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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
---Where are the pears ? ----They are in
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
I have six baskets. Three are big . Three are small . I have some pears and some oranges . I put three pears in each big basket and four oranges in each small basket . The number of oranges is my age .
Question:
---Where are the pears ? ----They are in
Choices:
A. the three big baskets
B. the three small baskets
C. a big basketball
D. a small basket
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle5636.txt
|
I have six baskets. Three are big . Three are small . I have some pears and some oranges . I put three pears in each big basket and four oranges in each small basket . The number of oranges is my age .
|
[
"the three big baskets",
"the three small baskets",
"a big basketball",
"a small basket"
] |
Bob is children's _ .
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Bob Smith is old. He has two big houses and a new car. He has no wife, but he is a father of four children. He has two sons and two daughters. One son is from Canada. His name is Jack. The other is from England. His name is Mike. One of his daughters is from China. Her name is Meimei. She is eleven years old. The other is from America. Her name is Lucy. She's eleven, too.
Bob Smith is not the children's real father, but he loves them very much. The children love their "father", too. Bob Smith has many toys for the children. He gives different toys to different children. The boys play with toy cars. The girls play with doll and toy animals. Bob Smith is their good friend.
Question:
Bob is children's _ .
Choices:
A. real father
B. uncle
C. English teacher
D. friend
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle6516.txt
|
Bob Smith is old. He has two big houses and a new car. He has no wife, but he is a father of four children. He has two sons and two daughters. One son is from Canada. His name is Jack. The other is from England. His name is Mike. One of his daughters is from China. Her name is Meimei. She is eleven years old. The other is from America. Her name is Lucy. She's eleven, too.
Bob Smith is not the children's real father, but he loves them very much. The children love their "father", too. Bob Smith has many toys for the children. He gives different toys to different children. The boys play with toy cars. The girls play with doll and toy animals. Bob Smith is their good friend.
|
[
"real father",
"uncle",
"English teacher",
"friend"
] |
The Moon orbits Earth at a speed of approximately one kilometer per second. The Moon is kept in orbit by which of the following?
| null |
Answer this science question and explain your reasoning.
|
The Moon orbits Earth at a speed of approximately one kilometer per second. The Moon is kept in orbit by which of the following?
Choices:
A. gravity
B. lunar phases
C. magnetism
D. ocean tides
|
Correct answer: A
|
science
|
MCAS_2006_8_35
|
{
"text": [
"gravity",
"lunar phases",
"magnetism",
"ocean tides"
],
"label": [
"A",
"B",
"C",
"D"
]
}
|
A
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
What kind of electricity can you generate with the energy found in flowing water?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
What kind of electricity can you generate with the energy found in flowing water?
|
hydroelectric power
|
science
| null | null | null |
transient power
|
wind energy
|
electrical power
|
hydroelectric power
|
The mechanical energy of rapidly flowing water can turn a turbine and generate electricity. Electricity produced in this way is called hydroelectric power. The water may flow over a waterfall or through a dam. You can see a picture of a dam in the Figure below . A drawback of dams is that they flood land upstream from the dam and reduce water flow downstream from the dam, and this can destroy ecosystems. At the following URL, you can learn more about hydroelectric power and see an animation of a hydroelectric power plant.
| null | null | null |
How many ways of becoming a good student are mentioned in the passage?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Maybe you are an average student. You probably think you will never be a top student. This is not necessarily so. Anyone can become a good student if he or she wants to. Here's how you can be a good student.
Plan your time carefully. When planning your week, you should make a list of things that you have to do. After making this list, you should make a plan of your time. First, your time for eating, sleeping, dressing... Then decide a good, regular time for studying. Don't forget to set enough time for entertainment. A weekly plan may not work out all your problems, but it will push you to realize what is happening to your time.
Find a good place to study. Look around the house for a good study place. Keep this space which may be a desk or simply a corner of your room, free of everything but study materials. No game, radio, or TV! When you sit down to study, concentrate on your subjects.
Make good use of your time. Listen to everything the teacher says. Listening carefully in class means less work later. Taking notes will help you remember what the teacher says.
Study regularly. When you get home from school, go over your notes. Review the important points that your teacher has mentioned in class. If you know what your teacher is going to discuss the next day, read that material. This will help you understand the next class. If you do these things regularly, the material will become more meaningful, and you will remember it longer.
Develop a good attitude to tests. The purpose of a test is to show what you have learned about a subject. It helps you remember your new knowledge. The world won't end if you don't pass a test, so don't be worried.
There are other ideas that might help you with your study. You will probably find many others after you have tried these.
Question:
How many ways of becoming a good student are mentioned in the passage?
Choices:
A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 3
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle5464.txt
|
Maybe you are an average student. You probably think you will never be a top student. This is not necessarily so. Anyone can become a good student if he or she wants to. Here's how you can be a good student.
Plan your time carefully. When planning your week, you should make a list of things that you have to do. After making this list, you should make a plan of your time. First, your time for eating, sleeping, dressing... Then decide a good, regular time for studying. Don't forget to set enough time for entertainment. A weekly plan may not work out all your problems, but it will push you to realize what is happening to your time.
Find a good place to study. Look around the house for a good study place. Keep this space which may be a desk or simply a corner of your room, free of everything but study materials. No game, radio, or TV! When you sit down to study, concentrate on your subjects.
Make good use of your time. Listen to everything the teacher says. Listening carefully in class means less work later. Taking notes will help you remember what the teacher says.
Study regularly. When you get home from school, go over your notes. Review the important points that your teacher has mentioned in class. If you know what your teacher is going to discuss the next day, read that material. This will help you understand the next class. If you do these things regularly, the material will become more meaningful, and you will remember it longer.
Develop a good attitude to tests. The purpose of a test is to show what you have learned about a subject. It helps you remember your new knowledge. The world won't end if you don't pass a test, so don't be worried.
There are other ideas that might help you with your study. You will probably find many others after you have tried these.
|
[
"4",
"5",
"6",
"3"
] |
.Which of the following statements is TRUE?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)--Kids who eat better perform better in school, a new study of Nova Scotia fifthgraders confirms.
Students who ate an adequate amount of fruit,vegetables,protein,fiber and other components of a healthy diet were significantly less likely to fail a _ test,Dr.Paul J.Veugelers of the University of Alberta in Edmonton and colleagues found.
While a healthy diet is generally assumed to be important for good school performance, there has actually been little research on this topic, Veugelers and his colleagues note.To investigate,they looked at 4, 589 fifthgraders participating in the Children's Lifestyle and Schoolperformance Study, 875 (19.1 percent) of whom had failed an elementary literacy assessment.
The better a student's eating habits based on several measures of diet quality,including adequacy and variety, the less likely he or she was to have failed the test, the researchers found,even after they adjusted the data for the effects of parental income and education, school and sex.Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, and getting fewer calories from fat, was also associated with a lower risk of failing the test.
To date, Veugelers and his team say, most research on diet and school performance has focused on the importance of eating breakfast, as well as the ill effects of hunger and malnutrition .
"This study extends current knowledge in this area by demonstrating the independent importance of overall diet quality to academic performance.We should not only realize the importance of children's nutrition at breakfast but also that throughout the day," the researchers conclude.
Another research from the UK is suggesting that children's diets in the preschool years affects how they perform at school later on.The researchers from the Institute of Education, at the University of London say in fact that what children were eating in those days before primary school has more of an effect than the chicken nuggets they ate at lunchtime.The researchers say they have found that children who ate a diet of "junk food" at the age of three, made less progress in school between the ages of six and ten.They say children's diet at later ages appears to have less impact on their school attainment.
Question:
.Which of the following statements is TRUE?
Choices:
A. Children should have more"junk food"at lunch time.
B. Preschool diets can have more impact on children's school work.
C. A child who often has"junk food"at 3 is bound to fail in school work.
D. The older a child is,the more impact of what he eats has on school work.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high6987.txt
|
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)--Kids who eat better perform better in school, a new study of Nova Scotia fifthgraders confirms.
Students who ate an adequate amount of fruit,vegetables,protein,fiber and other components of a healthy diet were significantly less likely to fail a _ test,Dr.Paul J.Veugelers of the University of Alberta in Edmonton and colleagues found.
While a healthy diet is generally assumed to be important for good school performance, there has actually been little research on this topic, Veugelers and his colleagues note.To investigate,they looked at 4, 589 fifthgraders participating in the Children's Lifestyle and Schoolperformance Study, 875 (19.1 percent) of whom had failed an elementary literacy assessment.
The better a student's eating habits based on several measures of diet quality,including adequacy and variety, the less likely he or she was to have failed the test, the researchers found,even after they adjusted the data for the effects of parental income and education, school and sex.Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, and getting fewer calories from fat, was also associated with a lower risk of failing the test.
To date, Veugelers and his team say, most research on diet and school performance has focused on the importance of eating breakfast, as well as the ill effects of hunger and malnutrition .
"This study extends current knowledge in this area by demonstrating the independent importance of overall diet quality to academic performance.We should not only realize the importance of children's nutrition at breakfast but also that throughout the day," the researchers conclude.
Another research from the UK is suggesting that children's diets in the preschool years affects how they perform at school later on.The researchers from the Institute of Education, at the University of London say in fact that what children were eating in those days before primary school has more of an effect than the chicken nuggets they ate at lunchtime.The researchers say they have found that children who ate a diet of "junk food" at the age of three, made less progress in school between the ages of six and ten.They say children's diet at later ages appears to have less impact on their school attainment.
|
[
"Children should have more\"junk food\"at lunch time.",
"Preschool diets can have more impact on children's school work.",
"A child who often has\"junk food\"at 3 is bound to fail in school work.",
"The older a child is,the more impact of what he eats has on school work."
] |
What substance flows over the land from precipitation or melting snow or ice?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
What substance flows over the land from precipitation or melting snow or ice?
|
water
|
science
| null | null | null |
air
|
nitrogen
|
lava
|
water
|
water that flows over the land from precipitation or melting snow or ice.
| null | null | null |
Sandra has a box of apples that weighs 120 pounds. She's going to use half the weight in apples to make applesauce. The rest will be used to make apple pies. She needs 4 pounds of apples per pie. How many pies will she be able to make?
|
The box weighs 120 pounds and she's going to use half of it to make applesauce so she'll use 120/2 = <<120/2=60>>60 pounds for applesauce
The box weighs 120 pounds and she'll use 60 pounds for applesauce so that leaves 120-60 = <<120-60=60>>60 pounds of apples
She has 60 pounds of apples and she needs 4 pounds to make a pie so she can make 60/4 = <<60/4=15>>15 pies
#### 15
|
Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step.
|
Sandra has a box of apples that weighs 120 pounds. She's going to use half the weight in apples to make applesauce. The rest will be used to make apple pies. She needs 4 pounds of apples per pie. How many pies will she be able to make?
|
The box weighs 120 pounds and she's going to use half of it to make applesauce so she'll use 120/2 = <<120/2=60>>60 pounds for applesauce
The box weighs 120 pounds and she'll use 60 pounds for applesauce so that leaves 120-60 = <<120-60=60>>60 pounds of apples
She has 60 pounds of apples and she needs 4 pounds to make a pie so she can make 60/4 = <<60/4=15>>15 pies
#### 15
|
math
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
From the passage we know that _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
The gray-haired lady can't wait to leave the building to search for her dad. Unless watched, she will walk in the streets in an effort to find her father, who died 30 years ago.
Not all cases of Alzheimer's disease look like this, but Alzheimer's is a serious disease that is said to be the fourth or fifth leading cause of death for people over age 75. It is said that about three percent of the U.S. population over age 65 have Alzheimer's. In the early stages, people may exhibit short-term memory loss. Some may experience changes in personality, easy to be angry. As the disease progresses, patients might lose the ability to move and may be unable to speak or move at all. This progressive disease generally lasts 8 to 10 years before death occurs.
While no one is certain what causes these changes in the brain's nerve fibers , their effect is certain. Alzheimer's destroys not only the patients, but also spouses , friends and families.
What should you do if you notice progressive memory loss in yourself or a loved one? Have the person examined by a doctor who is a specialist in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease? Though many reasons other than Alzheimer's disease may cause memory loss, its early diagnosis and treatment may delay some of the most serious effects.
What feeling will you likely experience if a loved one suffers from Alzheimer's disease? A person will often go through the various stages of sadness, shock, anger, and so on. If the spouse develops the disease, you may experience hurt and disappointment when he or she doesn't remember you are married.
Life for the Alzheimer's patients and their loved ones will never be the same as the disease progresses, bringing a deep sorrow, loss and even anger towards God. No matter what feelings are present, facing them honestly will serve one better than burying them.
Question:
From the passage we know that _ .
Choices:
A. early treatment may stop Alzheimer's disease occurring
B. it is still unknown what causes the changes in the brain's nerve fibers
C. nerve fibers in the brain will cause Alzheimer's disease
D. when one suffers from Alzheimer's disease, he will be buried
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high266.txt
|
The gray-haired lady can't wait to leave the building to search for her dad. Unless watched, she will walk in the streets in an effort to find her father, who died 30 years ago.
Not all cases of Alzheimer's disease look like this, but Alzheimer's is a serious disease that is said to be the fourth or fifth leading cause of death for people over age 75. It is said that about three percent of the U.S. population over age 65 have Alzheimer's. In the early stages, people may exhibit short-term memory loss. Some may experience changes in personality, easy to be angry. As the disease progresses, patients might lose the ability to move and may be unable to speak or move at all. This progressive disease generally lasts 8 to 10 years before death occurs.
While no one is certain what causes these changes in the brain's nerve fibers , their effect is certain. Alzheimer's destroys not only the patients, but also spouses , friends and families.
What should you do if you notice progressive memory loss in yourself or a loved one? Have the person examined by a doctor who is a specialist in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease? Though many reasons other than Alzheimer's disease may cause memory loss, its early diagnosis and treatment may delay some of the most serious effects.
What feeling will you likely experience if a loved one suffers from Alzheimer's disease? A person will often go through the various stages of sadness, shock, anger, and so on. If the spouse develops the disease, you may experience hurt and disappointment when he or she doesn't remember you are married.
Life for the Alzheimer's patients and their loved ones will never be the same as the disease progresses, bringing a deep sorrow, loss and even anger towards God. No matter what feelings are present, facing them honestly will serve one better than burying them.
|
[
"early treatment may stop Alzheimer's disease occurring",
"it is still unknown what causes the changes in the brain's nerve fibers",
"nerve fibers in the brain will cause Alzheimer's disease",
"when one suffers from Alzheimer's disease, he will be buried"
] |
Who went to answer the telephone when it rang?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
The telephone rang when Mrs. Gates was cooking lunch. Her son Bruce went to answer the phone. His aunt said she was coming to see them with her daughter that afternoon. Mrs. Gates was happy because she hadn't seen her sister for several months. She knew the girl liked bananas very much, but she was busy in the kitchen and couldn't go to buy any for her. She gave some money to Bruce and said, "Go and buy two kilos of bananas in the shop. "
Bruce liked bananas, too. He went out happily. Half an hour later he came back with a bag in his hand. Mrs. Gates weighed the bananas and found they were half a kilo short. She took the bag to the shopkeeper and said, "I sent my little son for two kilos of bananas, but you gave him only one and a half kilos!" "Have you weighed your little son yet, madam?" asked the shopkeeper, "My scales are all right."
Question:
Who went to answer the telephone when it rang?
Choices:
A. Mrs. Gates.
B. Her sister.
C. Bruce.
D. The girl.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle2551.txt
|
The telephone rang when Mrs. Gates was cooking lunch. Her son Bruce went to answer the phone. His aunt said she was coming to see them with her daughter that afternoon. Mrs. Gates was happy because she hadn't seen her sister for several months. She knew the girl liked bananas very much, but she was busy in the kitchen and couldn't go to buy any for her. She gave some money to Bruce and said, "Go and buy two kilos of bananas in the shop. "
Bruce liked bananas, too. He went out happily. Half an hour later he came back with a bag in his hand. Mrs. Gates weighed the bananas and found they were half a kilo short. She took the bag to the shopkeeper and said, "I sent my little son for two kilos of bananas, but you gave him only one and a half kilos!" "Have you weighed your little son yet, madam?" asked the shopkeeper, "My scales are all right."
|
[
"Mrs. Gates.",
"Her sister.",
"Bruce.",
"The girl."
] |
According to the author, how should you treat yourself?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
You've heard the saying: if you don't know where you're going, how will you know when you get there. Thousands of successful people attribute (......) most of their success to goal setting. Knowing this, why don't the majority of people set goals?
Goal setting starts within you. You have to believe it's possible to do a thing before you have a strong desire to write it down on paper and take steps to make it happen.
How do you possibly bring yourself to believe in your own success? After all, so many of you have been at this success thing for a while and it still hasn't happened to you. Companies that you believed in and worked hard for have failed, your family and friends are waiting for you to "be realistic", and life just keeps giving you one blow after another. But there is a small fire burning inside you. You keep at it because all you know is you can't continue to get up every morning, go to work for someone else and allow them to determine how much you're worth each week which is far below your true value.
So where do you go from here? Where do you start today? The road to inner belief in your success begins with you telling yourself every day, throughout the day, that you can do what you set out to do, you can have what you set out to get, and you can be that successful person you know that lives inside you. Yes, obstacles will come, doubters will be around, but don't you be one of them.
Treat yourself like the person you love and care about most. If you had children who had a paper route and they wanted to accomplish a goal but they kept running into obstacles, what would happen? They would soon become discouraged with so many people telling them no. I'm not interested in what you have to offer. What would you say to your child? I'm sure it won't be the same thing you've been saying to yourself. Turn your words around. Speak those same words of encouragement you would speak to your discouraged child, to yourself. If you would never put a loved one down, especially when they are feeling discouraged, why would you do that to yourself? You have the power within to stop it right now and turn it around.
Be committed from this point forward to speaking words of encouragement to yourself. The mind is an amazing thing. You can convince yourself of anything over time. If you repeatedly tell yourself every day, throughout the day, how successful you are, how capable you are, you will not only start to believe it, you will start to live it.
Question:
According to the author, how should you treat yourself?
Choices:
A. Treat yourself like an innocent child.
B. Treat yourself like a hero who can do everything.
C. Treat yourself like a fool who can't achieve anything.
D. Treat yourself like the person you care and love most.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high18338.txt
|
You've heard the saying: if you don't know where you're going, how will you know when you get there. Thousands of successful people attribute (......) most of their success to goal setting. Knowing this, why don't the majority of people set goals?
Goal setting starts within you. You have to believe it's possible to do a thing before you have a strong desire to write it down on paper and take steps to make it happen.
How do you possibly bring yourself to believe in your own success? After all, so many of you have been at this success thing for a while and it still hasn't happened to you. Companies that you believed in and worked hard for have failed, your family and friends are waiting for you to "be realistic", and life just keeps giving you one blow after another. But there is a small fire burning inside you. You keep at it because all you know is you can't continue to get up every morning, go to work for someone else and allow them to determine how much you're worth each week which is far below your true value.
So where do you go from here? Where do you start today? The road to inner belief in your success begins with you telling yourself every day, throughout the day, that you can do what you set out to do, you can have what you set out to get, and you can be that successful person you know that lives inside you. Yes, obstacles will come, doubters will be around, but don't you be one of them.
Treat yourself like the person you love and care about most. If you had children who had a paper route and they wanted to accomplish a goal but they kept running into obstacles, what would happen? They would soon become discouraged with so many people telling them no. I'm not interested in what you have to offer. What would you say to your child? I'm sure it won't be the same thing you've been saying to yourself. Turn your words around. Speak those same words of encouragement you would speak to your discouraged child, to yourself. If you would never put a loved one down, especially when they are feeling discouraged, why would you do that to yourself? You have the power within to stop it right now and turn it around.
Be committed from this point forward to speaking words of encouragement to yourself. The mind is an amazing thing. You can convince yourself of anything over time. If you repeatedly tell yourself every day, throughout the day, how successful you are, how capable you are, you will not only start to believe it, you will start to live it.
|
[
"Treat yourself like an innocent child.",
"Treat yourself like a hero who can do everything.",
"Treat yourself like a fool who can't achieve anything.",
"Treat yourself like the person you care and love most."
] |
What do people do with the coins in the dumplings?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
On New Year's Day, many people eat special food for good luck.
In Spain and some Latin American countries ,people eat twelve grapes at midnight on New Year's Eve--One grape for good luck in each month of the new year.
Chinese people eat dumplings. Some are made with a coin inside. Everyone tries to find the coin for good luck and money in the new year. Of course they don't eat the coin . In the south of China, people make rice cakes for New Year. The Chinese pronunciation for rice cake is "Nian Gao", which means "get better year after year".
Japanese people eat noodles on New Year's Eve and on their birthdays. They think it may bring them good luck and long life.
The food may be different in each country, but the meaning is the same---people hope the food will bring them luck and happiness(,) in the coming year.
Question:
What do people do with the coins in the dumplings?
Choices:
A. They eat it
B. They give it to children
C. They don't eat it
D. They spend it
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle5349.txt
|
On New Year's Day, many people eat special food for good luck.
In Spain and some Latin American countries ,people eat twelve grapes at midnight on New Year's Eve--One grape for good luck in each month of the new year.
Chinese people eat dumplings. Some are made with a coin inside. Everyone tries to find the coin for good luck and money in the new year. Of course they don't eat the coin . In the south of China, people make rice cakes for New Year. The Chinese pronunciation for rice cake is "Nian Gao", which means "get better year after year".
Japanese people eat noodles on New Year's Eve and on their birthdays. They think it may bring them good luck and long life.
The food may be different in each country, but the meaning is the same---people hope the food will bring them luck and happiness(,) in the coming year.
|
[
"They eat it",
"They give it to children",
"They don't eat it",
"They spend it"
] |
In Zurich, the blowing up of the Boogg symbolizes _ .
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Look to many of history's cultural symbols, and there you'll find an ancestor of Frosty, the snowman in the movie Frozen. It appeared on some of the first postcards, starred in some of the earliest silent movies, and was the subject of a couple of the earliest photos, dating all the way back to the 1800s. I discovered even more about one of humanity's earliest forms of life art during several years of research around the world.
For example, snowmen were a phenomenon in the Middle Ages, built with great skill and thought. At a time of limited means of expression, snow was like free art supplies dropped from the sky. It was a popular activity for couples to leisurely walk through town to view the temporary works of chilly art. Some were created by famous artists, including a 19-year-old Michelangelo, who in 1494 was appointed by the ruler of Florence, Italy, to build a snowman in his mansion's courtyard.
The Miracle of 1511 took place during six freezing works called the Winter of Death. The city of Brussels was covered in snowmen--an impressive scene that told stories on every street corner. Some were political in nature, criticizing the church and government. Some were a reflection of people's imagination. For the people of Brussels, this was a defining moment of defining freedom. At least until spring arrived, by which time they were dealing with damaging floods.
If you fear the heyday of the snowman has passed, don't worry: I've learned that some explosive snowman history is still being made today. Every year since 1818, the people of Zurich, Switzerland, celebrate the beginning of spring by blowing up a snowman. On the third Monday of April, the holiday Sechselauten is kicked off when a cotton snowman called the Boogg is stuffed with explosive and paraded through town by bakers and other tradesmen who throw bread to the crowds. The parade ends with the Boogg being placed on a 40-foot pile of firewood. After the bells of the Church of St. Peter have rung six times, representing the passing of winter, the pile is lit. When the snowman explodes, winter is considered officially over--the quicker it is burnt down, the longer summer is said to be.
Question:
In Zurich, the blowing up of the Boogg symbolizes _ .
Choices:
A. the start of the parade
B. the coming of a longer summer
C. the passing of the winter
D. the success of tradesmen
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high10254.txt
|
Look to many of history's cultural symbols, and there you'll find an ancestor of Frosty, the snowman in the movie Frozen. It appeared on some of the first postcards, starred in some of the earliest silent movies, and was the subject of a couple of the earliest photos, dating all the way back to the 1800s. I discovered even more about one of humanity's earliest forms of life art during several years of research around the world.
For example, snowmen were a phenomenon in the Middle Ages, built with great skill and thought. At a time of limited means of expression, snow was like free art supplies dropped from the sky. It was a popular activity for couples to leisurely walk through town to view the temporary works of chilly art. Some were created by famous artists, including a 19-year-old Michelangelo, who in 1494 was appointed by the ruler of Florence, Italy, to build a snowman in his mansion's courtyard.
The Miracle of 1511 took place during six freezing works called the Winter of Death. The city of Brussels was covered in snowmen--an impressive scene that told stories on every street corner. Some were political in nature, criticizing the church and government. Some were a reflection of people's imagination. For the people of Brussels, this was a defining moment of defining freedom. At least until spring arrived, by which time they were dealing with damaging floods.
If you fear the heyday of the snowman has passed, don't worry: I've learned that some explosive snowman history is still being made today. Every year since 1818, the people of Zurich, Switzerland, celebrate the beginning of spring by blowing up a snowman. On the third Monday of April, the holiday Sechselauten is kicked off when a cotton snowman called the Boogg is stuffed with explosive and paraded through town by bakers and other tradesmen who throw bread to the crowds. The parade ends with the Boogg being placed on a 40-foot pile of firewood. After the bells of the Church of St. Peter have rung six times, representing the passing of winter, the pile is lit. When the snowman explodes, winter is considered officially over--the quicker it is burnt down, the longer summer is said to be.
|
[
"the start of the parade",
"the coming of a longer summer",
"the passing of the winter",
"the success of tradesmen"
] |
This text is mainly about _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
It was in the Victorian Era that the novel became the leading form of literature in English. Most writers were more concerned to meet the tastes of the middle class. The best known works of the period included the works of Charles Dickens and the Bronte sisters and others.
Charles Dickens came on the literary scene in the 1830s. Dickens wrote vividly about London life and the struggles of the poor. Most of his works were written in a very humorous style, which was popular with readers of all classes.
The Bronte sisters were English writers of the 1840s and 1850s. They began to write from early childhood. In 1846 they published the first book at their own expense as poets; however, their book attracted little attention, selling only two copies. Then the sisters turned to writing novels, each producing a novel in the following year.
An interest in rural matters and the changing social and economic situation of the countryside may be seen in the novels of Thomas Hardy and a number of others.
Literature for children developed as a single style. Some works became well-known, such as those of Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear. Adventure novels were written for adults but are now generally grouped in the list for children. Helen Beatrix Potter was an English author at the end of the Victorian Era, best known for her children's books, which featured (......) animal characters. In her thirties, Potter published the highly successful children's book The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1902.
Question:
This text is mainly about _ .
Choices:
A. literature in the Victorian Era
B. writing styles in the Victorian Era
C. famous works in the Victorian Era
D. the importance of literature in the Victorian Era
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high4152.txt
|
It was in the Victorian Era that the novel became the leading form of literature in English. Most writers were more concerned to meet the tastes of the middle class. The best known works of the period included the works of Charles Dickens and the Bronte sisters and others.
Charles Dickens came on the literary scene in the 1830s. Dickens wrote vividly about London life and the struggles of the poor. Most of his works were written in a very humorous style, which was popular with readers of all classes.
The Bronte sisters were English writers of the 1840s and 1850s. They began to write from early childhood. In 1846 they published the first book at their own expense as poets; however, their book attracted little attention, selling only two copies. Then the sisters turned to writing novels, each producing a novel in the following year.
An interest in rural matters and the changing social and economic situation of the countryside may be seen in the novels of Thomas Hardy and a number of others.
Literature for children developed as a single style. Some works became well-known, such as those of Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear. Adventure novels were written for adults but are now generally grouped in the list for children. Helen Beatrix Potter was an English author at the end of the Victorian Era, best known for her children's books, which featured (......) animal characters. In her thirties, Potter published the highly successful children's book The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1902.
|
[
"literature in the Victorian Era",
"writing styles in the Victorian Era",
"famous works in the Victorian Era",
"the importance of literature in the Victorian Era"
] |
Which can be the title for the passage?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Book reports and book reviews are similar. Book reports tend to be a little more descriptive (What is this book about?) and book reviews are usually more persuasive (Why a reader should or shouldn't read this book?). They are both a way to think more deeply about a book you've read and to present your understanding.
Most teachers have their own requirements they expect you to meet, so be sure to check, but the following general elements of a book report should be helpful.
Introduction
Here you want to provide basic information about the book, and a sense of what your report will be about. You should include:
Title /Author
Publication Information: publisher, year, number of pages
Writing style
A brief introduction to the book and the report.
Body
There are two main sections for this part. The first is an explanation of what the book is about. The second is your opinions about the book and how successful it is. There are some differences between reports on fiction or other imaginative writing and reports on non-fiction books. But for both, a good place to start is to explain the author's purpose and/or the main themes of the book. Then you can summarize.
For fiction or other creative writing:
Provide brief descriptions of the setting, the point of view, the leading character, and other major characters. If there is an obvious mood or tone, discuss that as well. Give a brief plot summary. Along with the order of major events, you may want to discuss the book's climax .
For non-fiction:
Provide a general overview of the author's topic, main points, and argument. What is the argument? What are the important conclusions?
Don't try to summarize each chapter. Choose the ones that are most important and interesting to you.
Analysis and comment
In this second section you analyze the book. You can write about your own opinions; just be sure that you explain and support them with examples. Some questions you might want to consider: Did the author achieve his or her purpose? Is the writing effective, powerful or beautiful? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the book? For non-fiction, do you agree with the author's arguments and conclusions? What is your general response to the book? Did you find it interesting, moving or dull? Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?
Conclusion
Briefly conclude by pulling your thoughts together. You may want to say what impression the book left you with, or emphasize what you want your reader to know about it.
Question:
Which can be the title for the passage?
Choices:
A. How to Comment on a Book
B. How to Write a Book Report
C. What is a Book Report About
D. What makes a Book Review
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high18587.txt
|
Book reports and book reviews are similar. Book reports tend to be a little more descriptive (What is this book about?) and book reviews are usually more persuasive (Why a reader should or shouldn't read this book?). They are both a way to think more deeply about a book you've read and to present your understanding.
Most teachers have their own requirements they expect you to meet, so be sure to check, but the following general elements of a book report should be helpful.
Introduction
Here you want to provide basic information about the book, and a sense of what your report will be about. You should include:
Title /Author
Publication Information: publisher, year, number of pages
Writing style
A brief introduction to the book and the report.
Body
There are two main sections for this part. The first is an explanation of what the book is about. The second is your opinions about the book and how successful it is. There are some differences between reports on fiction or other imaginative writing and reports on non-fiction books. But for both, a good place to start is to explain the author's purpose and/or the main themes of the book. Then you can summarize.
For fiction or other creative writing:
Provide brief descriptions of the setting, the point of view, the leading character, and other major characters. If there is an obvious mood or tone, discuss that as well. Give a brief plot summary. Along with the order of major events, you may want to discuss the book's climax .
For non-fiction:
Provide a general overview of the author's topic, main points, and argument. What is the argument? What are the important conclusions?
Don't try to summarize each chapter. Choose the ones that are most important and interesting to you.
Analysis and comment
In this second section you analyze the book. You can write about your own opinions; just be sure that you explain and support them with examples. Some questions you might want to consider: Did the author achieve his or her purpose? Is the writing effective, powerful or beautiful? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the book? For non-fiction, do you agree with the author's arguments and conclusions? What is your general response to the book? Did you find it interesting, moving or dull? Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?
Conclusion
Briefly conclude by pulling your thoughts together. You may want to say what impression the book left you with, or emphasize what you want your reader to know about it.
|
[
"How to Comment on a Book",
"How to Write a Book Report",
"What is a Book Report About",
"What makes a Book Review"
] |
What is the importance of the finding?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Dyslexia is a learning disorder, it interferes with the ability to recognise words, and for some readers to understand what they have read.
Experts say dyslexia affects about five to ten percent of the population of the United State. Researchers have long known that people with dyslexia write or read words and letters backwards in the wrong order.
But a new study shows that people with dyslexia may have trouble redirecting their attention between senses, from seeing something to hearing something. The study suggests something that might help dyslexic people learn more quickly - play video games.
Vanessa Harrar of Britain's University of Oxford led the study. She reported the findings in the journal Current Biology. The study suggests that dyslexic people may have trouble moving quickly from what they read to what they hear. Doctor Harrar calls this a " _ shifting of attention across the senses."
"So, if you are trying to read something and then trying to listen to somebody who's reading aloud and you're trying to follow along with what they are reading -- they have to switch their attention from hearing what they are saying to looking at the piece of paper and back again. So we found they have quite sluggish shifting of attention across the senses," said Harrar.
In the study, Doctor Harrar tested 17 people with dyslexia, and 19 others without reading problems. The volunteers were asked to push a button as quickly as possible when they heard a sound, saw a light or experienced both together. Doctor Harrar compared the speed of their reactions.
She found that people with dyslexia were just as fast as the others when they saw only a picture or heard only a sound. But the dyslexics had a slower reaction time when they heard a sound and saw a picture at the same time.
Doctor Harrar feels like playing action video games could help dyslexic people shift from seeing to hearing more quickly. She adds that images in video games force the eyes to move and focus quickly.
"Video game types of things pop out of here and there, they move your eyes around the screen quite quickly in response to things quite quickly, and the more you play a video game the faster you get that kind of thing. So, the video game is really training the attention system to move quickly," said Harrar.
The study also shows that dyslexic people have the most difficulty going between what they saw and what they heard, this may have an effect on how dyslexic children are taught how to read.
When children learn the alphabet,they usually see the letter first and then hear the sound, or they see and hear the letter at the same time. The study shows that dyslexics might learn more quickly if they hear the sound of a letter or word first before seeing it.
Question:
What is the importance of the finding?
Choices:
A. The finding will prove video games are not necessarily bad for children.
B. People with Dyslexia will be cured by playing video games.
C. People with Dyslexia will not be made fun of by others.
D. The finding may have an effect on the way to teach dyslexic children how to read.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high6361.txt
|
Dyslexia is a learning disorder, it interferes with the ability to recognise words, and for some readers to understand what they have read.
Experts say dyslexia affects about five to ten percent of the population of the United State. Researchers have long known that people with dyslexia write or read words and letters backwards in the wrong order.
But a new study shows that people with dyslexia may have trouble redirecting their attention between senses, from seeing something to hearing something. The study suggests something that might help dyslexic people learn more quickly - play video games.
Vanessa Harrar of Britain's University of Oxford led the study. She reported the findings in the journal Current Biology. The study suggests that dyslexic people may have trouble moving quickly from what they read to what they hear. Doctor Harrar calls this a " _ shifting of attention across the senses."
"So, if you are trying to read something and then trying to listen to somebody who's reading aloud and you're trying to follow along with what they are reading -- they have to switch their attention from hearing what they are saying to looking at the piece of paper and back again. So we found they have quite sluggish shifting of attention across the senses," said Harrar.
In the study, Doctor Harrar tested 17 people with dyslexia, and 19 others without reading problems. The volunteers were asked to push a button as quickly as possible when they heard a sound, saw a light or experienced both together. Doctor Harrar compared the speed of their reactions.
She found that people with dyslexia were just as fast as the others when they saw only a picture or heard only a sound. But the dyslexics had a slower reaction time when they heard a sound and saw a picture at the same time.
Doctor Harrar feels like playing action video games could help dyslexic people shift from seeing to hearing more quickly. She adds that images in video games force the eyes to move and focus quickly.
"Video game types of things pop out of here and there, they move your eyes around the screen quite quickly in response to things quite quickly, and the more you play a video game the faster you get that kind of thing. So, the video game is really training the attention system to move quickly," said Harrar.
The study also shows that dyslexic people have the most difficulty going between what they saw and what they heard, this may have an effect on how dyslexic children are taught how to read.
When children learn the alphabet,they usually see the letter first and then hear the sound, or they see and hear the letter at the same time. The study shows that dyslexics might learn more quickly if they hear the sound of a letter or word first before seeing it.
|
[
"The finding will prove video games are not necessarily bad for children.",
"People with Dyslexia will be cured by playing video games.",
"People with Dyslexia will not be made fun of by others.",
"The finding may have an effect on the way to teach dyslexic children how to read."
] |
The writer believes that bad behavior among the children of mothers who do not work is _ among the children of working mothers.
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Modern society cannot well do without the contribution that women can make in the professions and other kinds of work. There is a serious shortage of nurses and teachers, to mention only two of the occupations followed by women. It is a waste to give years of training at public expense only to have the qualified teacher or nurse marry after a year or two and be lost forever to her profession. The training, it is true, will help her in her duties as a mother, but if she continued to work, her service would be more widely useful. Many factories and shops, too, are largely staffed by women, many of them married. While here the question of training is not so important, industry and trade would be seriously short of staff if married women did not work.
We can see then that there are good reasons for regarding it as desirable that married women should have some occupation outside the home. However, there are serious objections. Schools do not keep children occupied the whole day and school holidays are long. The mother's working day will almost certainly end well after the school day and her holiday will not begin at the same time as her children's. There will be therefore a period when children are not taken care of unless a substitute for the mother can be found, or unless it becomes more generally possible for women to work part-time. There seem to be some grounds for believing that there is more bad behavior among the children of working mothers than among those of mothers who stay at home, but more evidence is required before we can be certain of this. What we can be certain of, however, is that many more will continue to do so.
Question:
The writer believes that bad behavior among the children of mothers who do not work is _ among the children of working mothers.
Choices:
A. possibly less than
B. about the same as
C. a little greater than
D. certainly more than
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high1095.txt
|
Modern society cannot well do without the contribution that women can make in the professions and other kinds of work. There is a serious shortage of nurses and teachers, to mention only two of the occupations followed by women. It is a waste to give years of training at public expense only to have the qualified teacher or nurse marry after a year or two and be lost forever to her profession. The training, it is true, will help her in her duties as a mother, but if she continued to work, her service would be more widely useful. Many factories and shops, too, are largely staffed by women, many of them married. While here the question of training is not so important, industry and trade would be seriously short of staff if married women did not work.
We can see then that there are good reasons for regarding it as desirable that married women should have some occupation outside the home. However, there are serious objections. Schools do not keep children occupied the whole day and school holidays are long. The mother's working day will almost certainly end well after the school day and her holiday will not begin at the same time as her children's. There will be therefore a period when children are not taken care of unless a substitute for the mother can be found, or unless it becomes more generally possible for women to work part-time. There seem to be some grounds for believing that there is more bad behavior among the children of working mothers than among those of mothers who stay at home, but more evidence is required before we can be certain of this. What we can be certain of, however, is that many more will continue to do so.
|
[
"possibly less than",
"about the same as",
"a little greater than",
"certainly more than"
] |
Thirty-six marbles are divided between Mario and Manny in the ratio 4:5. If Manny decided to give 2 marbles to his brother, how many marbles does Manny have now?
|
The marbles are divided into 4 + 5 = <<4+5=9>>9 parts.
Each part consists 36/9 = <<36/9=4>>4 marbles.
So Manny had 5 parts x 4 = <<5*4=20>>20 marbles.
After giving 2 marbles to his brother, he now has 20 - 2 = <<20-2=18>>18 marbles left.
#### 18
|
Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step.
|
Thirty-six marbles are divided between Mario and Manny in the ratio 4:5. If Manny decided to give 2 marbles to his brother, how many marbles does Manny have now?
|
The marbles are divided into 4 + 5 = <<4+5=9>>9 parts.
Each part consists 36/9 = <<36/9=4>>4 marbles.
So Manny had 5 parts x 4 = <<5*4=20>>20 marbles.
After giving 2 marbles to his brother, he now has 20 - 2 = <<20-2=18>>18 marbles left.
#### 18
|
math
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
What is light with wavelengths shorter than visible light called?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
What is light with wavelengths shorter than visible light called?
|
ultraviolet light
|
science
| null | null | null |
radio waves
|
weathering light
|
infrared light
|
ultraviolet light
|
Light with wavelengths shorter than visible light is called ultraviolet light . The term ultraviolet means “above violet. ” Ultraviolet light is the range of light waves that have shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than violet light in the visible range of light. With higher frequencies than visible light, ultraviolet light has more energy. It can be used to kill bacteria in food and to sterilize surgical instruments. The human skin also makes vitamin D when it is exposed to ultraviolet light. Vitamin D, in turn, is needed for strong bones and teeth. You can learn more about ultraviolet light and its discovery at this URL: http://www. youtube. com/watch?v=QW5zeVy8aE0.
| null | null | null |
It can be inferred from the passage that _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
When people talk of a virus these days, chances are that they are talking about computer virus that have the power wipe out all the valuable work people may have stored in their computers. Imagine, the virus has the power to make military systems, giant banks, airports, hospitals and traffic system come to stop!
What does a computer virus do? It targets electronic objects that are programmed. The virus spreads through connections between these electronic objects. For virus spreading experts, e-mail is a favorite method of sending their destructive weapon.
But scientists warn that this is not the worst that can happen. There is more. People are also connected through phones. The next virus may actually target mobile phones, especially those that are programmed to do many tasks apart from just communicating. It would then be easy for a virus to infect those programs and create major disorder.
For example, these virus may have the power to record your phone conversations and make others hear them. They create problems with your electronic money accounts, or they could create a mountain of telephone bills for calls you never made. And that would be a disaster. A report on this was published in the New Scientist recently.
One way out would be to have simpler phones with not so many different functions. This would mean there would mean there would be fewer programs for the virus to attack. But mobile phone producers are _ . People on longer want an electronic item to perform just one task. They want more and more functions added. That would mean more software programs to make the mobile phone perform all those functions. And that means the possibility of more viruses.
Question:
It can be inferred from the passage that _ .
Choices:
A. computer viruses are not so as destructive as mobile phone viruses
B. people should be careful when receiving e-mails
C. people find it difficult to use electronic equipment correctly
D. having electronic money accounts brings people a lot of convenience
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high2312.txt
|
When people talk of a virus these days, chances are that they are talking about computer virus that have the power wipe out all the valuable work people may have stored in their computers. Imagine, the virus has the power to make military systems, giant banks, airports, hospitals and traffic system come to stop!
What does a computer virus do? It targets electronic objects that are programmed. The virus spreads through connections between these electronic objects. For virus spreading experts, e-mail is a favorite method of sending their destructive weapon.
But scientists warn that this is not the worst that can happen. There is more. People are also connected through phones. The next virus may actually target mobile phones, especially those that are programmed to do many tasks apart from just communicating. It would then be easy for a virus to infect those programs and create major disorder.
For example, these virus may have the power to record your phone conversations and make others hear them. They create problems with your electronic money accounts, or they could create a mountain of telephone bills for calls you never made. And that would be a disaster. A report on this was published in the New Scientist recently.
One way out would be to have simpler phones with not so many different functions. This would mean there would mean there would be fewer programs for the virus to attack. But mobile phone producers are _ . People on longer want an electronic item to perform just one task. They want more and more functions added. That would mean more software programs to make the mobile phone perform all those functions. And that means the possibility of more viruses.
|
[
"computer viruses are not so as destructive as mobile phone viruses",
"people should be careful when receiving e-mails",
"people find it difficult to use electronic equipment correctly",
"having electronic money accounts brings people a lot of convenience"
] |
What are the newest, outer layers of secondary xylem called?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
What are the newest, outer layers of secondary xylem called?
|
sapwood
|
science
| null | null | null |
vascular
|
bark
|
fibrous
|
sapwood
| null | null | null |
|
What do the cities Florence,Paris,Amsterdam and Madrid have in common?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Florence,Italy
Who should go:Art lovers;Renaissance historians;leather handbag shoppers with high credit limits.
When to go:Spring or fall.Travellers usually avoid summer in Florence.
Paris,France
Who should go:Starving artists;Henry Miler fans;traditional food lovers.
When to go:Spring is the best time.That's what they all say,anyway.Autumn isn't bad,either,and I'd rather be rooting around the south of France in search of truffles in autumn.Summer in Paris isn't bad,really.
Amsterdam,Holland
Who should go:Lovers of Dutch Masters(artists I mean,like Rembrandt,not cigars);bicyclists--it's a bike city in a flat land.
When to go:It can rain at any time in Amsterdam,but that's not a reason for not visiting this fascinating city.Off season tourists will be rewarded with good enough weather to stick around.Summer is good for sun lovers.
Madrid,Spain
Who should go: _ --Madrid never sleeps;art lovers--the Prado is second only to the Louvre in presenting serious art;partygoers.
When to go:Spring,when days are warm and the nights are pleasantly cool.Demand for outside eating and drinking starts becoming stronger in March or April.Street life peaks in June,then slows in July and August as the temperature peaks.Autumn is also good,although you'll risk some rain.
Venice,Italy
Who should go:Romantic dreamers who like walking through automobile-free streets;your mother(she'll want you to take her there,trust me);almost anyone who wants to see something really different and romantic.
When to go:February is the time when the famous Venice Carnival is held and the weather is usually cold and foggy--perfect weather for Venice.Summer?A large number of tourists in shorts and whiny children ruin the atmosphere.You'll greatly enjoy yourself there in spring and early fall.
Question:
What do the cities Florence,Paris,Amsterdam and Madrid have in common?
Choices:
A. They are all great cities for female shoppers.
B. They are all famous for their traditional food.
C. They are all great cities for art lovers.
D. They are all famous for cigars.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high13915.txt
|
Florence,Italy
Who should go:Art lovers;Renaissance historians;leather handbag shoppers with high credit limits.
When to go:Spring or fall.Travellers usually avoid summer in Florence.
Paris,France
Who should go:Starving artists;Henry Miler fans;traditional food lovers.
When to go:Spring is the best time.That's what they all say,anyway.Autumn isn't bad,either,and I'd rather be rooting around the south of France in search of truffles in autumn.Summer in Paris isn't bad,really.
Amsterdam,Holland
Who should go:Lovers of Dutch Masters(artists I mean,like Rembrandt,not cigars);bicyclists--it's a bike city in a flat land.
When to go:It can rain at any time in Amsterdam,but that's not a reason for not visiting this fascinating city.Off season tourists will be rewarded with good enough weather to stick around.Summer is good for sun lovers.
Madrid,Spain
Who should go: _ --Madrid never sleeps;art lovers--the Prado is second only to the Louvre in presenting serious art;partygoers.
When to go:Spring,when days are warm and the nights are pleasantly cool.Demand for outside eating and drinking starts becoming stronger in March or April.Street life peaks in June,then slows in July and August as the temperature peaks.Autumn is also good,although you'll risk some rain.
Venice,Italy
Who should go:Romantic dreamers who like walking through automobile-free streets;your mother(she'll want you to take her there,trust me);almost anyone who wants to see something really different and romantic.
When to go:February is the time when the famous Venice Carnival is held and the weather is usually cold and foggy--perfect weather for Venice.Summer?A large number of tourists in shorts and whiny children ruin the atmosphere.You'll greatly enjoy yourself there in spring and early fall.
|
[
"They are all great cities for female shoppers.",
"They are all famous for their traditional food.",
"They are all great cities for art lovers.",
"They are all famous for cigars."
] |
In American universities, it is popular for professors to _
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Every Thursday afternoon,my art history class meets not in our usual lecture hall but in the Yale University Art Gallery.
We spend our one-hour class discussing two or three of the paintings,many of which are by artists that we have already studied in class.
The professor begins by selecting one work of art.After giving us a quick background on the artist,he'll open up for our class discussion.Everyone is strongly encouraged to give opinions about the work.Not every piece we study is necessarily famous or striking in appearance and subject matter.Yet we always manage to make some interesting observations.
In America,professors always take every opportunity to push textbooks aside and expose students to real world experiences.
With some creativity, almost any subject can be applied to such beyond classroom learning.My art history class trips to the gallery are but one example.
Many other subjects also offer opportunities to learn outside the classroom,such as business,psychology, art,journalism and biology.
A friend of mine from Yale taking an advanced psychology course spends every Saturday working with mentally disabled children.Her mornings are spent staying with the kids and studying their sometimes uncontrolled behavior.Then in the afternoon she writes a report on her observations.
Students generally appreciate these unique learning opportunities. They're almost always fun and interesting,and professors like them because students learn so much in just a few short months.
No one denies the value of classroom learning,but it can only take students so far.Slides and textbooks may do a good j ob of carrying facts and dates,but creativity and originality of thought cannot be taught.They can only be got through firsthand experience.
Question:
In American universities, it is popular for professors to _
Choices:
A. create textbooks by themselves
B. teach their lectures through real world experiences
C. ask their students to memorize the texts
D. share their experiences with the students
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high21965.txt
|
Every Thursday afternoon,my art history class meets not in our usual lecture hall but in the Yale University Art Gallery.
We spend our one-hour class discussing two or three of the paintings,many of which are by artists that we have already studied in class.
The professor begins by selecting one work of art.After giving us a quick background on the artist,he'll open up for our class discussion.Everyone is strongly encouraged to give opinions about the work.Not every piece we study is necessarily famous or striking in appearance and subject matter.Yet we always manage to make some interesting observations.
In America,professors always take every opportunity to push textbooks aside and expose students to real world experiences.
With some creativity, almost any subject can be applied to such beyond classroom learning.My art history class trips to the gallery are but one example.
Many other subjects also offer opportunities to learn outside the classroom,such as business,psychology, art,journalism and biology.
A friend of mine from Yale taking an advanced psychology course spends every Saturday working with mentally disabled children.Her mornings are spent staying with the kids and studying their sometimes uncontrolled behavior.Then in the afternoon she writes a report on her observations.
Students generally appreciate these unique learning opportunities. They're almost always fun and interesting,and professors like them because students learn so much in just a few short months.
No one denies the value of classroom learning,but it can only take students so far.Slides and textbooks may do a good j ob of carrying facts and dates,but creativity and originality of thought cannot be taught.They can only be got through firsthand experience.
|
[
"create textbooks by themselves",
"teach their lectures through real world experiences",
"ask their students to memorize the texts",
"share their experiences with the students"
] |
What is the author's tone when he discusses the connection between scientists' research and babies' play?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
A scientist working at her lab bench and a six-old baby playing with his food might seem to have little in common.After all,the scientist is engaged in serious research to uncover the very nature of the physical world,and the baby is,well, just playing...right?Perhaps,but some developmental psychologists have argued that this"play"is more like a scientific investigation than one might think.
Take a closer look at the baby playing at the table.Each time the bowl of rice is pushed over the table edge,it
falls in the ground---and, in the process, it belongs out important evidence about how physical objects interact ; bowls of rice do not flood in mid-sit, but require support to remain stable. It is likely that babies are not born knowing the basic fact of the universe; nor are they ever clearly taught it. Instead, babies may form an understanding of object support through repeated experiments and then build on this knowledge to learn even more about how objects interact. Though their ranges and tools differ, the baby's investigation and the scientist's experiment appear to share the same aim(to learn about the natural world ), overall approach (gathering direct evidence from the world), and logic (are my observations what I expected?).
Some psychologists suggest that young children learn about more than just the physical world in this way---that they investigate human psychology and the rules of language using similar means. For example, it may only be through repeated experiments, evidence gathering, and finally overturning a theory, that a baby will come to accept the idea that other people can have different views and desires from what he or she has, for example, unlike the child , Mommy actually doesn't like Dove chocolate.
Viewing childhood development as a scientific investigation throws on how children learn ,but it also offers an inspiring look at science and scientists. Why do young children and scientists seem to be so much alike? Psychologists have suggested that science as an effort ---the desire to explore, explain, and understand our world---is simply something that comes from our babyhood. Perhaps evolution provided human babies with curiosity and a natural drive to explain their worlds, and adult scientists simply make use of the same drive that served them as children. The same cognitive systems that make young children feel good about feel good about figuring something out may have been adopted by adult scientists. As some psychologists put it, "It is not that children are little scientists but that scientists are big children."
Question:
What is the author's tone when he discusses the connection between scientists' research and babies' play?
Choices:
A. Convincing.
B. Confused.
C. Confidence.
D. Cautious.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high13734.txt
|
A scientist working at her lab bench and a six-old baby playing with his food might seem to have little in common.After all,the scientist is engaged in serious research to uncover the very nature of the physical world,and the baby is,well, just playing...right?Perhaps,but some developmental psychologists have argued that this"play"is more like a scientific investigation than one might think.
Take a closer look at the baby playing at the table.Each time the bowl of rice is pushed over the table edge,it
falls in the ground---and, in the process, it belongs out important evidence about how physical objects interact ; bowls of rice do not flood in mid-sit, but require support to remain stable. It is likely that babies are not born knowing the basic fact of the universe; nor are they ever clearly taught it. Instead, babies may form an understanding of object support through repeated experiments and then build on this knowledge to learn even more about how objects interact. Though their ranges and tools differ, the baby's investigation and the scientist's experiment appear to share the same aim(to learn about the natural world ), overall approach (gathering direct evidence from the world), and logic (are my observations what I expected?).
Some psychologists suggest that young children learn about more than just the physical world in this way---that they investigate human psychology and the rules of language using similar means. For example, it may only be through repeated experiments, evidence gathering, and finally overturning a theory, that a baby will come to accept the idea that other people can have different views and desires from what he or she has, for example, unlike the child , Mommy actually doesn't like Dove chocolate.
Viewing childhood development as a scientific investigation throws on how children learn ,but it also offers an inspiring look at science and scientists. Why do young children and scientists seem to be so much alike? Psychologists have suggested that science as an effort ---the desire to explore, explain, and understand our world---is simply something that comes from our babyhood. Perhaps evolution provided human babies with curiosity and a natural drive to explain their worlds, and adult scientists simply make use of the same drive that served them as children. The same cognitive systems that make young children feel good about feel good about figuring something out may have been adopted by adult scientists. As some psychologists put it, "It is not that children are little scientists but that scientists are big children."
|
[
"Convincing.",
"Confused.",
"Confidence.",
"Cautious."
] |
When Christmas Day is coming, the parents _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
December 25 is Christmas Day . Christmas is an important holiday in many countries. On Christmas Day, most families get together for a big dinner. They give presents to each other and visit friends. The Christmas tree is an important part of the Christmas holiday. Most families buy trees. The families decorate the tree together. Parents usually tell their children that Father Christmas comes during the night and brings presents to good children. Of course, Father Christmas isn't real. The parents of the children are really "Father Christmas". They put the presents under the tree or into their children's stocking after the children go to sleep.
Question:
When Christmas Day is coming, the parents _ .
Choices:
A. usually tell their children that Father Christmas isn't real
B. tell their children that Father Christmas comes during the night and brings presents to good children
C. sometimes tell their children that Father Christmas comes during the day
D. often tell their children that Father Christmas gives presents to poor children
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle88.txt
|
December 25 is Christmas Day . Christmas is an important holiday in many countries. On Christmas Day, most families get together for a big dinner. They give presents to each other and visit friends. The Christmas tree is an important part of the Christmas holiday. Most families buy trees. The families decorate the tree together. Parents usually tell their children that Father Christmas comes during the night and brings presents to good children. Of course, Father Christmas isn't real. The parents of the children are really "Father Christmas". They put the presents under the tree or into their children's stocking after the children go to sleep.
|
[
"usually tell their children that Father Christmas isn't real",
"tell their children that Father Christmas comes during the night and brings presents to good children",
"sometimes tell their children that Father Christmas comes during the day",
"often tell their children that Father Christmas gives presents to poor children"
] |
The Japanese girl knows _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Do you know the girl in a hat with flowers on it? Her name is Yinzi. She is a nice Japanese girl, my new friend. She is in our class, studying Chinese.
I like Yinzi. I don't know Japanese, and Yinzi doesn't know Chinese. We know some English. We are the same age. In the same class we have the same interests . We like to sing Chinese, Japanese and English songs. I help her to ride a bike and fly a kite. She helps me to swim and jump. We like playing football, but we can't play in the school because the playground is small. Yinzi and the other girls in our class will go to the swimming pool on Monday, and I want to go with them.
Question:
The Japanese girl knows _ .
Choices:
A. some Chinese
B. some English
C. little Japanese
D. A and B
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle583.txt
|
Do you know the girl in a hat with flowers on it? Her name is Yinzi. She is a nice Japanese girl, my new friend. She is in our class, studying Chinese.
I like Yinzi. I don't know Japanese, and Yinzi doesn't know Chinese. We know some English. We are the same age. In the same class we have the same interests . We like to sing Chinese, Japanese and English songs. I help her to ride a bike and fly a kite. She helps me to swim and jump. We like playing football, but we can't play in the school because the playground is small. Yinzi and the other girls in our class will go to the swimming pool on Monday, and I want to go with them.
|
[
"some Chinese",
"some English",
"little Japanese",
"A and B"
] |
What might be the most suitable title for the text?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Supermarkets are trying out new computers that make shopping carts more intelligent. _ will help shoppers find paper cups or toilet soap, and keep a record of the bill.
The touch-screen devices are on show at the Food Marketing Institute's exhibition here this week, "These devices are able to create value and get you around the store quicker," said Michael Alexander, manager of Springboard Retail Networks Inc., which makes a smart cart computer called the Concierge.
Canadian stores will test the Concierge in July. A similar device, IBM's "Shopping Buddy", has recently been test-marketed at Stop & Shop stores in Massachusetts.
Neither device tells you how many fat grams or calories are in your cart, but they will flash you with items on sale. The idea is to make it easier for people to buy, not to have second thoughts that maybe you should put something back on the shelf.
"The whole model is driven by advertisers' need to get in front of shoppers," said Alexander. "They're not watching 30-second TV ads anymore."
People can use a home computer to make their shopping lists. Once at the store, a shopper can use a preferred customer card to start a system that will organize the trip around the store. If you're looking for toothpicks, you type in the word or pick it from a list, and a map will appear on the screen showing where you are and where you can find them.
The device also keeps a record of what you buy. When you're finished, the device figures out your bill. Then you go to the checker or place your card into a self-checkout stand and pay.
The new computerized shopping assistants don't come cheap. The Buddy devices will cost the average store about $ 160, 000, and the Concierge will cost stores about $ 500 for each device.
Question:
What might be the most suitable title for the text?
Choices:
A. New age for supermarkets
B. Concierge and Shopping Buddy
C. New computers make shopping carts smarter
D. Touch-screen devices make shopping enjoyable
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high20076.txt
|
Supermarkets are trying out new computers that make shopping carts more intelligent. _ will help shoppers find paper cups or toilet soap, and keep a record of the bill.
The touch-screen devices are on show at the Food Marketing Institute's exhibition here this week, "These devices are able to create value and get you around the store quicker," said Michael Alexander, manager of Springboard Retail Networks Inc., which makes a smart cart computer called the Concierge.
Canadian stores will test the Concierge in July. A similar device, IBM's "Shopping Buddy", has recently been test-marketed at Stop & Shop stores in Massachusetts.
Neither device tells you how many fat grams or calories are in your cart, but they will flash you with items on sale. The idea is to make it easier for people to buy, not to have second thoughts that maybe you should put something back on the shelf.
"The whole model is driven by advertisers' need to get in front of shoppers," said Alexander. "They're not watching 30-second TV ads anymore."
People can use a home computer to make their shopping lists. Once at the store, a shopper can use a preferred customer card to start a system that will organize the trip around the store. If you're looking for toothpicks, you type in the word or pick it from a list, and a map will appear on the screen showing where you are and where you can find them.
The device also keeps a record of what you buy. When you're finished, the device figures out your bill. Then you go to the checker or place your card into a self-checkout stand and pay.
The new computerized shopping assistants don't come cheap. The Buddy devices will cost the average store about $ 160, 000, and the Concierge will cost stores about $ 500 for each device.
|
[
"New age for supermarkets",
"Concierge and Shopping Buddy",
"New computers make shopping carts smarter",
"Touch-screen devices make shopping enjoyable"
] |
Barney's grocery store sold out all of its items at the beginning of the pandemic, so they ordered extra items to restock the shelves. However, they ended up ordering far too much and have to keep the leftover items in the storeroom. If they ordered 4458 items, sold another 1561 items that day, and have 575 items in the storeroom, how many items do they have left in the whole store?
|
Barney's grocery store started with 0 items + 4458 they ordered = <<0+4458=4458>>4458 items total.
That day they sold 1561 items, so 4458 total - 1561 sold = <<4458-1561=2897>>2897 items.
If there are 575 items in the storeroom, then there are 575 + 2897 = <<575+2897=3472>>3472 items in the whole store.
#### 3,472
|
Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step.
|
Barney's grocery store sold out all of its items at the beginning of the pandemic, so they ordered extra items to restock the shelves. However, they ended up ordering far too much and have to keep the leftover items in the storeroom. If they ordered 4458 items, sold another 1561 items that day, and have 575 items in the storeroom, how many items do they have left in the whole store?
|
Barney's grocery store started with 0 items + 4458 they ordered = <<0+4458=4458>>4458 items total.
That day they sold 1561 items, so 4458 total - 1561 sold = <<4458-1561=2897>>2897 items.
If there are 575 items in the storeroom, then there are 575 + 2897 = <<575+2897=3472>>3472 items in the whole store.
#### 3,472
|
math
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
What would be the best title of the text?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
For anyone still doubting the belief that our emotions impact our physical health, a new study from New Zealand should be able to settle the matter. It reports that the physical wounds of healthy seniors healed more quickly if they wrote about their most upsetting experiences.
This confirms the results of a 2010 study, and extends those findings to cover older adults-a group that is likely to suffer wounds (as from surgery), and one with less access to other ways of lowering tension (such as exercise).
Reported in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, a research team led by the University of Auckland's Elizabeth Broadbent made a study featuring 50 healthy adults ranging in age from 64 to 97. They were assigned to write for 20 minutes per day for three consecutive days.
Half were asked to write about the most upsetting experience in their life, describing their deepest thoughts, feelings, and emotions about the events, ideally not previously shared with others. The others were asked to write about their daily activities without mentioning emotions, opinions or beliefs.
Two weeks after the third day of writing, all participants received a standard 4mm skin biopsy on their inner arm. The very tiny wounds caused by the biopsy were photographed regularly over the following days to determine the rate at which they healed.
On the 11th day after the biopsy, the wounds completely healed on 76.2 percent of those who had done the expressive writing. That was true of only 42.1 percent of those who had written about everyday activities.
"The biological and psychological mechanisms behind this effect remain unclear," the researchers wrote, noting that those who had done the expressive writing did not report lower stress levels or fewer depressive symptoms than the others in the control group. Even if they weren't consciously aware of feeling more relaxed or positive, the expressive writing appeared to have caused some sort of bodily reaction-probably involving their immune systems-that hastened their recovery.
Question:
What would be the best title of the text?
Choices:
A. Sharing with others can reduce stress.
B. Skin biopsies are likely to cause wounds.
C. Expressive writing heals physical wounds.
D. Upsetting experiences impact our emotions.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high19047.txt
|
For anyone still doubting the belief that our emotions impact our physical health, a new study from New Zealand should be able to settle the matter. It reports that the physical wounds of healthy seniors healed more quickly if they wrote about their most upsetting experiences.
This confirms the results of a 2010 study, and extends those findings to cover older adults-a group that is likely to suffer wounds (as from surgery), and one with less access to other ways of lowering tension (such as exercise).
Reported in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, a research team led by the University of Auckland's Elizabeth Broadbent made a study featuring 50 healthy adults ranging in age from 64 to 97. They were assigned to write for 20 minutes per day for three consecutive days.
Half were asked to write about the most upsetting experience in their life, describing their deepest thoughts, feelings, and emotions about the events, ideally not previously shared with others. The others were asked to write about their daily activities without mentioning emotions, opinions or beliefs.
Two weeks after the third day of writing, all participants received a standard 4mm skin biopsy on their inner arm. The very tiny wounds caused by the biopsy were photographed regularly over the following days to determine the rate at which they healed.
On the 11th day after the biopsy, the wounds completely healed on 76.2 percent of those who had done the expressive writing. That was true of only 42.1 percent of those who had written about everyday activities.
"The biological and psychological mechanisms behind this effect remain unclear," the researchers wrote, noting that those who had done the expressive writing did not report lower stress levels or fewer depressive symptoms than the others in the control group. Even if they weren't consciously aware of feeling more relaxed or positive, the expressive writing appeared to have caused some sort of bodily reaction-probably involving their immune systems-that hastened their recovery.
|
[
"Sharing with others can reduce stress.",
"Skin biopsies are likely to cause wounds.",
"Expressive writing heals physical wounds.",
"Upsetting experiences impact our emotions."
] |
Most people liked to buy books in the shop because _
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Mr. Green once worked in a big company.He was quite busy so that he couldn't do any reading.So he gave up his job and opened a bookshop in the center of the town.It wasn't big but all the books were nice and most people liked to buy some there.When the shop was closed,he could read at home.He knew a lot and many learned people were glad to make friends with him.
It was Sunday and it was cold outside.Mr. Green was very busy.At nine in the evening all the buyers left,but a woman was still there.She was dressed up and seemed to be waiting for somebody there. Standing by the shelves,she looked over the books one after another,and made them in a terrible mess .Mr. Green came up to her and asked," Excuse me,madam.What can I do for you?"
"Your books are not interesting at all,"said the woman,"I want a delicious one."
"That's easy," Mr. Green smiled.He brought out a cookbook and said,"Here you are,madam."
Question:
Most people liked to buy books in the shop because _
Choices:
A. the bookshop was in the center of the town
B. all the books were nice cookbooks
C. it was very large
D. the books there were all good for people
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle6479.txt
|
Mr. Green once worked in a big company.He was quite busy so that he couldn't do any reading.So he gave up his job and opened a bookshop in the center of the town.It wasn't big but all the books were nice and most people liked to buy some there.When the shop was closed,he could read at home.He knew a lot and many learned people were glad to make friends with him.
It was Sunday and it was cold outside.Mr. Green was very busy.At nine in the evening all the buyers left,but a woman was still there.She was dressed up and seemed to be waiting for somebody there. Standing by the shelves,she looked over the books one after another,and made them in a terrible mess .Mr. Green came up to her and asked," Excuse me,madam.What can I do for you?"
"Your books are not interesting at all,"said the woman,"I want a delicious one."
"That's easy," Mr. Green smiled.He brought out a cookbook and said,"Here you are,madam."
|
[
"the bookshop was in the center of the town",
"all the books were nice cookbooks",
"it was very large",
"the books there were all good for people"
] |
It can be inferred from the passage that _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Mr. White sold kinds of machines to farmers, which he thought was not really a very exciting job, but he had always been interested in traveling on business.
He had a big car, and usually enjoyed driving it long distances, but he was also quite satisfied to go by train sometimes, especially when the weather was bad. He was a little frightened of driving in the rain or snow, and it was less tiring to sit comfortably in a train and look out of the windows without being worried about how to get to the next place.
One of Mr. White's problems was often where to stay when he reached some small places in the country. He did not expect timely and wonderful food, but he found it annoying when he was given a cold room, and when there was no hot water after a long and tiring journey.
Later one winter evening, Mr. White arrived at a small railway station. The journey by train that day had not been at all interesting, and Mr. White was cold and tired and hungry. He was looking forward to a simple but satisfying meal by a brightly burning fire, and then a hot bath and a comfortable bed.
While he was walking to the taxi stand, he said to a local man who was also walking there, "As this is my first visit to this part of the country and I was in too much of a hurry to find out the hotels before I left home, I would very much like to know how many hotels you have here."
The local man answered," We have two."
"And which of the two would you advise me to go to?" Mr. White asked then.
The local man scratched his head for a moment and then answered,"Well, it's like this, whichever one you go to, you'll be sorry you don't go to the other."
Question:
It can be inferred from the passage that _ .
Choices:
A. Mr. White liked his job very much
B. the local man didn't give Mr. White advice
C. Mr. White wasn't afraid of driving in the rain
D. the local didn't know which hotel was better
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high18891.txt
|
Mr. White sold kinds of machines to farmers, which he thought was not really a very exciting job, but he had always been interested in traveling on business.
He had a big car, and usually enjoyed driving it long distances, but he was also quite satisfied to go by train sometimes, especially when the weather was bad. He was a little frightened of driving in the rain or snow, and it was less tiring to sit comfortably in a train and look out of the windows without being worried about how to get to the next place.
One of Mr. White's problems was often where to stay when he reached some small places in the country. He did not expect timely and wonderful food, but he found it annoying when he was given a cold room, and when there was no hot water after a long and tiring journey.
Later one winter evening, Mr. White arrived at a small railway station. The journey by train that day had not been at all interesting, and Mr. White was cold and tired and hungry. He was looking forward to a simple but satisfying meal by a brightly burning fire, and then a hot bath and a comfortable bed.
While he was walking to the taxi stand, he said to a local man who was also walking there, "As this is my first visit to this part of the country and I was in too much of a hurry to find out the hotels before I left home, I would very much like to know how many hotels you have here."
The local man answered," We have two."
"And which of the two would you advise me to go to?" Mr. White asked then.
The local man scratched his head for a moment and then answered,"Well, it's like this, whichever one you go to, you'll be sorry you don't go to the other."
|
[
"Mr. White liked his job very much",
"the local man didn't give Mr. White advice",
"Mr. White wasn't afraid of driving in the rain",
"the local didn't know which hotel was better"
] |
How did the author feel when she made the presentation?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
The other day, I received a most unexpected message in response to one of my essays:I am so proud of you and all you have accomplished. I shared your opinion ...
It was signed Margaret Leibfried, who was my English teacher -- a teacher who appeared at a vital point in my life and helped me believe that I could become a writer.
Thirty years ago, I entered high school as an introvert made all the more shy because I was the school's only nonwhite student. I always felt in danger of being swept away by a sea of tall white athletes. I spent a lot of time alone, reading and writing stories, hoping to escape being teased.
Ms. Leibfried taught American literature and composition grammar, which involved the usual memorizing vocabulary, but also, thrillingly, reading novels.
Thrilling to me, that is. Many of my classmates expressed dislike for novels because they were "not real." For once, I didn't care what they thought. Ms. Leibfried seemed to notice my interest in both reading and writing, and she took the time to make me feel less shy; she even offered me reading suggestions, like one of her favorite novels, "The Bell Jar."
That year's big project was a book report, to be read aloud to the class. However, Ms. Leibfried suggested I do something "a little different." Instead of a report, I chose a passage from "The Bell Jar" that I considered as the best to recite.
The morning of the presentations, I remember my hands sweating so badly as I walked to the front of the class that I kept my hands crossed, so I wouldn't wipe them on my blouse.
When I finished, to my surprise, the class applauded. "Marie has picked out a particularly sensitive piece of writing and delivered it beautifully," Ms. Leibfried said, smiling. I felt, maybe for the first time, confident.
Question:
How did the author feel when she made the presentation?
Choices:
A. Comfortable.
B. sad.
C. Nervous.
D. Confident.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high792.txt
|
The other day, I received a most unexpected message in response to one of my essays:I am so proud of you and all you have accomplished. I shared your opinion ...
It was signed Margaret Leibfried, who was my English teacher -- a teacher who appeared at a vital point in my life and helped me believe that I could become a writer.
Thirty years ago, I entered high school as an introvert made all the more shy because I was the school's only nonwhite student. I always felt in danger of being swept away by a sea of tall white athletes. I spent a lot of time alone, reading and writing stories, hoping to escape being teased.
Ms. Leibfried taught American literature and composition grammar, which involved the usual memorizing vocabulary, but also, thrillingly, reading novels.
Thrilling to me, that is. Many of my classmates expressed dislike for novels because they were "not real." For once, I didn't care what they thought. Ms. Leibfried seemed to notice my interest in both reading and writing, and she took the time to make me feel less shy; she even offered me reading suggestions, like one of her favorite novels, "The Bell Jar."
That year's big project was a book report, to be read aloud to the class. However, Ms. Leibfried suggested I do something "a little different." Instead of a report, I chose a passage from "The Bell Jar" that I considered as the best to recite.
The morning of the presentations, I remember my hands sweating so badly as I walked to the front of the class that I kept my hands crossed, so I wouldn't wipe them on my blouse.
When I finished, to my surprise, the class applauded. "Marie has picked out a particularly sensitive piece of writing and delivered it beautifully," Ms. Leibfried said, smiling. I felt, maybe for the first time, confident.
|
[
"Comfortable.",
"sad.",
"Nervous.",
"Confident."
] |
When you finish counting"one-thousand-three",you have .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Wearing seat belt is,of course,the first step to safe driving.These additional measures might also save your life.
Count to three.Keeping up enough space between your car and others is extreme1y necessary.Jim Clark,a California driving instructor,suggests a least amount of three seconds'following distance.To figure this,pick an object on the roadside ahead.When the car in front of you passes it,start counting one-thousand-one,one-thousand-two,one-thousand-three.If you get to that object before you reach one-thousand-three,you don't have three seconds of following time --- time needed to keep away from accidents.
Let followers pass."If someone's driving after you,get out of his way,"Clark advises."You're better of being safe than right."
Expect the worst.In a study,the Federal Highway Administration found that 68 percent of drivers do not come to a complete stop at stop signs.When you're driving and see someone come near to a stop sing,assume the person's not going to stop.
And when you stop at a crossing and another car comes near with its turn signal on,don't take it true that the driver will turn.Instead,wait until he turns.He may have had the signal on for miles.
Stay outside.In crowd,multilane traffic,drive in either the outside--left or outside--right lane."That allows you somewhere to go if a problem develops,"traffic expert Francis Kenel says."If you're in the middle,all you can do is to pause from time to time."
Question:
When you finish counting"one-thousand-three",you have .
Choices:
A. driven one thousand and three metres
B. kept three seconds'distance from other cars
C. counted a lot of numbers
D. kept a long distance from the object
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high15090.txt
|
Wearing seat belt is,of course,the first step to safe driving.These additional measures might also save your life.
Count to three.Keeping up enough space between your car and others is extreme1y necessary.Jim Clark,a California driving instructor,suggests a least amount of three seconds'following distance.To figure this,pick an object on the roadside ahead.When the car in front of you passes it,start counting one-thousand-one,one-thousand-two,one-thousand-three.If you get to that object before you reach one-thousand-three,you don't have three seconds of following time --- time needed to keep away from accidents.
Let followers pass."If someone's driving after you,get out of his way,"Clark advises."You're better of being safe than right."
Expect the worst.In a study,the Federal Highway Administration found that 68 percent of drivers do not come to a complete stop at stop signs.When you're driving and see someone come near to a stop sing,assume the person's not going to stop.
And when you stop at a crossing and another car comes near with its turn signal on,don't take it true that the driver will turn.Instead,wait until he turns.He may have had the signal on for miles.
Stay outside.In crowd,multilane traffic,drive in either the outside--left or outside--right lane."That allows you somewhere to go if a problem develops,"traffic expert Francis Kenel says."If you're in the middle,all you can do is to pause from time to time."
|
[
"driven one thousand and three metres",
"kept three seconds'distance from other cars",
"counted a lot of numbers",
"kept a long distance from the object"
] |
Why did the student continue to ask the question about the writer's being a teacher?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Many years ago my student asked me the question, "Mrs. Kindred, why do you teach?" Without taking time to reflect, I answered, "Because someday I might say something that might make a difference in someone's life." Even though I was sincere, that wasn't a very good answer and my student didn't let it slide.
"Let me get this straight," he said, "You went to college for four years so you could come here every day because you have the hope that someday you might say something that will influence someone?" He shook his head as if I were crazy and walked away looking confused. I'm one of those people who look back and wish they had said something smart or witty, or swift.
Even though that particular student might no longer wonder why I teach, there are days when I wonder. On those days, I remind myself of the real reasons I teach:
It's in my blood. My mother was my most influential teacher, and she was a 6th grade reading teacher until her death in 1990. She instilled in me a love of reading and the knowledge that education opens doors.
Teaching is a way to make a difference. If you throw a stone in a pond the ripples go on and on until they reach the shore. You can't have ripples without a "stone." Good teachers throw stones that make a positive difference, and that's what I strive to do.
I genuinely love teenagers. I want to share with others what I know and what I have learned through the years. Life is full of ups and downs, and if I can help students avoid some potholes on the road of life, I want to do so. If they'll allow me to celebrate their victories with them, I want to do too.
Teaching isn't for everyone, but I know I made the right career choice.
Question:
Why did the student continue to ask the question about the writer's being a teacher?
Choices:
A. Because he thought her answer was unbelievable.
B. Because the writer was insincere.
C. Because the student was naughty.
D. Because the answer was difficult to understand.
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high7849.txt
|
Many years ago my student asked me the question, "Mrs. Kindred, why do you teach?" Without taking time to reflect, I answered, "Because someday I might say something that might make a difference in someone's life." Even though I was sincere, that wasn't a very good answer and my student didn't let it slide.
"Let me get this straight," he said, "You went to college for four years so you could come here every day because you have the hope that someday you might say something that will influence someone?" He shook his head as if I were crazy and walked away looking confused. I'm one of those people who look back and wish they had said something smart or witty, or swift.
Even though that particular student might no longer wonder why I teach, there are days when I wonder. On those days, I remind myself of the real reasons I teach:
It's in my blood. My mother was my most influential teacher, and she was a 6th grade reading teacher until her death in 1990. She instilled in me a love of reading and the knowledge that education opens doors.
Teaching is a way to make a difference. If you throw a stone in a pond the ripples go on and on until they reach the shore. You can't have ripples without a "stone." Good teachers throw stones that make a positive difference, and that's what I strive to do.
I genuinely love teenagers. I want to share with others what I know and what I have learned through the years. Life is full of ups and downs, and if I can help students avoid some potholes on the road of life, I want to do so. If they'll allow me to celebrate their victories with them, I want to do too.
Teaching isn't for everyone, but I know I made the right career choice.
|
[
"Because he thought her answer was unbelievable.",
"Because the writer was insincere.",
"Because the student was naughty.",
"Because the answer was difficult to understand."
] |
The best title for this passage would probably be _ .
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
The combined sales of the 100 largest foreign investing companies in the U.S. increased by 40% in the two years between 1987 and 1989, and the number has continued to increase steadily. In 1990, South Africa proved to be the largest financial investor in the U.S., controlling about $19.2 billion in sales. The Netherlands and the U.K. follow as second largest investors--and Germany next. New of the list of the top 100 foreign investors are 12 banking and finance and insurance companies--the largest, the Hong Kong-Shanghai Banking Corp from Hong Kong. The number of Latin American companies engaged in business here is growing steadily, often through third country holding companies.
Why are so many firms coming to the U.S.? There are many reasons. One of the greatest attractions, of course, is a market of over 200 million consumers with a high average per capital income. In addition, with the devalued dollar the cost of American labor has declined markedly, relative to many foreign labor costs. Some firms seeking to avoid bureaucratic and/or political pressures at home find the U.S. a politically stable environment in which to work. Many hope they may be able to continue selling to the American market even if the U.S. Government restricts imports further, or if major price changes occur due to currency fluctuations . Many foreigners are attracted by U.S. technology, its modern management methods, its labor saving and mass production techniques.
Question:
The best title for this passage would probably be _ .
Choices:
A. Foreign Investors in the U.S.
B. Why Foreign Investors Like the U.S.
C. Foreign Business Is Growing in the U.S.
D. The 100 Top Largest Companies in the U.S.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high6899.txt
|
The combined sales of the 100 largest foreign investing companies in the U.S. increased by 40% in the two years between 1987 and 1989, and the number has continued to increase steadily. In 1990, South Africa proved to be the largest financial investor in the U.S., controlling about $19.2 billion in sales. The Netherlands and the U.K. follow as second largest investors--and Germany next. New of the list of the top 100 foreign investors are 12 banking and finance and insurance companies--the largest, the Hong Kong-Shanghai Banking Corp from Hong Kong. The number of Latin American companies engaged in business here is growing steadily, often through third country holding companies.
Why are so many firms coming to the U.S.? There are many reasons. One of the greatest attractions, of course, is a market of over 200 million consumers with a high average per capital income. In addition, with the devalued dollar the cost of American labor has declined markedly, relative to many foreign labor costs. Some firms seeking to avoid bureaucratic and/or political pressures at home find the U.S. a politically stable environment in which to work. Many hope they may be able to continue selling to the American market even if the U.S. Government restricts imports further, or if major price changes occur due to currency fluctuations . Many foreigners are attracted by U.S. technology, its modern management methods, its labor saving and mass production techniques.
|
[
"Foreign Investors in the U.S.",
"Why Foreign Investors Like the U.S.",
"Foreign Business Is Growing in the U.S.",
"The 100 Top Largest Companies in the U.S."
] |
What shocked Dawn Bonfield most?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
When Dawn Bonfield, the former chief executive of the Women's Engineering Society, ran a stand recently at a big military air show, she was in for a shock.
There were around 900 _ among the crowd and Ms Bonfield says, "I'm saying to all these girls, 'Do you know about engineering, would you like to be an engineer, have you thought about engineering?' And in the whole day... probably five or six of them said yes. Every other one said no, just straight out no."
What surprised her most, she says, is that it wasn't that these eight and nine-year-old girls didn't know what engineering was. Simply that they had already switched off. They had lost interest in engineering. "So how much work does it take to change that?" asks Ms Bonfield. "I mean it's huge."
There's no shortage of data to back up her estimation of the scale of work required. The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that women make up around just 8% of engineers in the UK. And this is at a time when the UK needs to produce thousands more engineers, so much so that the inventor, Sir James Dyson, is planning to open his own instituteto address the skills shortage.
Not enough female role models is well documented as a reason why girls don't choose engineering.
The attitude of parents was also an important factor in career choices. For girls, perhaps unsurprisingly, mothers were particularly influential.
"My mum was a bit iffy about it at first because she was more like, 'Girls should do this and that and the other,' more like 'keep your posture up and be ladylike'," says middle school student Hannah. "But my dad used to build a lot of stuff and he got me into that. So after my mum saw how me and my dad interacted she said, 'Yeah, go for it' and she's kind of the one who supported me with this."
Question:
What shocked Dawn Bonfield most?
Choices:
A. There were so many girls at the show.
B. Many girls had run off before seeing her.
C. Girls didn't know anything about engineering.
D. Girls paid no attention to engineering.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high15044.txt
|
When Dawn Bonfield, the former chief executive of the Women's Engineering Society, ran a stand recently at a big military air show, she was in for a shock.
There were around 900 _ among the crowd and Ms Bonfield says, "I'm saying to all these girls, 'Do you know about engineering, would you like to be an engineer, have you thought about engineering?' And in the whole day... probably five or six of them said yes. Every other one said no, just straight out no."
What surprised her most, she says, is that it wasn't that these eight and nine-year-old girls didn't know what engineering was. Simply that they had already switched off. They had lost interest in engineering. "So how much work does it take to change that?" asks Ms Bonfield. "I mean it's huge."
There's no shortage of data to back up her estimation of the scale of work required. The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that women make up around just 8% of engineers in the UK. And this is at a time when the UK needs to produce thousands more engineers, so much so that the inventor, Sir James Dyson, is planning to open his own instituteto address the skills shortage.
Not enough female role models is well documented as a reason why girls don't choose engineering.
The attitude of parents was also an important factor in career choices. For girls, perhaps unsurprisingly, mothers were particularly influential.
"My mum was a bit iffy about it at first because she was more like, 'Girls should do this and that and the other,' more like 'keep your posture up and be ladylike'," says middle school student Hannah. "But my dad used to build a lot of stuff and he got me into that. So after my mum saw how me and my dad interacted she said, 'Yeah, go for it' and she's kind of the one who supported me with this."
|
[
"There were so many girls at the show.",
"Many girls had run off before seeing her.",
"Girls didn't know anything about engineering.",
"Girls paid no attention to engineering."
] |
What kind of music does the writer like?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
If someone asks me: "Do you like music?" I'm sure I will answer him or her: "Of course, I do." Because I think music is an important part of our lives.
Different people have different ideas about music. For me, I like rock music because it's so exciting. And my favorite rock band, the "Fox Ladies is one of the most famous rock banks in the world. I also like pop music. My classmate ,Li Lan, loves dance music, because she enjoys dancing. My best friend, Jane, likes jazz music . She thinks jazz is really cool.
"I like dance music and rock very much,: says my brother, "because they are amazing."
But my mother thinks rock is boring. "I like some relaxing music." She says. That's why she likes country music, I think.
Question:
What kind of music does the writer like?
Choices:
A. Rock and pop music
B. Rock and dance music
C. Jazz and country music
D. Jazz music and pop music
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle7699.txt
|
If someone asks me: "Do you like music?" I'm sure I will answer him or her: "Of course, I do." Because I think music is an important part of our lives.
Different people have different ideas about music. For me, I like rock music because it's so exciting. And my favorite rock band, the "Fox Ladies is one of the most famous rock banks in the world. I also like pop music. My classmate ,Li Lan, loves dance music, because she enjoys dancing. My best friend, Jane, likes jazz music . She thinks jazz is really cool.
"I like dance music and rock very much,: says my brother, "because they are amazing."
But my mother thinks rock is boring. "I like some relaxing music." She says. That's why she likes country music, I think.
|
[
"Rock and pop music",
"Rock and dance music",
"Jazz and country music",
"Jazz music and pop music"
] |
What is the measure of electric current?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
What is the measure of electric current?
|
ampheres
|
science
| null | null | null |
volts
|
intensity
|
watts
|
ampheres
|
One advantage of anaerobic respiration is obvious. It lets organisms live in places where there is little or no oxygen. Such places include deep water, soil, and the digestive tracts of animals such as humans (see Figure below ).
| null | null | null |
You can get a better mark if _ .
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Very few people look forward to and enjoy exams. That doesn't have to mean that you should be afraid of them, though. The following tips will help you get through that terrible exam period.
Here are eight steps to help you during exams:
1. Make sure you know how much time you will have in the exam, and how many questions there will be. Then you can divide your time among the questions to make sure that they all get answered.
2. When you're doing an exam that involves long answers, it is a good idea to leave some space at the end of the answer so that you can add any extra comments that might come to mind when you reread your paper.
3. Don't spend all of your time only on questions that you know the answer to because you will get a worse mark for answering some questions very well and some not at all.
4. It is worth taking a little extra time to make sure that your handwriting is neat. Then the examiner will be able to read it! Try to _ spelling mistakes too!
5. The more prepared you are, the more likely you are to succeed.
6. Keep calm. If you feel yourself getting worried, take a deep breath.
7. Don't try to discuss the exam after you've finished it. If you've got different answers from your friends, there's no point worrying about it.
8. Once an exam is over, just forget about it. There is nothing more you can do about it. The best thing you can do is to go home and prepare for the next one.
Question:
You can get a better mark if _ .
Choices:
A. you spend all of your time on questions that you are not good at
B. you discuss the answers with your friends after exams
C. you go over your notes carefully for the exam
D. you spend most of your time on questions that you know well
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high12693.txt
|
Very few people look forward to and enjoy exams. That doesn't have to mean that you should be afraid of them, though. The following tips will help you get through that terrible exam period.
Here are eight steps to help you during exams:
1. Make sure you know how much time you will have in the exam, and how many questions there will be. Then you can divide your time among the questions to make sure that they all get answered.
2. When you're doing an exam that involves long answers, it is a good idea to leave some space at the end of the answer so that you can add any extra comments that might come to mind when you reread your paper.
3. Don't spend all of your time only on questions that you know the answer to because you will get a worse mark for answering some questions very well and some not at all.
4. It is worth taking a little extra time to make sure that your handwriting is neat. Then the examiner will be able to read it! Try to _ spelling mistakes too!
5. The more prepared you are, the more likely you are to succeed.
6. Keep calm. If you feel yourself getting worried, take a deep breath.
7. Don't try to discuss the exam after you've finished it. If you've got different answers from your friends, there's no point worrying about it.
8. Once an exam is over, just forget about it. There is nothing more you can do about it. The best thing you can do is to go home and prepare for the next one.
|
[
"you spend all of your time on questions that you are not good at",
"you discuss the answers with your friends after exams",
"you go over your notes carefully for the exam",
"you spend most of your time on questions that you know well"
] |
What is the favorite free time activity of people in the UK?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
People in the UK spend their free time in different ways. They usually use it to relax. They spend a lot of their free time at home. The most popular activity is watching TV. People in the UK watch TV for about 25 hours a week. They often record programs so they can watch them later. Reading is also a popular way of spending free time. People in the UK spend a lot of time reading newspapers and magazines. Many people in the UK have pets. They like playing with their pets in their free time.
In summer, gardening is popular. And families often have a "day out" on the weekend. They often go to a festival or see a show. Young people like to go to clubs, and people of all ages like to go to the cinema.
In winter, "do-it-yourself" is popular. People often spend their free time repairing houses.
Some free time activities are with friends. Asking friends for a drink or a meal at home is the most usual one. Sometimes people and their friends have dinner in a restaurant.
On the weekend, people in the UK like to spend their free time doing sports. The popular kinds of sports are soccer, horse racing, swimming, tennis, skating, climbing and hill walking.
.
Question:
What is the favorite free time activity of people in the UK?
Choices:
A. Reading.
B. Watching TV.
C. Doing sports.
D. Playing with their pets.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle6874.txt
|
People in the UK spend their free time in different ways. They usually use it to relax. They spend a lot of their free time at home. The most popular activity is watching TV. People in the UK watch TV for about 25 hours a week. They often record programs so they can watch them later. Reading is also a popular way of spending free time. People in the UK spend a lot of time reading newspapers and magazines. Many people in the UK have pets. They like playing with their pets in their free time.
In summer, gardening is popular. And families often have a "day out" on the weekend. They often go to a festival or see a show. Young people like to go to clubs, and people of all ages like to go to the cinema.
In winter, "do-it-yourself" is popular. People often spend their free time repairing houses.
Some free time activities are with friends. Asking friends for a drink or a meal at home is the most usual one. Sometimes people and their friends have dinner in a restaurant.
On the weekend, people in the UK like to spend their free time doing sports. The popular kinds of sports are soccer, horse racing, swimming, tennis, skating, climbing and hill walking.
.
|
[
"Reading.",
"Watching TV.",
"Doing sports.",
"Playing with their pets."
] |
We can learn from the passage that_.
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Here are some introductions to four strong women in the world.
Park Geun-hye, President of South Korea
On Wednesday, South Koreans chose the daughter of South Korea's Cold War strongman Park Chung-hee as the country's next President. Park, the 60-year-old leader of the conservative Saenuri Party, defeated 59-year-old liberal challenger Moon Jae-in by about 3.5%. She will be the first female president of South Korea.
Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany
Angela Merkel is the Chancellor of Germany and party leader of the Christian Democratic Union(CDU). Merkel is the first woman to have become Chancellor of Germany. Angela Merkel has been described as "the de facto leader of the European Union" and her cautious response to the euro crisis is backed by most Germans and her party.
Hillary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton is the 67th United States Secretary of State, serving in the administration of President Barack Obama. She has put into place institutional changes seeking to make the most of departmental effectiveness and giving women worldwide power and status, and has set records for most-traveled secretary in office. Hillary Clinton is believed to be preparing to step down from her position as Secretary of State, causing widespread rumors about her possibly making her own run for the White House in 2016.
Aung San Suu Kyi, Chairperson of Burmese National League for Democracy
Aung San Suu Kyi is a Burmese opposition politician. As a pro-democracy leader, she remained under house arrest in Burma for almost 15 years from 20 July 1989 following her fight for democracy until she gained her freedom on 13 November 2010. Like the South African leader Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi has become an international symbol of peaceful resistance in the face of oppression .
The Nobel Peace Prize 1991 was awarded to Aung San Suu Kyi "for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights". She finally delivered her Nobel Lecture on 16 June, 2012, in the Oslo City Hall, Norway.
Question:
We can learn from the passage that_.
Choices:
A. Park Chung-hee defeated Moon Jae-in by about 3.5%
B. Merkel is the first person to have become Chancellor of Germany
C. Hillary Clinton travelled most among all Secretaries of State in USA
D. Aung San Suu Kyi remained under house arrest from 1989 to 2012
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high24151.txt
|
Here are some introductions to four strong women in the world.
Park Geun-hye, President of South Korea
On Wednesday, South Koreans chose the daughter of South Korea's Cold War strongman Park Chung-hee as the country's next President. Park, the 60-year-old leader of the conservative Saenuri Party, defeated 59-year-old liberal challenger Moon Jae-in by about 3.5%. She will be the first female president of South Korea.
Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany
Angela Merkel is the Chancellor of Germany and party leader of the Christian Democratic Union(CDU). Merkel is the first woman to have become Chancellor of Germany. Angela Merkel has been described as "the de facto leader of the European Union" and her cautious response to the euro crisis is backed by most Germans and her party.
Hillary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton is the 67th United States Secretary of State, serving in the administration of President Barack Obama. She has put into place institutional changes seeking to make the most of departmental effectiveness and giving women worldwide power and status, and has set records for most-traveled secretary in office. Hillary Clinton is believed to be preparing to step down from her position as Secretary of State, causing widespread rumors about her possibly making her own run for the White House in 2016.
Aung San Suu Kyi, Chairperson of Burmese National League for Democracy
Aung San Suu Kyi is a Burmese opposition politician. As a pro-democracy leader, she remained under house arrest in Burma for almost 15 years from 20 July 1989 following her fight for democracy until she gained her freedom on 13 November 2010. Like the South African leader Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi has become an international symbol of peaceful resistance in the face of oppression .
The Nobel Peace Prize 1991 was awarded to Aung San Suu Kyi "for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights". She finally delivered her Nobel Lecture on 16 June, 2012, in the Oslo City Hall, Norway.
|
[
"Park Chung-hee defeated Moon Jae-in by about 3.5%",
"Merkel is the first person to have become Chancellor of Germany",
"Hillary Clinton travelled most among all Secretaries of State in USA",
"Aung San Suu Kyi remained under house arrest from 1989 to 2012"
] |
Ashleigh mentions all the following things EXCEPT _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Jason
What I like best is seeing Arsenal win and playing football. If I am feeling sad I will play a football game on my Play Station 2. The best day I have ever had was when I finished first in the 800-metre race at my secondary school. It was a school record, although I didn't know that at the time. My family makes me happy, too.
Antonio
My little sister makes me sad because she always tells tales on me to my mum. If I am having a bad day, food cheers me up. I like chili con carne and sweet chili crisps. It makes me happy because I want to be big and have lots of energy.
Usman
I haven't done anything very exciting in my life but one of my best achievements is that I got a good report from my school this year, because last year I got a bad one. People on TV make me laugh, particularly Eddie Murphy. If I am having a bad day I watch Basil Brush. I am good at making other people happy. I just talk and my friends start laughing -- they think I am silly.
Ashleigh
If I'm having a bad day, knowing that someone is there for me can make me happy. I wouldn't say I'm the best at making other people happy, but I know that just being a good friend to other people is important. The things I like doing are singing, dancing, hanging out with my friends and just being lively and funny.
Kinzey
The most exciting thing I have ever done in my life was when I went abseiling in Wales. But that was a one-off. The things I do all the time are playing football, watching movies and going places with my friends. I know it sounds bad, but what I find funny is when people hurt themselves. If I am having a bad day and I see someone having a worse day than me, that makes me feel better.
Question:
Ashleigh mentions all the following things EXCEPT _ .
Choices:
A. to make other people happy
B. to play football with friends
C. to hang out with friends
D. to be lively and funny
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high15283.txt
|
Jason
What I like best is seeing Arsenal win and playing football. If I am feeling sad I will play a football game on my Play Station 2. The best day I have ever had was when I finished first in the 800-metre race at my secondary school. It was a school record, although I didn't know that at the time. My family makes me happy, too.
Antonio
My little sister makes me sad because she always tells tales on me to my mum. If I am having a bad day, food cheers me up. I like chili con carne and sweet chili crisps. It makes me happy because I want to be big and have lots of energy.
Usman
I haven't done anything very exciting in my life but one of my best achievements is that I got a good report from my school this year, because last year I got a bad one. People on TV make me laugh, particularly Eddie Murphy. If I am having a bad day I watch Basil Brush. I am good at making other people happy. I just talk and my friends start laughing -- they think I am silly.
Ashleigh
If I'm having a bad day, knowing that someone is there for me can make me happy. I wouldn't say I'm the best at making other people happy, but I know that just being a good friend to other people is important. The things I like doing are singing, dancing, hanging out with my friends and just being lively and funny.
Kinzey
The most exciting thing I have ever done in my life was when I went abseiling in Wales. But that was a one-off. The things I do all the time are playing football, watching movies and going places with my friends. I know it sounds bad, but what I find funny is when people hurt themselves. If I am having a bad day and I see someone having a worse day than me, that makes me feel better.
|
[
"to make other people happy",
"to play football with friends",
"to hang out with friends",
"to be lively and funny"
] |
The English soccer star David Beckham is mentioned in the article to _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Can dogs help with OCD?
You might watch and laugh when your dog chases its tail because it looks cute. But did you know that, even though it might appear like a fun game, it could mean your pet is sick?
Researchers have found that if a dog runs after its tail, chases cars and barks at flies that are not there, it may have obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD, ).
In fact, OCD is even more common among humans. The symptoms are varied: some people check and recheck the locks before they go out; others are extremely afraid of germs and have to wash their hands many times a day.
English soccer star David Beckham, for example, cannot stand odd numbers of items in his fridge. So if he has three cans of drink he will throw one out, according to his wife Victoria.
Hoping to better understand OCD in humans, a team of scientists from the University of Helsinki, Finland, studied 368 dogs, including those that chase their tail for several hours daily or a few times a month, according to Sciencedaily.com. They also examined dogs that had never chased their tails. Scientists took the dogs' blood sample and asked their owners some questions about their pets' daily life.
Findings showed that among all kinds of dogs, bull terriers and German shepherds were likely to chase their tails, which led scientists to believe that genes can cause OCD.
Diet also plays a part. It was found that dogs that eat food with certain vitamins and minerals chased their tails less. "Interestingly, there are indications that vitamins and minerals are helpful in human OCD treatment," said researcher Katriina Tiira.
Moreover, tail-chasing is often found among dogs that were separated from their mothers too early or ones that didn't receive enough care. They are also more likely to turn out to be shyer and more afraid of loud noises at a young age.
The study can help us understand the causes of OCD in humans. "Dogs share the same environment with humans, and large animals are physiologically close to humans," said Hannes Lohi, leader of the study.
Question:
The English soccer star David Beckham is mentioned in the article to _ .
Choices:
A. show the trouble caused by OCD
B. give an example of the symptoms of OCD
C. prove stars are more likely to get OCD
D. show how OCD affects family life
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high22442.txt
|
Can dogs help with OCD?
You might watch and laugh when your dog chases its tail because it looks cute. But did you know that, even though it might appear like a fun game, it could mean your pet is sick?
Researchers have found that if a dog runs after its tail, chases cars and barks at flies that are not there, it may have obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD, ).
In fact, OCD is even more common among humans. The symptoms are varied: some people check and recheck the locks before they go out; others are extremely afraid of germs and have to wash their hands many times a day.
English soccer star David Beckham, for example, cannot stand odd numbers of items in his fridge. So if he has three cans of drink he will throw one out, according to his wife Victoria.
Hoping to better understand OCD in humans, a team of scientists from the University of Helsinki, Finland, studied 368 dogs, including those that chase their tail for several hours daily or a few times a month, according to Sciencedaily.com. They also examined dogs that had never chased their tails. Scientists took the dogs' blood sample and asked their owners some questions about their pets' daily life.
Findings showed that among all kinds of dogs, bull terriers and German shepherds were likely to chase their tails, which led scientists to believe that genes can cause OCD.
Diet also plays a part. It was found that dogs that eat food with certain vitamins and minerals chased their tails less. "Interestingly, there are indications that vitamins and minerals are helpful in human OCD treatment," said researcher Katriina Tiira.
Moreover, tail-chasing is often found among dogs that were separated from their mothers too early or ones that didn't receive enough care. They are also more likely to turn out to be shyer and more afraid of loud noises at a young age.
The study can help us understand the causes of OCD in humans. "Dogs share the same environment with humans, and large animals are physiologically close to humans," said Hannes Lohi, leader of the study.
|
[
"show the trouble caused by OCD",
"give an example of the symptoms of OCD",
"prove stars are more likely to get OCD",
"show how OCD affects family life"
] |
The author writes this note to _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Dear Mr. Wang,
Someone comes to the office to see you in the morning, but you and your wife are out. He comes here at 10am. Because he is very busy, he goes away half an hour later. He tells me that he is your classmate at college . Now he teaches Chinese in a high school in this city and he lives near the No. 6 Middle School. He is a very tall man with short hair. He wears a pair of glasses. He tells me his telephone number is 33426685. He is often at home at 7:00 pm. So you can call him in the evening.
Question:
The author writes this note to _ .
Choices:
A. Mr. Wang
B. Mr. Wang's wife
C. Mr. Wang's classmate
D. me
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle798.txt
|
Dear Mr. Wang,
Someone comes to the office to see you in the morning, but you and your wife are out. He comes here at 10am. Because he is very busy, he goes away half an hour later. He tells me that he is your classmate at college . Now he teaches Chinese in a high school in this city and he lives near the No. 6 Middle School. He is a very tall man with short hair. He wears a pair of glasses. He tells me his telephone number is 33426685. He is often at home at 7:00 pm. So you can call him in the evening.
|
[
"Mr. Wang",
"Mr. Wang's wife",
"Mr. Wang's classmate",
"me"
] |
The text is written mainly _
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Call it proof of how carefully students court college admissions offices these days :thank-you notes have become the new trend .
Tank the one that came with M &Ms to match Lehigh University's school color1s of brown and white ,and with the applicant's name inscribed on the candy .She thanked officials for her interview adding ,"Keep me on the tip of your tongue when reviewing applications ."
Leon Washington ,the dean of admissions and financial aid at Lehigh ,said that Lehigh received 50or 60 thank-you notes in just one day last week ,The notes are directed not just to admission officers ,but also to college tour guide and alumni who are often the ones conducting college interviews these days .
Parents also _ the act ,such as the couple that thanked Mr. O'Cain of Furman for a "most positive "campus visit .Then they put in a plug for their son ,saying that he had always been " a high achiever and a hard worker "and that they knew Furman would be just the place to "help him reach his potential "
At other campuses ,like Williams College and Princeton ,the motes go into applicants' files
"Is it necessary to write a thank -you note ?"said Janet Rapelye ,dean of admissions at Princeton "No ,in and of itself .it's not going to change a decision ,But I'm still in favor of them ,Expressing gratitude is a lovely quality "
Sometimes they are lovely .Carolyn Lawrence in California ,who advises students and their parents on college admissions ,recalls a note she received from a student admitted early to her first-choice college ,It came on a postcard of the Eiffel Tower ,It said :
"I spent my spring break -----
a) on last -minute college visits
b) in a month-long anxiety attack waiting to her back from colleges
c) vacationing in Paris with my family and being forever grateful to Carolyn Lawrence for her help
The answer is C. Thank you "
Question:
The text is written mainly _
Choices:
A. to analyze how fierce the competition is to get in a good college
B. to teach you how to court college admissions office
C. to report on a recent trend in college admissions in the US
D. to give information about different top American colleges
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high20092.txt
|
Call it proof of how carefully students court college admissions offices these days :thank-you notes have become the new trend .
Tank the one that came with M &Ms to match Lehigh University's school color1s of brown and white ,and with the applicant's name inscribed on the candy .She thanked officials for her interview adding ,"Keep me on the tip of your tongue when reviewing applications ."
Leon Washington ,the dean of admissions and financial aid at Lehigh ,said that Lehigh received 50or 60 thank-you notes in just one day last week ,The notes are directed not just to admission officers ,but also to college tour guide and alumni who are often the ones conducting college interviews these days .
Parents also _ the act ,such as the couple that thanked Mr. O'Cain of Furman for a "most positive "campus visit .Then they put in a plug for their son ,saying that he had always been " a high achiever and a hard worker "and that they knew Furman would be just the place to "help him reach his potential "
At other campuses ,like Williams College and Princeton ,the motes go into applicants' files
"Is it necessary to write a thank -you note ?"said Janet Rapelye ,dean of admissions at Princeton "No ,in and of itself .it's not going to change a decision ,But I'm still in favor of them ,Expressing gratitude is a lovely quality "
Sometimes they are lovely .Carolyn Lawrence in California ,who advises students and their parents on college admissions ,recalls a note she received from a student admitted early to her first-choice college ,It came on a postcard of the Eiffel Tower ,It said :
"I spent my spring break -----
a) on last -minute college visits
b) in a month-long anxiety attack waiting to her back from colleges
c) vacationing in Paris with my family and being forever grateful to Carolyn Lawrence for her help
The answer is C. Thank you "
|
[
"to analyze how fierce the competition is to get in a good college",
"to teach you how to court college admissions office",
"to report on a recent trend in college admissions in the US",
"to give information about different top American colleges"
] |
The local governments reward the developers by _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
In China ,with the development of society, more and more people are annoyed at the continually rising house prices. They want to know who is to blame for it. Local governments,developers and speculators share a vested interest in it. People who are really in need of homes are most likely to suffer heavy losses.
Many local governments depend on selling land to keep its normal operation. The higher land prices,the more money. Therefore,developers back the local governments by buying land at high prices. In return,the governments make favorable policies to help the developers. For example,drive all the possible home buyers to this nasty market. They even encourage large numbers of speculators to catch more people.
Rising house prices have already become the fence which divides the Chinese society. It has caused widespread dissatisfaction. The government will lose the support of the common people if leaving house prices out of control. Besides,rising house prices will stop us building the new countryside as the present policy actually forbid people to flow freely from cities to the countryside.
Collecting taxes on houses can fundamentally solve this problem. On one hand,it will discourage the speculators. On the other hand,it will offer a stable tax resource apart from reducing the sales cost of the developers. secondly,stop the developers selling the houses before completion. If so,the developers will certainly try their best to sell all their houses once completed. And this will also lower speculators' expectation of price rising,which will decrease speculations.
Question:
The local governments reward the developers by _ .
Choices:
A. making favorable policies
B. allowing sales in advance
C. providing enough buyers
D. offering enough land
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high21427.txt
|
In China ,with the development of society, more and more people are annoyed at the continually rising house prices. They want to know who is to blame for it. Local governments,developers and speculators share a vested interest in it. People who are really in need of homes are most likely to suffer heavy losses.
Many local governments depend on selling land to keep its normal operation. The higher land prices,the more money. Therefore,developers back the local governments by buying land at high prices. In return,the governments make favorable policies to help the developers. For example,drive all the possible home buyers to this nasty market. They even encourage large numbers of speculators to catch more people.
Rising house prices have already become the fence which divides the Chinese society. It has caused widespread dissatisfaction. The government will lose the support of the common people if leaving house prices out of control. Besides,rising house prices will stop us building the new countryside as the present policy actually forbid people to flow freely from cities to the countryside.
Collecting taxes on houses can fundamentally solve this problem. On one hand,it will discourage the speculators. On the other hand,it will offer a stable tax resource apart from reducing the sales cost of the developers. secondly,stop the developers selling the houses before completion. If so,the developers will certainly try their best to sell all their houses once completed. And this will also lower speculators' expectation of price rising,which will decrease speculations.
|
[
"making favorable policies",
"allowing sales in advance",
"providing enough buyers",
"offering enough land"
] |
The author mentions a short film about the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to show _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Wind turbines are efficient sources of cheap energy but also a source of concern as their huge spinning blades frequently kill birds and bats. A new type of wind generator developed in Spain offers a creative solution to that problem.
In 2002, Spanish inventor David Yanez saw a short film about the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in the U.S., collapsing in strong wind. It was a vivid example of the powerful vibrations wind can create when it blows past a long pole, such as a car antenna or even a stick of bamboo. It gave him the idea for a new type of wind-energy generator.
"The initial philosophy or spirit was to create a generator of dreams that had all the qualities one would want: It should be as cheap as possible, need as little maintenance as possible, the setup as simple as possible," he said.
Yanez and his friend Raoul Martin took the idea to an engineering firm, where they were told it would never work. Undiscouraged, they started experimenting on their own in a small wind tunnel they built.
Good initial results were repeated by a larger working model called Vortex installed in a nearby field. "What we have is a mast , which is the top piece and acts as a blade," Yanez said. "It's constructed from the same material as a conventional generator, and what it does is it oscillates , transmitting the oscillation to a conventional alternator, which by its own oscillation converts the wind's energy into electric energy."
Yanez said the output of the 6-meter-tall generator, and even that of smaller models, was better than expected. The Vortex creates about 30 percent less energy than a comparable bladed wind turbine, but it is lighter and cheaper to build and maintain. It is made mostly of reinforced plastic and has very few moving parts. Also, it does not create noise and--even more important for many environmentalists--it does not present a threat to passing birds.
The current prototype works at wind speeds ranging from 1.5 to 7 meters per second. The inventors say the next step is building a 12.5-meter tall bladeless generator with a 4-kilowatt capacity that could power small businesses or individual homes, or provide supplemental power to a main grid. The commercial version of the Vortex Bladeless generator should be ready for the market by 2017.
Question:
The author mentions a short film about the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to show _ .
Choices:
A. what the initial philosophy or spirit was
B. what inspired Yanez to create the generator
C. how the bridge was destroyed in strong wind
D. how wind creates powerful vibrations
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high11520.txt
|
Wind turbines are efficient sources of cheap energy but also a source of concern as their huge spinning blades frequently kill birds and bats. A new type of wind generator developed in Spain offers a creative solution to that problem.
In 2002, Spanish inventor David Yanez saw a short film about the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in the U.S., collapsing in strong wind. It was a vivid example of the powerful vibrations wind can create when it blows past a long pole, such as a car antenna or even a stick of bamboo. It gave him the idea for a new type of wind-energy generator.
"The initial philosophy or spirit was to create a generator of dreams that had all the qualities one would want: It should be as cheap as possible, need as little maintenance as possible, the setup as simple as possible," he said.
Yanez and his friend Raoul Martin took the idea to an engineering firm, where they were told it would never work. Undiscouraged, they started experimenting on their own in a small wind tunnel they built.
Good initial results were repeated by a larger working model called Vortex installed in a nearby field. "What we have is a mast , which is the top piece and acts as a blade," Yanez said. "It's constructed from the same material as a conventional generator, and what it does is it oscillates , transmitting the oscillation to a conventional alternator, which by its own oscillation converts the wind's energy into electric energy."
Yanez said the output of the 6-meter-tall generator, and even that of smaller models, was better than expected. The Vortex creates about 30 percent less energy than a comparable bladed wind turbine, but it is lighter and cheaper to build and maintain. It is made mostly of reinforced plastic and has very few moving parts. Also, it does not create noise and--even more important for many environmentalists--it does not present a threat to passing birds.
The current prototype works at wind speeds ranging from 1.5 to 7 meters per second. The inventors say the next step is building a 12.5-meter tall bladeless generator with a 4-kilowatt capacity that could power small businesses or individual homes, or provide supplemental power to a main grid. The commercial version of the Vortex Bladeless generator should be ready for the market by 2017.
|
[
"what the initial philosophy or spirit was",
"what inspired Yanez to create the generator",
"how the bridge was destroyed in strong wind",
"how wind creates powerful vibrations"
] |
The author asked his students to write about their families because he wanted them to _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
As a teacher, I always think it right to teach my students to write about their true feelings and real experiences. But once I was puzzled about this.
After explaining a text one day, I asked my students to write a passage about their families. All the students wrote quite well but the best of them all was the one written by a small girl. I was deeply touched by it. The girl's father had died years before and her mother had to work hard to support the family. Many times she had seen her mother working deep into the night but never seen tears on her face. Like her mother this girl also works hard at her lessons and she is really good at any of them. I even didn't know anything about her unlucky family. She always appears happy every day so she is really liked by us all, both the students and teachers.
In order to make her an example to the class, I read this passage to the class. When I finished reading it I found my throat _ and my students' eyes full of tears. Some of them even wept in a low voice. After the class nearly all my other students wanted to hand in their pocket money for the daily use to help this girl. To tell you the truth, I was really proud of my students.
But to my disappointment, this student of mine left the class even without telling me the next day. I don't know the reason why, can you tell me?
Question:
The author asked his students to write about their families because he wanted them to _ .
Choices:
A. speak out open-heartedly
B. tell him some stories about themselves
C. make up some stories about themselves
D. say something good to him
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high1306.txt
|
As a teacher, I always think it right to teach my students to write about their true feelings and real experiences. But once I was puzzled about this.
After explaining a text one day, I asked my students to write a passage about their families. All the students wrote quite well but the best of them all was the one written by a small girl. I was deeply touched by it. The girl's father had died years before and her mother had to work hard to support the family. Many times she had seen her mother working deep into the night but never seen tears on her face. Like her mother this girl also works hard at her lessons and she is really good at any of them. I even didn't know anything about her unlucky family. She always appears happy every day so she is really liked by us all, both the students and teachers.
In order to make her an example to the class, I read this passage to the class. When I finished reading it I found my throat _ and my students' eyes full of tears. Some of them even wept in a low voice. After the class nearly all my other students wanted to hand in their pocket money for the daily use to help this girl. To tell you the truth, I was really proud of my students.
But to my disappointment, this student of mine left the class even without telling me the next day. I don't know the reason why, can you tell me?
|
[
"speak out open-heartedly",
"tell him some stories about themselves",
"make up some stories about themselves",
"say something good to him"
] |
Which one is Yiqiong Zhang's dream?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Recently, China Dream has been the subject of a public topic. Although it is quite common for Chinese people to dream of a developed China, most people also have their own dreams. I interviewed several young Chinese students with higher US educational backgrounds. They all had their own dreams for their native country.
Fred Wang, an MBA student in the US, said, "I dream of equal chance for the young in China. Equality means all young people can compete fairly, based on the rule-of-law no matter whether they are rich or poor."
Yujie Zhao, another MBA student in California, said, "I dream of having the best education for my children so they will not lose at the starting line, and I dream of being able to take good care of my parents after they return home from work."
Yiqiong Zhang, an MBA graduate from the US, shared her dreams. "I have a dream which I have been holding for many years, that is after working hard for about 20 to 25 years, I can have enough money to build and manage a bookstore or a flower shop. Besides working hard, I am able to enjoy life, to play the piano, to hike and to enjoy a two-month-long vacation every year. This may be a common dream among young Chinese students."
There is no doubt that all of these young students have their own China Dream. They all love chasing their dreams. The beautiful China Dream requires everyone's hard work. Everyone should work hard to make their dreams come true.
Question:
Which one is Yiqiong Zhang's dream?
Choices:
A. Having an equal chance for the young in China.
B. Having the best education for her children.
C. Managing a bookstore or a flower shop in her middle ages.
D. Taking a four weeks' vacation every year.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle3264.txt
|
Recently, China Dream has been the subject of a public topic. Although it is quite common for Chinese people to dream of a developed China, most people also have their own dreams. I interviewed several young Chinese students with higher US educational backgrounds. They all had their own dreams for their native country.
Fred Wang, an MBA student in the US, said, "I dream of equal chance for the young in China. Equality means all young people can compete fairly, based on the rule-of-law no matter whether they are rich or poor."
Yujie Zhao, another MBA student in California, said, "I dream of having the best education for my children so they will not lose at the starting line, and I dream of being able to take good care of my parents after they return home from work."
Yiqiong Zhang, an MBA graduate from the US, shared her dreams. "I have a dream which I have been holding for many years, that is after working hard for about 20 to 25 years, I can have enough money to build and manage a bookstore or a flower shop. Besides working hard, I am able to enjoy life, to play the piano, to hike and to enjoy a two-month-long vacation every year. This may be a common dream among young Chinese students."
There is no doubt that all of these young students have their own China Dream. They all love chasing their dreams. The beautiful China Dream requires everyone's hard work. Everyone should work hard to make their dreams come true.
|
[
"Having an equal chance for the young in China.",
"Having the best education for her children.",
"Managing a bookstore or a flower shop in her middle ages.",
"Taking a four weeks' vacation every year."
] |
We feel unhappy when _
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Sometimes we feel good, such as when we get good grades or when something good happens. Sometimes we feel bad, such as when we argue with our classmates or when the teachers criticize us. Both kinds of feelings are common. Of course, we all enjoy good feelings, but when we feel unhappy, sometimes we don't know what to do about it. Here is a plan that will help you when your feelings are bothering you.
1. ACCEPT your feelings. Say to yourself, "I am sad. " "I am scared. " "I am angry. " "I am embarrassed. " It's all right to have these feelings.
2. RELAX and have a rest before you act. Take slow deep breaths and relax your body. Imagine that you are in a safe place. You can listen to some music or sing a beautiful song !
3. THINK about ways to help yourself. Thinking helps you do something smart instead of hurting yourself or making things worse.
4. DO something to help yourself. Maybe you can talk to someone, or do something you enjoy. _ , go back to Step 3.
Question:
We feel unhappy when _
Choices:
A. we get good grades
B. everything goes well
C. someone is proud of us
D. we have a fight with our classmates
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle3559.txt
|
Sometimes we feel good, such as when we get good grades or when something good happens. Sometimes we feel bad, such as when we argue with our classmates or when the teachers criticize us. Both kinds of feelings are common. Of course, we all enjoy good feelings, but when we feel unhappy, sometimes we don't know what to do about it. Here is a plan that will help you when your feelings are bothering you.
1. ACCEPT your feelings. Say to yourself, "I am sad. " "I am scared. " "I am angry. " "I am embarrassed. " It's all right to have these feelings.
2. RELAX and have a rest before you act. Take slow deep breaths and relax your body. Imagine that you are in a safe place. You can listen to some music or sing a beautiful song !
3. THINK about ways to help yourself. Thinking helps you do something smart instead of hurting yourself or making things worse.
4. DO something to help yourself. Maybe you can talk to someone, or do something you enjoy. _ , go back to Step 3.
|
[
"we get good grades",
"everything goes well",
"someone is proud of us",
"we have a fight with our classmates"
] |
Which statement is right according to the passage?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Happy birthday
The China National Opera (CNO) will give a concert to celebrate its 50th birthday.
Different generations of CNO vocalists, like Li Guangxi, Yao Hong and Ma Mei, will present the concert which will feature both songs from famous Chinese operas like The White-haired GM and The Hundred Bride, as well as, arias of such western opera classics as Madame Butterfly, La Traviata and Rigoletto.
Time/date: 7:30 pm, September 7, 8
Location: Tianqiao Theatre
Tel: 65514787, 83156170
Tickets: 60-500 yuan (US $ 7.2-60.2)
Folk music
A concert will be held to feature some recently-composed traditional Chinese music works. The concert, given by the Folk Orchestra of the China Opera and Ballet Theatre, will include such pieces as Memory of childhood, Memorial Ceremony for God and Wine Song.
Time/date: 7:30 pm, September 13
Location: Concert hall at the National Library of China
Tel: 6848-5462, 6841-9220 Tickets:30-200 yuan(US $ 3.6-24.1)
Moon Music
A concert of traditional Chinese music will be given on the eve of the Moon Festival which falls on September 21st this year.
The concert will feature a number of famous pieces centred on the theme of the moon, such as Moonlight, Spring Night on a Moonlit River and Lofty Mountain and Flowing river.
A number of popular traditional Chinese music performers, like Zhou Yaokun and Fan Weiqing, will play solos as well as cooperate with the folk music orchestra .
Time/date: 7:30 pm, September 21st
Location: Grand theatre of the Cultural Palace of Nationalities
Tel: 6606-8888, 6606-9999
Tickets: 40-220 yuan(US $ 4.8-27)
Question:
Which statement is right according to the passage?
Choices:
A. Li Guangxi, Yao Hong and Ma Mei stand for the same generation of CNO vocalists.
B. Rigoletto is a famous piece on the theme of the moon.
C. Lofty Mountain and Flowing River is a traditional Chinese music.
D. Zhou Yaokun will play solos and Fan Weiqing will cooperate with the folk music orchestra.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high9484.txt
|
Happy birthday
The China National Opera (CNO) will give a concert to celebrate its 50th birthday.
Different generations of CNO vocalists, like Li Guangxi, Yao Hong and Ma Mei, will present the concert which will feature both songs from famous Chinese operas like The White-haired GM and The Hundred Bride, as well as, arias of such western opera classics as Madame Butterfly, La Traviata and Rigoletto.
Time/date: 7:30 pm, September 7, 8
Location: Tianqiao Theatre
Tel: 65514787, 83156170
Tickets: 60-500 yuan (US $ 7.2-60.2)
Folk music
A concert will be held to feature some recently-composed traditional Chinese music works. The concert, given by the Folk Orchestra of the China Opera and Ballet Theatre, will include such pieces as Memory of childhood, Memorial Ceremony for God and Wine Song.
Time/date: 7:30 pm, September 13
Location: Concert hall at the National Library of China
Tel: 6848-5462, 6841-9220 Tickets:30-200 yuan(US $ 3.6-24.1)
Moon Music
A concert of traditional Chinese music will be given on the eve of the Moon Festival which falls on September 21st this year.
The concert will feature a number of famous pieces centred on the theme of the moon, such as Moonlight, Spring Night on a Moonlit River and Lofty Mountain and Flowing river.
A number of popular traditional Chinese music performers, like Zhou Yaokun and Fan Weiqing, will play solos as well as cooperate with the folk music orchestra .
Time/date: 7:30 pm, September 21st
Location: Grand theatre of the Cultural Palace of Nationalities
Tel: 6606-8888, 6606-9999
Tickets: 40-220 yuan(US $ 4.8-27)
|
[
"Li Guangxi, Yao Hong and Ma Mei stand for the same generation of CNO vocalists.",
"Rigoletto is a famous piece on the theme of the moon.",
"Lofty Mountain and Flowing River is a traditional Chinese music.",
"Zhou Yaokun will play solos and Fan Weiqing will cooperate with the folk music orchestra."
] |
The director of Away from it all believes that the series helps young people deal with _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
A TV series in England,Away from it all,has surprised everyone by becoming a success with young people across the country. Its success is surprising because the series is about the relaxing lifestyles of people who live in the country. There is none of the action that we usually see on TV today. There are also no stressful moments, busy offices or crowded cities. Away from it all is set in the peaceful English countryside and tells simple stories about people's kindness.
The director of the TV series says that its success is a sign of teenagers suffering from stress. They say that watching Away from it all helps teenagers forget about the pressures of exams and homework, and the troubles that fill the world today. They also say that it's a good sign of today's young people turning to happier TV series as it shows they want a happier and healthier world.
Although the series' success might have a good side, many teachers and parents are worried, however. They say that some of their students and children spend more time before TV and are using Away from it all as an excuse for not finishing homework. Some children have even refused to learn for exams because they say that they can only get personal happiness by avoiding stressful situations.
And what do the experts say? Paula Ray, a doctor of education, says that TV can influence children's lifestyles. But she says that if a child reacts strongly, it' s likely that there are other reasons for his change in behaviour. She says that there is nothing wrong with watching Away from it all but suggests that parents should let their children know TV is not the same as real life.
Question:
The director of Away from it all believes that the series helps young people deal with _ .
Choices:
A. simple stories
B. stress
C. busy life
D. exams
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle3311.txt
|
A TV series in England,Away from it all,has surprised everyone by becoming a success with young people across the country. Its success is surprising because the series is about the relaxing lifestyles of people who live in the country. There is none of the action that we usually see on TV today. There are also no stressful moments, busy offices or crowded cities. Away from it all is set in the peaceful English countryside and tells simple stories about people's kindness.
The director of the TV series says that its success is a sign of teenagers suffering from stress. They say that watching Away from it all helps teenagers forget about the pressures of exams and homework, and the troubles that fill the world today. They also say that it's a good sign of today's young people turning to happier TV series as it shows they want a happier and healthier world.
Although the series' success might have a good side, many teachers and parents are worried, however. They say that some of their students and children spend more time before TV and are using Away from it all as an excuse for not finishing homework. Some children have even refused to learn for exams because they say that they can only get personal happiness by avoiding stressful situations.
And what do the experts say? Paula Ray, a doctor of education, says that TV can influence children's lifestyles. But she says that if a child reacts strongly, it' s likely that there are other reasons for his change in behaviour. She says that there is nothing wrong with watching Away from it all but suggests that parents should let their children know TV is not the same as real life.
|
[
"simple stories",
"stress",
"busy life",
"exams"
] |
How do mammals ventilate their lungs?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
How do mammals ventilate their lungs?
|
negative pressure breathing
|
science
| null | null | null |
negative pressure vocalizing
|
negative combination breathing
|
negative atmospheric breathing
|
negative pressure breathing
| null | null | null |
|
What is the common term for water in its solid state?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
What is the common term for water in its solid state?
|
ice
|
science
| null | null | null |
vapor
|
precipitation
|
sea
|
ice
| null | null | null |
|
There were 10000 spectators at a basketball match. 7000 of them were men. Of the remaining spectators, there were 5 times as many children as women. How many children were there?
|
There were 10000 - 7000 = <<10000-7000=3000>>3000 women and children.
There were 3000 ÷ (5+1) = <<3000/(5+1)=500>>500 women.
There are 500 × 5 = <<500*5=2500>>2500 children at the basketball match.
#### 2500
|
Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step.
|
There were 10000 spectators at a basketball match. 7000 of them were men. Of the remaining spectators, there were 5 times as many children as women. How many children were there?
|
There were 10000 - 7000 = <<10000-7000=3000>>3000 women and children.
There were 3000 ÷ (5+1) = <<3000/(5+1)=500>>500 women.
There are 500 × 5 = <<500*5=2500>>2500 children at the basketball match.
#### 2500
|
math
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
This selection says that the work of removing stones _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
In some parts of the United States, farming is easy. But farming has always been difficult in the northeastern corner of the country, which is called New England.
New England has many trees and thin, rocky soil. Anyone who has wanted to start a new farm there has had to work very hard. The first job has been cutting down trees. The next job has been digging the stumps of the trees out of the soil. Then the farmer has had the difficult job of removing stones from his land.
This work of removing stones never really ends, because every winter more stones appear. They come up through the thin soil from the rocks below. Farmers have to keep removing stones from the fields. Even today, farms which have been worked on for 200 years keep producing more stones.
That is why stone walls are used instead of fences around New England fields. The stone walls are not high; a man can easily climb over them. But they keep the farmer's cows from joining his neighbor's cows.
Question:
This selection says that the work of removing stones _ .
Choices:
A. must be done again and again
B. is usually done during the winter
C. was more difficult before machines were used
D. is easy after machines were used
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high20222.txt
|
In some parts of the United States, farming is easy. But farming has always been difficult in the northeastern corner of the country, which is called New England.
New England has many trees and thin, rocky soil. Anyone who has wanted to start a new farm there has had to work very hard. The first job has been cutting down trees. The next job has been digging the stumps of the trees out of the soil. Then the farmer has had the difficult job of removing stones from his land.
This work of removing stones never really ends, because every winter more stones appear. They come up through the thin soil from the rocks below. Farmers have to keep removing stones from the fields. Even today, farms which have been worked on for 200 years keep producing more stones.
That is why stone walls are used instead of fences around New England fields. The stone walls are not high; a man can easily climb over them. But they keep the farmer's cows from joining his neighbor's cows.
|
[
"must be done again and again",
"is usually done during the winter",
"was more difficult before machines were used",
"is easy after machines were used"
] |
In which way did the use of forks spread?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Forks trace their origins back to the ancient Greeks. Forks at that time were fairly large with two tines that aided in the cutting of meat in the kitchen. The tines prevented meat from twisting or moving during cutting and allowed food to slide off more easily than it would with a knife.
By the 7th century A.D., royal courts of the Middle East began to use forks at the table for dining. From the 10th through the 13th centuries, forks were fairly common among the wealthy in Byzantium. In the 11th century, a Byzantine wife brought forks to Italy; however, they were not widely adopted there until the 16th century. Then in 1533, forks were brought from Italy to France. The French were also slow to accept forks, for using them was thought to be awkward.
In 1608, forks were brought to England by Thomas Coryate, who saw them during his travels in Italy. The English first ridiculed forks as being unnecessary. "Why should a person need a fork when God had given him hands?" they asked. Slowly, however, forks came to be adopted by the wealthy as a symbol of their social status. They were prized possessions made of expensive materials intended to impress guests. By the mid 1600s, eating with forks was considered fashionable among the wealthy British.
Early table forks were modeled after kitchen forks, but small pieces of food often fell through the two tines or slipped off easily. In late 17th century France, larger forks with four curved tines were developed. The additional tines made diners less likely to drop food, and the curved tines served as a scoop so people did not have to constantly switch to a spoon while eating. By the early 19th century, four-tined forks had also been developed in Germany and England and slowly began to spread to America.
Question:
In which way did the use of forks spread?
Choices:
A. Middle EastaGreeceaEnglandaItalyaFrance
B. GreeceaMiddle EastaItalyaFranceaEngland
C. GreeceaMiddle EastaFranceaItalyaGermany
D. Middle EastaFranceaEnglandaItalyaGermany
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high23034.txt
|
Forks trace their origins back to the ancient Greeks. Forks at that time were fairly large with two tines that aided in the cutting of meat in the kitchen. The tines prevented meat from twisting or moving during cutting and allowed food to slide off more easily than it would with a knife.
By the 7th century A.D., royal courts of the Middle East began to use forks at the table for dining. From the 10th through the 13th centuries, forks were fairly common among the wealthy in Byzantium. In the 11th century, a Byzantine wife brought forks to Italy; however, they were not widely adopted there until the 16th century. Then in 1533, forks were brought from Italy to France. The French were also slow to accept forks, for using them was thought to be awkward.
In 1608, forks were brought to England by Thomas Coryate, who saw them during his travels in Italy. The English first ridiculed forks as being unnecessary. "Why should a person need a fork when God had given him hands?" they asked. Slowly, however, forks came to be adopted by the wealthy as a symbol of their social status. They were prized possessions made of expensive materials intended to impress guests. By the mid 1600s, eating with forks was considered fashionable among the wealthy British.
Early table forks were modeled after kitchen forks, but small pieces of food often fell through the two tines or slipped off easily. In late 17th century France, larger forks with four curved tines were developed. The additional tines made diners less likely to drop food, and the curved tines served as a scoop so people did not have to constantly switch to a spoon while eating. By the early 19th century, four-tined forks had also been developed in Germany and England and slowly began to spread to America.
|
[
"Middle EastaGreeceaEnglandaItalyaFrance",
"GreeceaMiddle EastaItalyaFranceaEngland",
"GreeceaMiddle EastaFranceaItalyaGermany",
"Middle EastaFranceaEnglandaItalyaGermany"
] |
Why is Chloris Noelke-Olson enjoying bluegrass music the old-fashioned way?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Every Sunday morning, as most people line up outside neighborhood breakfast spots, watch TV news shows, or head for church, Chloris Noelke-Olson is tuning up her fiddle . She is preparing to enjoy bluegrass music the old-fashioned way: with friends, at home, for free.
" To be able to play with other people face to face and have that sort of connection, it is spiritual," Ms Noelke-Olson said of the weekly house concerts in Chicago she participates in. " It's like a good conversation with instruments---something that doesn't seem to happen much any more because everyone is chatting on their cellphones."
She is among a growing group of Americans who are finding it pleasant to get away from the digital grid , at least temporarily. While there is no exact data to track how many people are forming knitting groups, hosting house concerts, or organizing family game nights, it is possible to connect the dots between the rising price of entertainment and the rising sales of board games and craft supplies.
In the past two years, the prices for restaurant meals, concert tickets, and movie tickets all increased. At the same time, board games sales rose 6 percent, while total toy sales decreased 3 percent.
These trends are expected to continue because of the struggling economy. Instead of equipping their homes with expensive home entertainment systems, consumers are more likely to pick up the old-fashioned way: eye-to-eye. Families are rediscovering ways to come together that have nothing to do with high technology.
"People are turning inward to build an enjoyment time for family and home," said Linda Bettencourt, an interior designer in San Francisco whose customers typically live in million-dollar homes. Over the past six months, Ms Bettencourt has been hired to redesign living space to promote the kind of connectivity that doesn't involve wires. " The big game table is back," she says. "People want to sit around and see each other's face rather than facing a flat-screen TV."
Question:
Why is Chloris Noelke-Olson enjoying bluegrass music the old-fashioned way?
Choices:
A. Because she likes playing musical instruments.
B. Because she wants to provide free music for her friends.
C. Because she doesn't like talking on her cellphone.
D. Because she likes to form a close connection with people.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high23637.txt
|
Every Sunday morning, as most people line up outside neighborhood breakfast spots, watch TV news shows, or head for church, Chloris Noelke-Olson is tuning up her fiddle . She is preparing to enjoy bluegrass music the old-fashioned way: with friends, at home, for free.
" To be able to play with other people face to face and have that sort of connection, it is spiritual," Ms Noelke-Olson said of the weekly house concerts in Chicago she participates in. " It's like a good conversation with instruments---something that doesn't seem to happen much any more because everyone is chatting on their cellphones."
She is among a growing group of Americans who are finding it pleasant to get away from the digital grid , at least temporarily. While there is no exact data to track how many people are forming knitting groups, hosting house concerts, or organizing family game nights, it is possible to connect the dots between the rising price of entertainment and the rising sales of board games and craft supplies.
In the past two years, the prices for restaurant meals, concert tickets, and movie tickets all increased. At the same time, board games sales rose 6 percent, while total toy sales decreased 3 percent.
These trends are expected to continue because of the struggling economy. Instead of equipping their homes with expensive home entertainment systems, consumers are more likely to pick up the old-fashioned way: eye-to-eye. Families are rediscovering ways to come together that have nothing to do with high technology.
"People are turning inward to build an enjoyment time for family and home," said Linda Bettencourt, an interior designer in San Francisco whose customers typically live in million-dollar homes. Over the past six months, Ms Bettencourt has been hired to redesign living space to promote the kind of connectivity that doesn't involve wires. " The big game table is back," she says. "People want to sit around and see each other's face rather than facing a flat-screen TV."
|
[
"Because she likes playing musical instruments.",
"Because she wants to provide free music for her friends.",
"Because she doesn't like talking on her cellphone.",
"Because she likes to form a close connection with people."
] |
According to the passage, which of the following statements is NOTtrue ?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Massachusetts-based Merriam-Webster Inc. said "w00t" reflects a new direction in the American language led by a generation raised on video games and mobile phone text-messaging. It's like saying "yay," the dictionary said. "It could be after a triumph or for no reason at all," Merriam-Webster said.
Visitors to Merriam-Webster's Web site were invited to vote for one of 20 words and phrases selected from the most frequently looked-up words on the site and submitted by readers.
Merriam-Webster President John Morse said "w00t" reflected the growing use of numeric keyboards to type words.
"People look for self-evident numeral-letter substitutions: 0 for O; 3 for E; 7 for T; and 4 for A," he said. "This is simply a different and more efficient way of representing the alphabetical character."
Online gamers often replace numbers and symbols with letters to form what Merriam-Webster calls an "esoteric computer hacker language" known as "l33t speak." This translates into "leet," which is short for "elite."
One Web site, www.thinkgeek.com, already sells T-shirts with the word "w00t" printed on the front.
Runner-up was "facebook" as a new verb meaning to add someone to a list of friends on the Web site Facebook.com or to search for people on the social networking site.
"Truthiness" was the word of last year picked by Webster.
A separate survey of words used in the media and on the Internet by California-based Global Language Monitor produced a different set of winners last week. "Hybrid" took top honors as word of the year with "climate change" the top phrase.
Runner-up was "surge," based on the "surge" of 30,000 extra U.S. troops deployed to Iraq since mid-June, followed by the word "Bluetooth," a technology used to connect electronic devices via radio waves.
"The English language is becoming more and more a globalized language every year," said Global Language Monitor president Paul Payack, noting that this year's list included words also selected from India, Singapore, China and Australia.
Question:
According to the passage, which of the following statements is NOTtrue ?
Choices:
A. Merriam-Webster's Web site did the survey of words of the year at least twice.
B. The two surveys didn't get the same result of words of the year.
C. This year's list included words mainly selected from some Asian countries.
D. The top three words of the year produced by California-based Global Language Monitor are Hybrid, surge and Bluetooth.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high20100.txt
|
Massachusetts-based Merriam-Webster Inc. said "w00t" reflects a new direction in the American language led by a generation raised on video games and mobile phone text-messaging. It's like saying "yay," the dictionary said. "It could be after a triumph or for no reason at all," Merriam-Webster said.
Visitors to Merriam-Webster's Web site were invited to vote for one of 20 words and phrases selected from the most frequently looked-up words on the site and submitted by readers.
Merriam-Webster President John Morse said "w00t" reflected the growing use of numeric keyboards to type words.
"People look for self-evident numeral-letter substitutions: 0 for O; 3 for E; 7 for T; and 4 for A," he said. "This is simply a different and more efficient way of representing the alphabetical character."
Online gamers often replace numbers and symbols with letters to form what Merriam-Webster calls an "esoteric computer hacker language" known as "l33t speak." This translates into "leet," which is short for "elite."
One Web site, www.thinkgeek.com, already sells T-shirts with the word "w00t" printed on the front.
Runner-up was "facebook" as a new verb meaning to add someone to a list of friends on the Web site Facebook.com or to search for people on the social networking site.
"Truthiness" was the word of last year picked by Webster.
A separate survey of words used in the media and on the Internet by California-based Global Language Monitor produced a different set of winners last week. "Hybrid" took top honors as word of the year with "climate change" the top phrase.
Runner-up was "surge," based on the "surge" of 30,000 extra U.S. troops deployed to Iraq since mid-June, followed by the word "Bluetooth," a technology used to connect electronic devices via radio waves.
"The English language is becoming more and more a globalized language every year," said Global Language Monitor president Paul Payack, noting that this year's list included words also selected from India, Singapore, China and Australia.
|
[
"Merriam-Webster's Web site did the survey of words of the year at least twice.",
"The two surveys didn't get the same result of words of the year.",
"This year's list included words mainly selected from some Asian countries.",
"The top three words of the year produced by California-based Global Language Monitor are Hybrid, surge and Bluetooth."
] |
Bailey needs to buy 2 new sets of towels for the guest bathroom and 4 new sets for her master bathroom. The set of towels for the guest bathroom are $40.00 each and the master bathroom set is $50.00 each. The store is currently offering 20% off so how much will Bailey spend on towel sets?
|
She needs 2 sets of guest towels that are $40.00 each so that’s 2*40 = $<<2*40=80.00>>80.00
She needs 4 sets of master bath towels that are $50.00 each so that’s 4*50 = $<<4*50=200.00>>200.00
Together, the towels will cost 80+200 = $<<80+200=280.00>>280.00
The store is offering 20% off of her $280.00 towels so that’s 280*.20 = $<<280*.20=56.00>>56.00 discount
Her $280.00 towels have a $56.00 discount making them 280-56 =$<<280-56=224.00>>224.00
#### 224
|
Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step.
|
Bailey needs to buy 2 new sets of towels for the guest bathroom and 4 new sets for her master bathroom. The set of towels for the guest bathroom are $40.00 each and the master bathroom set is $50.00 each. The store is currently offering 20% off so how much will Bailey spend on towel sets?
|
She needs 2 sets of guest towels that are $40.00 each so that’s 2*40 = $<<2*40=80.00>>80.00
She needs 4 sets of master bath towels that are $50.00 each so that’s 4*50 = $<<4*50=200.00>>200.00
Together, the towels will cost 80+200 = $<<80+200=280.00>>280.00
The store is offering 20% off of her $280.00 towels so that’s 280*.20 = $<<280*.20=56.00>>56.00 discount
Her $280.00 towels have a $56.00 discount making them 280-56 =$<<280-56=224.00>>224.00
#### 224
|
math
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Can we communicate with each other without words?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
You speak,write a letter,and make a telephone call. Your words carry a message. People communicate with words. Do you think you can communicate without words? A smile on your face shows you are happy or friendly. Tears in your eyes tell others that you are sad. When you raise your hand in class,the teacher knows you want to say something or ask questions. You shake your head,and people know you are saying "No". You nod and people know you are saying "Yes".
Other things can also carry messages. For example,a sign at the bus stop helps you to know which bus to take. A sign on the wall of your school helps you to find the library. Signs on doors tell you where to go in or out. Have you ever noticed that there are a lot of signs around you and that you receive messages from them all the time?
People can communicate in many other ways. An artist can use his drawings to tell about beautiful mountains,about the blue sea and many other things. Books are written to tell you about all the wonderful things in the world and also about people and their ideas. Books,magazines,TVs, radios and films all help us to communicate with each other. They all help us to know what is going on in the world and what other people are thinking about.
(Notes: communicate ;sign ,)
Question:
Can we communicate with each other without words?
Choices:
A. No, it's impossible.
B. No, we can't.
C. Yes, sometimes we can.
D. Yes, we always do so.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle7591.txt
|
You speak,write a letter,and make a telephone call. Your words carry a message. People communicate with words. Do you think you can communicate without words? A smile on your face shows you are happy or friendly. Tears in your eyes tell others that you are sad. When you raise your hand in class,the teacher knows you want to say something or ask questions. You shake your head,and people know you are saying "No". You nod and people know you are saying "Yes".
Other things can also carry messages. For example,a sign at the bus stop helps you to know which bus to take. A sign on the wall of your school helps you to find the library. Signs on doors tell you where to go in or out. Have you ever noticed that there are a lot of signs around you and that you receive messages from them all the time?
People can communicate in many other ways. An artist can use his drawings to tell about beautiful mountains,about the blue sea and many other things. Books are written to tell you about all the wonderful things in the world and also about people and their ideas. Books,magazines,TVs, radios and films all help us to communicate with each other. They all help us to know what is going on in the world and what other people are thinking about.
(Notes: communicate ;sign ,)
|
[
"No, it's impossible.",
"No, we can't.",
"Yes, sometimes we can.",
"Yes, we always do so."
] |
A vampire drains three people a week. His best friend is a werewolf who eats five people a week, but only fresh ones, never drained ones. How many weeks will a village of 72 people last them both?
|
The vampire and werewolf need 3 + 5 = <<3+5=8>>8 people a week.
A village of 72 people will last them both 72 / 8 = <<72/8=9>>9 weeks.
#### 9
|
Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step.
|
A vampire drains three people a week. His best friend is a werewolf who eats five people a week, but only fresh ones, never drained ones. How many weeks will a village of 72 people last them both?
|
The vampire and werewolf need 3 + 5 = <<3+5=8>>8 people a week.
A village of 72 people will last them both 72 / 8 = <<72/8=9>>9 weeks.
#### 9
|
math
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Who will NOT naturally expect attention according to Radwan?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
How many times do you check your Moments or Facebook page in a day to see whether your latest post has got another "like" or "thumbs up"?
Although you might be embarrassed to admit how many times you do this, don't worry. Psychological findings have shown it's completely normal.
In fact, the pleasure we derive from getting a "like" is equal to that of eating chocolate or winning money, and we can't help wanting more.
According to the findings of the UCLA Brain Mapping Center, which observed 32 teens aged between 13 and 18, the feedback circuit in the teens' brains are particularly sensitive, and the "social" and "visual" parts of their brains were activated when they received "likes" on a social network. The research also showed that though the thumbs up might come from complete strangers, the good they derive from it worked equally.
So does it mean we should try our best to win as many thumbs up as possible?
Not necessarily so if we know the reasons behind our desire for attention.
In "Why do people crave attention" by M. Farouk Radwan, he explained several cases in which people naturally longed for attention. Radwan said people who were an only child, who were used to being the center of attention in their house, may try to reproduce these conditions. Feeling "overlooked and unappreciated" might also lead you to be eager for attention. Other times, the state of being jealous or wanting to cover your mistakes may also contribute to such longings.
In fact, too much desire for attention can create anxiety, and in turn ruin your happiness even when you get it. So what can we do about it? The answer is quite simple.
"If people could adopt goals not focused on their own self-esteem but on something larger than their self, such as what they can create or contribute to others, they would be less sensitive to some of the negative effects of pursuing self-esteem," wrote psychology professor Jennifer Crocker in the Journal of Social Issues.
Question:
Who will NOT naturally expect attention according to Radwan?
Choices:
A. People who are living with their parents.
B. Those who lack social recognition.
C. People who are the focus of attention.
D. Those who want to blanket what they've done.
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high14071.txt
|
How many times do you check your Moments or Facebook page in a day to see whether your latest post has got another "like" or "thumbs up"?
Although you might be embarrassed to admit how many times you do this, don't worry. Psychological findings have shown it's completely normal.
In fact, the pleasure we derive from getting a "like" is equal to that of eating chocolate or winning money, and we can't help wanting more.
According to the findings of the UCLA Brain Mapping Center, which observed 32 teens aged between 13 and 18, the feedback circuit in the teens' brains are particularly sensitive, and the "social" and "visual" parts of their brains were activated when they received "likes" on a social network. The research also showed that though the thumbs up might come from complete strangers, the good they derive from it worked equally.
So does it mean we should try our best to win as many thumbs up as possible?
Not necessarily so if we know the reasons behind our desire for attention.
In "Why do people crave attention" by M. Farouk Radwan, he explained several cases in which people naturally longed for attention. Radwan said people who were an only child, who were used to being the center of attention in their house, may try to reproduce these conditions. Feeling "overlooked and unappreciated" might also lead you to be eager for attention. Other times, the state of being jealous or wanting to cover your mistakes may also contribute to such longings.
In fact, too much desire for attention can create anxiety, and in turn ruin your happiness even when you get it. So what can we do about it? The answer is quite simple.
"If people could adopt goals not focused on their own self-esteem but on something larger than their self, such as what they can create or contribute to others, they would be less sensitive to some of the negative effects of pursuing self-esteem," wrote psychology professor Jennifer Crocker in the Journal of Social Issues.
|
[
"People who are living with their parents.",
"Those who lack social recognition.",
"People who are the focus of attention.",
"Those who want to blanket what they've done."
] |
What's the purpose of the Summit ?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Coal mines claim (...) more lives
A COAL mine blast in Jixi, Helongjiang, left more than 100 miners dead on Thursday .Ten mines in Jixi were ordered to stop production. The government has tried to shut down thousands of small, illegal mines in the country that do not meet safety standards.
MIDDLE EAST
Bombers continues to kill
PALESTINIANS killed 32 Israelis in three major attacks between Tuesday and Thursday. There were two suicide bombing and a militant attack on Jewish settlement . They yielded one of the highest Israeli death tolls ( ) in such a short period over the last two years.
CHINA
Young people stand tall
THE average height of Chinese young people has risen by 6 centimeters compared to that of 20 years ago. This year far exceeds the word's average growth speed. A survey on health conducted by a panel of Chinese students found the results. According to the world average level, youths get taller by 1 cm every 10 years.
CANADA
Talking about world issue
The Group of Eight (G8)--the US, Japan , Germany, Britain, France, Italy , Canada and Russia ---- will hold a summit on June26 and 27 in Kananaskis , Canada. The G8 are the richest and most powerful countries in the world. G8 leaders and some African presidents will discuss strengthening global economic growth and helping Africa. Kofi Annan, United Nations Secretary General, will also attend.
Question:
What's the purpose of the Summit ?
Choices:
A. to strengthen the global economic growth and helping some poor African countries.
B. To make these eight countries much more powerful.
C. To help some African president to strengthen their economic growth.
D. Kofi Annan will have an important speech on world issues.
|
Answer: A
|
reading
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high8575.txt
|
Coal mines claim (...) more lives
A COAL mine blast in Jixi, Helongjiang, left more than 100 miners dead on Thursday .Ten mines in Jixi were ordered to stop production. The government has tried to shut down thousands of small, illegal mines in the country that do not meet safety standards.
MIDDLE EAST
Bombers continues to kill
PALESTINIANS killed 32 Israelis in three major attacks between Tuesday and Thursday. There were two suicide bombing and a militant attack on Jewish settlement . They yielded one of the highest Israeli death tolls ( ) in such a short period over the last two years.
CHINA
Young people stand tall
THE average height of Chinese young people has risen by 6 centimeters compared to that of 20 years ago. This year far exceeds the word's average growth speed. A survey on health conducted by a panel of Chinese students found the results. According to the world average level, youths get taller by 1 cm every 10 years.
CANADA
Talking about world issue
The Group of Eight (G8)--the US, Japan , Germany, Britain, France, Italy , Canada and Russia ---- will hold a summit on June26 and 27 in Kananaskis , Canada. The G8 are the richest and most powerful countries in the world. G8 leaders and some African presidents will discuss strengthening global economic growth and helping Africa. Kofi Annan, United Nations Secretary General, will also attend.
|
[
"to strengthen the global economic growth and helping some poor African countries.",
"To make these eight countries much more powerful.",
"To help some African president to strengthen their economic growth.",
"Kofi Annan will have an important speech on world issues."
] |
A child who hasn't learned English before can choose _ to develop confidence and fluency in English communication.
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Tree House
The Tree House program is for students with an English or bilingual preschool background. Foreign teachers further develop students' natural English speaking skills from 1st through 6th grades in a total immersion environment. The program is theme-based with different units or themes per semester. Each unit includes a theme-related storybook, song, dialogue, writing and phonic exercises, grammar component, poem, and integrated activities.
Step Ahead
Step Ahead is a standalone course that takes children in 3rd grade with no prior English knowledge and by 6th grade, transforms them into confident, near-fluent English communicators. Our program has a strategic balance of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Regular lessons are broken into phonics, reading, grammar patterns, conversation, songs, and homework preview
Jump Into English, Kids World, Kids Club
Our Jump Into English, Kids World, and Kids Club courses are a great way to develop good English habits at younger ages. Jump Into English is for 4-, 5- and 6-year-olds and is a cost-effective alternative to English preschool. Kids Club and Kids World are for students in 1st and 2nd grades and are full of singing, dancing, games, and fun activities to help young children learn English more easily.
Theme-based and Honors Courses
We have theme-based courses to help learners prepare for specific areas of the General English Proficiency Test (GEPT) and to develop the performance skills they will need in some of our exciting activities. When learners graduate from our Tree House and Step Ahead programs, they can continue to excel in English through our Honors programs.
Question:
A child who hasn't learned English before can choose _ to develop confidence and fluency in English communication.
Choices:
A. Tree House
B. Theme-based and Honors Courses
C. Step Ahead
D. Jump Into English, Kids World, Kids Club
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high4895.txt
|
Tree House
The Tree House program is for students with an English or bilingual preschool background. Foreign teachers further develop students' natural English speaking skills from 1st through 6th grades in a total immersion environment. The program is theme-based with different units or themes per semester. Each unit includes a theme-related storybook, song, dialogue, writing and phonic exercises, grammar component, poem, and integrated activities.
Step Ahead
Step Ahead is a standalone course that takes children in 3rd grade with no prior English knowledge and by 6th grade, transforms them into confident, near-fluent English communicators. Our program has a strategic balance of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Regular lessons are broken into phonics, reading, grammar patterns, conversation, songs, and homework preview
Jump Into English, Kids World, Kids Club
Our Jump Into English, Kids World, and Kids Club courses are a great way to develop good English habits at younger ages. Jump Into English is for 4-, 5- and 6-year-olds and is a cost-effective alternative to English preschool. Kids Club and Kids World are for students in 1st and 2nd grades and are full of singing, dancing, games, and fun activities to help young children learn English more easily.
Theme-based and Honors Courses
We have theme-based courses to help learners prepare for specific areas of the General English Proficiency Test (GEPT) and to develop the performance skills they will need in some of our exciting activities. When learners graduate from our Tree House and Step Ahead programs, they can continue to excel in English through our Honors programs.
|
[
"Tree House",
"Theme-based and Honors Courses",
"Step Ahead",
"Jump Into English, Kids World, Kids Club"
] |
The old lady's smile showed that _ .
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Little Mike's grandma died weeks ago. He missed her very much. One afternoon Mike went to the city park where his grandma used to go. There he saw an old lady. She looked very kind. She was sitting there, watching pigeons . Little Mike went up and sat next to her. He took out his food and drinks and gave some to her. She smiled at him. Her smile was so sweet that Mike wanted to see it again. She seemed to understand him, so once again she smiled. Mike was very glad.
They sat there all the afternoon, eating and talking. As it got dark, Mike got up to leave. Before he left, he hugged the old lady and she gave him her sweetest smile.
When Mike got home, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. "I met a granny in the park. Her smile was like the kind of smile I had seen on Grandma's face."
The old lady also returned to her home happily. She told her son that she had food and drinks with a little boy. "He was as lovely as Brittany," she said. Her son was surprised, because he had never seen her so happy since Brittany, her grandson, died weeks ago.
.
Question:
The old lady's smile showed that _ .
Choices:
A. she had hoped to meet the boy
B. she wanted to get some drinks
C. she missed her grandson
D. she liked the little boy
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle7195.txt
|
Little Mike's grandma died weeks ago. He missed her very much. One afternoon Mike went to the city park where his grandma used to go. There he saw an old lady. She looked very kind. She was sitting there, watching pigeons . Little Mike went up and sat next to her. He took out his food and drinks and gave some to her. She smiled at him. Her smile was so sweet that Mike wanted to see it again. She seemed to understand him, so once again she smiled. Mike was very glad.
They sat there all the afternoon, eating and talking. As it got dark, Mike got up to leave. Before he left, he hugged the old lady and she gave him her sweetest smile.
When Mike got home, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. "I met a granny in the park. Her smile was like the kind of smile I had seen on Grandma's face."
The old lady also returned to her home happily. She told her son that she had food and drinks with a little boy. "He was as lovely as Brittany," she said. Her son was surprised, because he had never seen her so happy since Brittany, her grandson, died weeks ago.
.
|
[
"she had hoped to meet the boy",
"she wanted to get some drinks",
"she missed her grandson",
"she liked the little boy"
] |
The first modern insurance company offered _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Buying insurance is a way in which people can protect themselves against large losses. Protection against fire is one kind of insurance. Large numbers of people pay small sums of money to an insurance company. Although thousands of people have paid for fire insurance, only a few will lose their homes by fire. The insurance company will pay for these homes out of the small sums of money it has collected.
The first modern fire insurance company was formed in London, England, in the 1760s. A great fire had just destroyed most of the city, and people wanted protection against further losses. The first company grew rapidly. Soon other companies were founded in other areas.
Benjamin Franklin helped form the first fire insurance company in America in 1752, and then a new kind of insurance for farmers was suggested. The new insurance would provide protection against the loss of crops from storms.
Later on another new insurance company was started in America. This company, which offered life insurance, collected small sums of money regularly from many different men. If a man died, his family was given a large sum of money.
Over the years, insurance companies have offered new kinds of insurance protection. The new kinds of insurance cover losses from such accidents as car and plane crashes. Today, most people have some kind of insurance.
Question:
The first modern insurance company offered _ .
Choices:
A. life insurance
B. fire insurance
C. a new kind of insurance
D. both A and B
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high5555.txt
|
Buying insurance is a way in which people can protect themselves against large losses. Protection against fire is one kind of insurance. Large numbers of people pay small sums of money to an insurance company. Although thousands of people have paid for fire insurance, only a few will lose their homes by fire. The insurance company will pay for these homes out of the small sums of money it has collected.
The first modern fire insurance company was formed in London, England, in the 1760s. A great fire had just destroyed most of the city, and people wanted protection against further losses. The first company grew rapidly. Soon other companies were founded in other areas.
Benjamin Franklin helped form the first fire insurance company in America in 1752, and then a new kind of insurance for farmers was suggested. The new insurance would provide protection against the loss of crops from storms.
Later on another new insurance company was started in America. This company, which offered life insurance, collected small sums of money regularly from many different men. If a man died, his family was given a large sum of money.
Over the years, insurance companies have offered new kinds of insurance protection. The new kinds of insurance cover losses from such accidents as car and plane crashes. Today, most people have some kind of insurance.
|
[
"life insurance",
"fire insurance",
"a new kind of insurance",
"both A and B"
] |
According to Frieden,we must take measures without delay to preserve effectiveness of antibiotics,or _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
A new U.S.government report says more than two million Americans fall ill each year with drug--resistant bacterial infections ,and 23,000 of them are dying as a result.The head of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[CDC]said that the number probably will grow.Officials warn that steps must be taken now to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotic drugs.
Without urgent action to stop that trend,warned Tom Frieden whose agency wrote the report,the miracle drugs to fight them won't be available in the future.
"If we are not careful,the medicine chest will be empty when we go there to look for a lifesaving antibiotic for someone with a deadly infection.But if we act now,we can preserve these medications while we continue to work on development of new medicines."The report names a drug--resistant abuse of gonorrhea ,which causes about one quarter of a million hospitalizations in the United States annually.Of the number at least 1 4,000 result in death.
Drug resistance develops through the overuse and inappropriate use of anti--bacterial agents.These can be:doctors prescribing them to patients who have viral infections that are not affected by medicine meant to fight bacteria;patients not taking all of their medicine as prescribed,so the bacteria making them sick are only weakened,not killed;antibiotic use in healthy farm animals to prevent illness and promote growth.Antibiotic remainders left in meat and animal products can then lead to drug resistance in humans.
To limit the spread of resistant infections,experts recommend wider use of routine immunizations ,as well as hand--washing in hospitals and other health care facilities.Also,the report urges hand--washing by food handlers.
Michael Bell,deputy director of the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion at CDC,said Patients also can play a role in preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics by asking health care providers a few simple questions.
Question:
According to Frieden,we must take measures without delay to preserve effectiveness of antibiotics,or _ .
Choices:
A. we will have to develop better medicines in place of antibiotics
B. there may be no effective anti-bacterial drugs for use in the future
C. we can't find other medicines to cure serious illnesses in the future
D. more and more Americans will suffer from bacterial infections each year
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high13544.txt
|
A new U.S.government report says more than two million Americans fall ill each year with drug--resistant bacterial infections ,and 23,000 of them are dying as a result.The head of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[CDC]said that the number probably will grow.Officials warn that steps must be taken now to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotic drugs.
Without urgent action to stop that trend,warned Tom Frieden whose agency wrote the report,the miracle drugs to fight them won't be available in the future.
"If we are not careful,the medicine chest will be empty when we go there to look for a lifesaving antibiotic for someone with a deadly infection.But if we act now,we can preserve these medications while we continue to work on development of new medicines."The report names a drug--resistant abuse of gonorrhea ,which causes about one quarter of a million hospitalizations in the United States annually.Of the number at least 1 4,000 result in death.
Drug resistance develops through the overuse and inappropriate use of anti--bacterial agents.These can be:doctors prescribing them to patients who have viral infections that are not affected by medicine meant to fight bacteria;patients not taking all of their medicine as prescribed,so the bacteria making them sick are only weakened,not killed;antibiotic use in healthy farm animals to prevent illness and promote growth.Antibiotic remainders left in meat and animal products can then lead to drug resistance in humans.
To limit the spread of resistant infections,experts recommend wider use of routine immunizations ,as well as hand--washing in hospitals and other health care facilities.Also,the report urges hand--washing by food handlers.
Michael Bell,deputy director of the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion at CDC,said Patients also can play a role in preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics by asking health care providers a few simple questions.
|
[
"we will have to develop better medicines in place of antibiotics",
"there may be no effective anti-bacterial drugs for use in the future",
"we can't find other medicines to cure serious illnesses in the future",
"more and more Americans will suffer from bacterial infections each year"
] |
What can be inferred from the passage?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Half a year before graduation from college, my son David began to seek a job. Due to the financial crisis, the competition was ever-fierce. My son targeted a company that was located in a coastal city. It was intended to employ only one person among more than twenty candidates, I said to David, "You should not harbor too much hope for fear that you would feel terribly disappointed when you fail." He said to me, "I am not afraid of disappointment. As long as I try, there will always be hope!"
Three young men could enter the final round, which would later decide one person to be employed. Everything seemed to go quite well and David entered the final round in a week.
Unexpectedly, the interview was unbelievably simple, during which the interviewer only chatted with them for a while. The interview strategies my son prepared were not useful at all. The interviewer said the company would inform them of the result in 3 days. On the morning of the third day, David received the text from the company that he was not employed. David felt disappointed.
In nightfall that day, David suddenly told me excitedly on phone that he had been employed. Greatly surprised, I asked him, "What's the whole matter?" David told me that he received another text saying that he was employed. David felt very confused about it. Later he found out the first text sent to him was also part of the test in the interview. Three men received the same text this morning and only David's reply was satisfying to the company. I asked my son, "How did all of you reply?" My son said, "One did not reply. The other said "goodbye" and I said "thank you"."
Only then did I know that my son's "hope" came in that way. That is, when you feel disappointed, do not forget to say "Thank you" to the one who disappoints you. Actually, it is a piece of cake to say "Thank you". Saying "Thank you" shows respect for others' work and demonstrates your grand generosity. Therefore, while under the same condition, you will get the upper hand in terms of opportunities compared with others!
Question:
What can be inferred from the passage?
Choices:
A. The author believed it's beneficial to say thank you.
B. The author was confident that his son would get the job.
C. The author was disappointed when his son was not employed.
D. The author thought it's not easy to say thank you.
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high18780.txt
|
Half a year before graduation from college, my son David began to seek a job. Due to the financial crisis, the competition was ever-fierce. My son targeted a company that was located in a coastal city. It was intended to employ only one person among more than twenty candidates, I said to David, "You should not harbor too much hope for fear that you would feel terribly disappointed when you fail." He said to me, "I am not afraid of disappointment. As long as I try, there will always be hope!"
Three young men could enter the final round, which would later decide one person to be employed. Everything seemed to go quite well and David entered the final round in a week.
Unexpectedly, the interview was unbelievably simple, during which the interviewer only chatted with them for a while. The interview strategies my son prepared were not useful at all. The interviewer said the company would inform them of the result in 3 days. On the morning of the third day, David received the text from the company that he was not employed. David felt disappointed.
In nightfall that day, David suddenly told me excitedly on phone that he had been employed. Greatly surprised, I asked him, "What's the whole matter?" David told me that he received another text saying that he was employed. David felt very confused about it. Later he found out the first text sent to him was also part of the test in the interview. Three men received the same text this morning and only David's reply was satisfying to the company. I asked my son, "How did all of you reply?" My son said, "One did not reply. The other said "goodbye" and I said "thank you"."
Only then did I know that my son's "hope" came in that way. That is, when you feel disappointed, do not forget to say "Thank you" to the one who disappoints you. Actually, it is a piece of cake to say "Thank you". Saying "Thank you" shows respect for others' work and demonstrates your grand generosity. Therefore, while under the same condition, you will get the upper hand in terms of opportunities compared with others!
|
[
"The author believed it's beneficial to say thank you.",
"The author was confident that his son would get the job.",
"The author was disappointed when his son was not employed.",
"The author thought it's not easy to say thank you."
] |
What can we learn from the article?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
A rich man was riding along the road and saw an old man digging in his garden. On the ground lay a young tree, ready to be planted. The rich man called out to the old man. "What kind of tree are you planting there, my good man?"
"This is a fig tree, sir." He said. "A fig tree?" The rich man was very surprised. "Why, how old are you, may I ask?" "I am ninety years old this year." "What ?" cried the man. "You are ninety years old. You are planting a very young tree now and it will take years to give fruit. You certainly don't hope to live long enough to get any fruit from this tree." The old man looked around the garden. Then he said with a smile, "Tell me , sir. Did you eat figs when you were a boy?" "Sure , why do you ask this question?" the man asked. "Then tell me this,"he said. "Who planted the fig tree?" "Why-why? I don't know." "You see, sir. Our forefather planted trees for us to enjoy and I am doing the same for the people after me."
The rich man was quiet and said, "You are right, my good man. We should do something for the people after us. Thank you very much." The rich man rode away.
Question:
What can we learn from the article?
Choices:
A. We should plant more trees for the people after us.
B. It's never too old to plant trees .
C. We should do something useful for the people after us.
D. We should be friendly to others.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle5780.txt
|
A rich man was riding along the road and saw an old man digging in his garden. On the ground lay a young tree, ready to be planted. The rich man called out to the old man. "What kind of tree are you planting there, my good man?"
"This is a fig tree, sir." He said. "A fig tree?" The rich man was very surprised. "Why, how old are you, may I ask?" "I am ninety years old this year." "What ?" cried the man. "You are ninety years old. You are planting a very young tree now and it will take years to give fruit. You certainly don't hope to live long enough to get any fruit from this tree." The old man looked around the garden. Then he said with a smile, "Tell me , sir. Did you eat figs when you were a boy?" "Sure , why do you ask this question?" the man asked. "Then tell me this,"he said. "Who planted the fig tree?" "Why-why? I don't know." "You see, sir. Our forefather planted trees for us to enjoy and I am doing the same for the people after me."
The rich man was quiet and said, "You are right, my good man. We should do something for the people after us. Thank you very much." The rich man rode away.
|
[
"We should plant more trees for the people after us.",
"It's never too old to plant trees .",
"We should do something useful for the people after us.",
"We should be friendly to others."
] |
Jennifer decides to share her sweets between herself and her 3 friends. She has 212 green sweets, 310 blue sweets and 502 yellow sweets. How many sweets will Jennifer and her friends get each?
|
Jennifer has a total of 212 + 310 + 502 = <<212+310+502=1024>>1,024 sweets.
Jennifer and her friends will get 1,024/4 = <<1024/4=256>>256 sweets each.
#### 256
|
Solve the following math problem and explain your reasoning step by step.
|
Jennifer decides to share her sweets between herself and her 3 friends. She has 212 green sweets, 310 blue sweets and 502 yellow sweets. How many sweets will Jennifer and her friends get each?
|
Jennifer has a total of 212 + 310 + 502 = <<212+310+502=1024>>1,024 sweets.
Jennifer and her friends will get 1,024/4 = <<1024/4=256>>256 sweets each.
#### 256
|
math
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Which of the following is not true about Einstein according to the passage?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
He could have been president of Israel or played violin at Carnegie Hall, but he was too busy thinking. His thinking on God, love and the meaning of life graces our greeting cards and day-timers.
Fifty years after his death, his shock of white hair and hanging moustache still symbolize genius. Einstein remains the foremost scientist of the modern time. Looking back 2,400 years, only Newton ,Galileo and Aristotle were his equals.
Around the world , universities and academies are celebrating the 100th anniversary of Einstein's "miracle year" when he published five scientific papers in 1905 that basically changed our grasp of space, time ,light and matter. Only he could top himself about a decade later with his theory of relativity.
Born in the age of horse-drawn carriages, his ideas launched a technological revolution that has made more changes in a century than in the previous two thousand years. Computers, satellites, telecommunications, lasers, televisions and nuclear power all owe their invention to ways in which Einstein exposed a stranger and more complicated reality underneath the world.
He escaped Hitler's Germany and devoted the rest of his life to human rights and peace with an authority unmatched by any scientist today, or even most politicians and religious leaders. He spoke out against fascism and racial prejudice. His FBI file ran 1,400 pages.
His letters expose a disorderly personal life - married twice and indifferent toward his children while absorbed in physics. Yet he charmed lovers and admirers with poetry and sailboat outings. Friends and neighbors fiercely protected his privacy.
Question:
Which of the following is not true about Einstein according to the passage?
Choices:
A. When he was absorbed in his research ,he didn't care for his family.
B. He tried to amuse his family and friends in his spare time.
C. He was so busy with the physical research that he showed no interest in politics.
D. His theory led to much improvement in many technological fields.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high7460.txt
|
He could have been president of Israel or played violin at Carnegie Hall, but he was too busy thinking. His thinking on God, love and the meaning of life graces our greeting cards and day-timers.
Fifty years after his death, his shock of white hair and hanging moustache still symbolize genius. Einstein remains the foremost scientist of the modern time. Looking back 2,400 years, only Newton ,Galileo and Aristotle were his equals.
Around the world , universities and academies are celebrating the 100th anniversary of Einstein's "miracle year" when he published five scientific papers in 1905 that basically changed our grasp of space, time ,light and matter. Only he could top himself about a decade later with his theory of relativity.
Born in the age of horse-drawn carriages, his ideas launched a technological revolution that has made more changes in a century than in the previous two thousand years. Computers, satellites, telecommunications, lasers, televisions and nuclear power all owe their invention to ways in which Einstein exposed a stranger and more complicated reality underneath the world.
He escaped Hitler's Germany and devoted the rest of his life to human rights and peace with an authority unmatched by any scientist today, or even most politicians and religious leaders. He spoke out against fascism and racial prejudice. His FBI file ran 1,400 pages.
His letters expose a disorderly personal life - married twice and indifferent toward his children while absorbed in physics. Yet he charmed lovers and admirers with poetry and sailboat outings. Friends and neighbors fiercely protected his privacy.
|
[
"When he was absorbed in his research ,he didn't care for his family.",
"He tried to amuse his family and friends in his spare time.",
"He was so busy with the physical research that he showed no interest in politics.",
"His theory led to much improvement in many technological fields."
] |
Which of the following is suitable to describe Rebecca's impression of Alec?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
A tall figure appeared from the dark door of the tent. It was a smoking young man about twenty three or four. He had an almost black face, though smooth. His moustache was black with curled points. There was an unusual force in his face, and in his daring rolling eyes. cef
Rebecca still stood hesitating like a swimmer about to make his dive, hardly knowing whether to return or move forward.
"Hi, my beauty, what can I do for you?" said he, approaching. Realizing that she was quite at a loss, the man spoke in a gentle voice, "Never mind. I am Mr. Thackeray. Have you come to see me or my mother?"
This scene differed greatly from what Rebecca had expected. She had dreamed of an aged and dignified face. She told herself to be calm and answered "I came to see your mother, sir."
"I am afraid you cannot see her-she is ill in bed," replied the representative of the house; for this was Mr. Alee Thackeray, the only son of the noble family. "What is the business you wish to see her about?"
"It isn't business-it is-I can hardly say what!"
"Pleasure?"
"Oh no. Why, sir, if I tell you, it will seem..."
Rebecca's sense of a certain ridicule(,) was now so obvious and strong that, despite her general discomfort at being here, her rosy lips curved towards a smile, much to the attraction of the young man.
"It is so foolish", she murmured. "I fear I can't tell you!"
"Never mind; I like foolish things. Try again, my dear," said he kindly.
"Mother told me to come," Rebecca continued; "and, indeed, I was in the mind to do so myself. But I did not expect it would turn out like this. I came...sir, I came to tell you that we are of the same family as you."
"Ho Ho! Poor relations?"
"Yes."
"Rossetti?"
"No. Thackeray."
"Ay, ay; I mean Thackeray."
"Our names are worn away to Durbeyfield; but we have several proofs that we are Thackeray. The local scholars hold the view that we are, and...and we have an old seal and a silver spoon marked with the same castle as yours. So mother said we ought to make ourselves known to you, as we've lost our horse by a bad accident. We can hardly make a living."
"It's very kind of your mother, I'm sure." Alec looked at Rebecca as he spoke, in a way that made her uneasy. "And so, my pretty girl, you've come on a friendly visit to us, as relations?"
"I suppose I have," looking less confident and uncomfortable again.
"Well, there's no harm in it. I mean it doesn't hurt to come and make yourself known to me. Where do you live? What are you?" ...
Question:
Which of the following is suitable to describe Rebecca's impression of Alec?
Choices:
A. unfriendly and ta lkative
B. forceful and daring
C. gentle and reliable
D. older than expected
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high5179.txt
|
A tall figure appeared from the dark door of the tent. It was a smoking young man about twenty three or four. He had an almost black face, though smooth. His moustache was black with curled points. There was an unusual force in his face, and in his daring rolling eyes. cef
Rebecca still stood hesitating like a swimmer about to make his dive, hardly knowing whether to return or move forward.
"Hi, my beauty, what can I do for you?" said he, approaching. Realizing that she was quite at a loss, the man spoke in a gentle voice, "Never mind. I am Mr. Thackeray. Have you come to see me or my mother?"
This scene differed greatly from what Rebecca had expected. She had dreamed of an aged and dignified face. She told herself to be calm and answered "I came to see your mother, sir."
"I am afraid you cannot see her-she is ill in bed," replied the representative of the house; for this was Mr. Alee Thackeray, the only son of the noble family. "What is the business you wish to see her about?"
"It isn't business-it is-I can hardly say what!"
"Pleasure?"
"Oh no. Why, sir, if I tell you, it will seem..."
Rebecca's sense of a certain ridicule(,) was now so obvious and strong that, despite her general discomfort at being here, her rosy lips curved towards a smile, much to the attraction of the young man.
"It is so foolish", she murmured. "I fear I can't tell you!"
"Never mind; I like foolish things. Try again, my dear," said he kindly.
"Mother told me to come," Rebecca continued; "and, indeed, I was in the mind to do so myself. But I did not expect it would turn out like this. I came...sir, I came to tell you that we are of the same family as you."
"Ho Ho! Poor relations?"
"Yes."
"Rossetti?"
"No. Thackeray."
"Ay, ay; I mean Thackeray."
"Our names are worn away to Durbeyfield; but we have several proofs that we are Thackeray. The local scholars hold the view that we are, and...and we have an old seal and a silver spoon marked with the same castle as yours. So mother said we ought to make ourselves known to you, as we've lost our horse by a bad accident. We can hardly make a living."
"It's very kind of your mother, I'm sure." Alec looked at Rebecca as he spoke, in a way that made her uneasy. "And so, my pretty girl, you've come on a friendly visit to us, as relations?"
"I suppose I have," looking less confident and uncomfortable again.
"Well, there's no harm in it. I mean it doesn't hurt to come and make yourself known to me. Where do you live? What are you?" ...
|
[
"unfriendly and ta lkative",
"forceful and daring",
"gentle and reliable",
"older than expected"
] |
What should you do if you are on the first floor of a building?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
An earthquake is literally an earth-shattering experience! There you are enjoying an afternoon nap, having a cup of coffee in the morning, or even sleeping on a cold winter night when -- WHAM! -- the entire crockery shelf _ , and all the plates and cups break into pieces. A painting on the wall nearly knocks you down as it falls.
What should one do in an earthquake? The prime-time news gives no warning, nor is there a time of year, like the monsoon season, when an earthquake always occurs. Unlike a tornado or hurricane, there is no known way of predicting an earthquake.
Though about 500, 000 earthquakes occur each year, only 100 of them cause damage! However, an earthquake can strike any time of the day or night, so it needs to be prepared for when you have the misfortune of being caught in the middle of one.
If you're indoors, stay indoors, unless you're on the ground floor, where you can easily run outside. The best thing to do if you're indoors is to hide under a strong piece of furniture like a bed or desk. Do not head for the stairway if you're living on an upper storey, because stairways can collapse.
If you're driving, get out of traffic and stop on a wide and open road. Do not stop on a bridge, or in another case, under one. Stay inside your car until the shaking stops. Before you restart driving, look out for fissures , breaks in the road, and bumps or cracks. Inside your home, be careful not to turn on the gas until you' re sure the cylinder is safe, and there is no leak.
Avoid using your telephone unless there's an emergency. You could be occupying lines that are needed by other people.
Lastly, if you're not trapped or seriously hurt, do not expect fire fighters, army or police to help you. They may be busy rescuing people in greater need than you!
Question:
What should you do if you are on the first floor of a building?
Choices:
A. Stay inside.
B. Head for a stairway.
C. Hide under a strong piece of furniture.
D. Run outside immediately.
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high22625.txt
|
An earthquake is literally an earth-shattering experience! There you are enjoying an afternoon nap, having a cup of coffee in the morning, or even sleeping on a cold winter night when -- WHAM! -- the entire crockery shelf _ , and all the plates and cups break into pieces. A painting on the wall nearly knocks you down as it falls.
What should one do in an earthquake? The prime-time news gives no warning, nor is there a time of year, like the monsoon season, when an earthquake always occurs. Unlike a tornado or hurricane, there is no known way of predicting an earthquake.
Though about 500, 000 earthquakes occur each year, only 100 of them cause damage! However, an earthquake can strike any time of the day or night, so it needs to be prepared for when you have the misfortune of being caught in the middle of one.
If you're indoors, stay indoors, unless you're on the ground floor, where you can easily run outside. The best thing to do if you're indoors is to hide under a strong piece of furniture like a bed or desk. Do not head for the stairway if you're living on an upper storey, because stairways can collapse.
If you're driving, get out of traffic and stop on a wide and open road. Do not stop on a bridge, or in another case, under one. Stay inside your car until the shaking stops. Before you restart driving, look out for fissures , breaks in the road, and bumps or cracks. Inside your home, be careful not to turn on the gas until you' re sure the cylinder is safe, and there is no leak.
Avoid using your telephone unless there's an emergency. You could be occupying lines that are needed by other people.
Lastly, if you're not trapped or seriously hurt, do not expect fire fighters, army or police to help you. They may be busy rescuing people in greater need than you!
|
[
"Stay inside.",
"Head for a stairway.",
"Hide under a strong piece of furniture.",
"Run outside immediately."
] |
Some actors would like to accept poorly-paid jobs because the jobs _ .
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Over the last 70 years, researchers have been studying happy and unhappy people and finally found out ten factors that make a difference. Our feelings of well-being at any moment are determined to a certain degree by genes. However, of all the factors, wealth and age are the top two.
Money can buy a degree of happiness. But once you can afford to feed, clothe and house yourself , each extra dollar makes less and less difference.
Researchers find that, on average, wealthier people are happier. But the link between money and happiness is complex. In the past half-century, average income has sharply increased in developed countries, yet happiness levels have remained almost the same. Once your basic needs are met, money only seems to increase happiness if you have more than your friends, neighbors and colleagues.
"Dollars buy status, and status makes people feel better," conclude some experts, which helps explain why people who can seek status in other ways---scientists or actors, for example--may happily accept relatively poorly-paid jobs.
In a research, Professor Alex Michalos found that the people whose desires--not just for money, but for friends, family, job, health--rose furthest beyond what they already had, tended to be less happy than those who felt a smaller gap. Indeed, the size of the gap predicted happiness about five times better than income alone. "The gap measures just blow away the only measures of income." Says Michalos.
Another factor that has to do with happiness is age. Old age may not be so bad. "Given all the problems of aging, how could the elderly be more satisfied?" asks Professor Laura Carstensen.
In one survey, Carstensen interviewed 184 people between the ages of 18 and 94, and asked them to fill out an emotions questionnaire. She found that old people reported positive emotions just as often as young people, but negative emotions much less often.
Why are old people happier? Some scientists suggest older people may expect life to be harder and learn to live with it, or they're more realistic about their goals, only setting ones that they know they can achieve. But Carstensen thinks that with time running out, older people have learned to focus on things that make them happy and let go of those that don't. "People realize not only what they have, but also that what they have cannot last forever," she says. "A goodbye kiss to a husband or wife at the age of 85, for example, may bring far more complex emotional responses than a similar kiss to a boy or girl friend at the age of 20.
Question:
Some actors would like to accept poorly-paid jobs because the jobs _ .
Choices:
A. make them feel much better
B. provide chances to make friends
C. improve their social position
D. satisfy their professional interests
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high3845.txt
|
Over the last 70 years, researchers have been studying happy and unhappy people and finally found out ten factors that make a difference. Our feelings of well-being at any moment are determined to a certain degree by genes. However, of all the factors, wealth and age are the top two.
Money can buy a degree of happiness. But once you can afford to feed, clothe and house yourself , each extra dollar makes less and less difference.
Researchers find that, on average, wealthier people are happier. But the link between money and happiness is complex. In the past half-century, average income has sharply increased in developed countries, yet happiness levels have remained almost the same. Once your basic needs are met, money only seems to increase happiness if you have more than your friends, neighbors and colleagues.
"Dollars buy status, and status makes people feel better," conclude some experts, which helps explain why people who can seek status in other ways---scientists or actors, for example--may happily accept relatively poorly-paid jobs.
In a research, Professor Alex Michalos found that the people whose desires--not just for money, but for friends, family, job, health--rose furthest beyond what they already had, tended to be less happy than those who felt a smaller gap. Indeed, the size of the gap predicted happiness about five times better than income alone. "The gap measures just blow away the only measures of income." Says Michalos.
Another factor that has to do with happiness is age. Old age may not be so bad. "Given all the problems of aging, how could the elderly be more satisfied?" asks Professor Laura Carstensen.
In one survey, Carstensen interviewed 184 people between the ages of 18 and 94, and asked them to fill out an emotions questionnaire. She found that old people reported positive emotions just as often as young people, but negative emotions much less often.
Why are old people happier? Some scientists suggest older people may expect life to be harder and learn to live with it, or they're more realistic about their goals, only setting ones that they know they can achieve. But Carstensen thinks that with time running out, older people have learned to focus on things that make them happy and let go of those that don't. "People realize not only what they have, but also that what they have cannot last forever," she says. "A goodbye kiss to a husband or wife at the age of 85, for example, may bring far more complex emotional responses than a similar kiss to a boy or girl friend at the age of 20.
|
[
"make them feel much better",
"provide chances to make friends",
"improve their social position",
"satisfy their professional interests"
] |
According to the police, what was the direct reason for the incident?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
BERLIN (AP)----A tiger escaped its enclosure at Cologne Zoo in western Germany on Saturday and killed a female keeper before being shot dead by the zoo's director, police said.
The tiger slipped through a passage between the enclosure and a neighboring storage building, where it fatally attacked the 43-year-old keeper, said police spokesman Stefan Kirchner.
"It appears the gate wasn't properly shut," Kirchner told The Associated Press.
The zoo was evacuated and a SWAT team was called in, police said.But before it arrived, the zoo's director managed to kill the tiger by climbing onto the storage building and shooting it through a skylight using a rifle.
Kirchner said it was unlikely that members of the public had witnessed the incident. "This is the darkest day of my life," the zoo's director, Theo Pagel, was quoted as saying by Cologne newspaper Express.
The paper said on its website that the Siberian tiger was a 4-year-old male called Tltai that came to Cologne Zoo from an animal park in England.In November it fathered three cubs with a 7-year-old Siberian tiger called Hanya, according to the zoo's website.
Police said the zoo reopened after Saturday's incident, which occurred around noon.However, a planned late-night opening of the zoo has been canceled.
Cologne Zoo is one of the oldest in Germany.It was founded in 1860 and houses some 10,000 animals consisting of more than 700 different species.
Question:
According to the police, what was the direct reason for the incident?
Choices:
A. The zoo keeper was a new hand.
B. A gate was not closed appropriately.
C. The zoo had neglected the secret passage.
D. It was very dark when the incident happened.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high3444.txt
|
BERLIN (AP)----A tiger escaped its enclosure at Cologne Zoo in western Germany on Saturday and killed a female keeper before being shot dead by the zoo's director, police said.
The tiger slipped through a passage between the enclosure and a neighboring storage building, where it fatally attacked the 43-year-old keeper, said police spokesman Stefan Kirchner.
"It appears the gate wasn't properly shut," Kirchner told The Associated Press.
The zoo was evacuated and a SWAT team was called in, police said.But before it arrived, the zoo's director managed to kill the tiger by climbing onto the storage building and shooting it through a skylight using a rifle.
Kirchner said it was unlikely that members of the public had witnessed the incident. "This is the darkest day of my life," the zoo's director, Theo Pagel, was quoted as saying by Cologne newspaper Express.
The paper said on its website that the Siberian tiger was a 4-year-old male called Tltai that came to Cologne Zoo from an animal park in England.In November it fathered three cubs with a 7-year-old Siberian tiger called Hanya, according to the zoo's website.
Police said the zoo reopened after Saturday's incident, which occurred around noon.However, a planned late-night opening of the zoo has been canceled.
Cologne Zoo is one of the oldest in Germany.It was founded in 1860 and houses some 10,000 animals consisting of more than 700 different species.
|
[
"The zoo keeper was a new hand.",
"A gate was not closed appropriately.",
"The zoo had neglected the secret passage.",
"It was very dark when the incident happened."
] |
If a child carries a heavy school bag, _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Are you carrying too much on your back to school? I'm sure lots of your age will say "Yes". Not only the students in China have this problem, but children in the United States also have heavy school bags.
Doctors are starting to worry about that younger and younger students are having problems as a result of school bags being too heavy for them.
"It's hard for me to go upstairs with my bag because it's so heavy," said Rich Hammond, an 11-year-old student in the US.
Rich is among students who have common school bags with two straps to carry them, but many other choose rolling bags. But even with rolling bags, getting up stairs and houses is still a problem for children. Many of them have hurt backs and necks because of the heavy school bags.
But how much is too much? Doctors say students should carry no more than 10% to 15% of their own body weight. Scott Bautch, a black doctor, said children under Grade 4 should stay with 10%. But it is also important that older children don't stay with over 15%, because their bodies are still growing. "Children are losing their balance and falling down with their school bags," he said.
Parents and teachers are starting to tell children to only take home library books that they will be reading at night. Some teachers are using pieces of paper or thin workbooks for students to take home.
One of the best answers is, as some children said, to have no homework at all.
Question:
If a child carries a heavy school bag, _ .
Choices:
A. his back and neck will be hurt
B. his head and arms will be hurt
C. his hands will be hurt
D. his feed will be hurt
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high22063.txt
|
Are you carrying too much on your back to school? I'm sure lots of your age will say "Yes". Not only the students in China have this problem, but children in the United States also have heavy school bags.
Doctors are starting to worry about that younger and younger students are having problems as a result of school bags being too heavy for them.
"It's hard for me to go upstairs with my bag because it's so heavy," said Rich Hammond, an 11-year-old student in the US.
Rich is among students who have common school bags with two straps to carry them, but many other choose rolling bags. But even with rolling bags, getting up stairs and houses is still a problem for children. Many of them have hurt backs and necks because of the heavy school bags.
But how much is too much? Doctors say students should carry no more than 10% to 15% of their own body weight. Scott Bautch, a black doctor, said children under Grade 4 should stay with 10%. But it is also important that older children don't stay with over 15%, because their bodies are still growing. "Children are losing their balance and falling down with their school bags," he said.
Parents and teachers are starting to tell children to only take home library books that they will be reading at night. Some teachers are using pieces of paper or thin workbooks for students to take home.
One of the best answers is, as some children said, to have no homework at all.
|
[
"his back and neck will be hurt",
"his head and arms will be hurt",
"his hands will be hurt",
"his feed will be hurt"
] |
From December 17 to December 18, if you go to _ , you may be caught in the snow.
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Weather Report
(8:00 a.m. December 17--8:00 a.m. December 18)
Influenced by a cold front northern Xinjiang, the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and the northern and eastern parts of Heilongjiang are expected to experience light snow today. Drizzle is forecast for most areas of Sichuan and western coastal areas of South China. Northerly winds of force 4-6 are expected to affect western and southwestern Inner Mongolia, and most parts of Northeast China while northerly winds of force 5-7 will sweep across the Bohai Sea, the northern parts of the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, the Taiwan Straits, and the central and northern parts of the South China Sea.
Weather forecast for major Chinese cities
Question:
From December 17 to December 18, if you go to _ , you may be caught in the snow.
Choices:
A. Northern Xinjiang and Tibet
B. Sichuan and South China
C. Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang
D. Qinghai and Sichuan
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high16233.txt
|
Weather Report
(8:00 a.m. December 17--8:00 a.m. December 18)
Influenced by a cold front northern Xinjiang, the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and the northern and eastern parts of Heilongjiang are expected to experience light snow today. Drizzle is forecast for most areas of Sichuan and western coastal areas of South China. Northerly winds of force 4-6 are expected to affect western and southwestern Inner Mongolia, and most parts of Northeast China while northerly winds of force 5-7 will sweep across the Bohai Sea, the northern parts of the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, the Taiwan Straits, and the central and northern parts of the South China Sea.
Weather forecast for major Chinese cities
|
[
"Northern Xinjiang and Tibet",
"Sichuan and South China",
"Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang",
"Qinghai and Sichuan"
] |
When did they became good friends?
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
John is my best friend. We live in the same building. We study in the same school but not in the same class. We often play football together after school. We have been good friends for two years.
John is tall and strong with black hair. He has a round face, a small nose and big, brown eyes. I like his eyes because they are always bright and smiling.
John is always friendly and helpful. When I feel bored or unhappy, he tells me funny jokes and makes me laugh. He'll give me help when I need.
John is very smart. He reads a lot of books. He is good at singing and acts very well. He would like to make people happy with his songs and performance when he grows up. I believe that he can become as popular as Jackie Chan and travel around the world in the future.
Question:
When did they became good friends?
Choices:
A. Long ago.
B. Two years ago.
C. In 2006.
D. In 2007.
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle513.txt
|
John is my best friend. We live in the same building. We study in the same school but not in the same class. We often play football together after school. We have been good friends for two years.
John is tall and strong with black hair. He has a round face, a small nose and big, brown eyes. I like his eyes because they are always bright and smiling.
John is always friendly and helpful. When I feel bored or unhappy, he tells me funny jokes and makes me laugh. He'll give me help when I need.
John is very smart. He reads a lot of books. He is good at singing and acts very well. He would like to make people happy with his songs and performance when he grows up. I believe that he can become as popular as Jackie Chan and travel around the world in the future.
|
[
"Long ago.",
"Two years ago.",
"In 2006.",
"In 2007."
] |
Cytokinesis divides what part of the cell into two distinctive cells?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
Cytokinesis divides what part of the cell into two distinctive cells?
|
cytoplasm
|
science
| null | null | null |
nucleus
|
DNA
|
cell wall
|
cytoplasm
|
The Cell Cycle One “turn” or cycle of the cell cycle consists of two general phases: interphase, followed by mitosis and cytokinesis. Interphase is the period of the cell cycle during which the cell is not dividing. The majority of cells are in interphase most of the time. Mitosis is the division of genetic material, during which the cell nucleus breaks down and two new, fully functional, nuclei are formed. Cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm into two distinctive cells.
| null | null | null |
We can learn from the passage that ASIMO _ .
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
The lights dimmed,the musical hall grew quiet and out walked the conductor shiny and white and 4 feet and 3 inches tall.
ASIMO, a robot designed by Honda Motor Co., met its latest challenge Tuesday evening: Conducting the Detroit Symphony , in a performance of "The Impossible Dream" from "Man of La Mancha".
"Hello, everyone," ASIMO said to the audience in a childlike voice, then waved to the orchestra. As it conducted, it perfectly mimicked the actions of a conductor,
nodding its head at various sections and gesturing with one or both hands. ASIMO took a final bow to excited shouts from the audience. Later, cellist Yo-Yo Ma joined ASIMO onstage to receive an award for his efforts in music education.
Honda spokeswoman Alicia Jones says it is the first time ASIMO has conducted an orchestra, and it may be the first time any robot has conducted a live performance. But ASIMO has its limits. ASIMO's engineers programmed the robot to mimic Charles Burke, the Detroit Symphony's education director, as he conducted the piece in front of a pianist about six months ago. But it can't respond to the musicians.
"It's not a communicative device. It simply is programmed to do a set of gestures," said Leonard Slatkin, the orchestra's musical director. "If the orchestra decides to go faster, there's nothing the robot can do about it. Hopefully, I keep that under control."
But several musicians also said ASIMO was more realistic than they expected. "The movements are still a little stiff , but very humanlike, much better than I thought," Hutchinson said.
Question:
We can learn from the passage that ASIMO _ .
Choices:
A. was designed and trained by Yo-Yo Ma
B. can communicate with the audience freely
C. only performs according to the designed programs
D. can change its conducting style freely
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high15476.txt
|
The lights dimmed,the musical hall grew quiet and out walked the conductor shiny and white and 4 feet and 3 inches tall.
ASIMO, a robot designed by Honda Motor Co., met its latest challenge Tuesday evening: Conducting the Detroit Symphony , in a performance of "The Impossible Dream" from "Man of La Mancha".
"Hello, everyone," ASIMO said to the audience in a childlike voice, then waved to the orchestra. As it conducted, it perfectly mimicked the actions of a conductor,
nodding its head at various sections and gesturing with one or both hands. ASIMO took a final bow to excited shouts from the audience. Later, cellist Yo-Yo Ma joined ASIMO onstage to receive an award for his efforts in music education.
Honda spokeswoman Alicia Jones says it is the first time ASIMO has conducted an orchestra, and it may be the first time any robot has conducted a live performance. But ASIMO has its limits. ASIMO's engineers programmed the robot to mimic Charles Burke, the Detroit Symphony's education director, as he conducted the piece in front of a pianist about six months ago. But it can't respond to the musicians.
"It's not a communicative device. It simply is programmed to do a set of gestures," said Leonard Slatkin, the orchestra's musical director. "If the orchestra decides to go faster, there's nothing the robot can do about it. Hopefully, I keep that under control."
But several musicians also said ASIMO was more realistic than they expected. "The movements are still a little stiff , but very humanlike, much better than I thought," Hutchinson said.
|
[
"was designed and trained by Yo-Yo Ma",
"can communicate with the audience freely",
"only performs according to the designed programs",
"can change its conducting style freely"
] |
Carbon dioxide emissions have increased due to large numbers of automobiles and increased industrialization. Which of the following has been most affected by the increase in carbon dioxide levels?
| null |
Answer this science question and explain your reasoning.
|
Carbon dioxide emissions have increased due to large numbers of automobiles and increased industrialization. Which of the following has been most affected by the increase in carbon dioxide levels?
Choices:
A. the ability of farmers to plant crops
B. the ability of scientists to study other planets
C. the ability of Earth to continue recycling rocks
D. the ability of Earth to maintain lower temperatures
|
Correct answer: D
|
science
|
Mercury_7090773
|
{
"text": [
"the ability of farmers to plant crops",
"the ability of scientists to study other planets",
"the ability of Earth to continue recycling rocks",
"the ability of Earth to maintain lower temperatures"
],
"label": [
"A",
"B",
"C",
"D"
]
}
|
D
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
The author's grandfathers _ .
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Grandparents are important people in everyone's life.They are those people who take care of you and love you. They are special persons who can give you wise advice.
My grandparents always teach me to respect others,and they show me that love and feelings are important things in life and that we shouldn't pay much attention to material things or what people look like.
My grandparents show a mixture of cultures and nationalities because they come from different countries.For example,my grandfather on my mother's side is from Spain,and my grandmother is also from Spain,but from a different city.On my father's side,my grandfather is from Venezuela,and my grandmother is from Italy.A1though they are from different countries,my grandparents have a very good relationship.
What's more,my grandparents are people that always keep in touch with the new things in the world. For example,my grandmothers always care about fashion,how they dress and their personal appearance. And my grandfathers always care about the important events in the world.
I think I am very lucky that all of my grandparents are alive because I have learned so much from them,I would like to continue learning from them even though we are living in different countries now.I will always remember my grandparents as role models for me.
Question:
The author's grandfathers _ .
Choices:
A. care about fashion very much
B. are from the same country
C. care about important events in the world
D. don't 1ike new things
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high8257.txt
|
Grandparents are important people in everyone's life.They are those people who take care of you and love you. They are special persons who can give you wise advice.
My grandparents always teach me to respect others,and they show me that love and feelings are important things in life and that we shouldn't pay much attention to material things or what people look like.
My grandparents show a mixture of cultures and nationalities because they come from different countries.For example,my grandfather on my mother's side is from Spain,and my grandmother is also from Spain,but from a different city.On my father's side,my grandfather is from Venezuela,and my grandmother is from Italy.A1though they are from different countries,my grandparents have a very good relationship.
What's more,my grandparents are people that always keep in touch with the new things in the world. For example,my grandmothers always care about fashion,how they dress and their personal appearance. And my grandfathers always care about the important events in the world.
I think I am very lucky that all of my grandparents are alive because I have learned so much from them,I would like to continue learning from them even though we are living in different countries now.I will always remember my grandparents as role models for me.
|
[
"care about fashion very much",
"are from the same country",
"care about important events in the world",
"don't 1ike new things"
] |
Tom is in _ .
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
I'm a boy. My name is Tom White. I am ten years old. I am in Class 2, Grade 1. I'm in No. 1 Middle School. My teacher is Mr. Wu. I have a good friend at school He is Jim Green. Jim is his first name and Green is his last name. He is ten, too. But he is in Class 1, Grade 1. His teacher is Miss Wang.
, .
Question:
Tom is in _ .
Choices:
A. Class 1, Grade 1
B. Class 1, Grade 2
C. Class 2, Grade 1
D. Class 2, Grade 2
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle4428.txt
|
I'm a boy. My name is Tom White. I am ten years old. I am in Class 2, Grade 1. I'm in No. 1 Middle School. My teacher is Mr. Wu. I have a good friend at school He is Jim Green. Jim is his first name and Green is his last name. He is ten, too. But he is in Class 1, Grade 1. His teacher is Miss Wang.
, .
|
[
"Class 1, Grade 1",
"Class 1, Grade 2",
"Class 2, Grade 1",
"Class 2, Grade 2"
] |
Ice at the poles willif the earth gets warmer.
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Our factories and homes burn coal and oil. Every year we have forest fires somewhere. Many scientists believe that the weather is changing.
The earth will perhaps be warmed by about 7degC at the South Pole and the North Pole. The ice will be melt . The sea level will rise by about 7 meters. As a result, water will cover cities like London, Tokyo and New York. Some ports and towns along the coasts will disappear under water.
Some other scientists think that the dust, smoke and pollution from coal, wood and oil fires will block out the ultraviolet rays . Then the earth will become colder and great sheets of ice will cover Europe and North America.
When chemicals in the air mix with rain, we have acid rain. Acid rain can bring us great harm. It destroys forests and kills life in lakes and rivers.
People are beginning to see how serious the problem is. They find it important to work with nature instead of against it. They are trying to save the earth in many different ways. But one of the most important things to do is to make people understand that saving the earth is saving ourselves.
,.
Question:
Ice at the poles willif the earth gets warmer.
Choices:
A. become thicker by seven meters
B. cover cities like London and Tokyo
C. raise the sea level by 7 degrees
D. become water and make the sea rise
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle7757.txt
|
Our factories and homes burn coal and oil. Every year we have forest fires somewhere. Many scientists believe that the weather is changing.
The earth will perhaps be warmed by about 7degC at the South Pole and the North Pole. The ice will be melt . The sea level will rise by about 7 meters. As a result, water will cover cities like London, Tokyo and New York. Some ports and towns along the coasts will disappear under water.
Some other scientists think that the dust, smoke and pollution from coal, wood and oil fires will block out the ultraviolet rays . Then the earth will become colder and great sheets of ice will cover Europe and North America.
When chemicals in the air mix with rain, we have acid rain. Acid rain can bring us great harm. It destroys forests and kills life in lakes and rivers.
People are beginning to see how serious the problem is. They find it important to work with nature instead of against it. They are trying to save the earth in many different ways. But one of the most important things to do is to make people understand that saving the earth is saving ourselves.
,.
|
[
"become thicker by seven meters",
"cover cities like London and Tokyo",
"raise the sea level by 7 degrees",
"become water and make the sea rise"
] |
If you can destroy a supertank, missile or flying saucer, you will get_.
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Good news for game lovers-- a tank game has come out recently. In this game you are in a tank and the screen shows your view of the landscape outside. You gain points by shooting enemy tanks, supertanks, missiles and flying saucers .
Expert players can gain scores of around 150,000 points at this game. To get a high score you have to destroy twenty tanks as quickly as possible. After this, the supertanks, missiles and flying saucers appear. These are worth far more points than the ordinary tanks. However, the number of tanks you have to destroy before the supertanks appear varies on different machines.
Try to get close to an enemy tank from the side or the back, so it cannot shoot at you. Then, when you get close, turn to face it, line it up in your sights and fire before it turns to shoot at you. If you miss or are too slow, quickly escape by moving out of the enemy's line of fire. You can then move around the enemy and come in from another side.
When a supertank appears, try to destroy it as quickly as possible. Then wait safely behind an obstacle for a missile or flying saucer. The cubes are useful objects to hide behind as you can fire over them without exposing yourself to danger. The missiles will fly straight at you, but they are difficult to hit, so do not shoot at them until they are quite close. The saucers are much easier to hit, but do not follow them as you will be open to attack from enemy tanks. ADAB
Question:
If you can destroy a supertank, missile or flying saucer, you will get_.
Choices:
A. a machine to play with
B. many more points
C. an ordinary tank
D. nothing
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high21865.txt
|
Good news for game lovers-- a tank game has come out recently. In this game you are in a tank and the screen shows your view of the landscape outside. You gain points by shooting enemy tanks, supertanks, missiles and flying saucers .
Expert players can gain scores of around 150,000 points at this game. To get a high score you have to destroy twenty tanks as quickly as possible. After this, the supertanks, missiles and flying saucers appear. These are worth far more points than the ordinary tanks. However, the number of tanks you have to destroy before the supertanks appear varies on different machines.
Try to get close to an enemy tank from the side or the back, so it cannot shoot at you. Then, when you get close, turn to face it, line it up in your sights and fire before it turns to shoot at you. If you miss or are too slow, quickly escape by moving out of the enemy's line of fire. You can then move around the enemy and come in from another side.
When a supertank appears, try to destroy it as quickly as possible. Then wait safely behind an obstacle for a missile or flying saucer. The cubes are useful objects to hide behind as you can fire over them without exposing yourself to danger. The missiles will fly straight at you, but they are difficult to hit, so do not shoot at them until they are quite close. The saucers are much easier to hit, but do not follow them as you will be open to attack from enemy tanks. ADAB
|
[
"a machine to play with",
"many more points",
"an ordinary tank",
"nothing"
] |
Which statement is Not True according to the passage ?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
What is it that makes a house a home ? A home is a place of companionship with people in it who love each other , who are harmonious and closer inside with one another than they are outside with those in the workplace or with classmates at school . A home is a place of companionship that it's difficult to leave. In a home there is love , sharing and appreciation , and the members help each other .
I have seen families on the street. But if they live , sleep , talk , and eat together , they are a family, even if they are poorly off. You don't need a roof to make a home. The truly homeless are some of the rich people who build multi-million-dollar houses and are too busy to live in them . The truly homeless are those who have turned their home into a hotel lobby . The parents work. The children do wrong . They don't talk and eat together every day . They rarely see each other . The truly homeless people are _ with babysitters , caretakers , gardeners and maids. Parents are unaware , too busy making money outside the home that they don't live in . This is another way of looking at the rich and the homeless . Who is to be pitied ?
Control of the computer and the Internet is also important to make a house into a home. If the computer is on all the time , the house turns into an office, even if everyone is at home . Many homes these days are just offices. Human communication has stopped . The computer eats up the time that one should be giving to others within the home . Using the computer moderately gives us time for gentleness , play and communication , not with a screen , but with a human being.
Question:
Which statement is Not True according to the passage ?
Choices:
A. A home is a place where you are willing to stay .
B. Even the poorest person can have a happy home .
C. Computers and the Internet are important for a happy family.
D. Sometimes it's the rich that should be pitied .
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high4435.txt
|
What is it that makes a house a home ? A home is a place of companionship with people in it who love each other , who are harmonious and closer inside with one another than they are outside with those in the workplace or with classmates at school . A home is a place of companionship that it's difficult to leave. In a home there is love , sharing and appreciation , and the members help each other .
I have seen families on the street. But if they live , sleep , talk , and eat together , they are a family, even if they are poorly off. You don't need a roof to make a home. The truly homeless are some of the rich people who build multi-million-dollar houses and are too busy to live in them . The truly homeless are those who have turned their home into a hotel lobby . The parents work. The children do wrong . They don't talk and eat together every day . They rarely see each other . The truly homeless people are _ with babysitters , caretakers , gardeners and maids. Parents are unaware , too busy making money outside the home that they don't live in . This is another way of looking at the rich and the homeless . Who is to be pitied ?
Control of the computer and the Internet is also important to make a house into a home. If the computer is on all the time , the house turns into an office, even if everyone is at home . Many homes these days are just offices. Human communication has stopped . The computer eats up the time that one should be giving to others within the home . Using the computer moderately gives us time for gentleness , play and communication , not with a screen , but with a human being.
|
[
"A home is a place where you are willing to stay .",
"Even the poorest person can have a happy home .",
"Computers and the Internet are important for a happy family.",
"Sometimes it's the rich that should be pitied ."
] |
The creation and destruction of oceanic crust is the reason what moves?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
The creation and destruction of oceanic crust is the reason what moves?
|
continents
|
science
| null | null | null |
oceans
|
animals
|
planets
|
continents
|
In some places, the oceanic crust comes up to a continent. The moving crust pushes that continent away from the ridge axis as well. If the moving oceanic crust reaches a deep sea trench, the crust sinks into the mantle. The creation and destruction of oceanic crust is the reason that continents move.
| null | null | null |
Which is NOT involved in the early symptoms of ALS _ ?
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to _ death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed.
A-myo-trophic comes from the Greek language. "A" means no or negative. "Myo" refers to muscle, and "Trophic" means nourishment--"No muscle nourishment." When a muscle has no nourishment, it "atrophies" or wastes away. "Lateral" identifies the areas in a person's spinal cord where portions of the nerve cells that signal and control the muscles are located. As this area degenerates it leads to scarring or hardening ("sclerosis") in the region.
As motor neurons degenerate, they can no longer send impulses to the muscle fibers that normally result in muscle movement. Early symptoms of ALS often include increasing muscle weakness, especially involving the arms and legs, speech, swallowing or breathing. When muscles no longer receive the messages from the motor neurons that they require to function, the muscles begin to atrophy (become smaller). Limbs begin to look "thinner" as muscle tissue atrophies.
What Types of Nerves Make Your Body Work Properly?
The body has many kinds of nerves. There are those involved in the process of thinking, memory, and of detecting sensations (such as hot/cold, sharp/dull), and others for vision, hearing, and other bodily functions. The nerves that are affected when you have ALS are the motor neurons that provide voluntary movements and muscle power. Examples of voluntary movements are your making the effort to reach for the phone or step off a curb; these actions are controlled by the muscles in the arms and legs.
The heart and the digestive system are also made of muscle but a different kind, and their movements are not under voluntary control. When your heart beats or a meal is digested, it all happens automatically. Therefore, the heart and digestive system are not involved in ALS. Breathing also may seem to be involuntary. Remember, though, while you cannot stop your heart, you can hold your breath-so be aware that ALS may eventually have an impact on breathing.
Although the cause of ALS is not completely understood, the recent years have brought a wealth of new scientific understanding regarding the physiology of this disease.
While there is not a cure or treatment today that halts or reverses ALS, there is one FDA approved drug, riluzole, that modestly slows the progression of ALS as well as several other drugs in clinical trials that hold promise.
Importantly, there are significant devices and therapies that can manage the symptoms of ALS that help people maintain as much independence as possible and prolong survival. It is important to remember that ALS is a quite variable disease; no two people will have the same journey or experiences. There are medically documented cases of people in whom ALS 'burns out,' stops progressing or progresses at a very slow rate.
Question:
Which is NOT involved in the early symptoms of ALS _ ?
Choices:
A. arms
B. speech
C. breathing
D. heart
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high9161.txt
|
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to _ death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed.
A-myo-trophic comes from the Greek language. "A" means no or negative. "Myo" refers to muscle, and "Trophic" means nourishment--"No muscle nourishment." When a muscle has no nourishment, it "atrophies" or wastes away. "Lateral" identifies the areas in a person's spinal cord where portions of the nerve cells that signal and control the muscles are located. As this area degenerates it leads to scarring or hardening ("sclerosis") in the region.
As motor neurons degenerate, they can no longer send impulses to the muscle fibers that normally result in muscle movement. Early symptoms of ALS often include increasing muscle weakness, especially involving the arms and legs, speech, swallowing or breathing. When muscles no longer receive the messages from the motor neurons that they require to function, the muscles begin to atrophy (become smaller). Limbs begin to look "thinner" as muscle tissue atrophies.
What Types of Nerves Make Your Body Work Properly?
The body has many kinds of nerves. There are those involved in the process of thinking, memory, and of detecting sensations (such as hot/cold, sharp/dull), and others for vision, hearing, and other bodily functions. The nerves that are affected when you have ALS are the motor neurons that provide voluntary movements and muscle power. Examples of voluntary movements are your making the effort to reach for the phone or step off a curb; these actions are controlled by the muscles in the arms and legs.
The heart and the digestive system are also made of muscle but a different kind, and their movements are not under voluntary control. When your heart beats or a meal is digested, it all happens automatically. Therefore, the heart and digestive system are not involved in ALS. Breathing also may seem to be involuntary. Remember, though, while you cannot stop your heart, you can hold your breath-so be aware that ALS may eventually have an impact on breathing.
Although the cause of ALS is not completely understood, the recent years have brought a wealth of new scientific understanding regarding the physiology of this disease.
While there is not a cure or treatment today that halts or reverses ALS, there is one FDA approved drug, riluzole, that modestly slows the progression of ALS as well as several other drugs in clinical trials that hold promise.
Importantly, there are significant devices and therapies that can manage the symptoms of ALS that help people maintain as much independence as possible and prolong survival. It is important to remember that ALS is a quite variable disease; no two people will have the same journey or experiences. There are medically documented cases of people in whom ALS 'burns out,' stops progressing or progresses at a very slow rate.
|
[
"arms",
"speech",
"breathing",
"heart"
] |
The reason why Mr. Jackson went to the estate agent was _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Mr. Jackson was tired of living in his old house in the countryside and wanted to sell it and buy a better one. He tried to sell it for a long time, but was not successful, so at last he decided to go to an estate agent.
The agent advertised the house straight away, and a few days later, the owner saw a very beautiful photograph of his house, with a wonderful description of his garden in an expensive magazine.
Having read the advertisement through, the house owner hurried to phone the estate agent, saying, "I'm sorry, Mr. Jones, but I've decided not to sell my house after all." "Why?" the agent asked in a surprised voice. "Because from the advertisement in that magazine I can see it's just the kind of house I've wanted to live in all my life."
Question:
The reason why Mr. Jackson went to the estate agent was _ .
Choices:
A. he had failed in selling his house by himself
B. he wanted the estate agent to help him to get a good price
C. he was sure that the estate agent could help him
D. he wanted the estate to advertise his house in the magazine
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high11260.txt
|
Mr. Jackson was tired of living in his old house in the countryside and wanted to sell it and buy a better one. He tried to sell it for a long time, but was not successful, so at last he decided to go to an estate agent.
The agent advertised the house straight away, and a few days later, the owner saw a very beautiful photograph of his house, with a wonderful description of his garden in an expensive magazine.
Having read the advertisement through, the house owner hurried to phone the estate agent, saying, "I'm sorry, Mr. Jones, but I've decided not to sell my house after all." "Why?" the agent asked in a surprised voice. "Because from the advertisement in that magazine I can see it's just the kind of house I've wanted to live in all my life."
|
[
"he had failed in selling his house by himself",
"he wanted the estate agent to help him to get a good price",
"he was sure that the estate agent could help him",
"he wanted the estate to advertise his house in the magazine"
] |
The direction of prevailing winds determines the type of what that usually moves over an area?
| null |
Answer the following science question clearly and accurately.
|
The direction of prevailing winds determines the type of what that usually moves over an area?
|
air mass
|
science
| null | null | null |
weather
|
storm
|
water mass
|
air mass
|
The direction of prevailing winds determines which type of air mass usually moves over an area. For example, a west wind might bring warm moist air from over an ocean. An east wind might bring cold dry air from over a mountain range. Which wind prevails has a big effect on the climate. What if the prevailing winds are westerlies? The westerlies blow from nearer the Equator to farther from the Equator. How would they affect the climate?.
| null | null | null |
If you have fair weather friends, _ .
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
In choosing a friend,one should be very careful.A good friend can help you study.You can have fun together and make each other happy.Sometimes you will meet fair weather friends.They will be with you as long as you have money or luck,but when you are down,they will run away.How do I know when I have found a good friend?I look for certain qualities of character,especially understanding,honesty and reliability .
Above all,I look for understanding in a friend.A good friend tries to understand how another person is feeling.He is not quick to judge.Instead,he tries to learn from others.He puts himself in the other person's place,and he tries to think of ways to be helpful.He is also a good listener.
At the same time,however,a good friend is honest.He does not look for faults in others.He notices their good points.In short,a friend will try to understand me and accept me.
Another quality of a friend is reliability.I can always depend on a good friend.If he tells me he will meet me somewhere at a certain time,I can be sure that he will be there.If I need a favor,he will do his best to help me.If I am in trouble,he will not run away from me.
There is a fourth quality that makes a friend special.A special friend is someone with whom we can have fun.We should enjoy our lives,and we would enjoy our friendship.That is why I especially like friends who are fun to be with.A good friend likes the same things I like.We share experience and learn from each other.A good friend has a good sense of humor ,too.He likes to laugh with me.That is how we share in the joy of being friends.And I know that he is looking for the same quality in me.
When I meet someone who is reliable,honest,and understanding,I know I've found a friend!
Question:
If you have fair weather friends, _ .
Choices:
A. they will give you all that they have when you need help
B. you will be refused when you get into trouble
C. you will become rich
D. you can be sure that you get real friends
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high7631.txt
|
In choosing a friend,one should be very careful.A good friend can help you study.You can have fun together and make each other happy.Sometimes you will meet fair weather friends.They will be with you as long as you have money or luck,but when you are down,they will run away.How do I know when I have found a good friend?I look for certain qualities of character,especially understanding,honesty and reliability .
Above all,I look for understanding in a friend.A good friend tries to understand how another person is feeling.He is not quick to judge.Instead,he tries to learn from others.He puts himself in the other person's place,and he tries to think of ways to be helpful.He is also a good listener.
At the same time,however,a good friend is honest.He does not look for faults in others.He notices their good points.In short,a friend will try to understand me and accept me.
Another quality of a friend is reliability.I can always depend on a good friend.If he tells me he will meet me somewhere at a certain time,I can be sure that he will be there.If I need a favor,he will do his best to help me.If I am in trouble,he will not run away from me.
There is a fourth quality that makes a friend special.A special friend is someone with whom we can have fun.We should enjoy our lives,and we would enjoy our friendship.That is why I especially like friends who are fun to be with.A good friend likes the same things I like.We share experience and learn from each other.A good friend has a good sense of humor ,too.He likes to laugh with me.That is how we share in the joy of being friends.And I know that he is looking for the same quality in me.
When I meet someone who is reliable,honest,and understanding,I know I've found a friend!
|
[
"they will give you all that they have when you need help",
"you will be refused when you get into trouble",
"you will become rich",
"you can be sure that you get real friends"
] |
What can we know about the author from the above passage?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Thanks for bringing me down here to the university last Sunday. Classes didn't start until Wednesday, so I had a few days to get adjusted. I'm signed up for five classes: zoology, calculus, English, and two history sections. It's a heavy load, but they are all courses that will count for my degree. The zoology class which meets at 8:00 every morning is going to be my hardest subject. The history class that I have in the morning is on Western Civilization; the one in the afternoon is on early prefix = st1 /United Stateshistory, our ancestors' life. Calculus which I have at noon every day looks like it's going to be easy. Besides zoology, the other class that's going to be hard is English, for you see, we have to do a composition a week.
I like all of my classmates but one. There are four of us in our suite including two girls from Texas and a girl from Manitoba. Sally who is fromSan Antoniois great: I feel like I've known her all my life. I also really like Anne who is the girl fromManitoba. Heather the other girl fromTexasis kind of a pain, though; she's one of those types of people who never tell you what's bothering them and then get hostile. I don't know how to get along with her but I'll try my best to make friends with her. This I take as one other class I myself open. All in all, though, it looks like it's going to be a great year. I'll write again in a week or so.
Question:
What can we know about the author from the above passage?
Choices:
A. She likes to stay alone all by herself.
B. Her parents know little about her university.
C. She may not good at writing.
D. She must be very busy every day.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high22661.txt
|
Thanks for bringing me down here to the university last Sunday. Classes didn't start until Wednesday, so I had a few days to get adjusted. I'm signed up for five classes: zoology, calculus, English, and two history sections. It's a heavy load, but they are all courses that will count for my degree. The zoology class which meets at 8:00 every morning is going to be my hardest subject. The history class that I have in the morning is on Western Civilization; the one in the afternoon is on early prefix = st1 /United Stateshistory, our ancestors' life. Calculus which I have at noon every day looks like it's going to be easy. Besides zoology, the other class that's going to be hard is English, for you see, we have to do a composition a week.
I like all of my classmates but one. There are four of us in our suite including two girls from Texas and a girl from Manitoba. Sally who is fromSan Antoniois great: I feel like I've known her all my life. I also really like Anne who is the girl fromManitoba. Heather the other girl fromTexasis kind of a pain, though; she's one of those types of people who never tell you what's bothering them and then get hostile. I don't know how to get along with her but I'll try my best to make friends with her. This I take as one other class I myself open. All in all, though, it looks like it's going to be a great year. I'll write again in a week or so.
|
[
"She likes to stay alone all by herself.",
"Her parents know little about her university.",
"She may not good at writing.",
"She must be very busy every day."
] |
Where are the schoolbag?
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Dear Jane,
I have to go to work now. I prepare these things for you. Your schoolbag is on the desk. Your pen ,books,keys and your school card are in your schoolbag. Your clothes and hat are on the dresser . The shoes are under the bed. Don't _ your breakfast . It's in the microwave oven .
Love you.
Mom
Question:
Where are the schoolbag?
Choices:
A. On the desk
B. In the desk
C. Under the bed
D. On the dresser
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle2015.txt
|
Dear Jane,
I have to go to work now. I prepare these things for you. Your schoolbag is on the desk. Your pen ,books,keys and your school card are in your schoolbag. Your clothes and hat are on the dresser . The shoes are under the bed. Don't _ your breakfast . It's in the microwave oven .
Love you.
Mom
|
[
"On the desk",
"In the desk",
"Under the bed",
"On the dresser"
] |
If you want, you can get _ from the ATM.
|
B
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Lots of people get money from ATMs before going shopping. If you don't know how to use an ATM, read the following instructions carefully.
*Put your card into the machine .
*Look at the screen. Input your _ into the machine.
*Input how much money you want on the screen of the machine. Then press OK.
*Get the money from the machine. If you want, you can also get a receipt .
*Take back your card.
Remember these rules:
*Don't write your password on your card.
*Don't let other people know your password.
*If you lose your card, tell the bank at once.
Question:
If you want, you can get _ from the ATM.
Choices:
A. a password
B. a receipt
C. a card
D. a present
|
Answer: B
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle2424.txt
|
Lots of people get money from ATMs before going shopping. If you don't know how to use an ATM, read the following instructions carefully.
*Put your card into the machine .
*Look at the screen. Input your _ into the machine.
*Input how much money you want on the screen of the machine. Then press OK.
*Get the money from the machine. If you want, you can also get a receipt .
*Take back your card.
Remember these rules:
*Don't write your password on your card.
*Don't let other people know your password.
*If you lose your card, tell the bank at once.
|
[
"a password",
"a receipt",
"a card",
"a present"
] |
The government stopped issuing or renewing permits for Internet cafes_.
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Three months after the government stopped issuing or renewing permits for Internet cafes because of security concerns, some cafe owners are having financial concerns of their own.
The permits were stopped suddenly three months ago by the government until new safeguards could be put in place to prevent misuse of the information superhighway, but for cafe owners it's a business breakdown with no fix in sight.
"I handed in a request to open up an Internet cafe and received the conditions," said the businessman Obeidallah. "I rented a place in the Sharafiah district at SR45,000 and prepared the place with equipment that cost me more than SR100,000. When I went to the local government after finishing everything, I was surprised to find that they'd stopped issuing permits for Internet cafes."
Having an Internet cafe without Internet is much like having a coffee shop without coffee. "I'm avoiding closing the place, but it's been more than three months with the situation ongoing as it is." Obeidallah said. "Who will bear the losses caused by the permit issue?"
The decision took many cafe owners by surprise. "I asked to open an Internet cafe, and I was handed a list of all the things that were needed to follow through, such as a sign for the place, filling out forms," said Hassan Al-Harbi.
"I did all that was asked and rented a place. And after the Haj vacation I went to the local government and they surprised me, saying that there are new rules that forbid the issuing of any more Internet cafe permits and that one can't even renew his permit. I've lost more than SR80,000," Al-harbi added.
As for the government, officials say a method to deal with it is on the way. But security concerns come before profit .
Question:
The government stopped issuing or renewing permits for Internet cafes_.
Choices:
A. to prevent misuse of new safeguards in Internet cafes
B. to make cafe owners earn less profit from their business
C. to stop the use of the information superhighway on Internet
D. to make sure of the proper use of the information superhighway
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high7402.txt
|
Three months after the government stopped issuing or renewing permits for Internet cafes because of security concerns, some cafe owners are having financial concerns of their own.
The permits were stopped suddenly three months ago by the government until new safeguards could be put in place to prevent misuse of the information superhighway, but for cafe owners it's a business breakdown with no fix in sight.
"I handed in a request to open up an Internet cafe and received the conditions," said the businessman Obeidallah. "I rented a place in the Sharafiah district at SR45,000 and prepared the place with equipment that cost me more than SR100,000. When I went to the local government after finishing everything, I was surprised to find that they'd stopped issuing permits for Internet cafes."
Having an Internet cafe without Internet is much like having a coffee shop without coffee. "I'm avoiding closing the place, but it's been more than three months with the situation ongoing as it is." Obeidallah said. "Who will bear the losses caused by the permit issue?"
The decision took many cafe owners by surprise. "I asked to open an Internet cafe, and I was handed a list of all the things that were needed to follow through, such as a sign for the place, filling out forms," said Hassan Al-Harbi.
"I did all that was asked and rented a place. And after the Haj vacation I went to the local government and they surprised me, saying that there are new rules that forbid the issuing of any more Internet cafe permits and that one can't even renew his permit. I've lost more than SR80,000," Al-harbi added.
As for the government, officials say a method to deal with it is on the way. But security concerns come before profit .
|
[
"to prevent misuse of new safeguards in Internet cafes",
"to make cafe owners earn less profit from their business",
"to stop the use of the information superhighway on Internet",
"to make sure of the proper use of the information superhighway"
] |
If you don't like some of your clothes because of their style, what should you do with them?
|
C
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
We all want to protect our planet, but we're mostly too busy or too lazy to put up big change that would improve our lifestyle and save the environment.
Here are some tips you can take to improve our environment.
Use compact fluorescent light bulbs . It is true that these bulbs are more expensive, but they last much longer and they can save energy and in the long term your electricity bill would be reduced.
Donate. You have lots of clothes or things you want to throw away. If they are still usable, give them to someone who needs them. You may also choose to give them to associations .
Turn off your devices. When you do not use a house device, turn it off. For example, if you don't watch TV, turn it off. Turn off the light when you leave a room. It's an easy habit to take up which will help you save a lot of money.
Walk or cycle. Driving is one of the biggest causes of pollution. If you want to use your car, ask yourself the following question: do I really need my car? Walk or use your bike if the journey is a short one.
Question:
If you don't like some of your clothes because of their style, what should you do with them?
Choices:
A. Throw them away.
B. Keep them in the closet.
C. Give them to someone who may need them.
D. Clean the floor with them.
|
Answer: C
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle7128.txt
|
We all want to protect our planet, but we're mostly too busy or too lazy to put up big change that would improve our lifestyle and save the environment.
Here are some tips you can take to improve our environment.
Use compact fluorescent light bulbs . It is true that these bulbs are more expensive, but they last much longer and they can save energy and in the long term your electricity bill would be reduced.
Donate. You have lots of clothes or things you want to throw away. If they are still usable, give them to someone who needs them. You may also choose to give them to associations .
Turn off your devices. When you do not use a house device, turn it off. For example, if you don't watch TV, turn it off. Turn off the light when you leave a room. It's an easy habit to take up which will help you save a lot of money.
Walk or cycle. Driving is one of the biggest causes of pollution. If you want to use your car, ask yourself the following question: do I really need my car? Walk or use your bike if the journey is a short one.
|
[
"Throw them away.",
"Keep them in the closet.",
"Give them to someone who may need them.",
"Clean the floor with them."
] |
They all _ .
|
D
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
Mary and Her Friends
Mary has some friends. They are Betty, Peter, Alice and Mike. Mary is the oldest of the five. Betty is thirteen years old. She is younger than Mary and older than Peter. Alice is nine and Mike is seven.
Betty and Peter are good runners . But Peter runs faster. Mary and Betty like to play basketball. Mary plays better than Betty. Alice sings best of them.
Mary and Betty study in a middle school. Peter, Alice and Mike study in a primary school. They all work hard at school. But Betty works hardest. Her handwriting is good, too.
Question:
They all _ .
Choices:
A. study in the same school
B. like to play basketball
C. good runners
D. work hard
|
Answer: D
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
middle921.txt
|
Mary and Her Friends
Mary has some friends. They are Betty, Peter, Alice and Mike. Mary is the oldest of the five. Betty is thirteen years old. She is younger than Mary and older than Peter. Alice is nine and Mike is seven.
Betty and Peter are good runners . But Peter runs faster. Mary and Betty like to play basketball. Mary plays better than Betty. Alice sings best of them.
Mary and Betty study in a middle school. Peter, Alice and Mike study in a primary school. They all work hard at school. But Betty works hardest. Her handwriting is good, too.
|
[
"study in the same school",
"like to play basketball",
"good runners",
"work hard"
] |
Saying a "glass half full" person, the author means she _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
To the mom I used to be:
Two years ago, you were happy and whole. You had a plan for life -- start a new business, get involved in the Parent-teacher Association, teach your sons how to ride bicycles, spend as much time with your friends and parents as possible, watch your children mature and grow old with your husband. You were a " _ " person who often felt so much joy. You always looked forward, smiled and danced.
Two years ago, on December 14, 2012, the world changed and you changed with it. Disturbed young men with access to high-powered guns went to your sons' school and killed six educators and twenty first-graders. Your eldest son Jake survived, but was changed by the day he discovered some monsters are real. He describes it as the day "when evils came to my school." Your youngest son, Dylan, whom you thought of as a pure love, with his charming eyes and infectious giggle ,was killed. Shot multiple times, he died instantly in the arms of his special-education assistant who also died while trying to protect him.
The tragedy changed all your life, not only because of losing your child, but because of the hole inside you that can never be filled. Your eldest son has been forced to grow up too fast because of the loss of his brother. The pain has altered the lines on your husband's face. The way you look at the world has changed. Your interactions with friends and family seem foreign.
... ...
But the things have moved on with hopefulness. You are now someone far more realistic. You control your feelings because you fear if you really let it out, you would never recover. It would destroy you. You know what you should do is try everything to protect more children. You're fighting a good fight, what the whole society really needs.
With love,
Nicole Hockley, Dylan's mom
Question:
Saying a "glass half full" person, the author means she _ .
Choices:
A. was once an optimistic mom
B. was always a very busy mom
C. was living a life to the fullest
D. got drunk with half a glass of beer
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high14503.txt
|
To the mom I used to be:
Two years ago, you were happy and whole. You had a plan for life -- start a new business, get involved in the Parent-teacher Association, teach your sons how to ride bicycles, spend as much time with your friends and parents as possible, watch your children mature and grow old with your husband. You were a " _ " person who often felt so much joy. You always looked forward, smiled and danced.
Two years ago, on December 14, 2012, the world changed and you changed with it. Disturbed young men with access to high-powered guns went to your sons' school and killed six educators and twenty first-graders. Your eldest son Jake survived, but was changed by the day he discovered some monsters are real. He describes it as the day "when evils came to my school." Your youngest son, Dylan, whom you thought of as a pure love, with his charming eyes and infectious giggle ,was killed. Shot multiple times, he died instantly in the arms of his special-education assistant who also died while trying to protect him.
The tragedy changed all your life, not only because of losing your child, but because of the hole inside you that can never be filled. Your eldest son has been forced to grow up too fast because of the loss of his brother. The pain has altered the lines on your husband's face. The way you look at the world has changed. Your interactions with friends and family seem foreign.
... ...
But the things have moved on with hopefulness. You are now someone far more realistic. You control your feelings because you fear if you really let it out, you would never recover. It would destroy you. You know what you should do is try everything to protect more children. You're fighting a good fight, what the whole society really needs.
With love,
Nicole Hockley, Dylan's mom
|
[
"was once an optimistic mom",
"was always a very busy mom",
"was living a life to the fullest",
"got drunk with half a glass of beer"
] |
The writer wrote the above passage because she thought what she had experience was so _ .
|
A
|
Read the passage and answer the question.
|
Passage:
I went into Harrods in London (a huge department store I am sure you have heard of) to buy some Minton china plates for a wedding anniversary which was to be a group gift from friends to other friends in Geneva.
Having only 30 minutes between meeting. I whizzed there in a taxi from the office and battled through the milling people on the 2nd day of the sales on the ground floor up to the 5th to the china department. There was a man standing there who was obviously a sales person who I rushed up to and asked if he had this particular china in stock and if it would take long to wrap, etc. He was amazing. He got the plates in seconds, wrapped them up and asked me if I wanted a store card, to which I replied no, because I lived in Switzerland, to which he replied asking if, as I lived abroad, would like a tax rebate form . After that he showed me what to do, produced a map of the store and told me where I should go for the formalities . That was fabulous! I thanked him and said what wonderful service he had given me. I even asked if he gave this to everyone, to which he answered: "I'm just doing what is required at Harrods". With that, a tall man in a gray suit approached me and offered his hand to shake mine saying, "Can I introduce myself? I am the Chief Executive of Harrods and what an interesting conversation I have just heard..." He had been wandering through the store (as you should do as a hands-on CEO) and had overheard me thanking this salesman, whose face, I can hardly describe, was frozen in a mixture of delight awe and astonishment!
Can you imagine the salesman going home to his family and friends recounting what the CEO spoke to him after overhearing him being praised by a customer?
Question:
The writer wrote the above passage because she thought what she had experience was so _ .
Choices:
A. pleasant
B. strange
C. exciting
D. amusing
|
Answer: A
|
reading
| null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
high3619.txt
|
I went into Harrods in London (a huge department store I am sure you have heard of) to buy some Minton china plates for a wedding anniversary which was to be a group gift from friends to other friends in Geneva.
Having only 30 minutes between meeting. I whizzed there in a taxi from the office and battled through the milling people on the 2nd day of the sales on the ground floor up to the 5th to the china department. There was a man standing there who was obviously a sales person who I rushed up to and asked if he had this particular china in stock and if it would take long to wrap, etc. He was amazing. He got the plates in seconds, wrapped them up and asked me if I wanted a store card, to which I replied no, because I lived in Switzerland, to which he replied asking if, as I lived abroad, would like a tax rebate form . After that he showed me what to do, produced a map of the store and told me where I should go for the formalities . That was fabulous! I thanked him and said what wonderful service he had given me. I even asked if he gave this to everyone, to which he answered: "I'm just doing what is required at Harrods". With that, a tall man in a gray suit approached me and offered his hand to shake mine saying, "Can I introduce myself? I am the Chief Executive of Harrods and what an interesting conversation I have just heard..." He had been wandering through the store (as you should do as a hands-on CEO) and had overheard me thanking this salesman, whose face, I can hardly describe, was frozen in a mixture of delight awe and astonishment!
Can you imagine the salesman going home to his family and friends recounting what the CEO spoke to him after overhearing him being praised by a customer?
|
[
"pleasant",
"strange",
"exciting",
"amusing"
] |
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