint three 4 inch by 4 inch squares. If he colors in two 6 inch by 2 inch rectangles, what percentage of ink is left? | Each 4 by 4 square equals 16 square inches because 4 x 4 = <<4*4=16>>16
Three squares equals 48 square inches because 3 x 16 = <<48=48>>48
Each rectangle uses 12 square inches because 2 x 6 = <<2*6=12>>12
Both rectangles will use 24 square inches because 2 x 12 = <<2*12=24>>24
He has 1/2 of the ink left because 24 / 48 = 1/2
He has 50% of the ink left because 1/2 x 100 = <<1/2*100=50>>50
#### 50 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Why were the young boy and the girl standing on the bus? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
A few months ago I was at a bus stop in town in the evening. The bus came on time and I took the window seat. The bus was travelling by the seashore and I was enjoying the soft wind while watching the sea waves . After a few minutes the bus made its next stop. A young boy and a girl got on. They were standing on my left when the bus pulled off. I looked at them in surprise and realized that all the window seats were taken up. They could sit but not together. _ . I got up and offered them my seat. The young lady smiled kindly and said thanks. I took another seat and we parted our ways. I don't remember whether I got off the bus before them or not.
Months passed by. Suddenly one day while I was standing at the same bus stop waiting some time for the bus to arrive I heard a voice.
"Excuse me, Uncle." I looked in the direction of the voice. It was a beautiful young lady.
Puzzled, I said, "I do not recognize you."
She said, "Do you remember you gave us your window seat?"
Puzzled, I said, "Maybe, but what is so great in that?"
She said, "If you had not given your seat that day, perhaps I would have not sat with my friend. By sitting together it helped us bridge a misunderstanding that had been between us forever. Do you know we are getting married next month?"
"Good! God bless both of you," I replied.
The young lady again said thank you and went on her journey. I realized the importance of giving that day.
Question:
Why were the young boy and the girl standing on the bus?
Choices:
A. Because they couldn't sit together.
B. Because they wanted to enjoy the sea weaves.
C. Because there were no empty seats.
D. Because they preferred to stand. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high896.txt | A few months ago I was at a bus stop in town in the evening. The bus came on time and I took the window seat. The bus was travelling by the seashore and I was enjoying the soft wind while watching the sea waves . After a few minutes the bus made its next stop. A young boy and a girl got on. They were standing on my left when the bus pulled off. I looked at them in surprise and realized that all the window seats were taken up. They could sit but not together. _ . I got up and offered them my seat. The young lady smiled kindly and said thanks. I took another seat and we parted our ways. I don't remember whether I got off the bus before them or not.
Months passed by. Suddenly one day while I was standing at the same bus stop waiting some time for the bus to arrive I heard a voice.
"Excuse me, Uncle." I looked in the direction of the voice. It was a beautiful young lady.
Puzzled, I said, "I do not recognize you."
She said, "Do you remember you gave us your window seat?"
Puzzled, I said, "Maybe, but what is so great in that?"
She said, "If you had not given your seat that day, perhaps I would have not sat with my friend. By sitting together it helped us bridge a misunderstanding that had been between us forever. Do you know we are getting married next month?"
"Good! God bless both of you," I replied.
The young lady again said thank you and went on her journey. I realized the importance of giving that day. | [
"Because they couldn't sit together.",
"Because they wanted to enjoy the sea weaves.",
"Because there were no empty seats.",
"Because they preferred to stand."
] |
Which of the following sentences is Right ? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
A man called his son in New York the day before Christmas and said, "I have to tell you your Mom and I are going to divorce ! Thirty years is quite a long time."
"Dad, what are you talking about?" the son cried.
The father said:"We are sick of each other. I don't want to talk about it anymore. You call your sister in Chicago and tell her about the news."
When the daughter got the news, she is very surprised at it.
"What? They are getting divorced." She shouted, "I'll stop them." She called her father immediately, and cried to her father," Don't do anything until I get home. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Wait for us, please."
The old man hung up his phone and turned to his wife. "OK" he said, "they're coming for Christmas and paying their own way."
Question:
Which of the following sentences is Right ?
Choices:
A. The two old men were really sick of each other
B. The two old men didn't really want to divorce
C. The son and the daughter often went home for holidays
D. The son and the daughter knew that their parents were not going to divorce. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle48.txt | A man called his son in New York the day before Christmas and said, "I have to tell you your Mom and I are going to divorce ! Thirty years is quite a long time."
"Dad, what are you talking about?" the son cried.
The father said:"We are sick of each other. I don't want to talk about it anymore. You call your sister in Chicago and tell her about the news."
When the daughter got the news, she is very surprised at it.
"What? They are getting divorced." She shouted, "I'll stop them." She called her father immediately, and cried to her father," Don't do anything until I get home. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Wait for us, please."
The old man hung up his phone and turned to his wife. "OK" he said, "they're coming for Christmas and paying their own way." | [
"The two old men were really sick of each other",
"The two old men didn't really want to divorce",
"The son and the daughter often went home for holidays",
"The son and the daughter knew that their parents were not going to divorce."
] |
The passage is most likely from a(an) _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
New evidence shows that getting enough Vitamin D may be the most important thing you can do for your health.
You know the usual prescription for good health: a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, no smoking.Now add this: Spend a little more time in the sun.
Huh? That may sound like medical
.After all, we've been warned for decades about the dangers of the sun: wrinkles, age spots and the increasing threat of skin cancer.But new and impressive medical evidence suggests that sunlight is beneficial.The vitamin D it
our bodies to make may prevent cancer, protect against heart disease and ward off a long list of disorders such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and gum disease.It is even showing promise as a treatment for heart disease and some cancers.
Long recognized as vitally important for bone building (it's needed for calcium absorption), vitamin D has now achieved superstar status among nutrients.While all doctors may not agree, many experts are confident enough of its wide-ranging powers to urge that we get much more of it, from the sun and from supplements, as even the best diet in the world may not give us enough.
Question:
The passage is most likely from a(an) _ .
Choices:
A. advertisement
B. news report
C. magazine
D. medical prescription | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high16298.txt | New evidence shows that getting enough Vitamin D may be the most important thing you can do for your health.
You know the usual prescription for good health: a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, no smoking.Now add this: Spend a little more time in the sun.
Huh? That may sound like medical
.After all, we've been warned for decades about the dangers of the sun: wrinkles, age spots and the increasing threat of skin cancer.But new and impressive medical evidence suggests that sunlight is beneficial.The vitamin D it
our bodies to make may prevent cancer, protect against heart disease and ward off a long list of disorders such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and gum disease.It is even showing promise as a treatment for heart disease and some cancers.
Long recognized as vitally important for bone building (it's needed for calcium absorption), vitamin D has now achieved superstar status among nutrients.While all doctors may not agree, many experts are confident enough of its wide-ranging powers to urge that we get much more of it, from the sun and from supplements, as even the best diet in the world may not give us enough. | [
"advertisement",
"news report",
"magazine",
"medical prescription"
] |
The author wrote this article mainly to _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Are you unsure of the future? Do you feel as if you have put in a lot of effort, yet you still haven't gotten anywhere? Are your relationships getting sour? If the answer to all these questions is yes, then you're in for some serious reflection.ks5u
A negative perspective on life will definitely not do you any good.It will only stop you from achieving your goals, and will make you feel more and more unhappy.When you lack self-confidence, you tend to play safe and do just what is needed instead of exploring your full potentials .Your fears and self doubt are in fact the main _ that stop you from achieving success and keep you from living the life that you truly want.Understand this: the barrier to your happiness is your own insecurity and cowardly manner.
How do you escape your self-bondage ? With the help of individuals who have gone through life's tragedies without being affected, such as Rebecca Richmond, a widely admired life coach, you can take hold of your life and transform yourself from being afraid into a person with a positive outlook who is ready to get hold of the bright future that awaits you.The most important thing that you need to realize is that you have the power to change your life.You can reach unimaginable heights if you only believe in your ability to do so.See the unlimited opportunities that are set before you.Take challenges as lessons that make you strong and mature.
Do not let your painful past dictate the person that you would become.Open your eyes and see the beautiful person that you are.You deserve to live a better life -- one that is full of love, peace of mind, and prosperity.
Question:
The author wrote this article mainly to _ .
Choices:
A. let us know more about the world
B. describe what a success person is like
C. prove it is not easy to have a bright future
D. tell us how to get rid of our self-bondage | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high21944.txt | Are you unsure of the future? Do you feel as if you have put in a lot of effort, yet you still haven't gotten anywhere? Are your relationships getting sour? If the answer to all these questions is yes, then you're in for some serious reflection.ks5u
A negative perspective on life will definitely not do you any good.It will only stop you from achieving your goals, and will make you feel more and more unhappy.When you lack self-confidence, you tend to play safe and do just what is needed instead of exploring your full potentials .Your fears and self doubt are in fact the main _ that stop you from achieving success and keep you from living the life that you truly want.Understand this: the barrier to your happiness is your own insecurity and cowardly manner.
How do you escape your self-bondage ? With the help of individuals who have gone through life's tragedies without being affected, such as Rebecca Richmond, a widely admired life coach, you can take hold of your life and transform yourself from being afraid into a person with a positive outlook who is ready to get hold of the bright future that awaits you.The most important thing that you need to realize is that you have the power to change your life.You can reach unimaginable heights if you only believe in your ability to do so.See the unlimited opportunities that are set before you.Take challenges as lessons that make you strong and mature.
Do not let your painful past dictate the person that you would become.Open your eyes and see the beautiful person that you are.You deserve to live a better life -- one that is full of love, peace of mind, and prosperity. | [
"let us know more about the world",
"describe what a success person is like",
"prove it is not easy to have a bright future",
"tell us how to get rid of our self-bondage"
] |
What kind of grandmother did the writer want to be? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
I found the imagination of becoming a grandmother somewhat discouraging. I was younger than I thought a grandmother should be when I got the news that I was going to become one myself. I admit, it was not a role that I was emotionally ready to accept. I had been a young mother, and had certainly hoped my daughter would not face _ . I remarried when she was a teenager, and then had two more children. On getting the news that she was expecting , I remember thinking "What do I know about being a grandmother? --I haven't even finished raising my own kids yet!" I don't like to be unprepared, so I read a few books about grandparenting. That gave me a little help, but I was still uncertain. I thought about other grandmothers I knew, and got a few ideas I liked and a few more that I didn't. But I couldn't quite figure out what kind of grandmother I wanted to be. Then I thought about my own grandmother, Granny, as she's known by most people, and I knew I had the answer.
I didn't realize it until that moment, but my own grandmother was the example for the kind of grandmother I wanted to be. I am fortunate that I got to spend a lot of time with my grandparents when I was a little kid. Here is what I learned from my Granny:
Grandmothers always have a cookie jar. For my whole life, Granny always had a cookie jar full of cookies. When I was a little tiny girl, just at eye level with the counter, Granny would get the cookie jar down for me. When I was a little older I learned how to pull the chair over so I could reach. As I got taller, if I really stretched, I could reach the cookie jar with my finger tips and move it close enough to get it down off the counter to find out what kind of treat was inside. Always the first thing I did when I went to Granny's house was check the cookie jar, and there were always cookies in it. Many years later, I'll drive my own children to Granny's house and the first thing to do is get us all a cookie.
So grandmothers must have a cookie jar, and on my granddaughter' s first Christmas,my daughter bought me my own cookie jar. She said when they came to see me,her daughter would find the treat the way she did and I did.
Question:
What kind of grandmother did the writer want to be?
Choices:
A. One who has a jar filled with many kinds of cookies for children and herself.
B. One who grows up with her grandmother^ cookie jar with all kinds of cookies.
C. One who is like her own grandmother with a cookie jar to treat her grandchildren.
D. One who always makes different kinds of cookies to treat her grandchildren. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high578.txt | I found the imagination of becoming a grandmother somewhat discouraging. I was younger than I thought a grandmother should be when I got the news that I was going to become one myself. I admit, it was not a role that I was emotionally ready to accept. I had been a young mother, and had certainly hoped my daughter would not face _ . I remarried when she was a teenager, and then had two more children. On getting the news that she was expecting , I remember thinking "What do I know about being a grandmother? --I haven't even finished raising my own kids yet!" I don't like to be unprepared, so I read a few books about grandparenting. That gave me a little help, but I was still uncertain. I thought about other grandmothers I knew, and got a few ideas I liked and a few more that I didn't. But I couldn't quite figure out what kind of grandmother I wanted to be. Then I thought about my own grandmother, Granny, as she's known by most people, and I knew I had the answer.
I didn't realize it until that moment, but my own grandmother was the example for the kind of grandmother I wanted to be. I am fortunate that I got to spend a lot of time with my grandparents when I was a little kid. Here is what I learned from my Granny:
Grandmothers always have a cookie jar. For my whole life, Granny always had a cookie jar full of cookies. When I was a little tiny girl, just at eye level with the counter, Granny would get the cookie jar down for me. When I was a little older I learned how to pull the chair over so I could reach. As I got taller, if I really stretched, I could reach the cookie jar with my finger tips and move it close enough to get it down off the counter to find out what kind of treat was inside. Always the first thing I did when I went to Granny's house was check the cookie jar, and there were always cookies in it. Many years later, I'll drive my own children to Granny's house and the first thing to do is get us all a cookie.
So grandmothers must have a cookie jar, and on my granddaughter' s first Christmas,my daughter bought me my own cookie jar. She said when they came to see me,her daughter would find the treat the way she did and I did. | [
"One who has a jar filled with many kinds of cookies for children and herself.",
"One who grows up with her grandmother^ cookie jar with all kinds of cookies.",
"One who is like her own grandmother with a cookie jar to treat her grandchildren.",
"One who always makes different kinds of cookies to treat her grandchildren."
] |
According to the passage, all of the following are unique to the horn shark EXCEPT that _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
When someone says "SHARK" most people think of a big, toothy, underwater animal; basically we are imagining a Great White. In fact sharks come in all shapes, sizes and even colors! Follow me please; I'd like to show you a very special small shark commonly known as horn sharks, only found in the coastal waters of north-west North America.
Look at this shark, and you can easily see the horns on it and you will know the reason why it is called the horn shark is that it has the broad, flattened head and two large horn-like spines found behind its eyes and makes it one of the hardiest of all shark species. What makes it unique is that as its enemy attempts to swallow it, the spines on its back will stick into the enemy's mouth and give a good chance for it to get away.
The horn shark is brown in color with black spots all over its body. The adults can reach up to a length of 4 feet and weigh up to 10 kg. An interesting fact about the horn shark is that it has five gills . The horn shark is a clumsy swimmer using its flexible pectoral fins to push itself along the bottom of the ocean. The maximum distance that has ever been recorded for a horn shark to have traveled out from its habitat is 10 miles.
Today, as so little is known about its population off the Californian coast, they have been listed as being "Data Deficient" in the World Conservation Union. The horn shark is being threatened both by water pollution and commercial fishing in the area. Though they are not among those sea creatures hunted primarily for food, but they often get caught as a by-catch in fishing expeditions.
Question:
According to the passage, all of the following are unique to the horn shark EXCEPT that _ .
Choices:
A. it doesn't travel far
B. it is good at swimming
C. its spines can be used to attack the enemy and escape
D. it is only found in the coastal waters of north-west North America | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high4192.txt | When someone says "SHARK" most people think of a big, toothy, underwater animal; basically we are imagining a Great White. In fact sharks come in all shapes, sizes and even colors! Follow me please; I'd like to show you a very special small shark commonly known as horn sharks, only found in the coastal waters of north-west North America.
Look at this shark, and you can easily see the horns on it and you will know the reason why it is called the horn shark is that it has the broad, flattened head and two large horn-like spines found behind its eyes and makes it one of the hardiest of all shark species. What makes it unique is that as its enemy attempts to swallow it, the spines on its back will stick into the enemy's mouth and give a good chance for it to get away.
The horn shark is brown in color with black spots all over its body. The adults can reach up to a length of 4 feet and weigh up to 10 kg. An interesting fact about the horn shark is that it has five gills . The horn shark is a clumsy swimmer using its flexible pectoral fins to push itself along the bottom of the ocean. The maximum distance that has ever been recorded for a horn shark to have traveled out from its habitat is 10 miles.
Today, as so little is known about its population off the Californian coast, they have been listed as being "Data Deficient" in the World Conservation Union. The horn shark is being threatened both by water pollution and commercial fishing in the area. Though they are not among those sea creatures hunted primarily for food, but they often get caught as a by-catch in fishing expeditions. | [
"it doesn't travel far",
"it is good at swimming",
"its spines can be used to attack the enemy and escape",
"it is only found in the coastal waters of north-west North America"
] |
It is implied in the passage that _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Education is an expensive part of American life. Its size is matched by its variety. Differences in American schools compared with those found in the majority of other countries lie in the fact that education here has long been intended for everyone. Schools are expected to meet the needs of every child, regardless of ability, and also the needs of society itself. This means that public schools offer more than academic subjects. It surprises many people when they come here to find high schools offering such courses as typing, sewing, radio repair, computer programming or driver training, along with traditional academic subjects such as mathematics, history, and languages. Students choose their courses depending on their interests, future goals, and level of ability. The basic goal of American education is to develop every child to the utmost of his or her own possibilities, and to give each one a sense of community.
Schools have traditionally played an important role in creating national unity and "Americanizing" the millions of immigrants who have poured into this country from many different backgrounds and origins. Schools still play a large role in the community, especially in the small towns.
The teaching may seem unfamiliar to many, not only because it is informal, but also because there is not much emphasis on learning facts. Instead, Americans try to teach their children to think for themselves and to develop their own intellectual and creative abilities. Students spend much time learning how to use materials, libraries, statistics, and computers. Americans believe that if children are taught to _ and to research well, they will be able to find whatever facts they need throughout the rest of their lives. Knowing how to solve problems is considered more important than the accumulation of facts.
This is America's answer to the searching question that thoughtful parents all over the world are asking themselves in the fast-moving time, "How can one prepare today's child for a tomorrow that one can neither predict nor understand?"
Question:
It is implied in the passage that _ .
Choices:
A. all high-school students take the same courses
B. every student must take practical ability training courses
C. every public school offers the same academic subjects
D. the subjects every student takes may vary | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high9406.txt | Education is an expensive part of American life. Its size is matched by its variety. Differences in American schools compared with those found in the majority of other countries lie in the fact that education here has long been intended for everyone. Schools are expected to meet the needs of every child, regardless of ability, and also the needs of society itself. This means that public schools offer more than academic subjects. It surprises many people when they come here to find high schools offering such courses as typing, sewing, radio repair, computer programming or driver training, along with traditional academic subjects such as mathematics, history, and languages. Students choose their courses depending on their interests, future goals, and level of ability. The basic goal of American education is to develop every child to the utmost of his or her own possibilities, and to give each one a sense of community.
Schools have traditionally played an important role in creating national unity and "Americanizing" the millions of immigrants who have poured into this country from many different backgrounds and origins. Schools still play a large role in the community, especially in the small towns.
The teaching may seem unfamiliar to many, not only because it is informal, but also because there is not much emphasis on learning facts. Instead, Americans try to teach their children to think for themselves and to develop their own intellectual and creative abilities. Students spend much time learning how to use materials, libraries, statistics, and computers. Americans believe that if children are taught to _ and to research well, they will be able to find whatever facts they need throughout the rest of their lives. Knowing how to solve problems is considered more important than the accumulation of facts.
This is America's answer to the searching question that thoughtful parents all over the world are asking themselves in the fast-moving time, "How can one prepare today's child for a tomorrow that one can neither predict nor understand?" | [
"all high-school students take the same courses",
"every student must take practical ability training courses",
"every public school offers the same academic subjects",
"the subjects every student takes may vary"
] |
Which of the following is true according to the passage? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Playa la Audiencia, Manzanillo
Playa la Audiencia is one of the most popular beaches in Manzanillo for families and one of the best beach spots along Mexico's Pacific coast Playa 1a Audiencia is a stunning little beach with a golden shoreline which overlooks the bay and offers great conditions for swimming, diving, and other cool water sports such as jet-skiing and kayaking. If you are a diving enthusiast, you'll definitely love spending time in Playa la Audiencia since its waters are shallow, calm and filled with rocks covered with corals.
Playa Brujas, Mazatlan
Playa Brujas is probably one of the best surfing spots in Mazatlan. Playa Brujas is located 20 minutes' drive from the heart of Mazatlan and it's a popular spot among local surfers. If you are a surfer looking to hit some waves along the west coast of Mexico, you'1l find Playa Brujas a very good spot to visit since Brujas possesses satisfactory waves all year round.
North Beach, Isla Mujeres
North Beach is one of the nicest beaches in Isla Muieres and it is one of Mexico's finest beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula. North Beach boasts a nice stretch of beach with white-powdery sand, warm turquoise waters and great diving spots.
The best bit about North Beach besides its private location is that the beach is iust minutes away by boat from Cancun, so you're never too far from Cancun's tourist attractions such as Wet n' Wild Paterpark and Xplor Eco Park. where you can enjoy caving adventures and zip-line rides.
Xpu Ha Beach
Xpu Ha Beach is located roughly between Tulum and Playa del Carmen and it is a nice spot for relaxing under the sun, walking and horseback riding. Xpu Ha is located along the stunning Riviera Maya and unlike other beaches along the Mexican Riviera, Xpu Ha Beach boasts a subtle beach club atmosphere. Xpu Ha Beach isn't as busy as Mamita's beach club but it still possesses cool beach clubs, a rental shop and a hotel.
Question:
Which of the following is true according to the passage?
Choices:
A. Playa Bmjas is close to Mazatlan and lies along the east coast of Mexico.
B. North Beach is the finest beach in the Yucatan Peninsula for its private location.
C. Tourists can rent some equipment at Xpu Ha Beach. which is as busy as others.
D. When a couple with children choose a beach. Playa la Audiencia is their best choice | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high18589.txt | Playa la Audiencia, Manzanillo
Playa la Audiencia is one of the most popular beaches in Manzanillo for families and one of the best beach spots along Mexico's Pacific coast Playa 1a Audiencia is a stunning little beach with a golden shoreline which overlooks the bay and offers great conditions for swimming, diving, and other cool water sports such as jet-skiing and kayaking. If you are a diving enthusiast, you'll definitely love spending time in Playa la Audiencia since its waters are shallow, calm and filled with rocks covered with corals.
Playa Brujas, Mazatlan
Playa Brujas is probably one of the best surfing spots in Mazatlan. Playa Brujas is located 20 minutes' drive from the heart of Mazatlan and it's a popular spot among local surfers. If you are a surfer looking to hit some waves along the west coast of Mexico, you'1l find Playa Brujas a very good spot to visit since Brujas possesses satisfactory waves all year round.
North Beach, Isla Mujeres
North Beach is one of the nicest beaches in Isla Muieres and it is one of Mexico's finest beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula. North Beach boasts a nice stretch of beach with white-powdery sand, warm turquoise waters and great diving spots.
The best bit about North Beach besides its private location is that the beach is iust minutes away by boat from Cancun, so you're never too far from Cancun's tourist attractions such as Wet n' Wild Paterpark and Xplor Eco Park. where you can enjoy caving adventures and zip-line rides.
Xpu Ha Beach
Xpu Ha Beach is located roughly between Tulum and Playa del Carmen and it is a nice spot for relaxing under the sun, walking and horseback riding. Xpu Ha is located along the stunning Riviera Maya and unlike other beaches along the Mexican Riviera, Xpu Ha Beach boasts a subtle beach club atmosphere. Xpu Ha Beach isn't as busy as Mamita's beach club but it still possesses cool beach clubs, a rental shop and a hotel. | [
"Playa Bmjas is close to Mazatlan and lies along the east coast of Mexico.",
"North Beach is the finest beach in the Yucatan Peninsula for its private location.",
"Tourists can rent some equipment at Xpu Ha Beach. which is as busy as others.",
"When a couple with children choose a beach. Playa la Audiencia is their best choice"
] |
With the new software Dasher, people can type with their eyes through _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
A report on a new software that enables eyes to do the typing appears in Wednesday's edition of the journal Nature. Replacing a keyboard or mouse, eye-scanning-cameras mounted on computers have become necessary tools for people without limbs or those affected with paralysis. The camera tracks the movement of the eye, allowing users to "type" on a virtual keyboard as they look at the screen. And now, researchers from the Cavendish Laboratory at prefix = st1 /CambridgeUniversitysay they have developed software that replaces the standard QWERTY keyboard layout with one that is nearly twice as efficient, more accurate and easier on the eyes. Called Dasher, the prototype program looks into the natural gaze of the eye and makes predictable words and phrases simpler to write. Any off-the-shelf camera capable of scanning eye movement can be used with Dasher, though the person must sit fairly still during the interaction.
The letters of the alphabet appear in a single column on the right of the screen, with an underline symbol to represent a space. Each letter is framed by a color1ed box. As the user looks at a particular letter on the right side of the screen and drags it to the left with their eye, another sub-alphabet column begins to emerge inside the box on the right-hand side, along with more letters framed in color1ed boxes. Dasher is designed to anticipate which letter will be needed, so although the successive sub-alphabet columns are initially very small, the letters or combination of letters that appear are most likely to be used next in that sequence. For example, if a person starts with the letter "h", the language models in Dasher will bring up "a" "e" "i" "o" and "u" in the sub-alphabet box, along with a few other possible combinations like "ello" to form the word "hello". Each box has a complete alphabet within it, though the first letters to appear have the highest probability of usage. The letters are then placed together to form a sentence on the left side of the screen.
Researchers say people will be able to write up to 25 words per minute with Dasher compared to on-screen keyboards, which they say average about 15 words per minute. With a bit of practice, MacKay said, Dasher offers an easier and more satisfying way for disabled people to communicate, providing them with better tools to write e-mail or create word processor files. Mackay said Dasher could work in most languages.
Question:
With the new software Dasher, people can type with their eyes through _ .
Choices:
A. a computer screen with eye-scanning sensors
B. an eye-scanning camera on computer
C. a color1ed box attached to the computer
D. a regular keyboard with sensors | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high22219.txt | A report on a new software that enables eyes to do the typing appears in Wednesday's edition of the journal Nature. Replacing a keyboard or mouse, eye-scanning-cameras mounted on computers have become necessary tools for people without limbs or those affected with paralysis. The camera tracks the movement of the eye, allowing users to "type" on a virtual keyboard as they look at the screen. And now, researchers from the Cavendish Laboratory at prefix = st1 /CambridgeUniversitysay they have developed software that replaces the standard QWERTY keyboard layout with one that is nearly twice as efficient, more accurate and easier on the eyes. Called Dasher, the prototype program looks into the natural gaze of the eye and makes predictable words and phrases simpler to write. Any off-the-shelf camera capable of scanning eye movement can be used with Dasher, though the person must sit fairly still during the interaction.
The letters of the alphabet appear in a single column on the right of the screen, with an underline symbol to represent a space. Each letter is framed by a color1ed box. As the user looks at a particular letter on the right side of the screen and drags it to the left with their eye, another sub-alphabet column begins to emerge inside the box on the right-hand side, along with more letters framed in color1ed boxes. Dasher is designed to anticipate which letter will be needed, so although the successive sub-alphabet columns are initially very small, the letters or combination of letters that appear are most likely to be used next in that sequence. For example, if a person starts with the letter "h", the language models in Dasher will bring up "a" "e" "i" "o" and "u" in the sub-alphabet box, along with a few other possible combinations like "ello" to form the word "hello". Each box has a complete alphabet within it, though the first letters to appear have the highest probability of usage. The letters are then placed together to form a sentence on the left side of the screen.
Researchers say people will be able to write up to 25 words per minute with Dasher compared to on-screen keyboards, which they say average about 15 words per minute. With a bit of practice, MacKay said, Dasher offers an easier and more satisfying way for disabled people to communicate, providing them with better tools to write e-mail or create word processor files. Mackay said Dasher could work in most languages. | [
"a computer screen with eye-scanning sensors",
"an eye-scanning camera on computer",
"a color1ed box attached to the computer",
"a regular keyboard with sensors"
] |
One hundred people attended a party. Fifty percent of the attendees are women, thirty-five percent of them are men, and the rest are children. How many children attended the party? | Out of 100 attendees, 100 x 50/100 = <<100*50/100=50>>50 are women.
While 100 x 35/100 = <<100*35/100=35>>35 are men.
So there were a total of 50 + 35 = <<50+35=85>>85 men and women who attended the party.
Thus, 100 - 85 = <<100-85=15>>15 children attended the party.
#### 15 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | One hundred people attended a party. Fifty percent of the attendees are women, thirty-five percent of them are men, and the rest are children. How many children attended the party? | Out of 100 attendees, 100 x 50/100 = <<100*50/100=50>>50 are women.
While 100 x 35/100 = <<100*35/100=35>>35 are men.
So there were a total of 50 + 35 = <<50+35=85>>85 men and women who attended the party.
Thus, 100 - 85 = <<100-85=15>>15 children attended the party.
#### 15 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Concentration of what, the substance left behind when ocean water evaporates, is about 3.5 percent? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | Concentration of what, the substance left behind when ocean water evaporates, is about 3.5 percent? | salts | science | null | null | null | quartz | hydrogen | sugar | salts | Dissolved mineral salts wash into the ocean. As ocean water evaporates, it leaves the salts behind. This makes the water saltier. Ocean water is about 3.5 percent salts. The main salt is sodium chloride. | null | null | null |
Which way is not mentioned in the passage to input characters on the phone? | A | 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:
Which way is not mentioned in the passage to input characters on the phone?
Choices:
A. Taking pictures.
B. Using a kind of alphabet-based input system.
C. Spelling out the sounds of the characters.
D. Using their fingers as pens to write. | Answer: A | 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. | [
"Taking pictures.",
"Using a kind of alphabet-based input system.",
"Spelling out the sounds of the characters.",
"Using their fingers as pens to write."
] |
Who gives Steven money every week? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Steven is six years old. He gets some money from his mother every week. He buys a lot of things from the shops, but he doesn't really need them, and he puts them everywhere. One day his mother gives him a notebook and says, "Now, Steven, when you buy things, write their names down in the notebook, and also write down how much they are. Then you can look at it again when your money is all gone , and you don't waste so much money next time."
After a week, Steven says to his mother, "Do you know, Mum, before I spend any money now, I really stop and think!" His mother is very happy and thinks, "Well, my son knows the value of money now." But then she hears him say, "Mum, before I buy something, I always ask myself, 'Can I spell that word and put it down in my notebook?' "
Question:
Who gives Steven money every week?
Choices:
A. His father.
B. His mother.
C. His teacher.
D. His parents. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle6308.txt | Steven is six years old. He gets some money from his mother every week. He buys a lot of things from the shops, but he doesn't really need them, and he puts them everywhere. One day his mother gives him a notebook and says, "Now, Steven, when you buy things, write their names down in the notebook, and also write down how much they are. Then you can look at it again when your money is all gone , and you don't waste so much money next time."
After a week, Steven says to his mother, "Do you know, Mum, before I spend any money now, I really stop and think!" His mother is very happy and thinks, "Well, my son knows the value of money now." But then she hears him say, "Mum, before I buy something, I always ask myself, 'Can I spell that word and put it down in my notebook?' " | [
"His father.",
"His mother.",
"His teacher.",
"His parents."
] |
The horse thought _ was the most important on the farm. | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, I'm Roy, and this is my show. This is a television show for all families, and I know you'll enjoy it.
Let's start with a story. Once there was a proud pig on a farm. He thought he was the most important of all the animals on the farm. But it was not enough that he himself thought this: he had to be sure that other animals thought it, too. So he went up to a chicken and asked, "Who is the most important animal on the farm?" The chicken answered, "You are, Mr. Pig." Then he asked a dog, and he got the same answer.
Next, he asked a cow. When the cow seemed _ of the right answer, the pig looked angry, and showed his teeth, "Oh, you are, of course, Mr. Pig." said the cow. "Of course," the pig said, "there is no doubt about it. "
At last the pig asked a big horse the same question. The horse lifted one foot, rolled the pig over and placed his foot on the pig's head. "I think you know the answer now." said the horse.
Question:
The horse thought _ was the most important on the farm.
Choices:
A. nobody
B. the pig
C. the cow
D. he himself | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high9952.txt | Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, I'm Roy, and this is my show. This is a television show for all families, and I know you'll enjoy it.
Let's start with a story. Once there was a proud pig on a farm. He thought he was the most important of all the animals on the farm. But it was not enough that he himself thought this: he had to be sure that other animals thought it, too. So he went up to a chicken and asked, "Who is the most important animal on the farm?" The chicken answered, "You are, Mr. Pig." Then he asked a dog, and he got the same answer.
Next, he asked a cow. When the cow seemed _ of the right answer, the pig looked angry, and showed his teeth, "Oh, you are, of course, Mr. Pig." said the cow. "Of course," the pig said, "there is no doubt about it. "
At last the pig asked a big horse the same question. The horse lifted one foot, rolled the pig over and placed his foot on the pig's head. "I think you know the answer now." said the horse. | [
"nobody",
"the pig",
"the cow",
"he himself"
] |
The best title for the passage is _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Millions of children in the United States go to summer camps. Some go to play outdoors at traditional camps in the woods, in the mountains or on lakes. But families now have many choices of special camps. These can be in the middle of nature or a big city. Special camps offer young people the chance to learn about different subjects: anything from space exploration to business to medicine.
In technology camps, one subject that children can learn about is video game design. They learn how to use computer programs to create games of their own. One program that teaches video game design is called Cybercamps. Children can learn how to design their own virtual worlds to set their video game in. Then, they program their own rules and objects into the game.
Cybercamps also offers courses in robot building and Web design. A recent story in the Washington Post described how one child made a robot that could sing a song. Another made a robot that could follow a black line drawn on a piece of cardboard. Also, children can learn how to make Web sites. One child made a site for Pokemon, one of his favourite cartoon shows.
Question:
The best title for the passage is _ .
Choices:
A. Traditional camps
B. Special camps
C. Summer camps
D. Summer holiday | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle8277.txt | Millions of children in the United States go to summer camps. Some go to play outdoors at traditional camps in the woods, in the mountains or on lakes. But families now have many choices of special camps. These can be in the middle of nature or a big city. Special camps offer young people the chance to learn about different subjects: anything from space exploration to business to medicine.
In technology camps, one subject that children can learn about is video game design. They learn how to use computer programs to create games of their own. One program that teaches video game design is called Cybercamps. Children can learn how to design their own virtual worlds to set their video game in. Then, they program their own rules and objects into the game.
Cybercamps also offers courses in robot building and Web design. A recent story in the Washington Post described how one child made a robot that could sing a song. Another made a robot that could follow a black line drawn on a piece of cardboard. Also, children can learn how to make Web sites. One child made a site for Pokemon, one of his favourite cartoon shows. | [
"Traditional camps",
"Special camps",
"Summer camps",
"Summer holiday"
] |
The passage tries to show us _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
George, when your big brother and your little dog and I walked you up to school today, you had no idea how I was feeling.
You were so excited. You had packed and unpacked your pencils and safety scissors in your backpack a dozen times. I am really going to miss those lazy mornings when we waved your brother and sister off to school.
Because you are my youngest, I had learned a few things by the time you came along. I found out that the seemingly endless days of babyhood are gone like lightning. I blinked , and your siblings were setting off for school as eagerly as you did this morning, I was one of the lucky ones; I could choose whether to work or not. By the time it was your turn, _ . A splash in the pool with you in your bright red boots or "just one more" rereading of your favorite book, Frog and Toad Are Friends, meant more. You didn't go to preschool and I hope that doesn't hold you back. You learned numbers by helping me count the soda cans we returned to the store.
I have to admit that in my mind's eye, an image of myself while you're in school has developed, I see myself updating all the photo albums and starting that novel I always wanted to write. As the summer wound down and more frequent quarrels erupted between you and your siblings, I was looking forward to today. And then this morning, I walked you up the steep hill to your classroom and you gave me one of your characteristically fierce, too-tight hugs. This time you were ready to let go before I was.
Maybe someday you will deliver a kindergartner to the first day of school. When you turn at the door to wave good-bye, he or she will be too deep in conversation with a new friend to notice. Even as you smile, you'll feel something warm on your cheek.
Question:
The passage tries to show us _ .
Choices:
A. how excited a child will be on his first day to school
B. how deeply a mother loves her child
C. how many efforts a mother has made to raise a child
D. how a mother plans her future life after her children go to school | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high521.txt | George, when your big brother and your little dog and I walked you up to school today, you had no idea how I was feeling.
You were so excited. You had packed and unpacked your pencils and safety scissors in your backpack a dozen times. I am really going to miss those lazy mornings when we waved your brother and sister off to school.
Because you are my youngest, I had learned a few things by the time you came along. I found out that the seemingly endless days of babyhood are gone like lightning. I blinked , and your siblings were setting off for school as eagerly as you did this morning, I was one of the lucky ones; I could choose whether to work or not. By the time it was your turn, _ . A splash in the pool with you in your bright red boots or "just one more" rereading of your favorite book, Frog and Toad Are Friends, meant more. You didn't go to preschool and I hope that doesn't hold you back. You learned numbers by helping me count the soda cans we returned to the store.
I have to admit that in my mind's eye, an image of myself while you're in school has developed, I see myself updating all the photo albums and starting that novel I always wanted to write. As the summer wound down and more frequent quarrels erupted between you and your siblings, I was looking forward to today. And then this morning, I walked you up the steep hill to your classroom and you gave me one of your characteristically fierce, too-tight hugs. This time you were ready to let go before I was.
Maybe someday you will deliver a kindergartner to the first day of school. When you turn at the door to wave good-bye, he or she will be too deep in conversation with a new friend to notice. Even as you smile, you'll feel something warm on your cheek. | [
"how excited a child will be on his first day to school",
"how deeply a mother loves her child",
"how many efforts a mother has made to raise a child",
"how a mother plans her future life after her children go to school"
] |
Does Xiao Qing know the way to the Capital Stadium? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Xiao Qing is a schoolboy. His brother works in a hospital of Beijing. This summer his brother lets him come to Beijing. Xiao Qing is very happy. He comes to the hospital for the first time.
One evening, Xiao Qing's brother gives him a ticket for a football match. It begins in the Capital Stadium at eight clock in the evening.
Xiao Qing likes to watch football matches very much, but he doesn't know the way to the Capital Stadium. He asks a young man at the bus stop, "How much is the ticket to the Capital Stadium?" "Three yuan." Answers the young man.
Xiao Qing finds only two yuan in his pocket. He has to run to the next stop. When the bus comes to the stop, he sees the young man again. He asks the young man, "Now how much is the ticket?"
"Four yuan," the young man says with a smile. " You run in a contrary direction."
Question:
Does Xiao Qing know the way to the Capital Stadium?
Choices:
A. I think so.
B. I don't know.
C. Yes, he does.
D. No, he doesn't. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle3793.txt | Xiao Qing is a schoolboy. His brother works in a hospital of Beijing. This summer his brother lets him come to Beijing. Xiao Qing is very happy. He comes to the hospital for the first time.
One evening, Xiao Qing's brother gives him a ticket for a football match. It begins in the Capital Stadium at eight clock in the evening.
Xiao Qing likes to watch football matches very much, but he doesn't know the way to the Capital Stadium. He asks a young man at the bus stop, "How much is the ticket to the Capital Stadium?" "Three yuan." Answers the young man.
Xiao Qing finds only two yuan in his pocket. He has to run to the next stop. When the bus comes to the stop, he sees the young man again. He asks the young man, "Now how much is the ticket?"
"Four yuan," the young man says with a smile. " You run in a contrary direction." | [
"I think so.",
"I don't know.",
"Yes, he does.",
"No, he doesn't."
] |
He watches TV or reads newspapers _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Mr Green is a teacher of English. He comes from America. He teaches English in China. He speaks English quite well.
He reads a lot of books and his wife Mrs Green often writes books for the students. He gets up at five in the morning. He leaves home at ten to six. He begins the first lesson at 8:00. He teaches English every day except Sunday. At ten to twelve he finishes his lessons. Ten minutes later he has lunch.
In the afternoon he often plays games with his students at about four o'clock. Sometimes he teaches his students in his room. Supper time is at about six. After that he reads newspapers and watches TV. At about ten to eleven he goes to bed.
Question:
He watches TV or reads newspapers _ .
Choices:
A. at six
B. after supper
C. before supper
D. in the afternoon | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle4514.txt | Mr Green is a teacher of English. He comes from America. He teaches English in China. He speaks English quite well.
He reads a lot of books and his wife Mrs Green often writes books for the students. He gets up at five in the morning. He leaves home at ten to six. He begins the first lesson at 8:00. He teaches English every day except Sunday. At ten to twelve he finishes his lessons. Ten minutes later he has lunch.
In the afternoon he often plays games with his students at about four o'clock. Sometimes he teaches his students in his room. Supper time is at about six. After that he reads newspapers and watches TV. At about ten to eleven he goes to bed. | [
"at six",
"after supper",
"before supper",
"in the afternoon"
] |
What kind of hormones are secreted by organs classified as gonads? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What kind of hormones are secreted by organs classified as gonads? | sex hormones | science | null | null | null | cortisol hormones | growth hormones | anterior hormones | sex hormones | The gonads secrete sex hormones. The male gonads are called testes. They secrete the male sex hormone testosterone. The female gonads are called ovaries. They secrete the female sex hormone estrogen. Sex hormones are involved in the changes of puberty. They also control the production of gametes by the gonads. | null | null | null |
What do we know about the author's mother? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
That summer an army of crickets started a war with my father. Dad cared for insects no more than Mamma, but he could tolerate a few living in the basement. Mamma was a city girl and she said a cricket was just too noisy. Then to support her point she wouldn't go to bed. She drank coffee and smoked my father's cigarettes and paced between the sofa and the TV. Next morning she threatened to pack up and leave, so Dad drove to the store and hurried back. He sprayed poison from a jug. When he was finished he told us that was the end of it.
For a couple of weeks we went back to find dead crickets in the laundry. He suggested that we'd all be better off to hide as many as we could from Mamma. I fed a few dozen to the cat who I didn't like because he scratched for no reason.
However,soon live crickets started showing up in the kitchen and bathroom. Mamma was upest because she thought they were the dead crickets coming back,but Dad said these were certainly new ones. He fetched his jug of posion and sprayed all over until the whole house smelled of posion, and then he sprayed the basement again.
A couple of weeks later, when both live and dead crickets kept turning up, Dad emptied the basement of junk. Then he burned a lot of old newspapers and magazines which he said the crickets had turned into nests.
While we ate supper that evening, the wind lifted some flames onto the wood pile. The only gasoline was in the lawn mower's fuel tank but that was enough to create an explosion big enough to reach the house. Once the roof caught, there wasn't much anyone could do.
After the fire trucks left, Mamma took the others to Aunt Gail's. I helped Dad and Uncle Burt carry things out of the house and pile them by the road. We worked into the night and we didn't talk much, while all around the noise of crickets broke our silence.
Question:
What do we know about the author's mother?
Choices:
A. She didn't like insects at all.
B. She liked insects more than his father.
C. She cared for insects very much.
D. She could only tolerate a few insects. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high5844.txt | That summer an army of crickets started a war with my father. Dad cared for insects no more than Mamma, but he could tolerate a few living in the basement. Mamma was a city girl and she said a cricket was just too noisy. Then to support her point she wouldn't go to bed. She drank coffee and smoked my father's cigarettes and paced between the sofa and the TV. Next morning she threatened to pack up and leave, so Dad drove to the store and hurried back. He sprayed poison from a jug. When he was finished he told us that was the end of it.
For a couple of weeks we went back to find dead crickets in the laundry. He suggested that we'd all be better off to hide as many as we could from Mamma. I fed a few dozen to the cat who I didn't like because he scratched for no reason.
However,soon live crickets started showing up in the kitchen and bathroom. Mamma was upest because she thought they were the dead crickets coming back,but Dad said these were certainly new ones. He fetched his jug of posion and sprayed all over until the whole house smelled of posion, and then he sprayed the basement again.
A couple of weeks later, when both live and dead crickets kept turning up, Dad emptied the basement of junk. Then he burned a lot of old newspapers and magazines which he said the crickets had turned into nests.
While we ate supper that evening, the wind lifted some flames onto the wood pile. The only gasoline was in the lawn mower's fuel tank but that was enough to create an explosion big enough to reach the house. Once the roof caught, there wasn't much anyone could do.
After the fire trucks left, Mamma took the others to Aunt Gail's. I helped Dad and Uncle Burt carry things out of the house and pile them by the road. We worked into the night and we didn't talk much, while all around the noise of crickets broke our silence. | [
"She didn't like insects at all.",
"She liked insects more than his father.",
"She cared for insects very much.",
"She could only tolerate a few insects."
] |
What is the passage mainly about? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
"What If" questions can help you think about what to do in case something should happen. There are no fight answers because every case is different.Use the questions with your parents or with friends and decide what you think might work? Think of your own solutions and make up new"What If"questions to answer.
1 ) You are walking to school and a gang of alder bullies(person who uses his strength or power to frighten or hurt weaker people) demands your money
Do you:
a.Shout and run away?
b.Give them the money?
Give them the money(or other possessions)your safety is more impoaant than money.
2) You are in the school toilet and an older student comes in,beats you and then tells you not to do anything or'you'II get worse'.You know who the person is and you have never done anything to him/her.Do you:
a.Wait until the person leaves and then tell a teacher?
b.Get it a fight with him/her?
c.Accept what happened and don't tell?
Tell the teacher--you didn't deserve to be beaten and the bully was wrong to do it.If you don't tell,the bully will just keep on beating up other kids.
3) A gang of bullies gets you alone and starts beating you.Do you:
a.Do nothing--just take it?
b.Fight back?
e.Shout to attract attention?
d.Watch for your chance and run away?
You must decide.but c.&. d.together could work very well.It would be quite difficult to
a whole gang of bullies and you might be hurt badly if you did.
4) Someone in your class always makes rude comments about you and says them loud enough for you(and others)to hear.It really upsets you.Do you:
a.Ignore the comments?
b.Face the bully and tell him/her off?
c.Tell the teacher?
d.Hit the bully on the nose?
You may feel like beating the bully,but you'll probably be the one to get into trouble if you do. Try a .first--ignoring comments is difficult,but can work if the bully gets tired of trying to get you to be angry or cry or show some reaction.Your teacher should be told about the comments
because no one should make hurtful comments to others.If you are feeling brave,tell the bully of
Try practicing in the mirror to get the right effect !
Question:
What is the passage mainly about?
Choices:
A. The bully's behaviors.
B. The questions the students meet.
C. The solutions to the students'questions.
D. The advice on how to fight against the bully. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high23511.txt | "What If" questions can help you think about what to do in case something should happen. There are no fight answers because every case is different.Use the questions with your parents or with friends and decide what you think might work? Think of your own solutions and make up new"What If"questions to answer.
1 ) You are walking to school and a gang of alder bullies(person who uses his strength or power to frighten or hurt weaker people) demands your money
Do you:
a.Shout and run away?
b.Give them the money?
Give them the money(or other possessions)your safety is more impoaant than money.
2) You are in the school toilet and an older student comes in,beats you and then tells you not to do anything or'you'II get worse'.You know who the person is and you have never done anything to him/her.Do you:
a.Wait until the person leaves and then tell a teacher?
b.Get it a fight with him/her?
c.Accept what happened and don't tell?
Tell the teacher--you didn't deserve to be beaten and the bully was wrong to do it.If you don't tell,the bully will just keep on beating up other kids.
3) A gang of bullies gets you alone and starts beating you.Do you:
a.Do nothing--just take it?
b.Fight back?
e.Shout to attract attention?
d.Watch for your chance and run away?
You must decide.but c.&. d.together could work very well.It would be quite difficult to
a whole gang of bullies and you might be hurt badly if you did.
4) Someone in your class always makes rude comments about you and says them loud enough for you(and others)to hear.It really upsets you.Do you:
a.Ignore the comments?
b.Face the bully and tell him/her off?
c.Tell the teacher?
d.Hit the bully on the nose?
You may feel like beating the bully,but you'll probably be the one to get into trouble if you do. Try a .first--ignoring comments is difficult,but can work if the bully gets tired of trying to get you to be angry or cry or show some reaction.Your teacher should be told about the comments
because no one should make hurtful comments to others.If you are feeling brave,tell the bully of
Try practicing in the mirror to get the right effect ! | [
"The bully's behaviors.",
"The questions the students meet.",
"The solutions to the students'questions.",
"The advice on how to fight against the bully."
] |
What is the color of the powder of a mineral called? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What is the color of the powder of a mineral called? | streak | science | null | null | null | hue | dye | pigment | streak | Streak is the color of the powder of a mineral. To do a streak test, you scrape the mineral across an unglazed porcelain plate. The plate is harder than many minerals, causing the minerals to leave a streak of powder on the plate. The color of the streak often differs from the color of the larger mineral sample ( Figure below ). Yellow-gold pyrite has a blackish streak. This blackish streak tells you that the mineral is not gold, because gold has a gold-colored streak. | null | null | null |
Tibet is a perfect place for the bike tour _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Tibet is in the southwest of China. It is the home to many natural wonders, such as valleys, mountains, lakes and even deserts. Tibet is very large, so it is perfect for traveling, especially the bike tour .
You can start the wonderful bike tour in Tibet's capital, Lhasa. It is 3600 metres above the sea level. It's very high, isn't it? So it is important to spend a few days there to get used to the thin air there, or you may feel sick and get hurt. The bike tour will pass rivers, large open grassland and high mountains, including the world's famous Mount Everest .
After finishing the bike tour, people will feel quite successful. They will also have hundreds of photos of the wonderful places.
Question:
Tibet is a perfect place for the bike tour _ .
Choices:
A. because of the old people there
B. because bike is cheap
C. because it is very rich
D. because it is large | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle1900.txt | Tibet is in the southwest of China. It is the home to many natural wonders, such as valleys, mountains, lakes and even deserts. Tibet is very large, so it is perfect for traveling, especially the bike tour .
You can start the wonderful bike tour in Tibet's capital, Lhasa. It is 3600 metres above the sea level. It's very high, isn't it? So it is important to spend a few days there to get used to the thin air there, or you may feel sick and get hurt. The bike tour will pass rivers, large open grassland and high mountains, including the world's famous Mount Everest .
After finishing the bike tour, people will feel quite successful. They will also have hundreds of photos of the wonderful places. | [
"because of the old people there",
"because bike is cheap",
"because it is very rich",
"because it is large"
] |
Which would be the best title for the text? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Between 10,000 and 15,000 years ago, some humans discontinued their wandering hunting and gathering and settled down to farm. Grain was the first domesticated crop that started that farming process.
The oldest proven records of brewing are about 6,000 years old and refer to the Sumerians. Sumeria lay between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers including Southern Mesopotamia. It is said that the Sumerians discovered the fermentation process by chance. No one knows today exactly how this occurred, but it could be that a piece of bread or grain became wet and a short time later, it began to ferment.
The Sumerians were able to repeat this process and are assumed to be the first civilized culture to brew beer. They had discovered a "divine drink" which certainly was a gift from the gods. The word beer comes from the Latin word bibere, meaning "to drink", and the Spanish word cerveza originates from the Greek goddess of agriculture, Ceres.
A vitamin-rich porridge, used daily, beer is reported to have increased health and longevity and reduced disease and malnutrition . The self-medicating properties of alcohol-rich beer also eased the tensions and stresses of daily living in a hostile world. The use of yeast was not yet known at that time. The success of the fermentation process was left to chance, as the brewers unknowingly relied on yeast particles in the air.
Considerable scientific research took place in breweries in the 19th century. A famous work from 1876 by Louis Pasteur was Studies Concerning Beer where he revealed his knowledge of micro-organisms. By establishing that yeast is a living microorganism, Pasteur opened the gates for accurately controlling the conversion of sugar to alcohol.
Another discovery in beer brewing was the work of Christian Hansen, a Danish scientist, who successfully isolated a single yeast cell and induced it to reproduce on an artificial culture medium. With the resulting yeast multiplication methods, the purity of the fermenting process has been improved.
Question:
Which would be the best title for the text?
Choices:
A. The beer culture.
B. The history of beer.
C. The earliest brewery.
D. Methods of brewing beer. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high1015.txt | Between 10,000 and 15,000 years ago, some humans discontinued their wandering hunting and gathering and settled down to farm. Grain was the first domesticated crop that started that farming process.
The oldest proven records of brewing are about 6,000 years old and refer to the Sumerians. Sumeria lay between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers including Southern Mesopotamia. It is said that the Sumerians discovered the fermentation process by chance. No one knows today exactly how this occurred, but it could be that a piece of bread or grain became wet and a short time later, it began to ferment.
The Sumerians were able to repeat this process and are assumed to be the first civilized culture to brew beer. They had discovered a "divine drink" which certainly was a gift from the gods. The word beer comes from the Latin word bibere, meaning "to drink", and the Spanish word cerveza originates from the Greek goddess of agriculture, Ceres.
A vitamin-rich porridge, used daily, beer is reported to have increased health and longevity and reduced disease and malnutrition . The self-medicating properties of alcohol-rich beer also eased the tensions and stresses of daily living in a hostile world. The use of yeast was not yet known at that time. The success of the fermentation process was left to chance, as the brewers unknowingly relied on yeast particles in the air.
Considerable scientific research took place in breweries in the 19th century. A famous work from 1876 by Louis Pasteur was Studies Concerning Beer where he revealed his knowledge of micro-organisms. By establishing that yeast is a living microorganism, Pasteur opened the gates for accurately controlling the conversion of sugar to alcohol.
Another discovery in beer brewing was the work of Christian Hansen, a Danish scientist, who successfully isolated a single yeast cell and induced it to reproduce on an artificial culture medium. With the resulting yeast multiplication methods, the purity of the fermenting process has been improved. | [
"The beer culture.",
"The history of beer.",
"The earliest brewery.",
"Methods of brewing beer."
] |
What kind of process occurs naturally under certain conditions, unlike its opposite, which will not take place unless it is “driven” by the continual input of energy from an external source? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What kind of process occurs naturally under certain conditions, unlike its opposite, which will not take place unless it is “driven” by the continual input of energy from an external source? | spontaneous process | science | null | null | null | activation process | controlled process | noticeable process | spontaneous process | Spontaneous and Nonspontaneous Processes Processes have a natural tendency to occur in one direction under a given set of conditions. Water will naturally flow downhill, but uphill flow requires outside intervention such as the use of a pump. Iron exposed to the earth’s atmosphere will corrode, but rust is not converted to iron without intentional chemical treatment. A spontaneous process is one that occurs naturally under certain conditions. A nonspontaneous process, on the other hand, will not take place unless it is “driven” by the continual input of energy from an external source. A process that is spontaneous in one direction under a particular set of conditions is nonspontaneous in the reverse direction. At room temperature and typical atmospheric pressure, for example, ice will spontaneously melt, but water will not spontaneously freeze. The spontaneity of a process is not correlated to the speed of the process. A spontaneous change may be so rapid that it is essentially instantaneous or so slow that it cannot be observed over any practical period of time. To illustrate this concept, consider the decay of radioactive isotopes, a topic more thoroughly treated in the chapter on nuclear chemistry. Radioactive decay is by definition a spontaneous process in which the nuclei of unstable isotopes emit radiation as they are converted to more stable nuclei. All the decay processes occur spontaneously, but the rates at which different isotopes decay vary widely. Technetium-99m is a popular radioisotope for medical imaging studies that undergoes relatively rapid decay and exhibits a half-life of about six hours. Uranium-238 is the most abundant isotope of uranium, and its decay occurs much more slowly, exhibiting a half-life of more than four billion years (Figure 16.2). | null | null | null |
It can be inferred from the passage that _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
A global positioning system(GPS)service is aiding the elderly in the Panlong district of Kunming,capital of Southwest China's Yunnan province.
The telecommunications service provider,with the support o,f the local govemment,started the GPS tracking service in January to help the elderly,especially those with Alzheimer's disease,a condition that slowly destroys memory.
Huang Haiying,an employee with a local telecommunications company,told China Daily that with the GPS devices ,the people who look after the elderly can quickly find their positions either online or by ca l l ing the service center in case ot emergencles.
The system is also connected to the police,hospitals,fire services and community service centers to ensure that the elderly get quick and proper help,Huang said.
Experts said that this service could improve the quality of life for thousands of elderly people with Alzheimer's,their families and those who look after them.
Hundreds of people have already been helped by the service this year,Huang said.
Huang said that the system has about 1 0,000 subscribers and she expects that number to grow 1 0 times over the next three years.A user pays 25 yuan($4)each month for the service.A family with an income below the local poverty line can get a 10 yuan subsidy evcry month from the government.
The local government has spent more than 2 million yuan to subsidize the service to date.
Rao Yuehui,director of the Panlong civil affairs department,said that about 90,000 people,or 15.4 percent of the district'S population,are more than.60 years old.
He Xiangqun,an official with the Yunnan provincial civil affairs department,said that this means that the population meets international standards classifying it, as an aging society as defined by the United Nations.
Question:
It can be inferred from the passage that _ .
Choices:
A. the life quality of'the elderly in th.e Panlong district is pretty good
B. the government will spend 2 million yuan updating the GPS service
C. the city of Kunming has a population of about 600,000 people
D. about 600,000 people in Panlong are over sixty years 01d | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high21575.txt | A global positioning system(GPS)service is aiding the elderly in the Panlong district of Kunming,capital of Southwest China's Yunnan province.
The telecommunications service provider,with the support o,f the local govemment,started the GPS tracking service in January to help the elderly,especially those with Alzheimer's disease,a condition that slowly destroys memory.
Huang Haiying,an employee with a local telecommunications company,told China Daily that with the GPS devices ,the people who look after the elderly can quickly find their positions either online or by ca l l ing the service center in case ot emergencles.
The system is also connected to the police,hospitals,fire services and community service centers to ensure that the elderly get quick and proper help,Huang said.
Experts said that this service could improve the quality of life for thousands of elderly people with Alzheimer's,their families and those who look after them.
Hundreds of people have already been helped by the service this year,Huang said.
Huang said that the system has about 1 0,000 subscribers and she expects that number to grow 1 0 times over the next three years.A user pays 25 yuan($4)each month for the service.A family with an income below the local poverty line can get a 10 yuan subsidy evcry month from the government.
The local government has spent more than 2 million yuan to subsidize the service to date.
Rao Yuehui,director of the Panlong civil affairs department,said that about 90,000 people,or 15.4 percent of the district'S population,are more than.60 years old.
He Xiangqun,an official with the Yunnan provincial civil affairs department,said that this means that the population meets international standards classifying it, as an aging society as defined by the United Nations. | [
"the life quality of'the elderly in th.e Panlong district is pretty good",
"the government will spend 2 million yuan updating the GPS service",
"the city of Kunming has a population of about 600,000 people",
"about 600,000 people in Panlong are over sixty years 01d"
] |
The writer writes the text to _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
I like watching TV very much, for I think it has many advantages . First of all, watching TV is a good rest(;). After a day of hard work, we need a good rest. Watching TV can make our mind and body not tired any more because of the pleasant music and TV plays. Besides , watching TV is entertaining . There are many kinds of entertainment, such as sports activities, singing and dancing, plays and films all over the world at every time. It's not possible for us to go to every place to enjoy all the activities within a short time. We need at least over ten hours to fly from New York to Paris, a week by train from Beijing to Moscow and an hour to drive from Queens District to Manhattan District.)But within just one second, TV can bring us from an NBA game in New York to a fashion show in Paris by changing the channels .
Most importantly, watching TV is educational. Our children can learn every kind of subjects through the educational programs and the special reports on TV, and it's easy for them to learn Chinese from a Chinese teacher in Beijing and to learn Russian lessons from a Russian teacher in Moscow. At the same time, a teacher can teach quite a lot of students without a large classroom.
Question:
The writer writes the text to _ .
Choices:
A. persuade us to buy a TV
B. tell her ideas about TV
C. introduce some TV programs
D. tell us how to learn from TV | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle7219.txt | I like watching TV very much, for I think it has many advantages . First of all, watching TV is a good rest(;). After a day of hard work, we need a good rest. Watching TV can make our mind and body not tired any more because of the pleasant music and TV plays. Besides , watching TV is entertaining . There are many kinds of entertainment, such as sports activities, singing and dancing, plays and films all over the world at every time. It's not possible for us to go to every place to enjoy all the activities within a short time. We need at least over ten hours to fly from New York to Paris, a week by train from Beijing to Moscow and an hour to drive from Queens District to Manhattan District.)But within just one second, TV can bring us from an NBA game in New York to a fashion show in Paris by changing the channels .
Most importantly, watching TV is educational. Our children can learn every kind of subjects through the educational programs and the special reports on TV, and it's easy for them to learn Chinese from a Chinese teacher in Beijing and to learn Russian lessons from a Russian teacher in Moscow. At the same time, a teacher can teach quite a lot of students without a large classroom. | [
"persuade us to buy a TV",
"tell her ideas about TV",
"introduce some TV programs",
"tell us how to learn from TV"
] |
This passage is mainly about _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Hong Kong businesses hit by nearly two months of illegal street occupations breathed a collective sigh of relief on Wednesday. Police finally cleared illegal protesters camped at the main intersection in the Mong Kok district, arresting two student leaders.
More than 7,000 officers backed bailiffs (,)clearing occupied sections of Argyle Street and Nathan Road. The two-day operation saw 148 people arrested for various offenses, including contempt of court, resisting arrest, possession of offensive weapons, unlawful gathering and attacking police.
The Chief Leader Stephen Hui said 22 officers were injured during the clearances.
Police used pepper spray and batons to keep protesters from reclaiming cleared roads and from spreading the illegal occupation to neighboring streets.
Six-lane Nathan Road, which goes through the heart of Kowloon, was cleared after nearly five hours. However, comments on the Internet said protesters were looking to reoccupy roads later in the evening.
This week's actions mark the first time the authorities have successfully cleared one of the three main protest sites, which sprang up after demonstrators seized key intersections in late September to press for unconstitutional reforms.
Contractor Kwan Sui-sum, 55, said he wished the Nathan Road clearance had come earlier, as he has had to pay HK$20,000 ($2,580) after the protesters delayed building reconstruction work. The owner of the Chung Hing Duty Free drug store was cautiously optimistic and eager for his store at the corner of the cleared intersection to get back to business. Sales dropped by 40 percent during the occupation, he said.
"I'm not worried about the guess that the protesters will return. I trust in Hong Kong's rule of law and in the police," the man said, who wished to remain unknown as he fears attack from protesters.
But five stores at a cleared site owned by jewelry chain Chow Tai Fook were still closed hours later. A company spokesman said the outlets will remain shut while it continues to monitor the situation.
Question:
This passage is mainly about _ .
Choices:
A. Hong Kong businesses hit by nearly two months of illegal street occupations
B. the event that police cleared Hong Kong protest sites
C. shop owners who wished to remain unknown as he fears attack from protesters
D. Hong Kong citizens who doubt the police's clearances | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high10608.txt | Hong Kong businesses hit by nearly two months of illegal street occupations breathed a collective sigh of relief on Wednesday. Police finally cleared illegal protesters camped at the main intersection in the Mong Kok district, arresting two student leaders.
More than 7,000 officers backed bailiffs (,)clearing occupied sections of Argyle Street and Nathan Road. The two-day operation saw 148 people arrested for various offenses, including contempt of court, resisting arrest, possession of offensive weapons, unlawful gathering and attacking police.
The Chief Leader Stephen Hui said 22 officers were injured during the clearances.
Police used pepper spray and batons to keep protesters from reclaiming cleared roads and from spreading the illegal occupation to neighboring streets.
Six-lane Nathan Road, which goes through the heart of Kowloon, was cleared after nearly five hours. However, comments on the Internet said protesters were looking to reoccupy roads later in the evening.
This week's actions mark the first time the authorities have successfully cleared one of the three main protest sites, which sprang up after demonstrators seized key intersections in late September to press for unconstitutional reforms.
Contractor Kwan Sui-sum, 55, said he wished the Nathan Road clearance had come earlier, as he has had to pay HK$20,000 ($2,580) after the protesters delayed building reconstruction work. The owner of the Chung Hing Duty Free drug store was cautiously optimistic and eager for his store at the corner of the cleared intersection to get back to business. Sales dropped by 40 percent during the occupation, he said.
"I'm not worried about the guess that the protesters will return. I trust in Hong Kong's rule of law and in the police," the man said, who wished to remain unknown as he fears attack from protesters.
But five stores at a cleared site owned by jewelry chain Chow Tai Fook were still closed hours later. A company spokesman said the outlets will remain shut while it continues to monitor the situation. | [
"Hong Kong businesses hit by nearly two months of illegal street occupations",
"the event that police cleared Hong Kong protest sites",
"shop owners who wished to remain unknown as he fears attack from protesters",
"Hong Kong citizens who doubt the police's clearances"
] |
Solo travellers are now _ | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
More than 15 million Britons, many of them women, will holiday unaccompanied this year. And they will no longer be treated as second-class citizens. After 50 years of being slighted, ripped off, herded together and allocated the worst rooms in the hotel, the single traveller's time has finally come. Rather than being viewed as an awkward peculiarity in the standard couples-and-families "system", single travelers have become travel's fastest growing sector and a phenomenon that tour operators are falling over themselves to catch up with.
In one sense, the boom is the result of people postponing marriage and children. Approximately 39% of the adult British population--19 million people--is now single and the proportion of one-person households has increased from 18% in 1971 to 29% last year. The most significant growth of singles over the next few years is expected to be within the well-off, travel-hungry 25-34 age group.
The expansion in single travel is being increased by women. Women are just as happy as men to leave partner at home and head off on holiday. On adventure group trips single women constitute more than half of all travelers, and Internet agents report that 70% of their single clients are women.
Women today see being single as an opportunity to travel, rather than as an obstacle. The result is that travel companies are now attempting to work out new ways of attracting singles----a market worth PS10.4 billion. The number of specialist singles tour operators has risen from a couple to at least 10, but they face a growing challenge from mainstream operators, who now propose to target solo travelers with moves like abolishing single room supplements. At the moment, single travelers usually have to join a group, or pay more. As soon as we get beyond that, the singles market is going to take off to a completely new level.
Question:
Solo travellers are now _
Choices:
A. not being recognized
B. mainly aged 25-34
C. experiencing better service
D. not a profitable market | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high22034.txt | More than 15 million Britons, many of them women, will holiday unaccompanied this year. And they will no longer be treated as second-class citizens. After 50 years of being slighted, ripped off, herded together and allocated the worst rooms in the hotel, the single traveller's time has finally come. Rather than being viewed as an awkward peculiarity in the standard couples-and-families "system", single travelers have become travel's fastest growing sector and a phenomenon that tour operators are falling over themselves to catch up with.
In one sense, the boom is the result of people postponing marriage and children. Approximately 39% of the adult British population--19 million people--is now single and the proportion of one-person households has increased from 18% in 1971 to 29% last year. The most significant growth of singles over the next few years is expected to be within the well-off, travel-hungry 25-34 age group.
The expansion in single travel is being increased by women. Women are just as happy as men to leave partner at home and head off on holiday. On adventure group trips single women constitute more than half of all travelers, and Internet agents report that 70% of their single clients are women.
Women today see being single as an opportunity to travel, rather than as an obstacle. The result is that travel companies are now attempting to work out new ways of attracting singles----a market worth PS10.4 billion. The number of specialist singles tour operators has risen from a couple to at least 10, but they face a growing challenge from mainstream operators, who now propose to target solo travelers with moves like abolishing single room supplements. At the moment, single travelers usually have to join a group, or pay more. As soon as we get beyond that, the singles market is going to take off to a completely new level. | [
"not being recognized",
"mainly aged 25-34",
"experiencing better service",
"not a profitable market"
] |
Of the following statements, which we can't infer from the passage? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Scientists have transformed men's minds into avirtual woman's body in an experiment that could throw light upon how humans distinguish themselves form others.
In a study at Barcelona University, men wore a virtual reality headset that allowed them to see and hear the world as a female character. When they looked down, they could even see their new body and clothes.
The "body-swapping" effect was so convincing that the men's sense of self was transferred into the virtual woman, causing them to react to events in the virtual world they wereimmersed . "This work opens up another avenue for virtual reality, which is not just to transform your sense of place, but also your sense of self," said Mel Slater, "If you can temporarily give people the illusion that their bodies are different, then the evidence suggests it also affects their behavior and the way they think. They can have new experiences: a person who is thin can know what it is like to be fat. A man can have an experience of what it's like to be a woman."
During the experiment, a "female" approached and hit the face of the character another man was playing. "Their reaction was immediate," said Slate. "They would take in a quick breath and maybeflinch . The more people reported being in the girl's body, the stronger physical reaction they had." But in all cases, the feeling was temporary and lasted only as long as the study.
The study shows that our minds have a very fluid picture of our bodies. The research is expected to shed light on the puzzle of how our brain tells the difference between a part of our own body and something else in the wider world. Thus the work might improve the conditions for those who have experienced strokes by placing them in a world that helps them to use their bodies to the full again.
Question:
Of the following statements, which we can't infer from the passage?
Choices:
A. Men in the experiment can temporarily have the wrong feeling that they are women.
B. When hit, the men in the virtual world will react angrily to it.
C. As soon as the experiment is finished, the men will return to the normal state
D. Probably, this study can be applied to medical fields and benefit humans. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high3305.txt | Scientists have transformed men's minds into avirtual woman's body in an experiment that could throw light upon how humans distinguish themselves form others.
In a study at Barcelona University, men wore a virtual reality headset that allowed them to see and hear the world as a female character. When they looked down, they could even see their new body and clothes.
The "body-swapping" effect was so convincing that the men's sense of self was transferred into the virtual woman, causing them to react to events in the virtual world they wereimmersed . "This work opens up another avenue for virtual reality, which is not just to transform your sense of place, but also your sense of self," said Mel Slater, "If you can temporarily give people the illusion that their bodies are different, then the evidence suggests it also affects their behavior and the way they think. They can have new experiences: a person who is thin can know what it is like to be fat. A man can have an experience of what it's like to be a woman."
During the experiment, a "female" approached and hit the face of the character another man was playing. "Their reaction was immediate," said Slate. "They would take in a quick breath and maybeflinch . The more people reported being in the girl's body, the stronger physical reaction they had." But in all cases, the feeling was temporary and lasted only as long as the study.
The study shows that our minds have a very fluid picture of our bodies. The research is expected to shed light on the puzzle of how our brain tells the difference between a part of our own body and something else in the wider world. Thus the work might improve the conditions for those who have experienced strokes by placing them in a world that helps them to use their bodies to the full again. | [
"Men in the experiment can temporarily have the wrong feeling that they are women.",
"When hit, the men in the virtual world will react angrily to it.",
"As soon as the experiment is finished, the men will return to the normal state",
"Probably, this study can be applied to medical fields and benefit humans."
] |
From the passage we know in Japan the writer likes to live in _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Getting paid to talk about the World Cup is a great job. I'm not a football commentator , though-just an English teacher in Japan.
I come to Japan two years ago, and didn't think I would stay, but Japan has that effect on you. _ . I think it's best to teach in a bigger city where there are other foreigners to mix with, rather than a small town where English teachers often complain of feeling like a goldfish in a bowl. Many people choose to live in Tokyo, of course, which is good for the nightlife factor. But I'd say that for general quality of living, cities of neither too large nor too small, like Sapporo where I live, are better choices.
I teach English privately, which means I'm my own boss. If you want to devote yourself to private teaching, it's well worth doing a TEFL course first, because your lessons will be much better for it. The problem with private teaching is finding students; it took me a year to build up a full schedule of private lessons, so I started out teaching in schools part-time.
Most of my foreign friends here work full-time for big English conversation schools. The salary is fine to live on, but whether you can save money depends on how much going out and traveling you do here.
The schools are unwilling to take time off -even teachers with tickets for the England-Argentina game had trouble getting the day off.
Question:
From the passage we know in Japan the writer likes to live in _ .
Choices:
A. Tokyo
B. a small town
C. a city of middle size
D. a big city | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high3919.txt | Getting paid to talk about the World Cup is a great job. I'm not a football commentator , though-just an English teacher in Japan.
I come to Japan two years ago, and didn't think I would stay, but Japan has that effect on you. _ . I think it's best to teach in a bigger city where there are other foreigners to mix with, rather than a small town where English teachers often complain of feeling like a goldfish in a bowl. Many people choose to live in Tokyo, of course, which is good for the nightlife factor. But I'd say that for general quality of living, cities of neither too large nor too small, like Sapporo where I live, are better choices.
I teach English privately, which means I'm my own boss. If you want to devote yourself to private teaching, it's well worth doing a TEFL course first, because your lessons will be much better for it. The problem with private teaching is finding students; it took me a year to build up a full schedule of private lessons, so I started out teaching in schools part-time.
Most of my foreign friends here work full-time for big English conversation schools. The salary is fine to live on, but whether you can save money depends on how much going out and traveling you do here.
The schools are unwilling to take time off -even teachers with tickets for the England-Argentina game had trouble getting the day off. | [
"Tokyo",
"a small town",
"a city of middle size",
"a big city"
] |
Our brains cannot predict what will happen when we _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
It's puzzling, isn't it? No matter where you try to tickle yourself, even on the soles of your feet or under your arms, you just can't.
To understand why, you need to know more about how your brain works. One of its main tasks is to try to make good guesses about what's going to happen next. While you're busy getting on with your life, walking downstairs or eating your breakfast, parts of your brain are always trying to predict the future.
Remember when you first learned how to ride a bicycle? At first, it took a lot of concentration to keep the handlebars steady and push the pedals . But after a while, cycling became easy. Now you're not aware of the movements you make to keep the bike going. From experience, your brain knows exactly what to expect so your body rides the bike automatically. Your brain is predicting all the movements you need to make.
You only have to think consciously about cycling if something changes---like if there's a strong wind or you get a flat tyre. When something unexpected happens like this, your brain is forced to change its predictions about what will happen next. If it does its job well, you'll adjust to the strong wind, leaning your body so you don't fall.
Why is it so important for our brains to predict what will happen next? It helps us make fewer mistakes and can even save our lives. For example, when a chief fireman sees a fire, he immediately makes decisions about how best to position his men. His past experiences help him foresee what might happen and choose the best plan for fighting the fire. His brain can instantly predict how different plans would work out, and he can _ any bad or dangerous plans without putting his men at risk in real life.
So how does all this answer your question about tickling? Because your brain is always predicting your own actions, and how your body will feel as a result, you cannot tickle yourself. Other people can tickle you because they can surprise you. You can't predict what their tickling actions will be.
Question:
Our brains cannot predict what will happen when we _ .
Choices:
A. walk down the stairs
B. eat our breakfast
C. suddenly lose our balance and fall
D. ride a bike | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high7102.txt | It's puzzling, isn't it? No matter where you try to tickle yourself, even on the soles of your feet or under your arms, you just can't.
To understand why, you need to know more about how your brain works. One of its main tasks is to try to make good guesses about what's going to happen next. While you're busy getting on with your life, walking downstairs or eating your breakfast, parts of your brain are always trying to predict the future.
Remember when you first learned how to ride a bicycle? At first, it took a lot of concentration to keep the handlebars steady and push the pedals . But after a while, cycling became easy. Now you're not aware of the movements you make to keep the bike going. From experience, your brain knows exactly what to expect so your body rides the bike automatically. Your brain is predicting all the movements you need to make.
You only have to think consciously about cycling if something changes---like if there's a strong wind or you get a flat tyre. When something unexpected happens like this, your brain is forced to change its predictions about what will happen next. If it does its job well, you'll adjust to the strong wind, leaning your body so you don't fall.
Why is it so important for our brains to predict what will happen next? It helps us make fewer mistakes and can even save our lives. For example, when a chief fireman sees a fire, he immediately makes decisions about how best to position his men. His past experiences help him foresee what might happen and choose the best plan for fighting the fire. His brain can instantly predict how different plans would work out, and he can _ any bad or dangerous plans without putting his men at risk in real life.
So how does all this answer your question about tickling? Because your brain is always predicting your own actions, and how your body will feel as a result, you cannot tickle yourself. Other people can tickle you because they can surprise you. You can't predict what their tickling actions will be. | [
"walk down the stairs",
"eat our breakfast",
"suddenly lose our balance and fall",
"ride a bike"
] |
What's the best title for this passage? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Allen Iverson, the 31-year-old man, has become the most exciting player in the NBA. At 1.83 meters tall, he is as fast as lightening and no one can stop him. However, Allen used to be the trouble maker that the NBA did not want.
Born to a single mother, Allen had a very hard childhood. He grew up on dangerous blocks in the US. Sometimes his house had no electricity, hot water or lights. He sometimes stayed with his friends in his teenage life and a couple of times he even stayed in a shelter . Because of his terrible childhood, Iverson became as tough as his friends .
Allen was always a trouble maker. When he was in high school, he was once put in jail for throwing a chair to a white girl. Later on, he was put in jail a second time because of fast driving. When he was on the school basketball team, he didn't like practicing and even laughed at his coach. Because of the troubles he had made, the NBA at first didn't want him.
He was a talented basketball player but with bad behavior. Allen realized that he wouldn't win any championship or be the top if he didn't change himself. He looked at himself in the mirror and asked, "Who is Allen Iverson?" In this way he changed himself. Over the years, he has changed and become a leader. "If you're getting older and not getting smarter, something is wrong," said Iverson. On November 6, he was named the Eastern Conference Players of the Week . Now he has become many people's idol. "I've become matured ," he said. " _ "
Question:
What's the best title for this passage?
Choices:
A. A Successful Basketball Player
B. A Trouble Maker
C. From a Bad Boy to an Idol
D. Allen's Hard Childhood. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle7863.txt | Allen Iverson, the 31-year-old man, has become the most exciting player in the NBA. At 1.83 meters tall, he is as fast as lightening and no one can stop him. However, Allen used to be the trouble maker that the NBA did not want.
Born to a single mother, Allen had a very hard childhood. He grew up on dangerous blocks in the US. Sometimes his house had no electricity, hot water or lights. He sometimes stayed with his friends in his teenage life and a couple of times he even stayed in a shelter . Because of his terrible childhood, Iverson became as tough as his friends .
Allen was always a trouble maker. When he was in high school, he was once put in jail for throwing a chair to a white girl. Later on, he was put in jail a second time because of fast driving. When he was on the school basketball team, he didn't like practicing and even laughed at his coach. Because of the troubles he had made, the NBA at first didn't want him.
He was a talented basketball player but with bad behavior. Allen realized that he wouldn't win any championship or be the top if he didn't change himself. He looked at himself in the mirror and asked, "Who is Allen Iverson?" In this way he changed himself. Over the years, he has changed and become a leader. "If you're getting older and not getting smarter, something is wrong," said Iverson. On November 6, he was named the Eastern Conference Players of the Week . Now he has become many people's idol. "I've become matured ," he said. " _ " | [
"A Successful Basketball Player",
"A Trouble Maker",
"From a Bad Boy to an Idol",
"Allen's Hard Childhood."
] |
What do people barely do on Sweetest Day? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Valentine's Day, a day traditionally reserved for expressing romantic love, is observed practically all around the world. However, not many people are familiar with Sweetest Day. Actually it is a holiday, especially designed to express love and care for those who were routinely neglected by society.
Sweetest Day was the idea of Herbert Birch Kingston, who worked for a company in Cleveland, Ohio. He felt that there were plenty of children, especially orphans and poor kids, who didn't necessarily get the attention they deserved. Thus in 1922, he launched the first Sweetest Day to give out boxes of candy to mainly poor children.
Since the day picked was the third Saturday in October, this became the traditional time to celebrate Sweetest Day. The tradition was so enjoyed that people often looked beyond kindness to treating their own friends or family to treats on Sweetest Day.
In the US, Sweetest Day is celebrated primarily in the Northeastern region of the US, still on the third Saturday of October. Yet news of the tradition, which began nearly 100 years ago, has spread to other parts of the country, especially as people who lived in those areas moved elsewhere. People may distribute candy or small gifts to those in patient homes, hospitals, foster homes, or mental institutions, and they may also treat friends and family to little gifts from the heart.
In keeping with the original tradition, celebrating Sweetest Day should really be most focused on people who ordinarily don't have the good fortune of attention from friends or family, either due to difficult family circumstances or to poverty. This can be a great tradition to start if your community doesn't routinely celebrate the day, and there are many candy manufacturers that are willing to help donate or reduce costs on gifts intended for people in unfortunate circumstances.
Question:
What do people barely do on Sweetest Day?
Choices:
A. Buy flowers for your sweetheart.
B. Visit patients who have to be in hospital.
C. Give friends gifts to make them happy.
D. Care for children who lost their parents. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high14447.txt | Valentine's Day, a day traditionally reserved for expressing romantic love, is observed practically all around the world. However, not many people are familiar with Sweetest Day. Actually it is a holiday, especially designed to express love and care for those who were routinely neglected by society.
Sweetest Day was the idea of Herbert Birch Kingston, who worked for a company in Cleveland, Ohio. He felt that there were plenty of children, especially orphans and poor kids, who didn't necessarily get the attention they deserved. Thus in 1922, he launched the first Sweetest Day to give out boxes of candy to mainly poor children.
Since the day picked was the third Saturday in October, this became the traditional time to celebrate Sweetest Day. The tradition was so enjoyed that people often looked beyond kindness to treating their own friends or family to treats on Sweetest Day.
In the US, Sweetest Day is celebrated primarily in the Northeastern region of the US, still on the third Saturday of October. Yet news of the tradition, which began nearly 100 years ago, has spread to other parts of the country, especially as people who lived in those areas moved elsewhere. People may distribute candy or small gifts to those in patient homes, hospitals, foster homes, or mental institutions, and they may also treat friends and family to little gifts from the heart.
In keeping with the original tradition, celebrating Sweetest Day should really be most focused on people who ordinarily don't have the good fortune of attention from friends or family, either due to difficult family circumstances or to poverty. This can be a great tradition to start if your community doesn't routinely celebrate the day, and there are many candy manufacturers that are willing to help donate or reduce costs on gifts intended for people in unfortunate circumstances. | [
"Buy flowers for your sweetheart.",
"Visit patients who have to be in hospital.",
"Give friends gifts to make them happy.",
"Care for children who lost their parents."
] |
What did the strange man go into the shop for? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
A woman went into a shop one evening to buy a new blouse. A strange man followed her into the shop and stood about while she was at the counter. Suddenly she screamed and the man turned and ran out of the shop, right into the arms of a passing policeman. Then he was caught by the policeman because he was a wanted robber.
"Mrs Jones, if you hadn't screamed, I would certainly have been robbed," said the shopkeeper, "I didn't know it," answered Mrs Jones. "I screamed when you told me how expensive the blouse was."
Question:
What did the strange man go into the shop for?
Choices:
A. He tried to rob the shop.
B. He wanted to do some shopping.
C. He had something to tell the shopkeeper.
D. He was the shopkeeper's brother and just wanted to drop by. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle2195.txt | A woman went into a shop one evening to buy a new blouse. A strange man followed her into the shop and stood about while she was at the counter. Suddenly she screamed and the man turned and ran out of the shop, right into the arms of a passing policeman. Then he was caught by the policeman because he was a wanted robber.
"Mrs Jones, if you hadn't screamed, I would certainly have been robbed," said the shopkeeper, "I didn't know it," answered Mrs Jones. "I screamed when you told me how expensive the blouse was." | [
"He tried to rob the shop.",
"He wanted to do some shopping.",
"He had something to tell the shopkeeper.",
"He was the shopkeeper's brother and just wanted to drop by."
] |
How will the "Holidays at Home are Great" campaign probably benefit London? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The British are being encouraged to holiday at home as a major tourism drive offering Olympic themed discounts is launched next week.
A new campaign offering 20. 12% discounted bills at participating venues will be announced publicly for the first time by Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday to encourage "staycations".
The scheme includes hotel accommodation, meals, guided tours and entry to attractions, with discounts funded by the industry. Government officials said more than three million hotel rooms were already lined up under the project, which is being backed by a range of companies, including Butlins. Attractions, such as the London Eye and Alton Towers, are also taking part. Reduced prices will also be offered on stays on the Royal yacht Britannia, now harboring in Leith, Edinburgh, and visits to Chatsworth, the historic house in Derbyshire.
Tourists will be able to take advantage of the discount by using a dedicated website before the end of the Paralympics on September 9 to make bookings for this year and 2013.
Mr. Hunt said, "With the Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympic Games, this year is the perfect opportunity for more of us to holiday in the UK "
Mr. Hunt has travelled the UK, urging companies to take part in the scheme, telling them, _ We will never have a year like 2012 to show the world that this is, quite simply, the most exciting, vibrant, cosmopolitan city on the planet. The unavoidable complaints in the run up to an Olympics must not cloud the scale of the opportunity --including our biggest ever tourism marketing campaign to make sure we get a lasting benefit from being in the global spotlight. "
The scheme will be promoted by a PS3 million television advertising campaign -- the first of its kind in the UK.
The government hopes the " Holidays at Home are Great" campaign -- launched by Visit England -- will create 12, 000 jobs, create 5.3 million extra short overnight breaks, and generate PS480 million in extra spending over three years.
Question:
How will the "Holidays at Home are Great" campaign probably benefit London?
Choices:
A. It will offer 20. 12% discount to travelers' expenses.
B. It will attract more international travelers to visit London.
C. It will create more job opportunities and bring in more money.
D. It will prove London the most exciting, vibrant, cosmopolitan city on earth. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high934.txt | The British are being encouraged to holiday at home as a major tourism drive offering Olympic themed discounts is launched next week.
A new campaign offering 20. 12% discounted bills at participating venues will be announced publicly for the first time by Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday to encourage "staycations".
The scheme includes hotel accommodation, meals, guided tours and entry to attractions, with discounts funded by the industry. Government officials said more than three million hotel rooms were already lined up under the project, which is being backed by a range of companies, including Butlins. Attractions, such as the London Eye and Alton Towers, are also taking part. Reduced prices will also be offered on stays on the Royal yacht Britannia, now harboring in Leith, Edinburgh, and visits to Chatsworth, the historic house in Derbyshire.
Tourists will be able to take advantage of the discount by using a dedicated website before the end of the Paralympics on September 9 to make bookings for this year and 2013.
Mr. Hunt said, "With the Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympic Games, this year is the perfect opportunity for more of us to holiday in the UK "
Mr. Hunt has travelled the UK, urging companies to take part in the scheme, telling them, _ We will never have a year like 2012 to show the world that this is, quite simply, the most exciting, vibrant, cosmopolitan city on the planet. The unavoidable complaints in the run up to an Olympics must not cloud the scale of the opportunity --including our biggest ever tourism marketing campaign to make sure we get a lasting benefit from being in the global spotlight. "
The scheme will be promoted by a PS3 million television advertising campaign -- the first of its kind in the UK.
The government hopes the " Holidays at Home are Great" campaign -- launched by Visit England -- will create 12, 000 jobs, create 5.3 million extra short overnight breaks, and generate PS480 million in extra spending over three years. | [
"It will offer 20. 12% discount to travelers' expenses.",
"It will attract more international travelers to visit London.",
"It will create more job opportunities and bring in more money.",
"It will prove London the most exciting, vibrant, cosmopolitan city on earth."
] |
Putting your mobile phone on a restaurant table may make your friends think _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Do you know how to use a mobile phone without being rude to the people around you?
Talking during a performance irritates people. If you are expecting an emergency call, sit near the exit doors and set your phone to vibrate . When your mobile phone vibrates, you can leave quietly and let the others enjoy the performance.
Think twice before using mobile phones in elevators, museums, churches or other indoor public places--especially enclosed spaces. Would you want to listen to someone's conversation in these places? Worse yet, how would you feel if a mobile phone rang suddenly during a funeral! It happens more often than you think. Avoid these embarrassing situations by making sure your mobile phone is switched off.
When eating at a restaurant with friends, don't place your mobile phone on the table. This conveys the message that your phone calls are more important than those around you.
Mobile phones have sensitive microphones that allow you to speak at the volume you would on a regular phone. This enables you to speak quietly so that others won't hear the details of your conversations. If you are calling from a noisy area, use your hand to direct your voice into the microphone.
Many people believe that they can't live without their mobile phone. Owning a mobile phone definitely makes life more convenient, but limit your conversations to urgent ones and save the personal calls until you are at home.
Question:
Putting your mobile phone on a restaurant table may make your friends think _ .
Choices:
A. you prefer to talk to your friends at the table
B. you value your calls more than your friends
C. you are enjoying the company of your friends
D. you are polite and considerate of your friends | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high5866.txt | Do you know how to use a mobile phone without being rude to the people around you?
Talking during a performance irritates people. If you are expecting an emergency call, sit near the exit doors and set your phone to vibrate . When your mobile phone vibrates, you can leave quietly and let the others enjoy the performance.
Think twice before using mobile phones in elevators, museums, churches or other indoor public places--especially enclosed spaces. Would you want to listen to someone's conversation in these places? Worse yet, how would you feel if a mobile phone rang suddenly during a funeral! It happens more often than you think. Avoid these embarrassing situations by making sure your mobile phone is switched off.
When eating at a restaurant with friends, don't place your mobile phone on the table. This conveys the message that your phone calls are more important than those around you.
Mobile phones have sensitive microphones that allow you to speak at the volume you would on a regular phone. This enables you to speak quietly so that others won't hear the details of your conversations. If you are calling from a noisy area, use your hand to direct your voice into the microphone.
Many people believe that they can't live without their mobile phone. Owning a mobile phone definitely makes life more convenient, but limit your conversations to urgent ones and save the personal calls until you are at home. | [
"you prefer to talk to your friends at the table",
"you value your calls more than your friends",
"you are enjoying the company of your friends",
"you are polite and considerate of your friends"
] |
All the information about the writer must be included except his / her _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Articles wanted
School life
Articles should be typewritten and double spaced, using only side of the page.
Your name, year of birth, school name (and English teacher), home address and e-mail address must be included.
For photos, place the information on the back of each envelope: PLEASE DON'T FOLD.
Please keep copies of your text, pictures or photos.
The sentence MUST BE WRITTEN with your name on each work, "I promise the above work is completely original ."
If your article is chosen, you will receive a copy of School Life and a special gift.
SEND IT ALL SUMMER!
For more information, please contact us!
Tel: (02) 92136116(02) 92674363
E-mail: schoollife@acpmagazines.com,au
Mail: School Life. Box 5252, Sydney, NSW 200
Question:
All the information about the writer must be included except his / her _ .
Choices:
A. school name
B. e-mail address
C. year of birth
D. telephone number | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle7881.txt | Articles wanted
School life
Articles should be typewritten and double spaced, using only side of the page.
Your name, year of birth, school name (and English teacher), home address and e-mail address must be included.
For photos, place the information on the back of each envelope: PLEASE DON'T FOLD.
Please keep copies of your text, pictures or photos.
The sentence MUST BE WRITTEN with your name on each work, "I promise the above work is completely original ."
If your article is chosen, you will receive a copy of School Life and a special gift.
SEND IT ALL SUMMER!
For more information, please contact us!
Tel: (02) 92136116(02) 92674363
E-mail: schoollife@acpmagazines.com,au
Mail: School Life. Box 5252, Sydney, NSW 200 | [
"school name",
"e-mail address",
"year of birth",
"telephone number"
] |
According to Qin Xia, _ is Not a good way to learn math. | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Many students are under great pressure this term. There is some advice on studying and preparing for exams.
Sciences
Ask students what is the most difficult course, and most of them will give you the same answer: mathematics. This is also true for Dai Shuang, a 14-year-old student at No.1 Middle School. He says, "It's so difficult that I get a headache whenever I think about the math exam."
According to Dai, studying this course is not easy. He usually studies math by himself and spends most of his free time reading math books and doing exercises.
_
Qin Xia, a math teacher, offers some advice. "Most students fear mathematics because they think the class is too difficult or boring." he says, "These students don't listen carefully in classes or even sleep." In Qin's opinion, they can try to take notes. And they'd better ask teachers for help. It's difficult for students to teach themselves math, which will waste a lot of time. Besides, doing a lot of exercises is also important.
Arts
Zhu Tianjiao, a 13-year-old student at Megan Middle School, is very nervous because she doesn't know how to improve her English.
_
Xia Bingcong, a top student at Tsinghua University shares some of her learning experiences. According to Xia, memorizing, listening and reading are important in language learning. "Studying on a daily basis is the best choice." Xia says.
Question:
According to Qin Xia, _ is Not a good way to learn math.
Choices:
A. asking teachers for help
B. taking notes in classes
C. doing lots of exercises
D. studying alone | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle3685.txt | Many students are under great pressure this term. There is some advice on studying and preparing for exams.
Sciences
Ask students what is the most difficult course, and most of them will give you the same answer: mathematics. This is also true for Dai Shuang, a 14-year-old student at No.1 Middle School. He says, "It's so difficult that I get a headache whenever I think about the math exam."
According to Dai, studying this course is not easy. He usually studies math by himself and spends most of his free time reading math books and doing exercises.
_
Qin Xia, a math teacher, offers some advice. "Most students fear mathematics because they think the class is too difficult or boring." he says, "These students don't listen carefully in classes or even sleep." In Qin's opinion, they can try to take notes. And they'd better ask teachers for help. It's difficult for students to teach themselves math, which will waste a lot of time. Besides, doing a lot of exercises is also important.
Arts
Zhu Tianjiao, a 13-year-old student at Megan Middle School, is very nervous because she doesn't know how to improve her English.
_
Xia Bingcong, a top student at Tsinghua University shares some of her learning experiences. According to Xia, memorizing, listening and reading are important in language learning. "Studying on a daily basis is the best choice." Xia says. | [
"asking teachers for help",
"taking notes in classes",
"doing lots of exercises",
"studying alone"
] |
The story probably took place in _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
2014 is the year of horse in China. Do you know anything about the horse?
The horse is strong and runs very fast. He's a useful and hard-working animal. The horse learns to know his master soon. He loves his master, even after his master has died. Here's a story about such a horse. In a war, the master was killed, and fell from his horse. When his body was found some days later, the horse was still standing beside it. During that long time, the horse didn't leave the body of his master, without food or water, in the coldest weather, driving away the birds that might eat it. Wasn't he a great animal?
Question:
The story probably took place in _ .
Choices:
A. spring
B. summer
C. autumn
D. winter | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle5218.txt | 2014 is the year of horse in China. Do you know anything about the horse?
The horse is strong and runs very fast. He's a useful and hard-working animal. The horse learns to know his master soon. He loves his master, even after his master has died. Here's a story about such a horse. In a war, the master was killed, and fell from his horse. When his body was found some days later, the horse was still standing beside it. During that long time, the horse didn't leave the body of his master, without food or water, in the coldest weather, driving away the birds that might eat it. Wasn't he a great animal? | [
"spring",
"summer",
"autumn",
"winter"
] |
The purpose of the passage is mainly to tell us how to _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
A serious earthquake can be a terrible experience, and it is easy to forget safety measures in disorder . _ , most earthquake safety measures are common sense, but if you forget everything else, remember the following instructions: drop, cover, and hold on. Also, most of earthquake deaths happen after the earthquake, so remember that the danger does not end when the shaking does!
If you stay indoors during an earthquake, move away from unsupported areas and windows. Try to get under a doorway or another area of the building which is held up by strong beams . Stay under a table or desk only if it is very strong. Do not rush to lifts, because it is far safer to stay where you are. Cover your head with your arms around it and curl into a ball, and wait for the shaking to stop.
If you stay outdoors during an earthquake, move to an area which is as open as possible. Don't move to buildings, electric poles and other objects which may fall during an earthquake and injure you. Protect your head and stay low to the ground till the shaking ends and it is safe to move.
After an earthquake, many buildings are less strong, although they appear safe. If you stay indoors, move people from the building quickly and help disabled or injured people. Once outdoors, move well away from the building so that if it falls down, you will not be injured. Wait till public safety officials announce that it is safe to stay indoors.
By planning ahead and keeping calm during an earthquake, you can greatly increase your chances of survival without injury.
Question:
The purpose of the passage is mainly to tell us how to _ .
Choices:
A. stay away from an earthquake
B. predict an earthquake
C. control an earthquake
D. keep safe during and after an earthquake | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle5131.txt | A serious earthquake can be a terrible experience, and it is easy to forget safety measures in disorder . _ , most earthquake safety measures are common sense, but if you forget everything else, remember the following instructions: drop, cover, and hold on. Also, most of earthquake deaths happen after the earthquake, so remember that the danger does not end when the shaking does!
If you stay indoors during an earthquake, move away from unsupported areas and windows. Try to get under a doorway or another area of the building which is held up by strong beams . Stay under a table or desk only if it is very strong. Do not rush to lifts, because it is far safer to stay where you are. Cover your head with your arms around it and curl into a ball, and wait for the shaking to stop.
If you stay outdoors during an earthquake, move to an area which is as open as possible. Don't move to buildings, electric poles and other objects which may fall during an earthquake and injure you. Protect your head and stay low to the ground till the shaking ends and it is safe to move.
After an earthquake, many buildings are less strong, although they appear safe. If you stay indoors, move people from the building quickly and help disabled or injured people. Once outdoors, move well away from the building so that if it falls down, you will not be injured. Wait till public safety officials announce that it is safe to stay indoors.
By planning ahead and keeping calm during an earthquake, you can greatly increase your chances of survival without injury. | [
"stay away from an earthquake",
"predict an earthquake",
"control an earthquake",
"keep safe during and after an earthquake"
] |
We can gain some information about Gigantopithecus EXCEPT_. | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Fortunately for early humans,the huge primate's diet consisted mainly of bamboo.
Scientists have known about Gigantopithecus since some of its teeth were discovered on sale in a Hong Kong pharmacy about 80 years ago.The idea of a giant ape aroused the interest of scientists around the world,but It remained unclear when this beast became extinct.
Now Jack Rink,a geochronologist at McMaster University in Canada,has used a high-precision -dating method to determine that this ape-the largest primate ever--roamed Southeast Asia for nearly a million years before the species died out 100,000 years ago.By this time,humans had existed for a million years.
"Gigantopithecus is a primate that co-existed with humans at a time when humans were undergoing a major evolutionary change,"said Rink.
Some of Gigantopithecus fossils were found in Guangxi.It is the region where some believe the modem human race originated.according to Rink.Scientists have been able to piece together a description of Gigantopithecus using just a handful of teeth and a set of jawbones.
"The size of these specimens--the crown of the molar,for instance,measures about an inch (2.54 cm)across--helped us understand the extraordinary size of the primate,"Rink said.
Scientists can only guess at what killed off a beast this size.Some scientists believe that a diet of bamboo combined with increasing competition from more nimble humans eventually led to its extinction.
While most scientists agree that Gigantopithecus died out long ago,some people--Big-foot and Yeti enthusiasts in particular-believe that this ape is the source of tales of giant,hairy beasts living in the woods.
Even though mainstream scientists dismiss these claims,it isn't impossible.The coelacanth a type of fish thought to have died out millions of years ago-was discovered swimming off the coast of Africa in 193&
Question:
We can gain some information about Gigantopithecus EXCEPT_.
Choices:
A. their diet
B. their appearances
C. their habitats
D. their language(s) | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high16759.txt | Fortunately for early humans,the huge primate's diet consisted mainly of bamboo.
Scientists have known about Gigantopithecus since some of its teeth were discovered on sale in a Hong Kong pharmacy about 80 years ago.The idea of a giant ape aroused the interest of scientists around the world,but It remained unclear when this beast became extinct.
Now Jack Rink,a geochronologist at McMaster University in Canada,has used a high-precision -dating method to determine that this ape-the largest primate ever--roamed Southeast Asia for nearly a million years before the species died out 100,000 years ago.By this time,humans had existed for a million years.
"Gigantopithecus is a primate that co-existed with humans at a time when humans were undergoing a major evolutionary change,"said Rink.
Some of Gigantopithecus fossils were found in Guangxi.It is the region where some believe the modem human race originated.according to Rink.Scientists have been able to piece together a description of Gigantopithecus using just a handful of teeth and a set of jawbones.
"The size of these specimens--the crown of the molar,for instance,measures about an inch (2.54 cm)across--helped us understand the extraordinary size of the primate,"Rink said.
Scientists can only guess at what killed off a beast this size.Some scientists believe that a diet of bamboo combined with increasing competition from more nimble humans eventually led to its extinction.
While most scientists agree that Gigantopithecus died out long ago,some people--Big-foot and Yeti enthusiasts in particular-believe that this ape is the source of tales of giant,hairy beasts living in the woods.
Even though mainstream scientists dismiss these claims,it isn't impossible.The coelacanth a type of fish thought to have died out millions of years ago-was discovered swimming off the coast of Africa in 193& | [
"their diet",
"their appearances",
"their habitats",
"their language(s)"
] |
What's the main idea of the passage? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
"The first and best of victories for a man is to conquer himself; to be conquered by himself is, of all things, the most shameful," says Plato. Self-control is at the root of all the advantages. Let a man give in to his impulses and feelings, and from that moment he gives up his moral freedom.
A single angry word has lost many friends. When Socrates found in himself any temper or anger, he would check it by speaking low in order to control himself. If you are conscious of being angry, keep your mouth shut so that you can hold back rising anger. Many a person has dropped dead in great anger. Fits of anger bring fits of disease. _ "Keep cool," says Webster, "anger is not argument." "Be calm in arguing," says George Herbert, "for fierceness makes error a fault."
To be angry with a weak man is to prove that you are not strong yourself. "Anger," says Pythagoras, "begins with foolishness and ends with regret." You must measure the strength of a man by the power of the feelings he conquers, not by the power of those which conquer him.
Self-control is man's last and greatest victory.
If a man lacks self-control he seems to lack everything. Without it he can have no patience, no power to govern himself; he can have no self-confidence, for he will always be controlled by his strongest feeling. If he lacks self-control, the very backbone and nerve of character are lacking too.
Question:
What's the main idea of the passage?
Choices:
A. Self- control is important for a man
B. We should learn to be strong.
C. A man who keeps cool won't lose any game.
D. The great heroes in history knew how to control themselves. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high3821.txt | "The first and best of victories for a man is to conquer himself; to be conquered by himself is, of all things, the most shameful," says Plato. Self-control is at the root of all the advantages. Let a man give in to his impulses and feelings, and from that moment he gives up his moral freedom.
A single angry word has lost many friends. When Socrates found in himself any temper or anger, he would check it by speaking low in order to control himself. If you are conscious of being angry, keep your mouth shut so that you can hold back rising anger. Many a person has dropped dead in great anger. Fits of anger bring fits of disease. _ "Keep cool," says Webster, "anger is not argument." "Be calm in arguing," says George Herbert, "for fierceness makes error a fault."
To be angry with a weak man is to prove that you are not strong yourself. "Anger," says Pythagoras, "begins with foolishness and ends with regret." You must measure the strength of a man by the power of the feelings he conquers, not by the power of those which conquer him.
Self-control is man's last and greatest victory.
If a man lacks self-control he seems to lack everything. Without it he can have no patience, no power to govern himself; he can have no self-confidence, for he will always be controlled by his strongest feeling. If he lacks self-control, the very backbone and nerve of character are lacking too. | [
"Self- control is important for a man",
"We should learn to be strong.",
"A man who keeps cool won't lose any game.",
"The great heroes in history knew how to control themselves."
] |
What is the weather in spring in New Zealand like? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
New Zealand is beautiful no matter what time of the year or season you visit. The best time to visit New Zealand is the time that suits you best. The weather in New Zealand is fine all year round. However, if you have more than one date in mind, the following information may help with your travel plans.
The warmest months of the year are from September to April. December, January and February are the three hottest months of the year. It is summer. The long summer days are wonderful for water sports.
Spring is from September to November. It can be hot, warm or cool. The weather is quite different. That depends on the places you visit. You can travel to Alexandra in Central Otago and Hastings in Hawk's Bay.
Autumn is from March to May. It is a pleasant season in New Zealand. The temperature is a few degrees lower than that of summer.
The winter season runs from June to August. The mountainous areas are covered with snow during winter and there is a little rainfall in some places. This is a good time for skiing.
Question:
What is the weather in spring in New Zealand like?
Choices:
A. It is very hot.
B. It is pretty cool.
C. It is hot but wet in spring.
D. It's different in different places. | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle7135.txt | New Zealand is beautiful no matter what time of the year or season you visit. The best time to visit New Zealand is the time that suits you best. The weather in New Zealand is fine all year round. However, if you have more than one date in mind, the following information may help with your travel plans.
The warmest months of the year are from September to April. December, January and February are the three hottest months of the year. It is summer. The long summer days are wonderful for water sports.
Spring is from September to November. It can be hot, warm or cool. The weather is quite different. That depends on the places you visit. You can travel to Alexandra in Central Otago and Hastings in Hawk's Bay.
Autumn is from March to May. It is a pleasant season in New Zealand. The temperature is a few degrees lower than that of summer.
The winter season runs from June to August. The mountainous areas are covered with snow during winter and there is a little rainfall in some places. This is a good time for skiing. | [
"It is very hot.",
"It is pretty cool.",
"It is hot but wet in spring.",
"It's different in different places."
] |
All animals that derive energy from food are classified as what? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | All animals that derive energy from food are classified as what? | heterotrophs | science | null | null | null | heliotrophs | lifeforms | paleotrophs | heterotrophs | Figure 15.2 All animals that derive energy from food are heterotrophs. The (a) black bear is an omnivore, eating both plants and animals. The (b) heartworm Dirofilaria immitis is a parasite that derives energy from its hosts. It spends its larval stage in mosquitos and its adult stage infesting the hearts of dogs and other mammals, as shown here. (credit a: modification of work by USDA Forest Service; credit b: modification of work by Clyde Robinson). | null | null | null |
According to the passage, Another Cinderella Story _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Few of us haven't read Cinderella, the story of a young woman living in poverty who meets the prince of her dreams. Some might not want to admit it, but there is a hidden Cinderella in everyone's heart--we all wish we could achieve recognition or success after a period of obscurity .
Mary Santiago has that secret dream, too. Her story is featured in Another Cinderella Story, a film set in a US high school.
Mary is shy but loves to dance. Compared with other girls, she is invisible. However, her world changes completely when a famous teenager pop singer, Joey Parker, appears.
Joey is everything the rest of the boys in her class are not--kind, handsome and desirable. Mary and Joey's paths cross at a ball. They meet and fall in love with each other. But when Mary has to rush back home, she leaves behind her MP3 player, which becomes the only clue Joey has to find the girl of his dreams. Of course, there is a wicked stepmother, who turns out to be Dominique Blatt and she takes in Mary after her dancer mother dies. Dominique treats Mary like a maid and does everything she can to make sure Mary doesn't get into the top dance school. Her two daughters are equally determined to stop Joey falling for Mary, even if that means embarrassing her.
The story, though it mostly follows Cinderella, does add a few modern day twists to the classic fairy tale. Refreshingly, the film, unlike many high school films, does not focus on looks, although the actors are all beautiful. There is also a lot less materialism in Another Cinderella Story than in many similar movies.
"The movie takes the Cinderella fairytale as its jumping off point," writes movie critic Amber Wilkinson. "The focus is firmly on following your dream."
Question:
According to the passage, Another Cinderella Story _ .
Choices:
A. follows Cinderella with nothing new
B. pays more attention to the looks of the actors
C. encourages young people to follow their dreams
D. focuses more on materialism than other films | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high15238.txt | Few of us haven't read Cinderella, the story of a young woman living in poverty who meets the prince of her dreams. Some might not want to admit it, but there is a hidden Cinderella in everyone's heart--we all wish we could achieve recognition or success after a period of obscurity .
Mary Santiago has that secret dream, too. Her story is featured in Another Cinderella Story, a film set in a US high school.
Mary is shy but loves to dance. Compared with other girls, she is invisible. However, her world changes completely when a famous teenager pop singer, Joey Parker, appears.
Joey is everything the rest of the boys in her class are not--kind, handsome and desirable. Mary and Joey's paths cross at a ball. They meet and fall in love with each other. But when Mary has to rush back home, she leaves behind her MP3 player, which becomes the only clue Joey has to find the girl of his dreams. Of course, there is a wicked stepmother, who turns out to be Dominique Blatt and she takes in Mary after her dancer mother dies. Dominique treats Mary like a maid and does everything she can to make sure Mary doesn't get into the top dance school. Her two daughters are equally determined to stop Joey falling for Mary, even if that means embarrassing her.
The story, though it mostly follows Cinderella, does add a few modern day twists to the classic fairy tale. Refreshingly, the film, unlike many high school films, does not focus on looks, although the actors are all beautiful. There is also a lot less materialism in Another Cinderella Story than in many similar movies.
"The movie takes the Cinderella fairytale as its jumping off point," writes movie critic Amber Wilkinson. "The focus is firmly on following your dream." | [
"follows Cinderella with nothing new",
"pays more attention to the looks of the actors",
"encourages young people to follow their dreams",
"focuses more on materialism than other films"
] |
The function of protein is _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Who hasn't found themselves reaching for the closest food available when they're tired and stressed? More and more research is proving that this isn't all in our mind. Some foods really do lead to a change in our moods .
Carbohydrate for calm
This is how some people medicate themselves with food -- by reaching for cookies or pasta whenever they're upset. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work. You must eat a meal consisting of 100% carbohydrate, on an empty stomach, to obtain the serotonin increase so that you have a good mood.
To get the wishedfor effect, you must not eat anything for four hours and then eat at least 30 grams of straight carbohydrate. Dry cereal , a piece of bread with jam, or a potato should _
Protein for power
Of course, sometimes we don't need to be calm and sleepy.Sometimes we need a great deal of mental concentration, so this is when it's important to mix protein and carbohydrate. The protein will prevent the tryptophan from flooding your brain,and the rise in serotonin won't occur.
Why dessert makes us happy
Fat and sugar cause the brain to let go endorphins , which send pleasure signals throughout the body. This would be fine, except humans are not particularly good at stopping at one cookie or cake.
You can also satisfy your sweet tooth by choosing fruit for dessert.
Timing your meals for energy
Blood sugar drops after four hours of going without food, causing a decrease in energy. Eating usually fixes this within 20 to 30 minutes, but don't suppose that eating more will cause a faster increase in energy.
When you eat has as much of an effect on your mood as what you eat. If you regularly go for a long period of time between meals, rethink your schedule and plan ahead.
Question:
The function of protein is _ .
Choices:
A. to help you keep calm and sleepy
B. to make you feel energetic
C. to lead you to slowness
D. to increase serotonin in your brain | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high9730.txt | Who hasn't found themselves reaching for the closest food available when they're tired and stressed? More and more research is proving that this isn't all in our mind. Some foods really do lead to a change in our moods .
Carbohydrate for calm
This is how some people medicate themselves with food -- by reaching for cookies or pasta whenever they're upset. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work. You must eat a meal consisting of 100% carbohydrate, on an empty stomach, to obtain the serotonin increase so that you have a good mood.
To get the wishedfor effect, you must not eat anything for four hours and then eat at least 30 grams of straight carbohydrate. Dry cereal , a piece of bread with jam, or a potato should _
Protein for power
Of course, sometimes we don't need to be calm and sleepy.Sometimes we need a great deal of mental concentration, so this is when it's important to mix protein and carbohydrate. The protein will prevent the tryptophan from flooding your brain,and the rise in serotonin won't occur.
Why dessert makes us happy
Fat and sugar cause the brain to let go endorphins , which send pleasure signals throughout the body. This would be fine, except humans are not particularly good at stopping at one cookie or cake.
You can also satisfy your sweet tooth by choosing fruit for dessert.
Timing your meals for energy
Blood sugar drops after four hours of going without food, causing a decrease in energy. Eating usually fixes this within 20 to 30 minutes, but don't suppose that eating more will cause a faster increase in energy.
When you eat has as much of an effect on your mood as what you eat. If you regularly go for a long period of time between meals, rethink your schedule and plan ahead. | [
"to help you keep calm and sleepy",
"to make you feel energetic",
"to lead you to slowness",
"to increase serotonin in your brain"
] |
When other children played, Douglas _ . | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Thanksgiving Day was near. The first grade teacher gave her class some fun homework---to draw a picture of something for which they were thankful.
Most of the class drew a turkey or other traditional things. But Douglas drew a different kind of picture. He drew a hand. Just an empty hand.
Douglas was a different boy. He was poor and unhappy. As other children played, Douglas was likely to stand close by the teacher's side.
His classmates were surprised at his picture. One child guessed it was the hand of a farmer, because farmers _ turkeys. Others guessed it was the hand of God, for God feeds us.
The teacher asked him whose hand it was. The little boy said in a low voice, "It's yours."
She remembered the times she had taken his hand and walked with him here and there, as she had the other students. How often she said, "Take my hand, Douglas, we'll go outside." Or, "Let me show you how to hold your pencil." Or, "Let's do this together." Douglas was most thankful for his teacher's hand.
Tears came into the teacher's eyes.
Question:
When other children played, Douglas _ .
Choices:
A. played with other children
B. stood quietly by the teacher's side
C. sat in the classroom quietly
D. stood by them and watched them play | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle5557.txt | Thanksgiving Day was near. The first grade teacher gave her class some fun homework---to draw a picture of something for which they were thankful.
Most of the class drew a turkey or other traditional things. But Douglas drew a different kind of picture. He drew a hand. Just an empty hand.
Douglas was a different boy. He was poor and unhappy. As other children played, Douglas was likely to stand close by the teacher's side.
His classmates were surprised at his picture. One child guessed it was the hand of a farmer, because farmers _ turkeys. Others guessed it was the hand of God, for God feeds us.
The teacher asked him whose hand it was. The little boy said in a low voice, "It's yours."
She remembered the times she had taken his hand and walked with him here and there, as she had the other students. How often she said, "Take my hand, Douglas, we'll go outside." Or, "Let me show you how to hold your pencil." Or, "Let's do this together." Douglas was most thankful for his teacher's hand.
Tears came into the teacher's eyes. | [
"played with other children",
"stood quietly by the teacher's side",
"sat in the classroom quietly",
"stood by them and watched them play"
] |
Which of the following is False according to the passage? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
TUVALU, a tiny country in the Pacific Ocean, has asked for help as it will be swallowed up by the sea.
Storms and huge waves are a constant threat and none of Tuvalu's nine little islands is more than five meters above sea level.Salt water is already entering the country's drinking water supply, as well as damaging plants that produce fruit and vegetables.Without urgent help, the country's days are numbered.
But Tuvalu is not the first place to face sinking into the sea.Venice, a historic city in Italy best known for its canals, has sunk about 24cm over the past 100 years.Experts say that it will have sunk another 20-50cm by 2050.A century ago, St.Mark's Square, the lowest point city, flooded about nine times a year.Nowadays, it happens more than 100 times.While Venice is slowly sinking into the mud on which it stands, global warming causes Tuvalu's rising sea level.
The average global temperature has increased by almost 0.5 centigrade degrees over the past century; scientists expect it rise by extra 1-3 degrees over the next 100 years.
Warmer weather makes glaciers melt, and adds more water to the ocean.The warmer temperatures also make water expand, so it takes up more space, causing the sea level to rise.The sea level has risen about 10-25 cm in the last 100 years.
The main cause of global warming is human pollution.Through burning coal, oil and gas, people have been increasing the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as CO2.This adds to the power of the greenhouse effect, making the planet even warmer.
Many scientists believe that, if the warming is not stopped, there will be huge climate changes.The sea level could rise by one meter this century.
Should this come true, the sea would swallow up millions of homes and the world will be flooded with "climate refugees" looking for somewhere to live.
Question:
Which of the following is False according to the passage?
Choices:
A. The sea level has risen about 10-25 cm in the last 100 years for warmer temperatures.
B. The average global temperature has risen by 1-3 centigrade degrees over the past 100 years.
C. The warmer temperature causes the sea level to rise.
D. There will be huge climate changes unless the warming is stopped. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high17743.txt | TUVALU, a tiny country in the Pacific Ocean, has asked for help as it will be swallowed up by the sea.
Storms and huge waves are a constant threat and none of Tuvalu's nine little islands is more than five meters above sea level.Salt water is already entering the country's drinking water supply, as well as damaging plants that produce fruit and vegetables.Without urgent help, the country's days are numbered.
But Tuvalu is not the first place to face sinking into the sea.Venice, a historic city in Italy best known for its canals, has sunk about 24cm over the past 100 years.Experts say that it will have sunk another 20-50cm by 2050.A century ago, St.Mark's Square, the lowest point city, flooded about nine times a year.Nowadays, it happens more than 100 times.While Venice is slowly sinking into the mud on which it stands, global warming causes Tuvalu's rising sea level.
The average global temperature has increased by almost 0.5 centigrade degrees over the past century; scientists expect it rise by extra 1-3 degrees over the next 100 years.
Warmer weather makes glaciers melt, and adds more water to the ocean.The warmer temperatures also make water expand, so it takes up more space, causing the sea level to rise.The sea level has risen about 10-25 cm in the last 100 years.
The main cause of global warming is human pollution.Through burning coal, oil and gas, people have been increasing the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as CO2.This adds to the power of the greenhouse effect, making the planet even warmer.
Many scientists believe that, if the warming is not stopped, there will be huge climate changes.The sea level could rise by one meter this century.
Should this come true, the sea would swallow up millions of homes and the world will be flooded with "climate refugees" looking for somewhere to live. | [
"The sea level has risen about 10-25 cm in the last 100 years for warmer temperatures.",
"The average global temperature has risen by 1-3 centigrade degrees over the past 100 years.",
"The warmer temperature causes the sea level to rise.",
"There will be huge climate changes unless the warming is stopped."
] |
Mark Twain wanted to sleep because _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Mark Twain, the famous American writer, was traveling in France. Once he was going by train to Dijon. That afternoon he was very tired and wanted to sleep, so he asked the conductor to wake him up when they came to Dijon. But first he explained that he was a very heavy sleeper. "I'll probably protest loudly when you try to wake me up," he said to the conductor, "but do not take any notice, just put me off the train anyway."
Then Mark Twain went to sleep. Later, when he woke up, it was night-time and the train was in Paris already. He realized at once that the conductor had forgotten to wake him up at Dijon. He was very angry. He ran up to the conductor and began to shout at him."I have never been so angry in all my life," Mark Twain said.
The conductor looked at him calmly. "You are not half so angry as the American whom I put off at Dijon," he said.
Question:
Mark Twain wanted to sleep because _ .
Choices:
A. he was tired
B. he was hungry
C. he was a lazy man
D. he liked sleeping | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle239.txt | Mark Twain, the famous American writer, was traveling in France. Once he was going by train to Dijon. That afternoon he was very tired and wanted to sleep, so he asked the conductor to wake him up when they came to Dijon. But first he explained that he was a very heavy sleeper. "I'll probably protest loudly when you try to wake me up," he said to the conductor, "but do not take any notice, just put me off the train anyway."
Then Mark Twain went to sleep. Later, when he woke up, it was night-time and the train was in Paris already. He realized at once that the conductor had forgotten to wake him up at Dijon. He was very angry. He ran up to the conductor and began to shout at him."I have never been so angry in all my life," Mark Twain said.
The conductor looked at him calmly. "You are not half so angry as the American whom I put off at Dijon," he said. | [
"he was tired",
"he was hungry",
"he was a lazy man",
"he liked sleeping"
] |
Which of the expressions means a larger chance in weather broadcast? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Uncertainty spreads through our lives so thoroughly that it dominates our language. Our everyday speech is made up in large part of words like probably, many, soon, great, little. What do these words mean?Such verbal expression is not necessarily to be criticized. Indeed, it has a value just because it allows us to express judgments when a precise quantitative statement is out of the question.
We have been trying to pin down by experiments what people mean by these expressions in specific contexts, and how the meanings change with age. For instance, a subject is told "There are many trees in the park" and is asked to say what number the word many mean to him. Or a child is invited to take "some" sweets from a bowl and we then count how many he has taken. We compare the number he takes when he is alone with the number when one or more other children are present and are to take some sweets after him, or with the number he takes when told to give "some" sweets to another child.
First, we find that the number depends, of course, on the items involved. To most people some friends means about five, while some trees means about twenty. However, unrelated areas sometimes show parallel values. For instance, the language of probability seems to mean about the same thing in predictions about the weather and about politics: the expression "is certain to" (rain, or be elected) signifies to the average person about a 70 percent chance; "is likely to", about a 60 percent chance; "probably will" about 55 percent.
Secondly, the size of the population of items influences the value assigned to an expression. Thus, if we tell a subject to take "a few" or " a lot of" glass balls from a box, he will take more if the box contains a large number of glass balls than if it has a small number. But not proportionately more: if we increase the number of glass balls eight times, the subject takes only half as large a percentage of the total.
Thirdly, there is a marked change with age. Among children between six and fourteen years old, the older the child, the fewer glass balls he will take. But the difference between a lot and a few widens with age. This age effect is so consistent that it might be used as a test of intelligence.
Question:
Which of the expressions means a larger chance in weather broadcast?
Choices:
A. Possible
B. Probable
C. Be likely to
D. Be certain to | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high1937.txt | Uncertainty spreads through our lives so thoroughly that it dominates our language. Our everyday speech is made up in large part of words like probably, many, soon, great, little. What do these words mean?Such verbal expression is not necessarily to be criticized. Indeed, it has a value just because it allows us to express judgments when a precise quantitative statement is out of the question.
We have been trying to pin down by experiments what people mean by these expressions in specific contexts, and how the meanings change with age. For instance, a subject is told "There are many trees in the park" and is asked to say what number the word many mean to him. Or a child is invited to take "some" sweets from a bowl and we then count how many he has taken. We compare the number he takes when he is alone with the number when one or more other children are present and are to take some sweets after him, or with the number he takes when told to give "some" sweets to another child.
First, we find that the number depends, of course, on the items involved. To most people some friends means about five, while some trees means about twenty. However, unrelated areas sometimes show parallel values. For instance, the language of probability seems to mean about the same thing in predictions about the weather and about politics: the expression "is certain to" (rain, or be elected) signifies to the average person about a 70 percent chance; "is likely to", about a 60 percent chance; "probably will" about 55 percent.
Secondly, the size of the population of items influences the value assigned to an expression. Thus, if we tell a subject to take "a few" or " a lot of" glass balls from a box, he will take more if the box contains a large number of glass balls than if it has a small number. But not proportionately more: if we increase the number of glass balls eight times, the subject takes only half as large a percentage of the total.
Thirdly, there is a marked change with age. Among children between six and fourteen years old, the older the child, the fewer glass balls he will take. But the difference between a lot and a few widens with age. This age effect is so consistent that it might be used as a test of intelligence. | [
"Possible",
"Probable",
"Be likely to",
"Be certain to"
] |
What is the best title for the passage? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
"I'd be better off dead." he said, without any hesitation . Hearing those words come out of my best friend's mouth tore my heart apart. He has repeated that phrase more than once, and my mind continually plays it over like a voice recording.
I met him about three years ago. After knowing me for six months, he told me about his struggles with depression . Sadness was not the only feeling that came over me; I was shocked. He seemed so outgoing and happy all the time. I soon learned that he was hurt physically and mentally as a young child, causing him to have the thought of killing himself.
He refuses to talk to others about his depression because he now distrusts adults, especially those in his family. However, he feels as if I understand him and that I know the right words to speak. Therefore, when it comes to helping him, convenience is not in my vocabulary. It does not matter where I am or what I am doing, for he always comes first.
Many students at his school laugh at him when they notice scars on his arms from cutting. As he sees it, other kids have every right to make fun of him. But no one holds such a right, so I encourage him to ignore the heartless kids who treat him badly. When he feels the weight of judging eyes or hateful voices, I always remind him that I care about him unconditionally. Just hearing me say I will always be his best friend seems to give him the safety he needs to keep on going.
My best friend once told me that if he had not had me, he would not be alive. He said that my encouraging words helped him not to take his life. Our friendship has taught me that a single kind word can influence someones life. Life is not easy for every one, which makes me strongly believe in the necessity of encouragement.
Question:
What is the best title for the passage?
Choices:
A. I enjoy friendship
B. My friend and I
C. I believe in encouragement
D. The story of my friend | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high10170.txt | "I'd be better off dead." he said, without any hesitation . Hearing those words come out of my best friend's mouth tore my heart apart. He has repeated that phrase more than once, and my mind continually plays it over like a voice recording.
I met him about three years ago. After knowing me for six months, he told me about his struggles with depression . Sadness was not the only feeling that came over me; I was shocked. He seemed so outgoing and happy all the time. I soon learned that he was hurt physically and mentally as a young child, causing him to have the thought of killing himself.
He refuses to talk to others about his depression because he now distrusts adults, especially those in his family. However, he feels as if I understand him and that I know the right words to speak. Therefore, when it comes to helping him, convenience is not in my vocabulary. It does not matter where I am or what I am doing, for he always comes first.
Many students at his school laugh at him when they notice scars on his arms from cutting. As he sees it, other kids have every right to make fun of him. But no one holds such a right, so I encourage him to ignore the heartless kids who treat him badly. When he feels the weight of judging eyes or hateful voices, I always remind him that I care about him unconditionally. Just hearing me say I will always be his best friend seems to give him the safety he needs to keep on going.
My best friend once told me that if he had not had me, he would not be alive. He said that my encouraging words helped him not to take his life. Our friendship has taught me that a single kind word can influence someones life. Life is not easy for every one, which makes me strongly believe in the necessity of encouragement. | [
"I enjoy friendship",
"My friend and I",
"I believe in encouragement",
"The story of my friend"
] |
The words of Long's students show that _ . | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
When someone told 85-year-old Johnny Long that he was called a living legend, he replied, "I don't know about that, but I'm living, and that's important."
Starting in 1949 as a high school band director and later as director of the Troy University band, Johnny Long became known as one of the most inspirational band directors in America. More than three hundred of his students went on to become band directors them-selves. "I have been a band director for more than 60 years and all I know about the word band is that you spell it F-U-N," Long said. "And if you change that, it's over."
Long retired 14 years ago to spend more time with his wife Mary Lynn. But his passion for bands never went away. He dreamed of forming a top-notch community band in Troy. But Troy is a small town -- with not a ton of top-notch talent. "I didn't think it would work, I really didn't," Long said.
Fortunately, there was one thing Johnny hadn't considered: the devotion of his former students. Now, once a week during the concert season, they drive in from all over the south and across the decades.
65-year-old Bobby Johnson was in Long's first college class. He lives in Atlanta and drives 3 hours to practice. Johnson said he does it because Long's "such a unique character and I just admire him so much."
Many people do it for the same reason. "He's the single biggest influence on my career." "He was a father figure to me. He's just a genuine person."
Long said he wanted to be remembered as a teacher. "I think 'teacher' is the greatest word in the English language, next to 'mother'."
Question:
The words of Long's students show that _ .
Choices:
A. Long treated his students like a father
B. Long was born to be a good teacher
C. Long influenced his students greatly
D. Long was very special as a teacher | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high10056.txt | When someone told 85-year-old Johnny Long that he was called a living legend, he replied, "I don't know about that, but I'm living, and that's important."
Starting in 1949 as a high school band director and later as director of the Troy University band, Johnny Long became known as one of the most inspirational band directors in America. More than three hundred of his students went on to become band directors them-selves. "I have been a band director for more than 60 years and all I know about the word band is that you spell it F-U-N," Long said. "And if you change that, it's over."
Long retired 14 years ago to spend more time with his wife Mary Lynn. But his passion for bands never went away. He dreamed of forming a top-notch community band in Troy. But Troy is a small town -- with not a ton of top-notch talent. "I didn't think it would work, I really didn't," Long said.
Fortunately, there was one thing Johnny hadn't considered: the devotion of his former students. Now, once a week during the concert season, they drive in from all over the south and across the decades.
65-year-old Bobby Johnson was in Long's first college class. He lives in Atlanta and drives 3 hours to practice. Johnson said he does it because Long's "such a unique character and I just admire him so much."
Many people do it for the same reason. "He's the single biggest influence on my career." "He was a father figure to me. He's just a genuine person."
Long said he wanted to be remembered as a teacher. "I think 'teacher' is the greatest word in the English language, next to 'mother'." | [
"Long treated his students like a father",
"Long was born to be a good teacher",
"Long influenced his students greatly",
"Long was very special as a teacher"
] |
What does the writer want everyone to do by improving their talents and skills? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
When I was young, my mother didn't have the money to send me to school, but she thought it was important for me to keep up with education. So she decided to teach me extra lessons herself. But because she had to go to work, the only time she could do it was at 4:30 in the morning.
We need every one of you to develop your talents and your skills so that you can help us old folks solve our most difficult problems. If you quit on school--you're not just quitting on yourself, you're quitting on your country. No one's written your destiny for you, because you write your own destiny. You make your own future. That's why today I'm calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education and do everything you can to meet them. Your goal can be something as simple as doing all your homework, paying attention in class, or spending some time reading a book.
But whatever you decide to do, I want you to commit to it. I want you to really work at it. I know that sometimes you get that sense from TV that you can be rich and successful without any hard work--that your ticket to success is through rapping or basketball or being a reality TV star. No one's born being good at all things. You become good at things through hard work. You're not a good athlete the first time you play a new sport. You don't hit every note the first time you sing a song. You've got to practice.
Question:
What does the writer want everyone to do by improving their talents and skills?
Choices:
A. To quit on their country to earn more money.
B. To offer help to the old people who have difficulties.
C. To write their own new destiny by working as TV star.
D. To spend some time writing books about their own life. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high15002.txt | When I was young, my mother didn't have the money to send me to school, but she thought it was important for me to keep up with education. So she decided to teach me extra lessons herself. But because she had to go to work, the only time she could do it was at 4:30 in the morning.
We need every one of you to develop your talents and your skills so that you can help us old folks solve our most difficult problems. If you quit on school--you're not just quitting on yourself, you're quitting on your country. No one's written your destiny for you, because you write your own destiny. You make your own future. That's why today I'm calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education and do everything you can to meet them. Your goal can be something as simple as doing all your homework, paying attention in class, or spending some time reading a book.
But whatever you decide to do, I want you to commit to it. I want you to really work at it. I know that sometimes you get that sense from TV that you can be rich and successful without any hard work--that your ticket to success is through rapping or basketball or being a reality TV star. No one's born being good at all things. You become good at things through hard work. You're not a good athlete the first time you play a new sport. You don't hit every note the first time you sing a song. You've got to practice. | [
"To quit on their country to earn more money.",
"To offer help to the old people who have difficulties.",
"To write their own new destiny by working as TV star.",
"To spend some time writing books about their own life."
] |
What's the main idea of the passage? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
SAN FRANCISCO--A phone app in San Francisco gives information about open parking spots.City officials in San Francisco introduced the app to try to reduce traffic jams in the city, but some say it raises safety concerns.
In this city, drivers searching for parking spots lead to 30 percent of all downtown jams, city officials think.Now San Francisco has found a solution -- a phone app for spot-seekers that shows information about areas with available spaces.The system, introduced last month, relies on wireless sensors fixed in streets and city garages that can tell within seconds if a spot has opened up.
But the system could come with serious consequences.Some people say that drivers searching for parking could end up focusing on their phones, not the road."It could be really distracting ," said Daniel Simons, a professor of psychology at the University of Illinois.
City officials admitted the hidden problem.They are urging drivers to pull over before they use the city's iPhone app, or to do so before they leave home. Nathaniel Ford, executive director of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, said safety could actually improve if drivers quickly found a spot instead of circling and getting frustrated.
San Francisco has put sensors into 7,000 parking spots and 12,250 spots in city garages.If spaces in an area open up, the sensors communicate wirelessly with computers that in turn make the information available to app users within a minute, said Mr. Ford, of the transportation agency.On the app, a map shows which blocks have lots of places(blue)and which are full(red).
More than 12,000 people have downloaded San Francisco's app, which is available now only for the iPhone.
Question:
What's the main idea of the passage?
Choices:
A. A phone app has been introduced to relieve the pressure on traffic in the city.
B. Safety concerns are voiced about a phone app aimed at helping drivers find parking spots.
C. Looking for parking spots contributes greatly to downtown traffic jams.
D. Drivers' attention is distracted in one way or another when they are driving. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high14501.txt | SAN FRANCISCO--A phone app in San Francisco gives information about open parking spots.City officials in San Francisco introduced the app to try to reduce traffic jams in the city, but some say it raises safety concerns.
In this city, drivers searching for parking spots lead to 30 percent of all downtown jams, city officials think.Now San Francisco has found a solution -- a phone app for spot-seekers that shows information about areas with available spaces.The system, introduced last month, relies on wireless sensors fixed in streets and city garages that can tell within seconds if a spot has opened up.
But the system could come with serious consequences.Some people say that drivers searching for parking could end up focusing on their phones, not the road."It could be really distracting ," said Daniel Simons, a professor of psychology at the University of Illinois.
City officials admitted the hidden problem.They are urging drivers to pull over before they use the city's iPhone app, or to do so before they leave home. Nathaniel Ford, executive director of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, said safety could actually improve if drivers quickly found a spot instead of circling and getting frustrated.
San Francisco has put sensors into 7,000 parking spots and 12,250 spots in city garages.If spaces in an area open up, the sensors communicate wirelessly with computers that in turn make the information available to app users within a minute, said Mr. Ford, of the transportation agency.On the app, a map shows which blocks have lots of places(blue)and which are full(red).
More than 12,000 people have downloaded San Francisco's app, which is available now only for the iPhone. | [
"A phone app has been introduced to relieve the pressure on traffic in the city.",
"Safety concerns are voiced about a phone app aimed at helping drivers find parking spots.",
"Looking for parking spots contributes greatly to downtown traffic jams.",
"Drivers' attention is distracted in one way or another when they are driving."
] |
Which of the following can best fill in the blank? | B | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
It's well-known that meditation has many benefits, but do you know how to practice it for a beginner?
Set a proper scene
Find a space for meditation.It should be private and quiet.Make sure the temperature is comfortable.Sit on a cushion if the floor is uncomfortable.You may play soft music if you like.
Take a moment to loosen up.Remember that the goal of meditation is to relax.Loosen your clothing, remove your shoes and have a good stretch.Do your best to ease any muscle tension that might keep you from achieving relaxation.Make an effort to relax your facial muscles.
Focus on your breath
Sit down in the space you've prepareD. Close your eyes and breathe.Each time you breathe in, count "one".Each time you breathe out, count "one".The idea is to strengthen being in the moment -- the last breath doesn't matter, and the next one doesn't matter; only this one matters.
Feel your breath inflate your lungs and push on your diaphragm .Feel how sweet it is to _ the fresh air.As you do this, your body will gradually begin to relax and all of your attention will be centered within your minD.
Return to real life
Once you feel fully centered in your mind, allow yourself to gradually drift back to real life.Move your fingers and toes and slowly wake your body up.Open your eyes and remain there for a few minutes until your senses come back, and then slowly stand up.
Even if you can't make it fully into your mind, you still get some benefits from it.If you want to feel better, you just need to practice.Set about 10 minutes around the same time every day and repeat this exercise.
Question:
Which of the following can best fill in the blank?
Choices:
A. Forget yourself.
B. Prepare yourself for it.
C. Avoid being disturbed.
D. Pay attention to your inner self. | Answer: B | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high11745.txt | It's well-known that meditation has many benefits, but do you know how to practice it for a beginner?
Set a proper scene
Find a space for meditation.It should be private and quiet.Make sure the temperature is comfortable.Sit on a cushion if the floor is uncomfortable.You may play soft music if you like.
Take a moment to loosen up.Remember that the goal of meditation is to relax.Loosen your clothing, remove your shoes and have a good stretch.Do your best to ease any muscle tension that might keep you from achieving relaxation.Make an effort to relax your facial muscles.
Focus on your breath
Sit down in the space you've prepareD. Close your eyes and breathe.Each time you breathe in, count "one".Each time you breathe out, count "one".The idea is to strengthen being in the moment -- the last breath doesn't matter, and the next one doesn't matter; only this one matters.
Feel your breath inflate your lungs and push on your diaphragm .Feel how sweet it is to _ the fresh air.As you do this, your body will gradually begin to relax and all of your attention will be centered within your minD.
Return to real life
Once you feel fully centered in your mind, allow yourself to gradually drift back to real life.Move your fingers and toes and slowly wake your body up.Open your eyes and remain there for a few minutes until your senses come back, and then slowly stand up.
Even if you can't make it fully into your mind, you still get some benefits from it.If you want to feel better, you just need to practice.Set about 10 minutes around the same time every day and repeat this exercise. | [
"Forget yourself.",
"Prepare yourself for it.",
"Avoid being disturbed.",
"Pay attention to your inner self."
] |
The manager of the Court Theatre agreed to put the author's play on the stage because _ . | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
I entered St Thoma's Hospital as a medical student at the age of 18 and spent five years there . I was an unsatisfactory student , for my heart , as you might have guessed , was not in it . I wanted , I had always wanted to be a writer , and in the evening , after my high tea , I wrote and read . Before long , I wrote a novel , called " Liza of Lambeth", which I sent to a publisher and was accepted . It appeared during my last year at the hospital and had something of a success . It was of course an accident , but naturally I did not know that . I felt I could afford to give up medicine and make writing my profession ; so, three days after I graduated from the school of medicine , I set out forprefix = st1 /Spainto write another book. Looking back now , and knowing as I do the terrible difficulties of making a living by writing , I realize I was taking a fearful risk . It never even occurred to me .
The next ten years were very hard , and I earned an average of PS100 a year . Then I had a bit of luck . The manager of the Court Theatre put on a play that failed ; the next play he arranged to put on was not ready , and he was at his wits' end.He read a play of mine and , though he did not much like it , he thought it might just run for the six weeks till the play he had in mind to follow it with could be produced . It ran for fifteen months . Within a short while I had four plays running in Londonat the same time . Nothing of the kind had ever happened before . I was the talk of the town . One of the students atSt Thomas's Hospital asked the eminent surgeon with whom I had worked whether he remembered me . " Yes, I remember him quite well , " he said . " One of our failures , I'm afraid ."
Question:
The manager of the Court Theatre agreed to put the author's play on the stage because _ .
Choices:
A. he thought it would run for fifteen months
B. he knew it was one of the author's best plays shown in London
C. he had just put on a play that failed
D. the play he had arranged to put on was not ready | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high22926.txt | I entered St Thoma's Hospital as a medical student at the age of 18 and spent five years there . I was an unsatisfactory student , for my heart , as you might have guessed , was not in it . I wanted , I had always wanted to be a writer , and in the evening , after my high tea , I wrote and read . Before long , I wrote a novel , called " Liza of Lambeth", which I sent to a publisher and was accepted . It appeared during my last year at the hospital and had something of a success . It was of course an accident , but naturally I did not know that . I felt I could afford to give up medicine and make writing my profession ; so, three days after I graduated from the school of medicine , I set out forprefix = st1 /Spainto write another book. Looking back now , and knowing as I do the terrible difficulties of making a living by writing , I realize I was taking a fearful risk . It never even occurred to me .
The next ten years were very hard , and I earned an average of PS100 a year . Then I had a bit of luck . The manager of the Court Theatre put on a play that failed ; the next play he arranged to put on was not ready , and he was at his wits' end.He read a play of mine and , though he did not much like it , he thought it might just run for the six weeks till the play he had in mind to follow it with could be produced . It ran for fifteen months . Within a short while I had four plays running in Londonat the same time . Nothing of the kind had ever happened before . I was the talk of the town . One of the students atSt Thomas's Hospital asked the eminent surgeon with whom I had worked whether he remembered me . " Yes, I remember him quite well , " he said . " One of our failures , I'm afraid ." | [
"he thought it would run for fifteen months",
"he knew it was one of the author's best plays shown in London",
"he had just put on a play that failed",
"the play he had arranged to put on was not ready"
] |
What has has revolutionized biological and biomedical research and applications? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What has has revolutionized biological and biomedical research and applications? | polymerase chain reaction | science | null | null | null | Compound chain reaction | synthesis chain reaction | organism chain reaction | polymerase chain reaction | Use a machine. The polymerase chain reaction has revolutionized biological and biomedical research and applications. Luckily many machines have been developed that allow this process to be performed rapidly and with precision. | null | null | null |
John decides to replace all his VHS with DVDs. He can trade in his VHS for $2 each and then buy the DVDs for $10 each. If he has 100 movies, how much does it cost to replace his movies? | It cost 10-2=$<<10-2=8>>8 to replace each movie
So it would cost 8*100=$<<8*100=800>>800 to replace everything
#### 800 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | John decides to replace all his VHS with DVDs. He can trade in his VHS for $2 each and then buy the DVDs for $10 each. If he has 100 movies, how much does it cost to replace his movies? | It cost 10-2=$<<10-2=8>>8 to replace each movie
So it would cost 8*100=$<<8*100=800>>800 to replace everything
#### 800 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Clara brings a package of 100 stickers to school. She gives 10 stickers to a boy she likes. She gives half of the stickers which she has left to her best friends. How many stickers does Clara have left? | She gives the boy she likes 10 stickers.
After giving the boy his stickers, she has 100 – 10 = <<100-10=90>>90 stickers left.
She gives her best friends 90 / 2 = <<90/2=45>>45 stickers
This leaves Clara with 90 – 45 stickers = <<90-45=45>>45 stickers.
#### 45 | Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step. | Clara brings a package of 100 stickers to school. She gives 10 stickers to a boy she likes. She gives half of the stickers which she has left to her best friends. How many stickers does Clara have left? | She gives the boy she likes 10 stickers.
After giving the boy his stickers, she has 100 – 10 = <<100-10=90>>90 stickers left.
She gives her best friends 90 / 2 = <<90/2=45>>45 stickers
This leaves Clara with 90 – 45 stickers = <<90-45=45>>45 stickers.
#### 45 | math | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
The brothers' findings were related to participants' _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Cell phone use and texting are increasingly common, especially among teens. And that could be a problem. Texting affects learning and performing on test, a new study finds. So a Montana teen, Colin decided to test that.
They asked 47 classmates to take part in a two-part experiment. The goal was to test how well these students understood written material. Each one had to read a paragraph or two about a certain topic, then answer questions about it.
In the first part, the participants had 15 minutes to understand and then answer questions about six readings. Throughout this test, they met no distractions.
During a new set of readings, the brothers sent messages to the participants' cell phones every 90 seconds. In each message, there were questions that required a reply.
Participants should have scored better on the second test because it was easier. In fact, they scored worse when distracted by messages. Only a few students scored as well when replying to messages as they did when undistracted. But importantly, nobody performed better during the texting part.
The brothers presented details of their findings at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Boys and girls scored equally poorly while texting, the brothers noticed. Older participants didn't do any better than younger ones. And it didn't matter if a student thought he was good at multitasking. On average, the brothers found that even students who were confident of their abilities did just as poorly while texting. Surprisingly, even though the students remembered less of what they read while texting, most of them answered questions in messages perfectly.
"Our teachers are very happy to see these results," says Coler. The teens' new data strongly support their teachers' opinion that texting while studying is a serious distraction.
Question:
The brothers' findings were related to participants' _ .
Choices:
A. reading performance
B. quality
C. writing ability
D. reading speed | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high12923.txt | Cell phone use and texting are increasingly common, especially among teens. And that could be a problem. Texting affects learning and performing on test, a new study finds. So a Montana teen, Colin decided to test that.
They asked 47 classmates to take part in a two-part experiment. The goal was to test how well these students understood written material. Each one had to read a paragraph or two about a certain topic, then answer questions about it.
In the first part, the participants had 15 minutes to understand and then answer questions about six readings. Throughout this test, they met no distractions.
During a new set of readings, the brothers sent messages to the participants' cell phones every 90 seconds. In each message, there were questions that required a reply.
Participants should have scored better on the second test because it was easier. In fact, they scored worse when distracted by messages. Only a few students scored as well when replying to messages as they did when undistracted. But importantly, nobody performed better during the texting part.
The brothers presented details of their findings at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Boys and girls scored equally poorly while texting, the brothers noticed. Older participants didn't do any better than younger ones. And it didn't matter if a student thought he was good at multitasking. On average, the brothers found that even students who were confident of their abilities did just as poorly while texting. Surprisingly, even though the students remembered less of what they read while texting, most of them answered questions in messages perfectly.
"Our teachers are very happy to see these results," says Coler. The teens' new data strongly support their teachers' opinion that texting while studying is a serious distraction. | [
"reading performance",
"quality",
"writing ability",
"reading speed"
] |
Which of the following is right according to the passage? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
We all love festivals. But since culture develops differently in many places, some festivals are, to us, very strange. Let's take a look at some unique festivals around the world.
Cheese Rolling Festival (England)
The festival started in the 15thcentury in May. When a round cheese is rolled, competitors run down the hill and try to catch it before it reaches the bottom. As the cheese can reach speeds of up to 112 km/h, it's rare that someone catches the cheese. First to the bottom wins the cheese. But running down a very steep hill behind a cheese can be dangerous. Eight people were injured in 1992.
Roswell UFO festival (New Mexico, US)
The Roswell UFO festival celebrates the anniversary of the "Roswell Incident", when a UFO was said to have crashed nearby. Every year in July, experts, authors, researches and lecturers come to discuss the incident. The celebration also includes an alien parade, an alien costume contest, and an alien hot air balloon ride.
Hemingway Days (Florida, US)
This festival has normal stuff (,) like short-story readings and exhibits about the author. But the highlight of the festival is definitely the Hemingway look alike contest.
Imagine walking into a bar and being greeted by 20 middle-aged men who all look alike: stocky with thick white beards. The festival takes place in mid-July every year.
Question:
Which of the following is right according to the passage?
Choices:
A. All the three festivals are celebrated in America.
B. It's common that someone catches the cheese in Cheese Rolling Festival.
C. It's said that a UFO once crashed in New Mexico, US.
D. In Hemingway Days, you'll see 20 old or young Hemingways | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high3387.txt | We all love festivals. But since culture develops differently in many places, some festivals are, to us, very strange. Let's take a look at some unique festivals around the world.
Cheese Rolling Festival (England)
The festival started in the 15thcentury in May. When a round cheese is rolled, competitors run down the hill and try to catch it before it reaches the bottom. As the cheese can reach speeds of up to 112 km/h, it's rare that someone catches the cheese. First to the bottom wins the cheese. But running down a very steep hill behind a cheese can be dangerous. Eight people were injured in 1992.
Roswell UFO festival (New Mexico, US)
The Roswell UFO festival celebrates the anniversary of the "Roswell Incident", when a UFO was said to have crashed nearby. Every year in July, experts, authors, researches and lecturers come to discuss the incident. The celebration also includes an alien parade, an alien costume contest, and an alien hot air balloon ride.
Hemingway Days (Florida, US)
This festival has normal stuff (,) like short-story readings and exhibits about the author. But the highlight of the festival is definitely the Hemingway look alike contest.
Imagine walking into a bar and being greeted by 20 middle-aged men who all look alike: stocky with thick white beards. The festival takes place in mid-July every year. | [
"All the three festivals are celebrated in America.",
"It's common that someone catches the cheese in Cheese Rolling Festival.",
"It's said that a UFO once crashed in New Mexico, US.",
"In Hemingway Days, you'll see 20 old or young Hemingways"
] |
Joe is _ when some people warmly greet him. | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Joe Black, coach of a football team, and his family go to a small town for their holiday. One rainy afternoon, they can't go out to have fun, so the families go to the family. Joe, his wife and their three daughters walk down to the town's only cinema, buy tickets and go into the cinema. The lights are still on , and there are just six other people there. As Joe walks in, some of them see him and start clapping .
Joe gives them a smile and turns to his wife, "Aha, I can't believe that they know me and they are giving me a warm welcome here," he says , " I guess they see my games on TV."
They sit down and then a young man comes up to Joe and gives out his hand, "Thanks a lot," says Joe, " I just can't believe that you know me." The young man says, " I only know that they will not show the film until at least ten people buy tickets.
Question:
Joe is _ when some people warmly greet him.
Choices:
A. worried
B. sad
C. afraid
D. happy | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle6177.txt | Joe Black, coach of a football team, and his family go to a small town for their holiday. One rainy afternoon, they can't go out to have fun, so the families go to the family. Joe, his wife and their three daughters walk down to the town's only cinema, buy tickets and go into the cinema. The lights are still on , and there are just six other people there. As Joe walks in, some of them see him and start clapping .
Joe gives them a smile and turns to his wife, "Aha, I can't believe that they know me and they are giving me a warm welcome here," he says , " I guess they see my games on TV."
They sit down and then a young man comes up to Joe and gives out his hand, "Thanks a lot," says Joe, " I just can't believe that you know me." The young man says, " I only know that they will not show the film until at least ten people buy tickets. | [
"worried",
"sad",
"afraid",
"happy"
] |
What is the"the bigger picture" (Para. 6) that Loe wishes her children to understand? | D | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
What Theresa Loe is doing proves that a large farm isn't _ for a modern grow-your-own lifestyle. On a mere 1/10 of an acre in Los Angeles, Loe and her family grow, can and preserve much of the food they consume.
Loe is a master food preserver, gardener and canning expert. She also operates a website, where she shares her tips and recipes, with the goal of demonstrating that every has the ability to control what's on their plate.
Loe initially went to school to become an engineer, but she quickly learned that her enthusiasm was mainly about growing and preparing her own food. "I got into cooking my own food and started growing my own herbs and foods for that fresh flavor,"she said. Engineer by day, Loe learned cooking at night school. She ultimately purchased a small piece of land with her husband and began growing their own foods.
"I teach people how to live farm-fresh without a farm," Loe said. Through her website Loe emphasizes that "anybody can do this anywhere." Got an apartment with a balcony ? Plant some herbs. A window? Perfect spot for growing. Start with herbs, she recommends, because "they're very forgiving." Just a little of the herbs "can take your regular cooking to a whole new level," she added. "I think it's a great place to start." "Then? Try growing something from a seed, she said, like a tomato or some tea."
Canning is a natural extension of the planting she does. With every planted food. Loe noted, there's a moment when it's bursting with its absolute peak flavor. "I try and keep it in a time capsule in a canning jar," Loe said. "Canning for me is about knowing what's in your food, knowing where it comes from."
In addition to being more in touch with the food she's eating, another joy comes from passing this knowledge and this desire for good food to her children: "Influencing them and telling them your opinion on not only being careful what we eat but understanding _ ," she said, "that if we don't take care of the earth, no will."
Question:
What is the"the bigger picture" (Para. 6) that Loe wishes her children to understand?
Choices:
A. The knowledge about good food
B. The way to live a grow-our-own life
C. The joy of getting in touch with foods
D. The responsibility to protect our earth | Answer: D | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high10243.txt | What Theresa Loe is doing proves that a large farm isn't _ for a modern grow-your-own lifestyle. On a mere 1/10 of an acre in Los Angeles, Loe and her family grow, can and preserve much of the food they consume.
Loe is a master food preserver, gardener and canning expert. She also operates a website, where she shares her tips and recipes, with the goal of demonstrating that every has the ability to control what's on their plate.
Loe initially went to school to become an engineer, but she quickly learned that her enthusiasm was mainly about growing and preparing her own food. "I got into cooking my own food and started growing my own herbs and foods for that fresh flavor,"she said. Engineer by day, Loe learned cooking at night school. She ultimately purchased a small piece of land with her husband and began growing their own foods.
"I teach people how to live farm-fresh without a farm," Loe said. Through her website Loe emphasizes that "anybody can do this anywhere." Got an apartment with a balcony ? Plant some herbs. A window? Perfect spot for growing. Start with herbs, she recommends, because "they're very forgiving." Just a little of the herbs "can take your regular cooking to a whole new level," she added. "I think it's a great place to start." "Then? Try growing something from a seed, she said, like a tomato or some tea."
Canning is a natural extension of the planting she does. With every planted food. Loe noted, there's a moment when it's bursting with its absolute peak flavor. "I try and keep it in a time capsule in a canning jar," Loe said. "Canning for me is about knowing what's in your food, knowing where it comes from."
In addition to being more in touch with the food she's eating, another joy comes from passing this knowledge and this desire for good food to her children: "Influencing them and telling them your opinion on not only being careful what we eat but understanding _ ," she said, "that if we don't take care of the earth, no will." | [
"The knowledge about good food",
"The way to live a grow-our-own life",
"The joy of getting in touch with foods",
"The responsibility to protect our earth"
] |
The colours of the rainbow come from _ . | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
At one time or another we have all stopped to think about the weather. Some days the weather is good. Some days the weather is bad. Sometimes a day that seems bad turns out better than you thought it would. There are ways of understanding the weather. One way is to study the clouds. No two clouds are ever alike. We can see the different kinds of clouds and watch them for signs of changing weather. To forecast the weather, there are three things about clouds. you should look for: movement, colour, and change. As a rule, the higher the clouds, the better the weather. And the lower the clouds, the worse the weather is likely to be. Fair-weather cumulus clouds* are another sign of good weather. These are clouds we often see on warm summer days. Clouds can tell you if a storm is on the way. If the thick, fluffy cumulus clouds get bigger early in the day, then you know it will rain. If there is a sudden, cool and dark thunder* cloud appears, then a storm is about to break out. Colours in the sky tell us about the weather, too. A golden ring around the moon warns us that a storm is on the way. A watery yellow sunset is a sign that rain may be near. The rainbow* has a message, too. The colours of the rainbow come from the sun rays shining through falling rain. If you see the sun in the east and a rainbow in the west, the rain may be coming your way. If the sun is in the west and the rainbow is in the east, the rain will be moving away from you.
Question:
The colours of the rainbow come from _ .
Choices:
A. sun rays shining through falling rain
B. dark thunder clouds in the sky
C. a golden ring around the moon
D. fair-weather cumulus clouds | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle1353.txt | At one time or another we have all stopped to think about the weather. Some days the weather is good. Some days the weather is bad. Sometimes a day that seems bad turns out better than you thought it would. There are ways of understanding the weather. One way is to study the clouds. No two clouds are ever alike. We can see the different kinds of clouds and watch them for signs of changing weather. To forecast the weather, there are three things about clouds. you should look for: movement, colour, and change. As a rule, the higher the clouds, the better the weather. And the lower the clouds, the worse the weather is likely to be. Fair-weather cumulus clouds* are another sign of good weather. These are clouds we often see on warm summer days. Clouds can tell you if a storm is on the way. If the thick, fluffy cumulus clouds get bigger early in the day, then you know it will rain. If there is a sudden, cool and dark thunder* cloud appears, then a storm is about to break out. Colours in the sky tell us about the weather, too. A golden ring around the moon warns us that a storm is on the way. A watery yellow sunset is a sign that rain may be near. The rainbow* has a message, too. The colours of the rainbow come from the sun rays shining through falling rain. If you see the sun in the east and a rainbow in the west, the rain may be coming your way. If the sun is in the west and the rainbow is in the east, the rain will be moving away from you. | [
"sun rays shining through falling rain",
"dark thunder clouds in the sky",
"a golden ring around the moon",
"fair-weather cumulus clouds"
] |
Which of the following is NOT true? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
God created the mule and told him,"You will be Mule,working constantly from dusk dawn, Carrying heavy loads on your back.You will eat grass, and you lack intelligence.You will live for 40 years."The mule answered,"To live like this for 40 years is too much.Please, give me no more than 20."And it was so.
Then God created the dog and told him, "You will hold vigilance over the dwellings of Man.To him you will be his greatest companion.You will eat his table scraps and live for 25 years." the dog responded,"Lord,to live 25 years as a dog is too much.Please, no more than 10 years."And it was so.
God then created the monkey and told him,"You are Monkey.You shall swing from tree to tree, acting like a fool. You will be funny,and you shall live for 20 years."The monkey responded,"Lord,to live 20 years as the clown of the world is too much.Please,Lord,give me no more than 10 years."And it was so.
Finally,God created Man and told him,"You are Man,the only rational being that walks on the earth.You will use your intelligence to have mastery over the creatures of the world.You will dominate the earth and live for 20 years."The man responded,"Lord,to be Man for only 20 years is too little.Please,Lord,give me the 20 years the mule refused,the 15 years the dog refused,and the ten years the monkey rejected."And it was so.So God made Man live 20 years as a man, then marry and live 20 years like a mule,working and carrying heavy loads on his back.Then,Man is to have children and live 15 years as a dog,guarding his house and eating the leftovers after they empty the pantry .Then,in his old age,to live 10 years as a monkey,acting like a clown to amuse his grandchildren.
Question:
Which of the following is NOT true?
Choices:
A. The monkey is more clever than the mule and the dog.
B. The God arranged the dog to be the help of the man.
C. The monkey had nothing in common with the man
D. .The man was created to be intelligent. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high20275.txt | God created the mule and told him,"You will be Mule,working constantly from dusk dawn, Carrying heavy loads on your back.You will eat grass, and you lack intelligence.You will live for 40 years."The mule answered,"To live like this for 40 years is too much.Please, give me no more than 20."And it was so.
Then God created the dog and told him, "You will hold vigilance over the dwellings of Man.To him you will be his greatest companion.You will eat his table scraps and live for 25 years." the dog responded,"Lord,to live 25 years as a dog is too much.Please, no more than 10 years."And it was so.
God then created the monkey and told him,"You are Monkey.You shall swing from tree to tree, acting like a fool. You will be funny,and you shall live for 20 years."The monkey responded,"Lord,to live 20 years as the clown of the world is too much.Please,Lord,give me no more than 10 years."And it was so.
Finally,God created Man and told him,"You are Man,the only rational being that walks on the earth.You will use your intelligence to have mastery over the creatures of the world.You will dominate the earth and live for 20 years."The man responded,"Lord,to be Man for only 20 years is too little.Please,Lord,give me the 20 years the mule refused,the 15 years the dog refused,and the ten years the monkey rejected."And it was so.So God made Man live 20 years as a man, then marry and live 20 years like a mule,working and carrying heavy loads on his back.Then,Man is to have children and live 15 years as a dog,guarding his house and eating the leftovers after they empty the pantry .Then,in his old age,to live 10 years as a monkey,acting like a clown to amuse his grandchildren. | [
"The monkey is more clever than the mule and the dog.",
"The God arranged the dog to be the help of the man.",
"The monkey had nothing in common with the man",
".The man was created to be intelligent."
] |
What is the storage form of glucose in humans and other vertebrates? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | What is the storage form of glucose in humans and other vertebrates? | glycogen | science | null | null | null | placenta | neurons | fructose | glycogen | Glycogen is the storage form of glucose in humans and other vertebrates and is made up of monomers of glucose. Glycogen is the animal equivalent of starch and is a highly branched molecule usually stored in liver and muscle cells. Whenever blood glucose levels decrease, glycogen is broken down to release glucose in a process known as glycogenolysis. Cellulose is the most abundant natural biopolymer. The cell wall of plants is mostly made of cellulose; this provides structural support to the cell. Wood and paper are mostly cellulosic in nature. Cellulose is made up of glucose monomers that are linked by β 1-4 glycosidic bonds (Figure 3.10). | null | null | null |
What were Judy and Paul doing? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The snow went on falling, and they could see only a few meters in front of them.
"We should go back," said Judy.She was afraid.
"But where is the path ?"
Everything was covered with snow.The sky was grey."What's the time?" asked Paul.Judy looked at her watch."Nearly 5 o'clock.It gets dark in an hour."
"We must start walking, and hope we find the path.I think the snow's stopping."said Paul.But it wasn't stopping.The wind was strong.It blew around them, cold and wet.
"Just keep going downhill."said Judy."We can't go wrong."
Then Paul fell on some rocks.He shouted."Judy! I've hurt my leg!" He couldn't stand up.His leg hurt too much.
"I'll have to phone for help."said Judy."I hope the mobile phone works up here!"
Luckily it did.They phoned the mountain service ."Don't move! shouted the man on the phone.Stay where you are, we're sending a team there."
They were not far from the path, so the team found them easily.They were lucky! People often get into trouble when they climb the mountains.You must always tell someone where you are going and take a mobile phone with you.Mountain is a dangerous place to be if things go wrong!
Question:
What were Judy and Paul doing?
Choices:
A. Falling.
B. Stopping.
C. Climbing.
D. Phoning. | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | middle2552.txt | The snow went on falling, and they could see only a few meters in front of them.
"We should go back," said Judy.She was afraid.
"But where is the path ?"
Everything was covered with snow.The sky was grey."What's the time?" asked Paul.Judy looked at her watch."Nearly 5 o'clock.It gets dark in an hour."
"We must start walking, and hope we find the path.I think the snow's stopping."said Paul.But it wasn't stopping.The wind was strong.It blew around them, cold and wet.
"Just keep going downhill."said Judy."We can't go wrong."
Then Paul fell on some rocks.He shouted."Judy! I've hurt my leg!" He couldn't stand up.His leg hurt too much.
"I'll have to phone for help."said Judy."I hope the mobile phone works up here!"
Luckily it did.They phoned the mountain service ."Don't move! shouted the man on the phone.Stay where you are, we're sending a team there."
They were not far from the path, so the team found them easily.They were lucky! People often get into trouble when they climb the mountains.You must always tell someone where you are going and take a mobile phone with you.Mountain is a dangerous place to be if things go wrong! | [
"Falling.",
"Stopping.",
"Climbing.",
"Phoning."
] |
Which of the following can be the best title of the text? | C | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
The 30 miles of steep roads that snake through the mountains of Logan Canyon in Utah are enough to make most drivers'hands sweat. But Andersen, a 46-year-old father of four, wasn't expecting any trouble on the road last New Year's Eve, when he set off for a ski trip to the Bear River Mountains with nine-year-old daughter Mia, four-old son Baylor, and nine-year-old neighbor Kenya. Andersen had driven through the Canyon hundreds of times over the years.
The weather was fine-but the higher they drove, the more slippery the roads became. Rounding a sharp U-turn at mile marker473, Andersen saw a truck that had skated off the road and immediately tapped his brakes. In an instant, the car was sliding at 25 miles per hour toward the shoulder of the highway, then rolling down a steep ten-foot dam toward the extremely cold Logan River. As it hit the water, the car tipped toward the passenger side, hesitated, and then rolled onto its roof and sank into the river.
There was no time to tell the kids what to do. The crash had broken a few windows, and within seconds, the upside-down car was filled with water. "It was frightening how fast we were completely underwater,"remembers Andersen, a soft-spoken product development manager."You're thinking, is this how it's all going to end?"
Having lost all sense of direction, Andersen began to search the freezing water for the kids. Mia had been right next to him in the front seat; now, in the blackness, he couldn't find her."I thought, if I don't get out, maybe none of us are going to get out." Andersen got out of his seat belt, swam through a broken window, and, deeply and quickly, breathed air at the surface. That's when he saw a group of men, about ten in all, appear at the top of the dam. One after another, they raced down into the water. Helping onto safety all the three children, they began to shout at the father,"Who else is in the car?"Andersen says respectfully," _ ."
Question:
Which of the following can be the best title of the text?
Choices:
A. Stay calm when in trouble
B. Drive rounding a U-turn
C. Miracle rescue from an icy river
D. Mystery of the Bear River Mountains | Answer: C | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high23112.txt | The 30 miles of steep roads that snake through the mountains of Logan Canyon in Utah are enough to make most drivers'hands sweat. But Andersen, a 46-year-old father of four, wasn't expecting any trouble on the road last New Year's Eve, when he set off for a ski trip to the Bear River Mountains with nine-year-old daughter Mia, four-old son Baylor, and nine-year-old neighbor Kenya. Andersen had driven through the Canyon hundreds of times over the years.
The weather was fine-but the higher they drove, the more slippery the roads became. Rounding a sharp U-turn at mile marker473, Andersen saw a truck that had skated off the road and immediately tapped his brakes. In an instant, the car was sliding at 25 miles per hour toward the shoulder of the highway, then rolling down a steep ten-foot dam toward the extremely cold Logan River. As it hit the water, the car tipped toward the passenger side, hesitated, and then rolled onto its roof and sank into the river.
There was no time to tell the kids what to do. The crash had broken a few windows, and within seconds, the upside-down car was filled with water. "It was frightening how fast we were completely underwater,"remembers Andersen, a soft-spoken product development manager."You're thinking, is this how it's all going to end?"
Having lost all sense of direction, Andersen began to search the freezing water for the kids. Mia had been right next to him in the front seat; now, in the blackness, he couldn't find her."I thought, if I don't get out, maybe none of us are going to get out." Andersen got out of his seat belt, swam through a broken window, and, deeply and quickly, breathed air at the surface. That's when he saw a group of men, about ten in all, appear at the top of the dam. One after another, they raced down into the water. Helping onto safety all the three children, they began to shout at the father,"Who else is in the car?"Andersen says respectfully," _ ." | [
"Stay calm when in trouble",
"Drive rounding a U-turn",
"Miracle rescue from an icy river",
"Mystery of the Bear River Mountains"
] |
What is the advice on reducing obesity from the government of America? | A | Read the passage and answer the question. | Passage:
Last week a study of one hundred ninety-nine countries confirmed what many people may have already noticed. People around the world are getting fatter. The study found that obesity has almost doubled since 1980.
Majid Ezzati, who led the research team, says the results show that obesity, high blood pressure and high blood pressure are no longer just found in wealthy nations. These are now worldwide problems.
The study appeared shows that in 2008, almost ten percent of men were obese. That was up from about five percent in 1980. That same year, almost eight percent of women were obese. By 2008, the rate of obesity among women was almost fourteen percent.
Obesity is commonly measured by body mass index , or BMI. This is a measure of a person's weight in relation to height. A person with a BMI of twenty-five to twenty-nine is considered overweight. The World Health Organization defines obesity as a body mass index of thirty or more.
Pacific island nations have an average BMI of around thirty-five -- the highest in the world. But the study found that the United States had the single highest average among wealthy countries. Men and women had an average BMI of over twenty-eight. New Zealand was next. Japan had the lowest, at about twenty-two for women and twenty-four for men.
The report had some good news, however, about high blood pressure. The percentage of people with this major cause of heart attacks and strokes has fallen since 1980. Dr. Ezzati credits improved testing and treatment in wealthy countries. He says a decrease in the use of salt and unhealthful fats probably also helped.
In the United States, new guidelines urge Americans to reduce salt, sugar and fatty meats and to eat more fish and whole grains. People are being urged to choose water over sugared drinks and to eat more fruits and vegetables. But whatever they eat, Americans are being urged to follow new advice from the government: eat less.
Question:
What is the advice on reducing obesity from the government of America?
Choices:
A. To eat less.
B. To eat more fish.
C. To reduce salt and sugar.
D. To eat more whole grains. | Answer: A | reading | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | high21876.txt | Last week a study of one hundred ninety-nine countries confirmed what many people may have already noticed. People around the world are getting fatter. The study found that obesity has almost doubled since 1980.
Majid Ezzati, who led the research team, says the results show that obesity, high blood pressure and high blood pressure are no longer just found in wealthy nations. These are now worldwide problems.
The study appeared shows that in 2008, almost ten percent of men were obese. That was up from about five percent in 1980. That same year, almost eight percent of women were obese. By 2008, the rate of obesity among women was almost fourteen percent.
Obesity is commonly measured by body mass index , or BMI. This is a measure of a person's weight in relation to height. A person with a BMI of twenty-five to twenty-nine is considered overweight. The World Health Organization defines obesity as a body mass index of thirty or more.
Pacific island nations have an average BMI of around thirty-five -- the highest in the world. But the study found that the United States had the single highest average among wealthy countries. Men and women had an average BMI of over twenty-eight. New Zealand was next. Japan had the lowest, at about twenty-two for women and twenty-four for men.
The report had some good news, however, about high blood pressure. The percentage of people with this major cause of heart attacks and strokes has fallen since 1980. Dr. Ezzati credits improved testing and treatment in wealthy countries. He says a decrease in the use of salt and unhealthful fats probably also helped.
In the United States, new guidelines urge Americans to reduce salt, sugar and fatty meats and to eat more fish and whole grains. People are being urged to choose water over sugared drinks and to eat more fruits and vegetables. But whatever they eat, Americans are being urged to follow new advice from the government: eat less. | [
"To eat less.",
"To eat more fish.",
"To reduce salt and sugar.",
"To eat more whole grains."
] |
The cell expels waste and other particles through a process called what? | null | Answer the following science question clearly and accurately. | The cell expels waste and other particles through a process called what? | exocytosis | science | null | null | null | endocytosis | biosynthesis | metamorphisis | exocytosis | 3.6 Active Transport The combined gradient that affects an ion includes its concentration gradient and its electrical gradient. Living cells need certain substances in concentrations greater than they exist in the extracellular space. Moving substances up their electrochemical gradients requires energy from the cell. Active transport uses energy stored in ATP to fuel the transport. Active transport of small molecular-size material uses integral proteins in the cell membrane to move the material—these proteins are analogous to pumps. Some pumps, which carry out primary active transport, couple directly with ATP to drive their action. In secondary transport, energy from primary transport can be used to move another substance into the cell and up its concentration gradient. Endocytosis methods require the direct use of ATP to fuel the transport of large particles such as macromolecules; parts of cells or whole cells can be engulfed by other cells in a process called phagocytosis. In phagocytosis, a portion of the membrane invaginates and flows around the particle, eventually pinching off and leaving the particle wholly enclosed by an envelope of plasma membrane. Vacuoles are broken down by the cell, with the particles used as food or dispatched in some other way. Pinocytosis is a similar process on a smaller scale. The cell expels waste and other particles through the reverse process, exocytosis. Wastes are moved outside the cell, pushing a membranous vesicle to the plasma membrane, allowing the vesicle to fuse with the membrane and incorporating itself into the membrane structure, releasing its contents to the exterior of the cell. | null | null | null |
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