questions list | article stringlengths 9 6.44k | id stringlengths 9 14 |
|---|---|---|
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "a technical failure"
},
"options": [
"a technical failure",
"a technical wonder",
"a good life-saver",
"an effective means to treat heart disease"
],
"question": "According to the passage, the Jarvik-7 artificia... | Just seven years ago, the Jarvik-7 artificial heart was being cheered as the model of human creativeness. The sight of Barney Clark----alive and conscious after trading his diseased heart for a metal-and-plastic pump----convinced the press, the public and many doctors that the future had arrived. It hadn't. After monitoring production of the Jarvik-7, and reviewing its effects on the 150 or so patients (most of whom got the device as a temporary measure) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration concluded that the machine was doing more to endanger lives than to save them. Last week the agency cancelled its earlier approval, effectively banning the device.
The recall may hurt Symbion Inc., maker of the Jarvik-7, but it won't end the request for an artificial heart. One problem with the banned mode is that the tubes connecting it to an external power source created a passage for infection. Inventors are now working on new devices that would be fully placed, along with a tiny power pack, in the patient's chest. The first sample products aren't expected for another 10 or 20 years. But some people are already worrying that they'll work---and that America's overextended health-care programs will lose a precious $2.5 billion to $5 billion a year providing _ for a ly few dying patients. If such expenditures cut into funding for more basic care, the net effect could actually be a decline in the nation's health. | high20542.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "It's necessary to take your child's opinion into consideration."
},
"options": [
"It's better to decide the college for your child.",
"It's necessary to take your child's opinion into consideration.",
"There is a \"one size f... | Before your child's final exam: and the graduation announcements, you face a significant task together: choosing the right college or university. There is no "one size fits all" approach to selecting a college--it's a very personal process for most teenagers. Consider a wide range of factors to help your child make the best possible choice.
Discuss with your child her post-high school choices, such as college, finding work or starting a business, or joining the army. If you determine together that college is the best choice for your child, talk about the importance of college, and her longer-term goals by going to college.
Talk to your child about what she thinks is important in a college experience and share your opinions as well. Identify the issues that will directly impact her college choice, such as her grades, test scores and family finances. Then make a list of the key criteria for her dream school, including factors such as the school's location, its size, the types of prograM:, the after school activities available and the type of financial aid available.
_ the item: on your child's list, at least to the extent of sorting it into "must-haves," "highly desirable" and "nice-to-have" categories. Put these factors into an online search engine specifically designed to identify colleges and universities that best meet your criteria, such as that offered by CollegeBoard.org. Start with the most important criteria, then experiment with additional factors to narrow the search results to a number you can work with, such as 10 or 20 different schools.
Use the search results as a guide to further focus your college search. Research each school by reviewing its website, requesting information directly from the school and attending local presentations about the school. | high11953.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "can't achieve a balance between school work and happiness"
},
"options": [
"can't put themselves under pressure",
"can't live a stressful life",
"can't achieve a balance between school work and happiness",
"fall behind ... | Parents fear they are putting too much pressure on their daughters to reach their academic potential, the president of a girls' school body has said. Incoming Girls School Association head Jill Berry said parents were worried about achieving a balance between school achievement and happiness.
Mrs. Berry also said that girls could put themselves under a lot of pressure. A poll of 1000 parents surveyed for the association said their top concern was their daughter's education. Girls tend to outperform boys in all stages of their education, and this can lead schools to assume all girls will do well.
Mrs. Berry said, "There is no doubt that many mothers and fathers are worried about getting the balance right between their daughters realizing their academic potential while at the same time being happy and safe." Mrs. Berry said in her experience girls had very high expectations of themselves. "That's a positive thing and we want them to aim high. But sometimes we do find a girl is being unrealistic in her aspirations or putting herself under unreasonable pressure. It's not necessarily pushy parents--it can come from the girls themselves."
But parents, too, wanted support to get the balance right between caring and being involved in their children's lives and not being "helicopter parents", she added.
Women could be perfectionists and it was important to encourage girls to listen to their body, which could give warning signs of too much stress, she added. "Bright motivated high achieving girls with high expectations of themselves are more susceptible to eating disorders," Mrs. Berry said, "But girls' schools are usually very good at dealing with these things."
It was a teacher's job to help girls "to have it all", but to help them deal with inevitable disappointments as well, she said. | high20556.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "they are centered around the first snowfall of winter"
},
"options": [
"they are intended for older children and adults",
"they are centered around the first snowfall of winter",
"they are short novels and are loved by millio... | It is never too early, or too late, to encourage a child to read. With the chill of winter upon us, the following is a list of wonderful stories with winter and or snow themes.
Waiting for Winter
It was written by Sebastian Meschenmoser. A little squirrel , who has never seen snow, is determined that he will not miss it this year. He gets the help of his good friends, a bear and a hedgehog, trying to stay awake until they can all see the first snowfall of winter. This book is a wonderful story to read aloud to young children or for older children to read by themselves.
The Snowy Day
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats is a short read, but since its first publication it has been loved by millions. It tells about a beautiful story about the magic and possibility of the first snowfall of winter, which appeals to young and older children.
The Polar Express
Popularized by the 2004 Warner Brothers all-digital film, The Polar Express was first published in 1985. The hero of this story is a boy who is given the opportunity to receive a gift from Santa himself. A magical train appears outside his bedroom window, taking him away on a fantastic journey to the North Pole.
Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree
It was written by Robert E. Barry. Mr Willowby orders a lovely new Christmas tree, and when it is delivered to his home he finds it far too tall. He has the top of the tree cut off in order to make it just the right height. This book follows the treetop on its journey through the forest, where it brings the joy of the holidays for some woodland creatures. This book teaches us a valuable lesson about the joy of giving, and happiness that it can bring to the hearts of recipients . | high10495.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "school model has little influence on women's marriage"
},
"options": [
"school model has little influence on women's marriage",
"education is the main cause of middle age depression",
"boys in single-sex schools are more like... | Research by the Institute of Education (IOE) in London found that men who went to single-sex schools were not only more likely to be separated from a partner or divorced, but also more likely to be depressed by middle age.
The chances of women having successful marriages were not affected by whether they were educated in mixed or single-sex schools.Separate research by the IOE found that going without boys was beneficial for women in other ways since there was a " statistically significant positive association between single-sex schooling and wages for women".
The study into marital success interviewed 17,000 adults who were taught in a range of schools including private boarding schools to state comprehensives.It found that single-sex education does not compromise the chances either of men or women of getting married.
However, researchers found that boys educated on their own were more likely to divorce in later life.While for women, there was no significant link.The research also found men taught in boys' schools were more likely to suffer from depression by age 42--perhaps because of their increased chances of marital breakdown.But Professor Leonard's team was unable to identify why those men educated in a single-sex environment were more likely to divorce.
The study asked married and _ g couples where men had attended both single-sex and mixed schools to rate how happy they were and found no marked difference in their happiness levels or willingness to share domestic chores.
Mary Boust, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said the IOE research confirmed what was always suspected."All the research shows single-sex schools are good for girls but bad for boys--both in terms of academic performance and socialization," she said."Boys learn better when they are with girls and they actually learn to get on better." The findings were presented at a conference on gender in education hosted by Perse School for Girls in Cambridge. | high21890.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "The skills of modern advertising."
},
"options": [
"The content of modern advertising.",
"The skills of modern advertising.",
"The results of modern advertising.",
"The writing of modern advertising."
],
"questi... | Advertising gives useful information about which products to buy. But modern advertising does more than gives news about products and services. Today's advertisements, or ads, try to get consumers to buy certain brands. Writers of advertising are so skillful that they can, sometimes persuade a consumer to wear a certain kind of clothing, eat a special kind of cereal, or see a movie. Consumers might never even want a product if they did not see or hear advertisements for it.
For example, you probab1y do not need the newest cereal in the supermarket. There are probably many cereal brands on your kitchen shelves. You may not have space on a shelf for another. But if you see ads about a new cereal that is your extra-tasty and has a free prize in the box, you may want it.
Advertising must get attention. To be effective, it must be exciting, entertaining, or provide some pleasure. The secret of writing good advertising copy is to offer a good idea as well as a product. The idea is what the ad is really selling. One example is an ad that says eating a certain cereal will make a person do well in sports. That cereal brand may sell better if consumers think it offers strength and energy. | high5865.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "Put potted plants in saucers in case the roots rot in damp weather."
},
"options": [
"It would be better to water the plant in the evening than in the morning.",
"It's necessary to water newly-planted trees once a week in the first... | Reader Janet Maynard has a lot of young bushes in her garden and is suffering from " _ . So for Janet and anyone else who doesn't want to waste time, effort and water, here are my top tips for keeping plants refreshed in thirsty times.
Water in the evening if possible, rather than leaving it till you see things suffer. That way the roots can take up the water in cool soil overnight.
Violently jetting hoses mess up the soil structure and may expose delicate roots. Use a rose on a can. Aim low - don't waste water wetting leaves, even though they look pretty and "refreshed".
The most valuable and easily damaged plants need the most attention, such as newly planted trees, bushes and climbers. Remove any water-keeping mulch you may have put around the base, then water it thoroughly at least two gallons, slowly. Don't aim your can rose at the stem - which we all usually tend to do. Aim the water in a wide circle so that the whole of the area under the plant is watered. You could even make a channel in the soil right around the plant so that the water is held in place as it soaks in. Replace the mulch. Repeat each week even in showery weather for the first summer.
How much water for pots? Fill up the gap between the top of the soil and the top of the pot. Let the water soak right in and then fill it again. Do this daily in hot weather for most summer potted plants.
Stand pots in saucers - it makes a big difference. But remember to check that the plants are not sitting in water for days on end when the weather turns wet. Roots will rot.
If the fertilizer in pots really dries out, the water may get straight out of the pot without being absorbed. Correct this by standing or floating the pot in a bucket of deep water until it sinks and no bubbles rise.
A push-button watering can makes for more efficient watering, and recycled water bottles upside down with a needle which has a hole on the end are useful, too, for pots. | high21648.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "program designer"
},
"options": [
"company manger",
"program designer",
"college professor",
"family doctor"
],
"question": "We can infer from the text that the author is a _ .",
"question_type": "summariz... | As for older people, some of the applications are hard to use because they didn't grow up with them. They don't have simple models of how it should work. They don't know what to do when it doesn't work.
I think there is huge potential, so I have designed some for them. The ability to connect to friends, who remember the same movies, news and music, is really important, especially as people get older. They end up in retirement homes and they aren't always close to their friends. Allowing the network to help them connect with friends and family members is a really powerful thing.
My wife likes using the Internet, although it took me years to get her to use e-mail. She was born with normal hearing, but lost it when she was three years old. She was totally deaf for many years until 53 when she got ear implants .They work really well. That is a big change for her. Before then, her friends couldn't call her on the phone, so they insisted that she use e-mails to communicate with them.
The younger people don't even think of this as technology. It's just there, and they use it .There's been a very interesting change in communication styles between the old and the young .A woman named Sharryturkle wrote about this phenomenon .There are some kids who are now in their teens and are tending not to make phone calls. And they think of e-mail as old-fashioned and slow.
The reason why teens don't make phone calls seems to be that they don't know what to say. When they call they often pause for a while. On the other hand, texting is considered proper, and it's OK if you don't answer. You might have been distracted .It's not considered rude, but it's considered unusual if you're in this kind of voice conversation and simply stop talling. | high8399.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "the people and the government are paying more attention to the pollution."
},
"options": [
"the water in the lake was very clear",
"the factories are trying their best to protect the water",
"the economy has been developed be... | Effective environmental protection laws and other measures have led to the improvement of water quality in Tai Hu lake in prefix = st1 /JiangsuProvince.
The news was announced by officials from the provincial environmental protection bureau, which has just conducted an inspection of the lake area.
By the end of September, about 80 per cent of industrial pollutants met required standards and the lake is expected to be cleaner by the end of the year, officials said.
According to targets set by the State Environmental Protection Administration, all polluting enterprises must meet set standards by the end of this year or they will be shut down.
The Taihu Lake area, which surrounds the cities of Suzhou, Wuxiand Changshou, is one of the most economically developed areas in the country and has long enjoyed a reputation as the "land of fish and rice"
However, the quality of water in the lake has been deteriorating at an alarmingly rate in recent years, which has caused concern from the government and local people.
Pollution is so high mainly because people do not have enough environmental awareness and have put economic benefits ahead of their surroundings.
Economic development in the area has been rapid with hundreds of factories being built. But officials say most of these do not have the anti-pollution equipment or measures they should have.
Because of the lack of waste treatment facilities, wasted water and other rubbish from residential areas in nearby towns and villages flow into rivers which are connected to TaihuLake. This also contributed to the lake's pollution.
Realizing the seriousness of the situation, the provincial and local governments began to tackle the problem.
Experts were invited to offer suggestions and laws and regulations were issued. All newly built factories and enterprises in the lake area were required to install necessary anti-pollution facilities before they can go into operation.
Also, some wasted water treatment works will be built in the three cities. | high22341.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "58 hours"
},
"options": [
"45 hours",
"46 hours",
"57 hours",
"58 hours"
],
"question": "Jessica stayed in the well at least _ .",
"question_type": "cloze_questions"
},
{
"answer": {
"answer... | At a day care center in Texas, children were playing outside. One of the children was Jessica McClure. She was only 18months old. Her mother, worked at the day care center , was watching the children . Suddenly Jessica fell and disappeared. Jessica's mother screamed and ran to her.
A well was in the yard of the center. The well was only eight inches across and a rock always covered it. But children had moved the rock. When Jessica fell, she fell right into the well.
Jessica's mother reached inside the well, but she couldn't feel Jessica. She ran to a phone and dialed 911 for help. Men from the fire department arrived. They discovered that Jessica was about 20 feet down in the well. For the next hour the men talked and planned Jessica's rescue.
"We can't go down into the well, " they said. "It is too narrow. So, we're going to drill a tunnel across to Jessica. When we reach her, we'll bring her through the tunnel and up through our hole."
The men began to drill the hole at 11a.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 1987. The men had a difficult job; they were drilling through solid rock. During her days in the well, Jessica sometimes called her mother, sometimes she slept, sometimes she cried and sometimes she sang.
All over the world, people waited for news of Jessica. Everyone worried about her.
At 8 p.m. on Friday, October 16, men reached Jessica and brought her up from the well. Then paramedics rushed her to the hospital. Jessica was dirty, hungry, thirsty and tired. Her feet and forehead were badly injured. But she was alive.
After Jessica's rescue, one of the rescuers made a metal cover for the well which wrote, "To Jessica, with love from all of us." | high9087.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "Therapy dogs help students throw pressure away."
},
"options": [
"Therapy dogs help students face difficulties.",
"Therapy dogs make students happy and relaxed.",
"Therapy dogs help students throw pressure away.",
"Ther... | In your opinion,what is the most effective way to deal with pressure?Do you think the measure taken by Tufts University is useful?
Tufts University has offered extra help around test time to students. Now they're adopting new stress-fighting methods to help the students, who face a tough job market as well as finishing the term. From free massages to therapy dog visits, students are getting help during those days before turning in final papers and taking final exams.
"I think these dogs make me happy and give me a nice break between learning, cutting the learning into small pieces,"19-year-old Tufts student Chloe Wong said. She called her first term "challenging", because she has spent weeks away from family and friends and was afraid she would lose her cool in her first set of final exams.
But they now get chances to relax and play with these lovely dogs that head teacher Michael Bliss brought in for them. They can set down their books and laptops for a chance to the pet. Therapy dogs have long been used to cheer the sick and the elderly up. But the university is accepting the idea as a way of relieving stress and comforting students.
Brian Van Brunt, president of the American College Counseling Association, said, "College students are very stressed at this point of the year and some are trying to catch up with their peers. Going to events like this allows students to clear the brain and press there set button." | high23739.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "two"
},
"options": [
"one",
"two",
"three",
"four"
],
"question": "Among all of the above, there is/ are _ weekly magazine(s).",
"question_type": "cloze_questions"
},
{
"answer": {
"answer_... | Time out
Cover Price: PS2.35
Save up to 42%
Time out -- London's arts and entertainment weekly. This magazine offers the best listings and reviews of arts, music, films and nightlife, and it is a necessary guide to the entertainment capital of the world. If you're not using Time out, you're losing out on London.
School Sport Magazine
Cover Price: PS4.40
School Sport Magazine is the only publication of its kind to celebrate the sporting achievements of schools, pupils and teachers in the UK. The purpose of the magazine is to report sporting news and record national and regional school sporting events as well as interviews with famous sport stars about their own sporting schooldays. Five issues a year.
Time
Cover Price: PS2.70
Save up to 76%
Every week, Time keeps you well informed of world news, covering all the matters that affect your life, from political struggles to scientific progress, environmental problems, and what's new in business, fashion and arts. Its feature articles give you brief but true information and unique insights from world-leading journalists. Time is a great magazine, which can help you develop a truly global perspective.
FourFourTwo
Cover Price: PS3.90
Save up to 25%
FourFourTwo is a monthly football magazine for grown-up readers. Feature articles and wonderful action photographs will keep you attracted. You can read interviews with big name football stars, from today, tomorrow and yesterday. You'll love it! | high629.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "awkward"
},
"options": [
"marvelous",
"awkward",
"flexible",
"awesome"
],
"question": "The robots' performance of playing the game is _ .",
"question_type": "cloze_questions"
},
{
"answer": {
... | The end of the World Cup does not mean the end of international competition, in Brazil this year. A major football event will happen in the South American country later this month, but with teams of robots playing the game, which is known as soccer in the United States. The robot teams are guided by teams of humans from around the world. The event is known as RoboCup.
Technology students at the University of Pennsylvania are trying for their fourth victory at the competition, which is held this year in the coastal city Joao Pessoa. The students have won the last three RoboCup competitions.
Watching robots play football is similar to watching children play the game. The kicks are not good, there's a lot of falling down, and people are there to guide and support the team members. Jian Qiao Li is one of the leaders of the University of Pennsylvania team.
He says one goal he has for the robot team is to make sure the machines can find the goal and the ball. He also wants the robots to be able to know where they are on the playing field. And he wants the team to be able to better control the walking and kicking abilities of the robots.
Qin He is another leader of the robot team. She says the abilities of the robots increase every year. Ms. He says the US team is meeting its goals. The robots know the differences between the colors green and red, and they can decide where to go and where the ball is on the playing field. She says if there are three robot players on the field at the same time, they will communicate with each other to decide the different responsibilities for each robot.
U. S. Team member Christopher Akatusuka hopes for another victory in Brazil. The team has won the RoboCup the past three years in the Netherlands, Mexico and Turkey.
"They have every good team player right now. As long as their detection is good, I think they'll be very competitive; we just hope to compete against the real good German teams eventually, because the Germans always do very well, " says Akatsuka.
Mr Akatsuka says RoboCup is an exciting technology competition.
"Each team develops their own software; basically it's a competition of who has the best software, who has the best decision--making at a given point... it's really exciting, " says Akatsuka.
The event begins July 19th and ends July 25th. Some RoboCup participants hope to develop a team of robots that can play against humans by 2050. | high7914.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "have the thought of hating school"
},
"options": [
"like school very much",
"are good at reading and writing",
"don't like doing homework",
"have the thought of hating school"
],
"question": "Lots of kids_, acco... | Lots of kids hate school, a new study found. Usually this kind of feeling doesn't last long. But what happens if you feel this way too much? School is a fact of life and getting a good education can help you build the kind of future life you want. So let's talk about school and what to do when you don't like it.
If you don't like school, the first step is to find out why. You might not like school because you don't have enough friends, or maybe you don't get along with your teacher. Sometimes it's a big problem with your classes and school-work. You may be getting farther and farther behind, and it may seem like you'll never catch up.
When you know why you don't like school, you can start taking steps to make things better. It's a good idea to talk to someone about your problems with school. Your mum, dad, teacher or school counselor will be able to help you. Another good idea is to write down your feelings about school in a notebook. It's a great way to let out emotions . Remember, you don't have to share what you've written with others. | high24056.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "always thinks he is more important than others"
},
"options": [
"is down to the earth",
"is easy to deal with",
"always thinks he is more important than others",
"is confident"
],
"question": "If a person has hi... | Down-to-earth means being honest,open,and easy to deal with.It is a pleasure to find someone who is down-to-earth.A person who is down-to-earth is easy to talk to.He or she accepts others as equals.A down-to-earth person may be an important member of society,of course,but they do not let their importance go to their heads,and they do not consider themselves to be better than others who are less important.Someone who is filled with self-importance and pride,often without cause,is said to have his nose in the air.There is no way a person with his nose in the air can be down-to-earth.
Americans use another expression that is similar in some way to down-to-earth.The expression is both feet on the ground.Someone with both feet on the ground is a person with a good understanding of reality.He has what is called common sense.He may have dreams but he does not allow them to block his knowledge of what is real.The opposite kind of person is one who has his head in the clouds.A man with his head in the clouds is a dreamer whose mind is not in the world.Sometimes such a dreamer can be brought back to reality;sharp words from the teacher,for example,can usually get a daydreaming student to put both feet back on the ground.
The person who is down-to-earth usually has both feet on the ground. _ .Someone with both feet on the ground may not be as open and easy to deal with as someone who is down-to-earth.When we have both our feet firmly on the ground,we are realistic and we act honestly and openly toward others,and our lives are like the ground below us,solid and strong. | high9939.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "showed great interest in science"
},
"options": [
"had to work with parents on their farm all day long",
"showed great interest in science",
"didn't get along well with his brothers and sisters",
"wanted to become a bus... | Jeffrey Bezos, the founder, president and chairman of the board of Amazon. com, was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His mother's ancestors were early settlers in Texas, and over the generations had acquired a 25,000 acre farm at Cotulla. Jeffrey spent most summers of his youth working with his grandfather on their farm.
Jeffrey showed intense and varied scientific interests at an early age. He set up an electric alarm to keep his younger sisters and brothers out of his room and changed his parents' garage into a laboratory for his science projects.
After he graduated from Princeton University with a degree in computer science and electrical engineering, Jeffrey Bezos found employment on Wall Street, where computer science was increasingly in demand to study market trends. He rose quickly, becoming a senior vice president, and looked forward to a bright career in finance, when he made a discovery that changed his life, and the course of business history.
In 1994, there was still no Internet commerce to speak of. One day that spring, Jeffrey Bezos observed that Internet usage was increasing by 2,300 percent a year. He saw an opportunity for a new circle of commerce, and immediately began considering the possibilities.
Bezos founded Amazon. com in 1994, setting up the original company in his garage. The company was called Amazon for the seemingly endless South American river with its numberless branches. It started as an online bookstore but soon diversified to all kinds of products. His work with Amazon eventually led him to become one of the most excellent dot-com entrepreneurs. He was named Time magazine's Person of the Year in 1999. In 2008, he was selected by U. S. News & World Report as one of America's Best Leaders. Bezos's Amazon has become "the Earth's biggest anything store". Amazon. com is now called "one of the smartest strategies in business history.
Today Jeffrey Bezos lives North of Seattle and is increasingly concerned with charity activities. "Giving away money takes as much attention as building a successful company," he has said. | high22427.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "Keep Up with the Latest Weblish"
},
"options": [
"Technology and English",
"Newly invented English Words",
"Keep Up with the Latest Weblish",
"Keep Up with the Latest Development in"
],
"question": "The best tit... | The English language is changing fast,thanks to the rapid progress of technology.We all have a rapid choice:We can either bury our heads in the sand and spend the rest of our lives wishing Shakespeare were alive and well.Or we can embrace the new English,enter into the spirit of the Internet age called Weblish.
"You can't keep away from it, for the simple reason that whenever a new variety of language comes along,it inevitably influence the language as a whole."Says Dr David Crystal,honorary professor of linguistics at the University of Wales in BangoL, whose book "Language and the Internet" has just been published.
The trouble with keeping up with the new English is not so much that there are so many new words but that the old words no longer mean what we thought they did.In the past, if someone said they did not have Windows,you would have to suppose they lived in a cave.These days, it is probably because they use a Mac(which is a computer,not a rain coat).Spam is as disliked as it ever was,but whereas it once meant an unappetizing canned meat.It now stands for unwanted 'junk" email.Spellings are changing,too.Not only is text-messaging playing "hvc with vrbs" (havoc with verbs),but the conventions of email communication place little emphasis on "perfect speaking".
Weblish loves to see nouns happily become verbs ("please bookmark this site"),and verbs become nouns ("Send me the download").Verbs and prepositions are regularly thrown together to become new nouns or adjectives(dial--up,logon,print-on,pull--down,upload),while others are created from simply pairing nouns:cyberspace,emit Internet,hyperlink,metatag,netspeak. | high16782.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "profitability"
},
"options": [
"time saving",
"attentiveness",
"credibility",
"profitability"
],
"question": "All of the following advantages of publicity are mentioned EXCEPT _ .",
"question_type": "cloz... | Publicity offers several benefits. There are no costs for message time or space. An ad in prime-time television may cost $250,000 to $5,000,000 or more per minute, whereas a five-minute report on a network newscast would not cost anything. Publicity reaches a mass audience within a short time and new products or company policies are widely known.
Credibility about messages is high, because they are reported in independent media. A newspaper review of a movie has more believability than an ad in the same paper, because the reader associates independence with objectivity. Similarly, people are more likely to pay attention to news reports than to ads. For example, Women's Wear Daily has both fashion reports and advertisements. Readers spend time reading the stories, but they skim through the ads. Furthermore, there may be 10 commercials during a half-hour television program or hundreds of ads in a magazine. Feature stories are much fewer in number and stand out clearly.
Publicity also has some significant limitations. A firm has little control over messages, their timing, their placement, or their coverage by a given medium. It may issue detailed news releases and find only portions mentioned by the media, and media have the ability to be much more critical than a firm would like.
For example, in 1982, Procter & Gamble faced a massive publicity problem over the meaning of its 123-year-old company logo. To fight this negative publicity, the firm had a spokesperson appear on Good Morning America to disprove the rumor . The false rumors were temporarily put to rest. However, in 1985, publicity became so troublemaking that Procter & Gamble decided to remove the logo from its products. | high18977.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "American Indians."
},
"options": [
"Europeans settling in the Americas.",
"People born and living in America.",
"American Indians.",
"Americans."
],
"question": "What does \"Native Americans\" refer to in the pa... | After the coming of Europeans to the Americas, Indians were forced to change their way of life. Yet the influence of Native American culture is still felt throughout the United States.
Many of the foods commonly eaten in the United States today were first grown by American Indians. Among these foods are corn, white and sweet potatoes, peanuts, pumpkins, tomatoes, and certain beans and berries. Native Americans also discovered ways to use herbs and other plants as medicines.
Native American inventions, such as canoes, ponchos and parkas ,hammocks and snowshoes are still in use today. Other marks of Indian culture were left in American place names. The state of Alaska, for example, takes its name from a Native American word meaning "great land".
Today nearly 1.5 million Native Americans live in the United States. Some still preserve the ways of their ancestors, speaking Indian languages and keeping alive their legends, art forms, and customs. Other Native Americans keep few of the old ways, but remain proud of their people's contributions to American history.
Americans have come to appreciate the beauty of Indian crafts . Many artists find _ in traditional Indian designs. Many Indian values, too, have become widely held. Americans today believe that the land, air and water are precious resources that must be carefully protected. As one government official wrote recently:
We have slowly come back to some of the truths that the Indians knew from the beginning. People need to learn from nature, to keep an ear to the earth, and to refill their spirits in frequent contacts with animals and wild land. | high20230.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "show self-centeredness"
},
"options": [
"make good decisions",
"have little sense of fear",
"lack care from others",
"show self-centeredness"
],
"question": "Bossy children like Stephen Jackson",
"question_t... | Some children are natural born bosses. They have a strong need to make decisions, manage their environment, and lead rather than follow. Stephen Jackson, a Year One student, "operates under the theory of what's mine and what's yours is mine," says his mother. "The other day I bought two new Star Wars light sabers . Later, I saw Stephen with the two new ones while his brother was using the beat-up ones."
" Examine the extended family, and you'll probably find a bossy grandparent, aunt,
uncle or cousin in every generation. It's an _ says Russell Barkley, a professor at the Medical University of South Carolina. Other children who may not be particularly bossy can gradually gain dominance when they sense their parents are weak, hesitant, or in disagreement with each other.
Whether it's inborn nature or developed character at work, too much control in the hands of the young isn't healthy for children or the family. Fear is at the root of a lot bossy behavior, says family psychologist John Taylor. Children, he says in his book From Defiance to Cooperation, "have secret feelings of weakness" and "a desire to feel safe." It's the parents' role to provide that protection.
When a "boss child" doesn't learn limits at home, the stage is set for a host of troubles outside the family. The overly willful and unbending child may have trouble obeying teachers or coachers, for example, or trouble keeping friends. It can be pretty lonely as the top dog if no one likes your bossy ways.
"I see more and more parents giving up their power," says Barkley, who has studied bossy behavior for more than 30 years. They bend too far because they don't want to be as strict as their own parents were. But they also feel less confident about their parenting skills. Their kids, in turn, feel more anxious. | high10318.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "A Glowing Cat"
},
"options": [
"A Glowing Cat",
"Mr Green Genes",
"One Cat's Life",
"An experiment on cats"
],
"question": "Which of the following might be the best title for the passage?",
"question_type": ... | Cat has bright future
By day he is just a normal cat but when the lights go out, he glows in the dark.
Scientists have genetically modified a cat as part of an experiment that could lead to treatments for diseases.
Named Mr. Green Genes, he looks like a sixmonthold cat but, under ultraviolet light, his eyes, gums and tongue glow green. That is the result of a genetic experiment at the Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species in New Orleans, US.
Mr. Green Genes is the first fluorescent cat in the US and probably the world, said Betsy Dresser, the center's director.
The researchers made him so they could learn whether a gene could be introduced harmlessly into a cat's genetic sequence.
If so, it would be the first step in a process that could lead to the development of ways to treat diseases via gene therapy.
The gene, which was added to Mr. Green Genes'DNA, has no effect on his health, Ms Dresser said.
Cats are ideal for this project because their genetic makeup is similar to that of humans, said Dr Martha Gomez, a scientist at the center.
To show that the gene went where it was supposed to go, the researchers settled on one that would glow.
The gene"is just a marker", said Leslie Lyons, an assistant professor at the University of California, Davis. Lyons is familiar with the center's work.
"The glowing part is the fun part,"she said.
Glowing creatures made international news earlier this month when the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to three scientists who had discovered the gene through their work with jellyfish . | high18744.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "Science & Tech."
},
"options": [
"Science & Tech.",
"Entertainment.",
"Life.",
"Tourism."
],
"question": "In which section of a newspaper could you find this article?",
"question_type": "factiod_questions"
... | The smartphone has become the centerpiece of many students' digital lives.
Yes, it can be a distraction(,), but it is also an incredible tool that can transform classroom learning and late-night studying.
Professors and students are starting to explore what the smartphone can contribute to learning-and there is a whole host of apps to help that process along. There are also plenty of apps to help students with the less academic parts of college life.
To download any of these apps, search the iTunes App Store or Android Market. iOS apps are built for Apple's mobile platform and can run on the iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad.
Skype
Cost: Free
Platform: Android, BlackBerry, iOS
More and more smartphones now ship with front-facing cameras that make them great video chat tools.
There are several competitors here ---- including Apple's FaceTime ----but Skype is still the best cross-platform tool for keeping in touch with faraway friends and family. Users on either end can be on a computer, smartphone.
Grades 2
Cost: Free
Platform: iOS
This app is a sophisticated tool for calculating grades. Students can use it to figure out what grade they'll need on a test to achieve their target grade and also keeps track of overall GPA, weighted by each class's credit count.
Students can also enter due dates for assignments as reminders.
The app is free and supported by ads, but users can pay $1 inside the app to turn them off.
Snoozerr Recordings
Cost: 99 cents
Platform: iOS
This is a great tool for logging long lecture classes or smaller study sessions . It records audio and pairs that with time-stamped pictures that the student takes of presentations--- say, equations on a blackboard----or of his or her own notes.
When the student wants to review, he or she can use the pictures as a visual guide to what the instructor was saying and replay that section.
TED
Cost: Free
Platform: iOS
This app is great for the student in everyone. It compiles video from hundreds of presentations at technology, entertainment and design----a conference that features short speeches focused on new ways of thinking.
Presenters often speak about technology, social good or education and challenge societal norms.
It's a great way to spend an hour or so hearing from some of the world's leading minds for free. All of the videos are also available at www.ted.com.
AroundMe
Cost: Free
Platform: Android and iOS
This app uses a smartphone's GPS to find nearby locations by category such as banks, gas stations, bars, coffee shops, restaurants and supermarkets---- all the college staples . | high5130.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "Silent fatherly love"
},
"options": [
"My father never loved me",
"I just couldn't understand my father",
"My hard-working father",
"Silent fatherly love"
],
"question": "What would be the best title for the pas... | After Mom died, l began visiting Dad every morning before I went to work. He was frail and moved slowly, but he always had a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice on the kitchen table for me, along with an unsigned note reading," Drink your juice." Such a gesture, l knew, was as far as Dad had ever been able to go in expressing his love. In fact, l remember, as a kid I had questioned Mom "Why doesn't Dad love me?" Mom frowned, "Who said he doesn't love you?" "Well, he never tells me, "I complained." He never tells me either," she said, smiling. " But look how hard he works to take care of us, to buy us food and clothes, and to pay for this house. That's how your father tells us he loves us. "
I nodded slowly. I understood in my head, but not in my heart. l still wanted my father to put his arms around me and tell me he loved me. Dad owned and operated a small scrap metal business, and after school I often hung around while he worked. Dad handled scrap steel into a device that chopped it as cleanly as a butcher chops a rack of ribs. The machine looked like a giant pair of scissors, with blades thicker than my father's body. If he didn't feed those terrifying blades just right, he risked serious injury. "Why don' t you hire someone to do that for you?" Mom asked Dad one night as she bent over him and rubbed his aching shoulders with a strong smelling liniment. "Why don't you hire a cook?" Dad asked, giving her one of his rare smiles.
Many years later, during my first daily visit, after drinking the juice my father had squeezed for me. l walked over, hugged him and said, "I love you, Dad." From then on I did this every morning. My father never told me how he felt about my hugs, and there was never any expression on his face when I gave them. | high2887.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "city guide"
},
"options": [
"sports",
"business trade",
"city life",
"city guide"
],
"question": "The group of the advertisements are mainly about _ in Guangzhou Morning Post.",
"question_type": "cloze_que... | 1Art exhibition: The 16th Asian International Art exhibition from Dec.18, 2005 to Jan.10, 2006 at the Guangdong Museum of Art.
The exhibition will highlight over 300 works from Japan, Korea, China Mainland, China Hong Kong, China Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippine, Indonesia and Australia.
RMB 70, 90, 100
Booking Tel: 88677766
2Concert: Christmas Concert performed by German organist Thorsten Macder and the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Yu Feng.
RMB 80,120,180,230
8pm on Dec 23
Symphony performing Hall. Guangdong Xinghai Concert Hall.
Booking Tel: 87352222
3Thailand cuisine festival: In the Greenery Cafe at Garden Hotel from Dec.20, 2005 to Feb 20,2006.
Booking Tel: 87675443
4Performance: At Sun Yatsen Memorial Hall; 8pm on December 6,7,9
RMB 100,160,200,260
Tel: 89785656 | high3541.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "White."
},
"options": [
"Dark blue.",
"Gray.",
"Black.",
"White."
],
"question": "Which color should you NOT wear when meeting a person from the USA?",
"question_type": "factiod_questions"
},
{
"answ... | China is the biggest market in the world, and many countries such as Germany, the USA, the UK and Russia do a lot of business in China. Let's have a look at some important tips to help you be successful when dealing with these nationalities.
First, you must be punctual with Germans. Even 5 minutes late makes a bad impression. Being punctual is also very important in the USA. In the UK, it's important to be punctual for business meetings, but nobody expects you to be on time for a social event. Half past seven really means a quarter to eight, or even eight o'clock! With Russians, you should always be on time, though it is not unusual for them to be one or even two hours late!
It is best to dress formally and wear dark colours when you meet people from all the four countries. In Russia, designer clothes are very common. Don't be surprised if you go to an office in the UK on a Friday and find everyone wearing jeans. Many companies have "dress down Friday", when people wear casual clothes.
In Germany, first names are only used by family members and close friends, so be prepared to use titles and last names. In the USA you will usually be invited to use first names almost immediately. The British are quite informal and using first names in business is more and more common, especially among younger people. In Russia, however, nobody uses first names, so use titles and last names.
In conversation, the British and the Americans value humour, and both like to talk about sport. The weather is also a good topic of conversation with the British and the Americans, but avoid talking about politics. In Russia, say positive things about their country, but avoid making complaints. The Germans, however, prefer to get straight down to business!
So, use these tips, and you will be on your way to a successful international business career! | high11006.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "Playing sports can decrease teen's unhappiness."
},
"options": [
"Not smoking or drinking guarantees happiness.",
"Teens with flooding hormones can not be happy.",
"Playing sports can decrease teen's unhappiness.",
"Unh... | Teenagers are often a difficult group. With all those hormones flooding their bodies, they can be moody, unpredictable, and tend to make uncertain choices. But however confusing their teenage years are, kids can still be generally happy, depending on their lifestyle choices. According to a new research by British scientists, teens who don't smoke, drink only moderately or not at all, and who don't eat much junk food are likely to be happier than other teens.
The study looked at 40,000 British families and came up with some interesting findings. For example, kids who never drank alcohol were up to six times more likely to report higher levels of happiness than kids who drank. And teens who smoked were five times less likely to rate high on happiness charts compared to kids who don't smoke. Same goes for diet and physical activity. The more fruits and vegetables kids eat, and the more hours they spend playing sports, the happier they are.
Now, of course this doesn't mean that not smoking or drinking, and playing sports guarantees happiness. It could be that kids who have happy character tend to be more active and less addicted to drinking or smoking. And it could equally be the case that kids who are unhappy are more related to drinking and smoking and eating junk food.
Other studies have shown that exercise is a proven way to treat anxiety and depression. Future studies may support the idea that other healthful behaviors, including refraining from smoking, drinking, and eating too much junk, can avoid sadness and increase happiness, too. | high7727.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "get away from the burning bus"
},
"options": [
"control the running prisoners",
"put out the fierce forest fire",
"get away from the burning bus",
"save the guards trapped in the fire ."
],
"question": "Some Pri... | MEGADIM, Israel (AP)-The worst forest fire in Israel's history on Thursday destroyed one of the country's few forested areas, killing at least 36 guards on their way to rescue prisoners there, destroying homes and forcing the evacuation of thousands. The fire ran through the Carmel forest in Israel's Galilee, reaching the coastal city of Haifa, jumping from place to place in the forest. The fire broke out around midday and quickly spread and was still burning out of control as midnight approached. Investigators supposed that the fire could have been set accidentally, or it might have been a criminal act, but pretty much ruled out some sort of attack by a Palestinian group. "This is a huge disaster," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. "The government is using all means to control the fire." He said some countries such as Cyprus, Italy, Russia and Greece agreed to provide backup. Most of the dead were Prison Service guards racing through the fire toward a prison to evacuate the prisoners, most of them Palestinians. A tree fell across the road, blocking their bus. Some guards were burned alive inside, while others died as they tried to escape. Fourteen bodies were found near the burnt bus 10 hours after the fire started. The fire heavily damaged one of Israel's few large forests, made up of natural growth and planted areas, a favorite place for camping and a home for dozens of species of wildlife. Forestry workers tried to evacuate animals from the fire. The forest recovered slowly from a fire in 1989, but experts said Thursday's big fire was many times worse. | high15260.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "guide"
},
"options": [
"warn",
"amuse",
"persuade",
"guide"
],
"question": "The purpose of this passage is to _ .",
"question_type": "cloze_questions"
},
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
... | For kids and many adults, a San Diego vacation means theme parks and other attractions. Before heading to a park, call or check its website for updated hours of operation; many parks have seasonal or holiday hours. Ticket prices listed here are for general admission, single-day use only.
Sea World San Diego
A 6-minute ride called Journey to Atlantis, which is to open in late May, tells the legend of the island nation. After the ride of Greek fishing boats, folks can visit a new exhibit of dolphins, which have not been on display at the park since 1998.
DETAILS: General admission is $46.95 for adults, $37.95 for children aged 3-9, free for children 2 and younger. 1-800-380-3230 or www.seaworld.
San Diego Zoo
There's not much in the way of new attractions. The zoo has a baby panda, Mei Sheng. Nighttime Zoo, a program popular with families, starts June 26.
DETAILS: General admission is $21 for adults, $14 for children aged 3-11, free for children 2 and younger. 1-(619)-234-3153 or www.sandiegozoo,org.
Maritime Museum of San Diego
The HMS Surprise, the 18th-century British warship featured in the film Master and Commander, is on exhibit through Nov. 30.
DETAILS: The ship is in use for tours from 9 am to 8 pm daily. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and children aged 13-17, $5 for kids aged 6-12, and free for kids 5 and younger. 1-(619)-234-9153 or www.sdmaritime.org.
Old Town Trolley Tours
Visiting relatives or friends in San Diego? They can get a hometown pass and ride for free with your paid admission.
DETAILS: The main ticket booth is in Old Town at 4010 Twiggs. Hours are from 9 am to 5 pm, daily $25. www.historictours/sandiego. | high6439.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "Cassia's self-made dollhouse"
},
"options": [
"a photo of a house online",
"a house in Zimbabwe",
"Cassia's self-made dollhouse",
"the writer's newly-bought house"
],
"question": "What was the writer's mother lo... | My mother is taking a tour of the new house via Skype. I leaned the laptop so she can see where she's going,pleased that our Internet connection in Zimbabwe is holding. "This is the living room," I say. Then I tell mydaughter,s;Show Grandma the bed for the mummy and the daddy. " From a continent away, Grandma gave herapproval.
Mum had a dollhouse,too. My grandmother,a single mother, did not have enough money to buy my mother areal dollhouse. So Mum made do,laboring over her square cookie tin for years. She stuck patterns on the bright walls : tin cans of jam and bags of flour to make sure the dolls' store was overflowing.
My mother passed her love of life in miniature( ) on to me very early. At age 5,1 made chests of drawers for my dollhouse bedroom from matchboxes glued together. Unlike my mother,l was given some ready-made doll furniture and accessories. My mother encouraged me,always responding to my calI,"Come to see what I've made Lrur IIly clollhuuse ! "
I spent hours writing a book with the unoriginal but certainly accurate title " How To Make Dolls' House Furniture". The book was lost in a household move. But the satisfying feeling of filling up blank pages with my
own ideas stayed with me,pushing me into a career centered on words.
My daughter turned 3 recently, and last month I put a strong empty cardboard box,about the size of a tea tray ,in Cassia's bedroom. I searched the shops for dollhouse furniture. But an afternoon's searching yielded only a pink plastic toilet and sink. It doesn't matter,l told myself. I showed Cassia how to make plates for her table from coloured buttons. Fascinated, she collected black stones.
What my mother gave me was much more than a fascination with tiny things :It was the ability to view things from a new perspective , to put oneself in another person's shoes , and to solve problems with whatever is at hand. | high13611.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "may experience a huge mental change"
},
"options": [
"can fully understand their parents' feelings",
"need guidance in every aspect of their life",
"may experience a huge mental change",
"know themselves better than the... | "There's no point in talking with you: you don't understand me. You don't even know me." A teen spits these words at a parent, who is hurt and annoyed. How can her own child say these things? She's worked hard getting to know him, learning to read his feelings from his voice and gestures. How can her own child now say to her, "You don't know who I really am"?
Nothing shakes a parent's confidence as much as the starting of a child's adolescence. The communication that has flowed easily through words, glance and touch becomes a minefield
Recent discoveries that the human brain undergoes specific and dramatic development during adolescence offer new "explanations" of teen behavior, particularly of the impulsiveness of teenagers. During this development, there may be too many synapses for the brain to work efficiently, the mental capacities of decision-making, judgment and control are not mature until the age of twenty-four.
An old explanation is that anger hormones account for the apparently unreasonable moodiness of teens. Though hormones do play a role in human feelings, the real task of adolescence, and the real cause of the unrest, is the uncertainty of teenagers about who they are, alongside their eagerness to establish a sense of identity.
This involves self-questioning, self-discovery and self-development across a range of issues, including sex, faith, intellect and relationships. A sense of who we are is not a mere luxury; without it we feel worthless. A teen often looks upon his or her friends sa models: " I don't know who I am, but I know who he is, I'll be like him," is the underlying thought. Parents also become such mirrors: teens want that mirror to reflect back to them the vividness and clarity they themselves do not feel.
Arguments with parents can often be understood in this context. While those common teenager-parent quarrels, which explode every few days, are often over small things such as homework, housework, and respect; a teenager's real focus is on a parent's recognition of his maturity and capability and human value. " No, you can't go out tonight," implies that a parent you got your keys?" or "Do you have enough money for the bus?" are questions that can be easily accepted if asked by a concerned friend, but awaken a teen's own doubts if asked by a parent. Feeling the need to distinguish himself from the kid who can't remember to take his lunch, his keys or his money, he blames the parent for reminding him of the child-self still living within him. What my research shows is that quarreling witj your teen doesn't necessarily mean you have a bad relationship. The quality of teenager-parent relationship has several measures. | high13177.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "PS64."
},
"options": [
"PS32.",
"PS48.",
"PS64.",
"PS80."
],
"question": "If Mr. Brown and his two sons (ages 12 and 14) go to learn windsurfing, how much will they pay?",
"question_type": "factiod_questions... | The Outdoor Centre
Opening times
Water sports: 10 a.m. -- 6 p.m.
Play Park: 10 a.m. -- 5:30 p.m.
Windsurfing -- One-day course
Beginner windsurfing courses are offered on Saturdays and Sundays when the weather is good enough. Learning to windsurf is a lot of fun. The excitement when you sail across the water for the first time is not easily forgotten. Boards with small sails are available for beginners.
Course fee: PS32 for adults; PS16 for children under 16 (this includes all equipment)
One-day adventure course
This is the opportunity you have been waiting for. Come and try sailing, climbing, surfing and archery . This course is intended to introduce outdoor activities to adults in a fun and leisurely manner. You do not need to be very fit or to have previous experience with the activities. All you need is to be interested.
Course fee: PS22.50
Play Park
The Play Park is suitable for children from two to ten years of age. It is one of the best of its type in the country. It has sand and water playgrounds, slides, large pool balls, a play castle and much, much more. Next year the center will open Play Palace and Play Ship.
Summer adventure holidays
Sailing, Climbing, Windsurfing, Fun Games
Fee: PS50 for adults; PS30 for children under 16
Statement:
Safety is of primary importance at the Outdoor Center. All staff members are fully trained in first aid, and qualified to teach the activities on offer. We also make sure that all children only take part in activities that are suitable for their ages and physical abilities. For this programme children must be able to swim 25 metres and be in good physical health. | high1430.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "Old friends are as important as new ones."
},
"options": [
"Friendships don't last forever.",
"New friends are more important.",
"Only old friends are important.",
"Old friends are as important as new ones."
],
... | Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, and the other gold.
This song expresses a nice rule: increasing friends. Sometimes things actually work out that way. I've met adults who've said, "We've been friends since kindergarten!" A friend who has known you forever is a treasure. But friendships don't always last -- especially for children.
When I was growing up, my family moved about every three years. The advantage of this was that I got to see different parts of the world, and it made my family very close. I also learned to be pretty good at making new friends, and, to keep in touch with old friends, I became a great letter writer. But I always admired those kids who stayed in one place and kept their friends for a long time. I didn't learn that children's friendships can disappear even when no one moves until I was much older, with children of my own.
Sometimes friendships end in quarrels and hurt feelings. But perhaps the most painful end to a friendship is the one-sided rejection -- one friend turns away, or chooses someone else as a close friend, and the other child is left feeling sad and wondering why this thing happened. The end of a friendship is often sad, but it's not necessarily a bad thing. Often the end of one friendship makes more room for other friendships to grow. | high14618.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "Put forward his own theory in physics."
},
"options": [
"Get a degree in astronomy.",
"Put forward his own theory in physics.",
"Become an Albert Einstein in the future.",
"Teach his fellow students Theory of Relativity... | (Published March 30, 2011)Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity might have a few mistakes--and Jake Barnett has set out to prove it. Between attending college classes at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and tutoring his fellow students, Jake is also working on a new theory about the creation of the universe. He happens to be 12 years old.
From an early age, Jake showed an extraordinary interest in stars. When he was 3, his parents took him to a space observatory. He tried to learn as much as he could about astronomy. Jake's IQ measured remarkably high at 170.
As a baby, Jake was found out with Asperser's syndrome, a form of autism . Autism causes difficulties in communication and social abilities. People with autism may also have strong interests--like Jake's interest in the stars at a young age.
The symptoms of autism can range from mild to extremely severe. Asperser's is one of the milder forms of autism. Sometimes people with Asperser's, like Jake, develop extremely advanced skills in science, music or art.
When Jake was in elementary school, his parents worried that the effects of his Asperser's were worsening. He became quiet. _ So a doctor recommended that Jake's parents let him study more advanced subjects, like math and physics.
Jake's mother asked an astronomy professor to let Jake sit in on his class. Now, Jake studies advanced sciences like electromagnetic physics at IUPUI.
But Jake thinks it's important to have a normal life too. He likes to play Guitar Hero with his friends and watch science fiction movies. He also enjoys playing classical music on the piano.But for Jake, studying physics is the most important thing. Jake's professor, John Ross, is working on getting a large sum of money for him to do research at the university.
Doctors have said Jake's autism symptoms have lessened over time. Still, Jake proudly refers to himself as an "Aspy", or someone with Asperser's. In an interview with his university student newspaper, he said, "I think the autism is the reason I'm even at IUPUI." | high8372.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "It would be an easy race."
},
"options": [
"It would be hard work.",
"It would be an easy race.",
"It would be a test of his strength.",
"It would be a good learning experience."
],
"question": "What did the wri... | It was an early September day, cool and bright and just right for running, and I was in the first few miles of a lO-knownmile race over a course with a few high hills. Still, I felt energetic; despite the hills it was going to be a fine run.
Just ahead of me was Peggy Mimno, a teacher from Mount Kiseo, New York. She too was running easily, moving along at my speed. The pace felt comfortable, so I decided to stay where I was; why pay attention to pace when she was setting such a nice one? I'd overtake her later on when she tired.
So I ran behind her. The course headed north for miles, wandered west for a hilly mile, then turned south again along a winding road. The race was getting harder. We had four miles left and already it was beginning to be real work.
Peggy overtook a young runner. She seemed to know him, for they exchanged a few cheerful words as she passed him. Their exchange worried me. You don't chat during a race unless you feeling good, and Peggy plainly was.
Still, I was close enough to overtake her if she tired, so I didn't give up hope completely. We were getting nearer to a long, punishing hill now and it would be the test. We were a mile from the finish line, so whatever happened on the hill would almost determine who crossed it first.
As I moved up the hill, my attention wandered for a few minutes. When I looked up, Peggy was moving away--first five yards, then ten, then more. Finally it was clear that there was no help of catching her. She beat me soundly.
There is an important lesson in that race. Women are thought to be weaker, slower and not nearly as skilled in sport. Yet as Peggy Mimno so clearly showed, the similarities between men and women runners are more important than differences. I have run with a number of women, and I can say it is often hard work. | high15506.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "garden"
},
"options": [
"business",
"house",
"garden",
"window"
],
"question": "The first photo was a picture of Niepce's _ .",
"question_type": "cloze_questions"
},
{
"answer": {
"answer_in... | In 1826, a French man named Niepce needed pictures for his business. But he was not a good artist. He invented a very simple camera. He put it in a window of his house and took a picture of his garden. That was the first photo.
The next important date in the history of photography was in 1837. That year, Daguerre, another Frenchman, took a picture of his reading room. He used a new kind of camera in a different way. In his picture you could see everything very clearly, even the smallest thing. This kind of photo was called a Daguerreotype.
Soon, other people began to use Daguerre's way. Travelers brought back wonderful photos from all around the world. People took pictures of famous buildings, cities and mountains.
In about 1840, photography was developed. Then photographers could take pictures of people and moving things. That was not simple. The photographers had to carry a lot of films and other machines. But this did not stop them, for example, some in the United States worked so hard.
Mathew Brady was a famous American photographer. He took many pictures of great people. The pictures were unusual because they were very lifelike.
Photography also became one kind of art by the end of the 19thcentury. Some photos were not just copies of the real world. They showed our feelings, like other kinds of art. | high12269.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "give parents some healthy eating tips"
},
"options": [
"explain why today's kids are overweight",
"tell us the importance of healthy eating",
"give parents some healthy eating tips",
"teach parents what to cook at home"... | Nutrition influences not only students' grades at school but their growth and development. Improper nutrition is one of the causes of childhood obesity. What can you do to help your child avoid childhood obesity?
My first piece of advice is to look in your fridge. What are you buying at the grocery store? Think about it: if you don't buy junk food or snacks, your kids won't eat them at home. Now if you're like me -- both of your kids are at school, you'll know you can't police them every second of the day. This is the time when you'll need to talk to your children about their food choices. If you don't know the right food choices, there are so many free resources on-line to guide you.
Try new things. I was very surprised to find out my 4-year-old daughter likes balsamic vinegar -- she calls it the "black sauce". She likes to have it with tomatoes and cucumbers. You just never know what your kids might like.
Don't get stressed if you can't always prepare something healthy. You may sometimes leave the house and forget to take something out for dinner, or you are running late and there's no time to cook before you have to take one of the kids somewhere. However, you can still make healthy choices while dining out. Many of the fast food restaurants offer fruit and milk instead of soda. I like to buy organic frozen pizzas from the organic market -- for a quick dinner solution . All the ingredients are natural. What I do is to serve the pizza with something raw: lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, or fruit to try to give the kids something healthy with that meal.
In closing, take baby steps. Don't try to change your family's eating habits in one go, or you'll go nuts. | high3227.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "how animals know when an earthquake is coming"
},
"options": [
"why animals send a danger signal before an earthquake",
"how animals know when an earthquake is coming",
"why animals not men have good sense of danger",
"... | Scientists who try to predict earthquakes have gotten some new helpers recently--animals.
That's right, animals. Scientists have begun to understand what farmers have known for thousands of years. Animals often seem to know in advance that an earthquake is coming, and they show their fear by acting in strange ways. Before a Chinese quake in 1975, snakes awoke from their winter sleep early only to freeze to death in the cold air. Cows broke their halters and tried to escape. Chickens refused to enter their cage. All of this unusual behavior, as well as physical changes in the earth, warned Chinese scientists of the coming quake. They moved people away from the danger zone and saved thousands of lives.
One task for scientists today is to learn exactly which types of animal behavior predict quakes. It's not an easy job. First of all not every animal reacts to the danger of an earthquake. Just before a California quake in 1977, for example, an Arabian horse became very nervous and tried to break out of his enclosure. The Australian horse next to him, however, remained perfectly calm. It's also difficult at times to tell the difference between normal animal restlessness and "earthquake nerves". A zoo keeper once called earthquake researchers to say that his cougar had been acting strangely. It turned out that the cat had an upset stomach.
A second task for scientists is to find out exactly what kind of warnings the animals receive. They know that animals sense far more of the world than humans do. Many animals can see, hear, and smell things that people do not even notice. Some can sense tiny changes in air pressure, gravity, or the magnetism of Earth. This extra sense probably helps animals predict quakes.
A good example of this occurred with a group of dogs. They were shut in an area that was being shaken by a series of tiny earthquakes. (Several small quakes often come before or after a large one.) Before each quake a low booming sound was heard. Each boom caused the dogs to bark wildly. Then the dogs began to bark during a silent period. A scientist who was recording quakes looked at his machine. It was acting as though there were a loud noise too. The scientist realized that the dogs had reacted to a booming noise. They also sensed the tiny quake that followed it. The machine recorded both, though humans felt and heard nothing.
In this case there was a machine to monitor what the dogs were sensing. Many times, however, our machines record nothing extraordinary, even though animals know a quake is coming. The animals might be sensing something we measure but do not recognize as a warning. Discovering what animals sense, and learning how they know it is a danger signal, is a job for future scientists. | high11760.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "people want to remember the rebellion against the Mongolian rulers"
},
"options": [
"it is a tradition",
"moon cakes are tasty",
"moon cakes look like the moon",
"people want to remember the rebellion against the Mongol... | There is a story about the moon cake.During the Yuan dynasty, China was ruled by the Mongolian people. Leaders from the preceding Song dynasty were unhappy about being ruled by foreigners, so they began to organize a secret rebellion. The leaders of the rebellion, knowing that the Moon Festival was drawing near, ordered the making of special cakes. Baked into each cake was a message containing the outline of the attack. On the night of the Moon Festival, the rebels successfully attacked and overthrew the government. Today, these cakes are eaten to commemorate this legend and are called Moon Cakes.
For generations, moon cakes have been made with sweet fillings of nuts, mashed red beans, lotus-seed paste or Chinese dates, wrapped in pastry. Sometimes a cooked egg yolk can be found in the middle of this rich tasting dessert. Some people have compared moon cakes to the plum puddings and fruit cakes which are served in the English holiday seasons.
Nowadays, there are hundreds of varieties of moon cakes on sale a month before the arrival of the Moon Festival. | high8.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "The author's experience working as an intern"
},
"options": [
"How good reporting begins with journalism interns.",
"The author's opportunity to work at the Nation's Health.",
"The author's experience working as an intern",
... | From my first day, I was attending press conferences and other media events all over town. I got to attend events at places I had never thought I'd get to: the White House, the Senate and House of Representative buildings at the Capitol , the Department of Health and Human Services, just to name a few. And I was sent to cover these events as if I were a reporter, not just an intern .
In fact, I never really felt like an intern. I was given the opportunity to do the work that everyone else at the paper was doing. I covered stories on my own and wrote the articles myself. I was included in discussions for story ideas. I helped to edit the articles that went into the paper. I was able to take part in every aspect of the newspaper that I wanted to experience.
The best part of working at the Nation's Health was the staff. They were supportive in letting me go out and do things on my own, while I always knew that they would be more than happy to answer any questions or help me with any problems I might have. Best of all, they treated me as their equal, not just an intern whom they could get to do all the work they didn't want to do.
After interning at the Nation's Health for nearly seven months and having more than 30 articles published, I had to move on. My experience there gave me insight into how the media work, which helps me when I'm trying to choose stories. In addition, it showed me that work really can be fun. | high4548.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "In the early morning."
},
"options": [
"In the early morning.",
"Late at night.",
"At noon.",
"Late in the morning."
],
"question": "When did the writer arrive at London Airport?",
"question_type": "factiod_... | It was the small hours of the morning when we reached London Airport. I had cabled London from Amsterdam, and there was a hired car to meet, but there was one more unfortunate happening before I reached my flat. In all my travels I have never, but for that once, been required by the British customs to open a single bag or to do more than state that I carried no goods liable to duty. It was, of course, my fault; the extreme tiredness and nervous tension of the journey had destroyed my diplomacy. I was, for whichever reason, so tired that I could hardly stand, and to the question, "have you read this?" I replied with extreme foolishness, "yes, hundreds of times."
"And you have nothing to declare?"
"Nothing."
"How long have you been out of this country?"
"About three months."
"And during that time you have acquired nothing?"
"Nothing but what is on the list I have given you."
He seemed momentarily at a loss, but then he attacked. The attack, when it came, was utterly unexpected.
"Where did you get that watch?"
I could have kicked myself. Two days before, when playing water games with a friend in the bath, I had forgotten to take off my ROLEX OYSTER, and it had, not unnaturally, stopped. I had gone into the market and bought, for twelve shillings and six pence, an ugly time piece that made a strange noise. It had stopped twice, without any reason, during the journey.
I explained, but I had already lost face. I produced my own watch from a pocket, and added that I should be grateful if he would confiscate the replacement.
"It is not a question of confiscation," he said, "there is a fine for failing to declare dutiable goods. And now may I please examine that Rolex?"
It took another quarter of an hour to persuade him that the Rolex was not contraband . Just when I let out a sigh of relief, he began to search my luggage! | high18022.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "Smoggy Chinese cities to clear the air"
},
"options": [
"AQI for Xi'an reached 500",
"Smog crisis tries the limits of people's patience",
"Smoggy Chinese cities to clear the air",
"Dust masks become hot sellers"
],
... | XI'AN - China has introduced various emergency responses and long-term measures against air pollution in the central and eastern regions.
The air quality index (AQI) for Xi'an reached 500 on Wednesday afternoon, at the top of the AQI scale, according to the national air quality monitoring website. Xi'an weather forecasters predict the smog will continue for the next week and air pollution may worsen.
"I have to keep buying masks for my family," said Liu, buying masks at a pharmacy near her home in downtown Xi'an. "This is the only thing we can do to protect ourselves."
On Wednesday, a city government emergency response plan was put into action, _ all construction and taking at least 50 percent of government vehicles off the road. Power plants must limit their output and reduce emissions.
Nearly half the country, more than 100 cities in 20 provinces, has suffered from smog since last December. Many have taken action, including experimenting with artificial methods to reduce smog, limiting vehicle use and fining polluters.
Assessments based on GDP alone were abandoned last month and more emphasis has been put on public well-being and the environment. Whether the move will be effective in forcing local governments consider environmental issues over economic growth remains to be seen. Environmental protection professionals are doubtful about the immediacy of the effects of these measures.
Xiao Hang, an urban researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said it took London 50 years to lose the moniker "foggy London town", and Los Angeles still struggles to control its photochemical smog. "We can't ignore environmental problems during the development process and China has a long way to go," he said. | high5656.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "provide a place for Roman gods and goddess"
},
"options": [
"exhibit the terrific design of Marcus Agrippa",
"suggest the power of Emperor Hadrian",
"provide a place for Roman gods and goddess",
"show ancient Rome's uni... | Roman Pantheon is one of the greatest achievements of the ancient Romans. The ancient Romans were good architects and they built many wonderful buildings. Another good example of a Roman architectural style is the Roman Coliseum, which is a large building used for public sports events or entertainment. The Roman architectural style has been borrowed by many of the western countries.
The architecture of Pantheon is unique to Rome. In Latin and Greek, pantheon means "Temple of all the Gods". Marcus Agrippa built the original Pantheon in 27 BC. But the Pantheon built by Agrippa was completely destroyed in 80 AD when a fire broke out. The Roman Pantheon that is visited by many tourists today was rebuilt in 125 AD by the Roman emperor Hadrian. Hadrian's architects followed the exact design of Marcus Agrippa. Historians believe that the Pantheon was a place of worship because it housed all the gods and goddesses of the ancient Romans.
The Pantheon of Rome is an amazing example of ancient Roman architecture. This building has been in use for over 2000 years. The Roman Pantheon is famous for its design, size. The most unbelievable feature of this building is its huge concrete dome . The Pantheon's dome was thought to be the largest, until recent times.
Phocas, the Byzantine Emperor presented the Roman Pantheon to Pope Boniface IV to save it from the destruction. In 609 AD, it was turned into a church. During Papal rule, it was used as a burial ground for kings and other famous people. There are tombs of Raphael (a painter), King Victor Emmanuel II, King Umberto I and many more in the Pantheon.
Some of the buildings that were constructed on the model of the Roman Pantheon are The Rotunda - University of Virginia, Low Memorial Library - Columbia University, Grand Auditorium - Tsinghua University, Jefferson Memorial - Washington D.C. and Duomo - Florence. | high3233.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "Gone with the Wind"
},
"options": [
"Invisible Man",
"Gone with the Wind",
"Black Beauty",
"Juneteeth"
],
"question": "Which novel has been adapted into one of the most successful films?",
"question_type": "... | Writer: Ralph Ellison Novel : Invisible Man
Invisible Man is Ellison's best known work, most likely because it was the only novel he ever published during his lifetime and because it won him the National Book Award in 1953. Ellison, originally from Oklahoma worked hard to match his earlier success but felt that he could not make any progress on his next novel that eventually came to include well over 2000 pages. It was not until Ellison's death that this novel was condensed ,edited and published under the title Juneteenth.
Writer: Margaret Mitchell Novel: Gone with the wind
Margaret Mitchell, born in Georgia, never wanted to seek out literary success and wrote this expansive work in secret, only sending to publishers after she was mocked by a colleague who didn't believe she was capable of writing a novel. She turned out to be more than capable, and the book won a Pulitzer Prize and was adapted into one of the best-known and loved films of all time. Mitchell would not get a chance to write another novel, as she was struck and killed by a car on her way to the cinema at only 49 years of age.
Writer: Anna Sewell Novel: Black Beauty
Sewell didn't start off her life intending to be a novelist, she didn't begin writing Black Beauty until she was 51 years old, motivated by the need to create a work that encouraged people to treat horses ( and humans) humanely and it took her six years to complete it. Upon publication it was an immediate bestseller, rocketing Sewell into success. Unfortunately, she would not live to enjoy but a little of it as she died of hepatitis five months after her book was released. | high19328.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "On a webpage."
},
"options": [
"In a newspaper.",
"On a webpage.",
"In a magazine.",
"In a textbook"
],
"question": "Where will you probably find this article?",
"question_type": "factiod_questions"
},
{... | BBC Sports program Sunday.
We are currently planning our Volunteer Program, which will ensure volunteers are trained and ready to go for 2012.Up to 70,000 volunteers will be needed to help put on the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Our program will aim to encourage a wide range of people to join in. We will provide the training to make sure our volunteers' skills are of the highest standard. London 2012 is an opportunity to inspire everyone to develop their interests and volunteer--in sport and also more widely within their community.
Applications will open in the late 2011.We'll recruit volunteers from across the UK--from a range of communities and backgrounds. Our recruitment process will be open and fair. Our goal is to select applicants who meet our standards and who will bring passion, enthusiasm and energy to the Games. Previous volunteering experience is not necessary. We'll give each successful applicant a specific role, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to the Games. There will be two kinds of Games volunteer--specialist and generalist.
Specialist volunteers will have specific existing skills or qualifications that are needed for them to complete the role, for example, sport or medical training.
Generalist volunteers will not need any special skills or qualifications and will receive full training. They might be given roles in areas such as event services, uniform distribution and village operations. All volunteers will be expected to attend training events that will give them the knowledge they need to carry out their role.
There are lots of charities and sporting organizations that are looking for volunteers to help them. While you are waiting for applications for the London 2012 volunteer program to open in the late 2011, why not consider getting involved locally? You can find opportunities to volunteer in a range of activities in your local area by following the links on the right hand side of this page or make local enquiries about the needs in your community. | high17305.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "because he got a lot of money"
},
"options": [
"before he went to college",
"after he went to Africa",
"because he got a lot of money",
"before he received a report"
],
"question": "John didn't need to look for ... | John Smith,an office worker,lives in Washington.He inherited a million dollars when he was 23,but he wasn't happy at all.When his college friends were looking for their jobs,he didn't have to.Jack decided to living a simple life like everyone else.He gave $l0,000 of his money to a charity to help poor children live a better life.Today he is 36.He still wears cheap shoes and clothes and drives a small car only,but he is very happy.
Up to now John has helped some children from poor countries all over the world,by sending them each $200 a month.The money was used for the children's study, food, medicine and clothing.John receives a report each year on the children's progress.They can write to each other, but usually the children do not speak English.
When John first heard about these children,he wanted to help them."It was nothing special," he said."Until I went to these countries and met the children I was helping,I didn't know anything about their life." Once John went to meet a little girl in Africa.He said that the meeting was very exciting."When I met her.I felt very ,very happy."he said."And I saw that the money was used for a good cause.It brought me happiness.I want to do everything I can to go on helping those children." | high5642.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "To introduce some American classroom customs."
},
"options": [
"To introduce some American classroom customs.",
"To explain how to communicate with others in America.",
"To introduce some social manners in America.",
"T... | If you have a chance to go to school in prefix = st1 /America, you should keep the following in mind:
*If a teacher asks you a question, you are expected to give an answer. If you do not understand the question, you should raise your hand and ask the teacher to repeat the question. It is all right to tell the teacher that you do not know the answer. Then he or she knows what you need to learn.
*There is no excuse for not doing your homework. If you are absent ,you should call your teacher or your classmates and ask for the assignment. It is your responsibility to find out what homework you have missed.
*It is impolite to eat, drink or chew gum during class. This is allowed for the break. Removing one' s shoes in the classroom is also not polite.
*You must not be absent on a test day. If you are seriously ill, you must call and let the teacher know you will not be there for the test. If your teacher allows a make-up test, you should take the test within one or two days after returning to class.
*It is rude to be late. If you must come in late, be sure to do it quietly by having your books and papers out of your bag, then go to your seat and sit very quietly. In the U. S., it is not necessary to knock before you enter the classroom. Most teachers will give you a low grade if you are often late.
*Copying another student' s test or paper is never acceptable. It is called cheating. Students who cheat are kicked out in most schools. | high18036.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "he will buy anything he thinks his child really needs"
},
"options": [
"he was given too much pocket money when young",
"he can take much control of his child by money",
"he will buy anything he thinks his child really needs"... | Parents have widely different views on the problem of pocket money . Four new fathers were asked this question and this is how they answered .
Ashish Khanna :Although many argue that pocket money helps develop children's sense of value , I don't agree . I wouldn't give my child any pocket money . First of all , I never got pocket money and I seem to have a good value for money . If my child ever needed something and I felt it was areasonable request , I would buy it for him .
Sharad Sanghi : No , I wouldn't give my child pocket money because I don't want to create theperception of " her " money and " my " money . Besides , if I refuse to buy her something that I think is bad for her , she may buy it with her pocket money _ . In this way , I would lose control over my child's requests . I feel it also encourages children to care more about money than anything else . I don't want my child to start judging other children by the amount of money or pocket money they have .
Rakesh Shah : Yes , I would give my child pocket money . I feel that children should learn to spend money intelligently and not go overboard spending . They will learn what theirlimitations are and feel the difficulty when they have to pay for something that is over in their own pockets .
Rajiv Patel : Yes , I would give my child pocket money because it is important that she learns to manage money . I will give her a fixed amount every month and if she spends the money before the month is over , then she will learn a lesson and not spend money so freely .
Vikram Desai : Yes , I would certainly give my child pocket money . But I would not give it to him on a weekly or monthly basis . He would have to earn it . If he helped me finish some of my jobs or helped his mother with housework , I would reward him . This helps him realize that " money does not grow on trees " and it requires hard work to earn money . | high1424.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "She enjoys spending time both of her parents'families although they are quite different."
},
"options": [
"She thinks that her parents'families have a lot in common with each other.",
"She believes that her mother and father's fami... | The winter holiday season is the busiest time of the year in the US, and Thanksgiving is the one holiday this time of year that doesn't get the attention it deserves -- it is often overshadowed by Christmas. However, I still feel the festive atmosphere in my family.
Each year, I attend not just one Thanksgiving dinner, but typically between three and four. Thanksgiving lasts all throughout the second half of the week. I travel to different houses to spend time with different parts of my family. We usually eat a giant amount of traditional Thanksgiving foods such as deviled eggs, ham, green beans, potatoes, and breads. We don't eat the traditional turkey like many families do, but we have just about everything else that someone would want to eat.
After eating, we sit around and chat. Usually someone has brought a guest, such as a new boyfriend/girlfriend or a new baby, so there's always a chance to get to know the new family member, as well as catching up with family that I haven't seen for a long time.
My extended families are very different, which makes for different holiday experiences. My other's family is very polite and quiet, and that makes the dinner with them seem very formal. My father's family is the opposite. They're loud and don't even try to control what words come out of their mouths. Their Thanksgiving usually includes yelling at whatever football game is on the television. It's very casual and relaxed. Either way, it's nice to be able to see my family and spend time with them.
In my eyes, Thanksgiving is a holiday based on being thankful for what you have, spending tine with family, and eating a lot more food than you probably should. Not all these things go with its history, but it makes for a nice tradition. | high9078.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "HBS."
},
"options": [
"P&G.",
"HBS.",
"Bain.",
"eBay."
],
"question": "According to the passage, which of the following is different from the other three?",
"question_type": null
},
{
"answer": {
... | "Be nice to people." This sounds like a platitude ,but I'll never forget my father's words. I was 10, and I had been unkind to someone. He said, "There is no point in being unkind to anyone at any time. You never know who you're going to meet later in life. And by the way, you don't change anything by being unkind. Usually you don't get anywhere."
"Remember you can do anything you want to do. Don't let anyone say, 'You're not smart enough, it's too hard, it's a foolish idea, no one has done that before, girls don't do that.' "My mom gave me that advice in 1973. And it allowed me to never worry what others were saying about my job direction.
"Always do the best job you can do at whatever you're given, even if you think it's boring." Jerry Parkinson, my boss at P&G, told me this in 1979. Here I was fresh out of Harvard Business School(HBS), and I was told to decide how big the hole in the Ivory shampoo bottle should be: 3/8 of an inch or 1/8 of an inch. I did research, focus groups and I would come home at night wondering how I had gone from HBS to this. But later I realized any job you're given is an opportunity to prove yourself.
"Don't be greedy . If you're constantly in the neighborhood of good things, good things will happen to you." Tom Tierney, who was my boss at Bain in 1981 and is now on the eBay board, told me this. It's true that you get ahead by praising other people.
Finally, in 1998, I was in New York watching the ticker as eBay went public. My husband is a surgeon .I called him and told him the great news. And he said, "That's nice. But Meg, remember that it's not brain surgery." | high8366.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "the longest sunspots' absence"
},
"options": [
"the longest sunspots' absence",
"the largest sunspot number",
"the malfunction of electronic devices",
"the serious damage by sunspots"
],
"question": "The sun wat... | If your cellphone suddenly stops working, don't blame the service provider.The malfunction might well have been caused by something bigger -- a solar storm.Experts expect that Earth will see more solar activity in the near future.The malfunction of electronic devices will just one of the effects.
Sunspots serve as an indicator of the sun's activity.For the past two years, sunspots have mostly been missing.Their absence, the most prolonged in nearly 100 years, has taken even seasoned sun watchers by surprise.
When the number of sunspots drops at the end of each 11-year cycle, solar storms die down and all become much calmer. This "solar minimum" doesn't last long. Within a year, sunspots and solar storms begin to build toward a new crescendo, the next solar maximum.
What's special about this latest cycle is that the sun is having trouble starting the next solar cycle. The sun began to calm down in late 2007, so no one expected many sunspots in 2008. They should return in 2010. Scientists have predicted that the next solar cycle could be the most active on record: more sunspots and more solar storms. However, sunspots are mostly missing now.
Since the earth is in close contact with the sun, strong solar activities can bring trouble to our life. People of the 21st century rely on high-tech systems for the basics of daily life. Air travel and radio communications can be affected by strong solar activities. A big solar storm could cause 20 times more economic damage than Hurricane Katrina.
What the sun will do next is beyond our ability to predict. Most astronomers think that the solar cycle will go on but at low level. However, there is also evidence that the sun is losing its ability to produce sunspots. By 2015, they could be gone altogether. | high15274.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "they think even better husbands may be upstairs"
},
"options": [
"they think the husbands downstairs are not suitable",
"they are sure that the best husbands are on the top floor",
"they know the catch very well",
"they... | A store that sells husbands has just opened in Ottawa where a woman may go to choose a husband from many men.
The store is comprised of 6 floors and the men increase in positive attributes(,)as the shopper goes up the flights. There is, however, a catch . As you open the door to any floor you may choose a man from that floor, but if you go up a floor, you cannot go back down except to exit the building.
So a woman goes to the shopping center to find a husband. On the first floor the sign on the door reads: Floor 1--These men have jobs. The woman reads the sign and says to herself, "Well, that's better than my last boyfriend, but I wonder what's further up?"
So up she goes. The second floor sign reads: Floor 2--These men have jobs and love kids. The woman remarks to herself, "That's great, but I wonder what's further up?"
And up she goes again. The third floor sign reads: Floor 3--These men have jobs, love kids and are extremely good-looking. "Hmm, better."
The fourth floor sign reads: Floor 4--These men have jobs, love kids, are extremely good-looking and help with the housework. "Wow!" exclaims the woman, "Very tempting. But, there must be more, further up!"
And again she heads up another flight. The fifth floor sign reads: Floor 5--These men have jobs, love kids, are extremely good-looking, help with the housework and have a strong romantic character. "Oh, mercy me! But just think...what must be awaiting me further on?"
So up to the sixth floor she goes. The sixth floor sign reads: Floor 6 -You are visitor 3, 456, 789,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. Thank you for shopping Husband Mart and have a nice day. | high8400.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "Why there have been more injuries in P.E. classes."
},
"options": [
"What leads to the weight problem in America.",
"Whether students should have more P.E. classes.",
"Why there have been more injuries in P.E. classes.",
... | Too much eating. Too many unhealthy foods. Too many ads for food. Too few activities. Different reasons are given for America's weight problem---a problem increasingly shared by other countries. Almost one-fifth of American children and teenagers are overweight.
Schools have been asked to increase physical education, an important tool for public health. However, a recent study has shown an increase in the number of injuries in P.E. classes.
Researchers say one possible reason for this is a decrease in the number of school nurses. Schools without a nurse on duty may be more likely to send an injured child to a hospital.
Another possible reason for more injuries is a change in the traditional idea of physical education. This "New P.E." expands the kinds of sports that are taught. But activities that some schools offer now, like rock climbing and skateboarding, can also increase the risks, says Cheryl Richardson, who is with the National Association for Sport and Physical Education(NASPE).
She also says not all states require P.E. teachers to be specially trained. Untrained teachers could be less likely to recognize unsafe conditions.
Cheryl Richardson points to one of the study's findings -that injuries are often the result of contact with a person or a structure. This tells her that the teachers were not giving each student enough space to move around safely.
Six activities produced seventy percent of all injuries: running, basketball, football, volleyball, rugby and gymnastics.
The researchers say larger class sizes are another possible reason for the increase in injuries. Larger classes can mean less supervision . The National Association for Sport and Physical Education says twenty to thirty students in a P.E. class should be the limit. | high13605.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "relieved"
},
"options": [
"calm",
"relieved",
"annoyed",
"worried"
],
"question": "The businessman must have been _ after he received the check.",
"question_type": "cloze_questions"
},
{
"answer"... | The businessman was deep in debt and could see no way out. Creditors were closing in on him. Suppliers were demanding payment. He sat on the park bench, head in hands, wondering if anything could save his company from bankruptcy .
Suddenly an old man appeared before him. "I can see that something is troubling you." he said. After listening to the businessman, the old man said: "I believe I can help you."
He asked the man his name, wrote out a check , and pushed it into his hand saying: "Take this money. Meet me here exactly one year from today, and you can pay me back at that time." Then he turned and disappeared as quickly as he had come.
The businessman saw in his hand a check for $500,000, signed by John D. Rockefeller, then one of the richest men in the world!
"I can settle all my debts in a moment!" he realized. But instead, the man decided to put the uncashed check in his safe, just knowing it would give him the strength to work out a way to save his business.
With renewed optimism, he made better deals and extended terms of payment. He closed several big deals. Within a few months, he was out of debt and making money once again.
Exactly one year later, he returned to the park with the uncashed check. At the agreed-upon time, the old man appeared. But just as the businessman was about to hand back the check and share his success story, a nurse came running up and grabbed the old man.
"I'm so glad I caught him!" she cried. "I hope he hasn't been bothering you. He's always escaping from the rest home and telling people he's John D. Rockefeller." And she led the old man away by the arm.
The businessman stood there, still and shocked.
All year long he'd been wheeling and dealing, buying and selling, believing that he had half a million dollars behind him. Suddenly he realized that it wasn't the money, real or imagined, that had turned his life around. It was his newfound self-confidence that had given him the power to achieve anything he wanted to. | high17463.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "Because he wanted to protect them against thieves."
},
"options": [
"Because he thought it was fun to do.",
"Because the police there didn't care about animals.",
"Because he liked hi-tech very much.",
"Because he wante... | A South African farmer is receiving phone calls from his sheep after equipping them with cell phones to keep tabs on the flock amid recent livestock thefts, according to local press Wednesday.
When the sheep call, it is always bad news for farmer Erard Louw of the Cape Town suburbs, as the phones around their necks are only set to switch on when the sheep start running, a sign that thieves have cut through the fences.
"As they run it gives me a phone call and says 'Sheep One' or 'Sheep Two' and so on, so at least I know where to start looking because the farm is 750 hectares (1,850 acres)," Louw told the Cape Times daily.
Louw attached the phone-like security device to the collars of four sheep in separate flocks after thieves sneaked in and stole 27 sheep and 13 lambs a couple of weeks ago, driving Louw to _ for ways to protect his animals.
He said there was no use calling nearby police, as they were stationed too far away and in his experience they either lacked an available car or the vehicle was out of fuel or missing tyres -- also the work of thieves.
According to Louw, the cell phones have already proved their worth, with one sheep-snatcher caught thanks to the device.
Still, with theft attempts currently at their peak, given long winter nights and early nightfall, a few sheep-robbers managed to get away in spite of the device.
"The phone did start ringing that night and I went out," he said, but added that he was too late. | high5124.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "the rope around his neck was pulled tight"
},
"options": [
"a rope was tied around his neck",
"the rope around his neck was pulled tight",
"he was taken away from the Millers",
"he was left behind with a stranger"
]... | Buck did not read the newspapers,or he would have known that trouble was coming,not only for himself,but for every big dog,strong of muscle and with long,warm hair in California.Men had found gold in the Yukon,and these men wanted big,strong dogs to work in the cold and snow of the north.
Buck lived at a big house in the sunkissed Santa Clara valley.Judge Miller's place,it was called.There were large gardens and fields of fruit trees around the house,and a river nearby.In a big place like this,of course,there were many dogs.There were house dogs and farm dogs,but they were not important.Over this great land Buck ruled.Here he was born and here he had lived the four years of his life.He was not so large--he weighed only one hundred and forty pounds.But he had saved himself by not becoming a mere housedog.Hunting and outdoor delights had kept down the fat and hardened his muscles.He went swimming with Judge Miller's sons,and walking with his daughters.He carried the grandchildren on his back,and he sat at Judge Miller's feet in front of the warm library fire in winter.During the four years,he had a fine pride in himself which came of good living and universal respect.He was king of Judge Miller's place.
But this was 1897,and Buck did not know that men and dogs were hurrying to northwest Canada to look for gold.And he did not know that Manuel,one of the gardener's helpers,was in bad need of money for his hobby of gambling and for his large family.One day,the Judge was at a meeting and the boys were busy organizing an athletic club.No one saw Manuel and Buck go off on what Buck imagined was merely an evening walk.Only one man saw them arrive at the railway station.This man talked to Manuel,and gave him some money.Then Manuel tied a piece of rope around Buck's neck.
Buck had accepted the rope with quiet dignity .He had learned to trust in men he knew and to give them credit.But when the ends of the rope were placed in the stranger's hands,Buck roared,and was surprised when the rope tightened around his neck,shutting off his breath.In extreme anger,he jumped at the man.The man caught him and suddenly Buck was thrown over on his back.Then the rope tightened cruelly while Buck struggled,his tongue out of his mouth.Never in all his life had he been so badly treated.Never in all his life had he been so angry.For a few moments he was unable to move,and it was easy for the two men to put him into the train.
When Buck woke up,the train was still moving.The man was sitting and watching him,but Buck was too quick for him and he bit the man's hand hard.Then the rope was pulled again and Buck had to let go.
That evening,the man took Buck to the back room of a bar in San Francisco.The barman looked at the man's hand and trousers covered in blood.
"How much are they paying you for this?"he asked.
"Only get fifty dollars."
"And the man who stole him--how much did he get?"asked the barman.
"A hundred.He wouldn't take less."
"That makes a hundred and fifty.It's a good price for a dog like him."
Buck spent that night in a cagelike box.He could not understand what it all meant.What did they want with him,these strange men?And where were Judge Miller and the boys?
The next day Buck was carried in the box to the railway station and put on a train to the north. | high18750.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "you can tell the difference of the things"
},
"options": [
"you will have a strange feeling",
"you will learn how to reach out your hand",
"you can tell the difference of the things",
"you can tell what colors they are"... | "If you want to see a thing well, reach out and touch it!" That may seem a strange thing to say. But touching things can help you to see them better. Your eyes can tell you that a glass ball is round. But by holding it in your hands, you can feel how smooth and cool the ball is. You can feel how heavy the glass is. When you feel all these about the ball, you really see it. With your skin, you can feel better. For example, your fingers can tell the difference between two coins in your pocket. You can feel a little drop of water on the back of your hand, too.
All children soon learn what "Don't touch!" means. They hear it often. Yet most of us keep on touching things as we grow up. In shops, we touch things as we might buy: food, clothes. To see something well, we have to touch it.
There are ways of learning to see well by feeling. One way is to close your eyes and try to feel everything that is touching your skin. Feel the shoes on your feet, the clothes on your body, the air on your skin. At first, it is not easy to feel these things. You are too used to them!
Most museums are just for looking. But today some museums have some things to touch. There you can feel everything on show. If we want to see better, reach out and touch. Then you will really see. | high2893.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "even the best students cheat on exams"
},
"options": [
"cheating is very common in schools",
"over 2/3 of the students cheat last year",
"even the best students cheat on exams",
"teachers are not aware of the problems"
... | Over the past decade, cheating--an act of academic dishonesty--has become more and more common.
The latest statistics shows more than two thirds of high school students admitted cheating on an exam last year, and--even more surprising--often the best students cheat to get to the top of their class--and they don't think it is wrong. It's not a big deal. Everybody is doing it.
It is a big deal! Cheating is basically wrong and must be punished.
If students easily get away with it, they might be encouraged to do it again. They won't realize that this--in the broadest sense--is an attack on our society, which is based on values like honesty and fairness. The present spreading of cheating indicates a loss of those values and cannot be tolerated. An appropriate punishment for cheating incidents would make students aware of their misbehavior.
If no one were punished for cheating, who would ever study for an exam? Tons of papers would be _ from websites, writing crib sheets would be more important than reviewing the subjects, and highly sophisticated cheating arts would be invented. Knowledge would only exist on the Internet and on cleverly created cheat sheets, but not in the minds of the students--a rather bad precondition to enrich our society wisely and intelligently.
Students have to learn that they have to learn. Only doing what's right will bring them a feeling of pride and accomplishment and create self-confidence--the building blocks for a successful and satisfying life and a society that keeps its values. | high3555.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "Canada and the US Refuse to Cut Emissions"
},
"options": [
"Canada Decides to Quit the Kyoto Protocol",
"Canada and the US Refuse to Cut Emissions",
"Developed Countries Hesitating to Cut Emissions",
"Developing Countri... | Durban -- Canada Monday became the first country to pull out of the historic Kyoto Protocol , inescapably scarring the global anticlimate change efforts.
The Kyoto Protocol, which set different duties for all countries to cut emissions , states that different countries should reduce their collective greenhouse emissions accordingly. However, the United States refused to sign the protocol in 2001, and is the only developed country that has not agreed to sign it. The move has cast a shadow over the global community, and has made some other developed nations hesitate to cut their emissions. To add fuel to the fire, Canada, became the first to call it quits, with the deadline of the first commitment period (20082012) approaching.
The biggest concern at this moment is whether other developed countries would follow suit.
Over the past four years, a drama has unfolded among developed countries over the emissions cuts and offering support to their developing partners.
The Umbrella Group, consisting of Japan, Canada, Australia, the United States and other developed countries, hesitated and even backed away from their positions under certain excuses. The first one quoted by Canadian Environment Minister Peter Kent is that emission cuts damage the economy. Still another is requiring China and India to have the same duty of cutting emissions as developed countries.
Actually, if emissions in developed countries could fall to the levels in developing countries, it would greatly help the fight against global climate change.
In sum, any irresponsible action, in the anticlimate change campaign should be a cause for blame. It is widely hoped that the United States and Canada will see reason and join the rest of the world community in supporting the Kyoto Protocol. | high18988.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "describing an interesting scene"
},
"options": [
"raising an interesting question",
"describing an interesting scene",
"making comparisons",
"telling a small jokes"
],
"question": "The author introduces the topi... | You are a new manager at the American branch of your German firm in Chicago.With a few minutes to spare between meetings,you go to get a quick cup of coffee.
"Hey,David,how are you?"one of the senior partners at the firm asks you.
"Good,thank you,Dr.Greer,"you reply.You've really been wanting to make a connection with the senior leadership at the firm,and this seems like a great opportunity.But as you start to think of something to say,your American colleague breaks in to steal your spotlight.
"So Arnold",your colleague says to your boss,in such a casual manner that it makes your German soul cringe ,"So what's your Super bowl prediction? I mean,you're a Niners fan,right?"
The conversation moves on,and you walk silently back to your desk with your coffee.You know how important small talk is in the U.S.,and you feel jealous of people you're your colleague who can do it well.
There's nothing small about the role that small talk plays in American professional culture.People from other countries are often surprised at how important small talk is in the U.S.and how naturally and comfortably people seem to do it--with peers,men,women,and even with superiors.You can be the most technically skilled worker in the world,but your ability to progress in your job in the United States is highly dependent on your ability to build and maintain positive relationships with people at work.And guess what skill is critical for building and maintaining these relationships? Small talk.
What can you do if you are from another culture and want to learn to use small talk in the U.S.to build relationships and establish trust? Work hard to hone your own version of American-style small talk.Watch how others do it.You don't have to mimic what they do;in fact,that would likely _ because people would see you as inauthentic.But if you can develop your own personal version,that can go a long way toward making you feel comfortable and competence. | high11012.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "The difficulties from keeping a big family in a hard period of time."
},
"options": [
"The wrong doings of the children.",
"The difficulties from keeping a big family in a hard period of time.",
"Her father's disloyalty to th... | Penelope Leach, a famous British psychologist once said: "Loving a child is a round business. The more you give, the more you get, the more you want to give." Her clever remark about parent-child relationship proves to be true of my blooded family. Born in 1928 and as the youngest of 5 children, I learned to share everything with my brothers and sisters including my parents' love. Raising 5 children during the difficult times of the Great Depression took its toll on my parents' relationship and resulted in their divorce when I was 18 years old. Daddy never had very close relationships with his children and drifted even farther away from us after the divorce.
After some years, an amazing woman entered into his life, and they were married. She had two sons, one of them still at home. Under her influence, we became a "fixed family" and a good relationship developed between the two families. She has always treated us as if we were her own children. Father and our stepmother shared life over twenty-five years together before our father passed away. At the time of his death, a question came up. It's about my mother, Daddy's first wife, attending his funeral. I will never forget the unconditional love shown by my stepmother when I asked her if she would object to Mother attending Daddy's funeral. Without giving it a second thought, she immediately replied, "Of course not, Honey. She's the mother of my children." | high23936.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "she felt nervous"
},
"options": [
"she felt nervous",
"she was angry",
"she felt excited",
"she was disappointed"
],
"question": "When the writer knew the man would stay in their house for the night, at first ... | Two days ago I was woken up at 1 am. My roommate stood at the door (she was returning from a club) along with a huge middle-aged man with long hair. "Please let him in," she told me, "He has been locked out of his apartment." She had seen him, cold and shivering (it had snowed the previous night) and immediately asked him to sleep at our place. He was a law student in his fifties who had been doing his homework at the Laundromat when he found he had left his keys in his house.
I have never had a strange man sleep in my house before. My roommate and I are both less than 5 feet and we have been asked not to speak to strangers since we were kids. Not to mention that we're in a new city that we have lived in for less than a month. He accepted our kindness with hesitation and as soon as dawn broke he left.
The next day he came to our house, saying he owed us big time for not being frozen out in the cold. He left us a beautiful card saying--"Thank you so much. Your actions are so sincere."
Later he cooked us a wonderful simple "thank you" dinner over which he told us about his life (a coach, a guide, a law student). He told us how he was completely touched by our concern for a total stranger. I learnt a lot that evening. As he talked about how once he brought a homeless man in to eat Christmas dinner with his family, I was deeply touched.
My roommate taught me a huge lesson: Let go of your fear; always leave the door of compassion open and you can never go wrong. | high12533.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "yesterday"
},
"options": [
"yesterday",
"last week",
"last month",
"three days ago"
],
"question": "Lily and her family moved to a new flat _ .",
"question_type": "cloze_questions"
},
{
"answer": ... | Dear Alice,
I heard from you three days ago. I'm all right.
Good news! We moved to a new flat yesterday! There are more rooms here than in our old one. You know, I shared a room with my sister in the old flat. But now I have my own bedroom! It is small but it's my favorite room! I can be alone in it. I can read books, draw pictures, listen to my radio and play CDs. I can also play games on my computer and send e-mails to my friends.
I also love the new bigger kitchen. I love helping my mother with our meals. Mom cooks well. She always teaches me how to make different kinds of dishes. She lived in China when she was young, so she can cook Chinese food. It's delicious.
Write to me soon and tell me about your home. Please get on the Internet so that we can chat with each other.
All good wishes! | high8428.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "She became a serious woman after her beloved husband died."
},
"options": [
"She had great confidence in herself.",
"She ruled Great Britain for sixty-four years.",
"She enjoyed her marriage to a German prince.",
"She b... | Queen Victoria was monarch of Great Britain from 1837 until her death in 1901. This period is often called the Victorian Age.
Queen Victoria was a stern and serious woman. One reason she was so serious was that she had suffered a great loss. When she was twenty years old, she married a German prince named Albert. Victoria and Albert were deeply in love, and their marriage was extremely happy. In 1861, after they had been married for twenty-one years, Albert died, leaving Queen Victoria heartbroken. For the rest of her life, the lonely Victoria mourned his loss. It was customary in those days for a widow to dress in black for a short time after the death of her husband. But Queen Victoria dressed in black for forty years. And for forty years, as another sigh of her grief, she wrote her letters white paper edged in black.
Even before Prince Albert died, Queen Victoria was known as a very serious woman. She had a strong sense of duty and worked very hard at all her tasks. In her diary she wrote, "I love to be employed; I hate to be idle." She never forgot that she was Britain's queen and always acted with great dignity. Victoria had high ideals and moral standards that sometimes made her seem stuffy. She was also very sure of herself. She always thought that she was right, and she expected everyone to agree with her. | high9736.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "about the history of Alcatraz Island and the prison there."
},
"options": [
"about the history of Alcatraz Island and the prison there.",
"about the history of Alcatraz Island.",
"about a military prison.",
"about the s... | While we are on the subject of crime, our listener question this week comes from Mohamad Firouzi in Iran. He wants to know about the history of Alcatraz Island and the prison that once operated there.
Alcatraz Island is in the harbor of San Francisco, California. It is best known for being a federal prison, which was also called "The Rock." It was once the most famous prison in America.
Alcatraz was a military prison from the late eighteen fifties until the nineteen thirties. Then it became a federal prison for the country's worst criminals. These included murderers, bank robbers and kidnappers. One of the main reasons federal officials chose Alcatraz Island to detain these prisoners was because they thought it would be impossible for prisoners to escape.
Cold, deep and dangerous waters surround the island. Also, the distance between the island and San Francisco is too far for most humans to swim. No prisoner was ever officially reported to have successfully escaped.
However, in nineteen sixty-two, three men broke out of the prison. Each man worked very hard at night for many months to cut through the stone wall of his cell. They made false heads out of paper, paint and hair. On the night of June eleventh, the men placed the heads in their beds to make it look as if they were sleeping. Then, the prisoners escaped through the holes in their cells to get to the water. The men were never seen or heard from again. It is believed that they drowned while trying to swim to San Francisco.
The prison closed in nineteen sixty-three because of the high cost of keeping prisoners there and the need for major repairs. The last prisoners were moved to other jails.
In nineteen seventy-two, the United States Congress passed a bill creating the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Alcatraz Island and the old prison are part of this area.
Each year, more than one million people visit Alcatraz to see the prisoners' cells and listen to stories about the jail's history. But unlike the prisoners who once lived there, visitors can escape from the prison whenever they want and return back across the harbor to San Francisco. | high6405.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "Parents ."
},
"options": [
"Adolescents.",
"Parents .",
"Educators",
".Bosses"
],
"question": "Who are the intended readers of the passage?",
"question_type": null
},
{
"answer": {
"answer_inde... | Parenting the adolescent does take a different approach than parenting younger kids. Looking back it seemed ly easy. They were born itty-bitty so you could take control - usually to keep them safe from harm, to teach right from wrong and begin to equip them with problem solving and relationship skills. But hey, remember when they were about two or three years old and they began to toddle off and test your limits? This was normal child development and you soon trusted that your child wouldn't touch the stove, muck about in the flowerpots or bite the cat.
Adolescence is kind of similar in process to the two or three year old testing their limits. In adolescence though the test is more towards social limits: who they can go out with, when, where and for how long. Unlike the young child though, adolescence is nerve-wracking because now they are truly out of sight, the stakes are higher and your didn't raise your kid for 13 years plus to see them get into trouble now. Also unlike the young child, your teen is no longer itty-bitty and you can't simply tell them what to do.
Parenting the adolescent requires extreme trust, patience and letting them take responsibility for decisions even when the consequences are not favorable. They do need to learn what the mantle of responsibility means during adolescence so that as adults they are suitably equipped to then carry on responsibly. No practice - no mastery. Taking responsibility takes practice and opportunity.
Difficult as _ may seem, the parenting style has to shift from being the boss to being a consultant. Now, no one is saying here that there aren't any rules, but they are more flexible and more subject to negotiation. When you were the boss, you simply told your young child what to do and you expected them to follow your wishes. Now as a consultant you are more in an advisory position and must rely on the judgment of your teen to choose correctly. | high24081.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "Money."
},
"options": [
"Time.",
"Money.",
"Attention.",
"Compassion."
],
"question": "Which of the four gifts matters most according to the author?",
"question_type": null
},
{
"answer": {
"an... | It's no secret that doing good makes others happy - but did you know it can make you happy as well?
According to a study, people participating in meaningful activities were happier and felt that their lives had more purpose than people who only engaged in pleasure-seeking behaviors.
Try giving these four things to others to start your journey to a happier and healthier lifestyle.
1. Your Time
With a busy life, it can be hard to find any time to give away. However, volunteering your time has great benefits, including making new friends and connections, learning new skills and even advancing your career.
According to a paper about the link between health and volunteering, volunteering is connected with lower instances of depression and reduces the risk of dying by 22 percent.
2. Your Attention
Most of us think we're good listeners, but according to psychologist Paul Donoghue, most people are aware that others don't listen as well as they could. In addition, they're not fully aware that they themselves aren't listening.
When practicing mindfulness meditation , you focus on what you experience in the moment and let your thoughts and emotions pass through without judgment. Did you know that giving someone your undivided attention helps you also? When done well, active listening strengthens your focus-which is a major part of good meditation.
3. Your Compassion
The psychological meaning of compassion is the ability to understand another person's emotional state. Compassion differs from empathy in that those who experience compassion not only put themselves in another person's shoes, but also want to reduce that person's suffering.
A brain-imaging study showed that the brain's pleasure centers are equally active when we give money to the poor as when we receive money ourselves.
4. Your Money
According to an experiment, those who spend money on other people are significantly happier than those who spend the same quantity of money on themselves.
Whether or not you can offer other gifts, donating money helps make real change happen. It represents time spent, compassion and careful attention to the needs of others. | high10324.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "the sense of smell"
},
"options": [
"the sense of taste",
"the sense of smell",
"the sense of touch",
"the sense of sight"
],
"question": "Ants judge whether another one is dead or not depending on _ .",
"... | When an ant dies, other ants move the dead insect out. Sometimes, the dead ant get moved away very soon--within an hour of dying. This behavior is interesting to scientists, who wonder how ants know for sure--and so soon--that another ant is dead.
One scientist recently came up with a way to explain this ant behavior. Dong-Hwan Choe is a biologist. Choe found that Argentine ants have a chemical on the outside of their bodies that signals to other ants, "I'm dead--take me away."
But there's a _ to Choe's discovery. Choe says that the living ants--not just the dead ones--have this death chemical. In other words, while an ant crawls around, perhaps in a picnic or home, it's telling other ants that it's dead.
What keeps ants from dragging away the living ants?Choe found that Argentine ants have two additional chemicals on their bodies, and these tell nearby ants something like, "Wait--I'm not dead yet." So Choe's research turned up two sets of chemical signals in ants: one says, "I'm dead," and the other set says, "I'm not dead yet."
Other scientists have tried to figure out how ants know when another ant is dead. If an ant is knocked unconscious, for example, other ants leave it alone until it wakes up. That means ants know that unmoving ants can still be alive.
Choe suspects that when an Argentine ant dies, the chemical that says "Wait-I'm not dead yet" quickly goes away. Once that chemical is gone, only the one that says "I'm dead" is left. "It's because the dead ant no longer smells like a living ant that it gets carried to the graveyard, not because its body releases new unique chemicals after death," said Choe. When other ants detect the "dead" chemical without the "not dead yet" chemical, they drag away the body.
Understanding this behavior may help scientists figure out how to stop Argentine ants from invading new places and causing problems. Choe would like to find a way to use the newly discovered chemicals to spread ant killer to Argentine ant nests.
The ants' removal behavior is important to the overall health of the nest. "Being able to quickly remove dead individuals and other possible sources of disease is extremely important to all animals living in societies, including us," says Choe. "Think about all the effort and money that we invest daily in waste management." | high2663.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "how our first impressions are formed"
},
"options": [
"how our first impressions are expressed",
"how our first impressions are formed",
"how we can favorably impress others",
"how first impressions affect our lives"
... | When we meet another person for the first time, we are actually flooded with new information. Almost at once, we notice his appearance, style of dress, and manner of speech. Furthermore (besides), as we listen to what he has to say and observe the things he does, we begin to form some ideas of what kind of person he is and what he intends to do. As you know from your own experience, though, we do not only gather these separate pieces of information. Instead, we go further and combine them into a unified picture. In short, we form an overall impression of each person we meet--an impression that can be favorable (making people like) or unfavorable. But how precisely (exactly) do we perform this task? How do we combine so much different information into a clear first impression with such quick speed? A great deal of research has been performed on this question, and results point to the following answer: we perform this task through a special type of averaging .
Expressed very simply, our impressions of others seem to represent a weighted average of all information that can be gathered about them. That is, they reflect a process in which all information we have about others is averaged together--but with some facts, or input receiving greater weight than others. As you can readily see, this makes good sense. For example, in forming an impression of a new boss you would probably be affected to a much greater degree by how this person gives you orders (whether respectfully or not) than by the color1 of his or her eyes. The fact that not all information about other persons affects our impressions of them to the same degree, raises an important question. Just what kinds of input receive the greatest weight? Again research provides some revealing answers. | high18778.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "A popular American programme"
},
"options": [
"A popular Ainerican singer",
"A American year figure of",
"A popular American programme",
"A famous American avenue"
],
"question": "What may the ldol probably be?"... | Marry me! During the "Idol" finale, season 5 singer Ace Young proposed live to season 3 runner up Diana DeGarrno. She was genuinely surprised in one sense but the two have bonded closely since they met on Broadway during a production of"Hair." The first true"ldol' couple (though others have dated) have already set a wedding date on June l of 2013,
Ten years and still relevant. Season one winner Kelly Clarkson has survived a decade in the brutal music business with her dignity intact and enough chart-topping songs to generate a greatest hits album at the tender age of 30. Her career is as strong as ever. She sang the "Star Spangled Banner" at the Super Bowl. Her song "Stronger" was a No. I hit. She was a mentor on an ABC summer series"Duets." She became engaged to Reba McEntire's stepson in November. All in all, life is good for Clarkson and we as"Idol" fans couldn't be more proud.
Keep calm and Carrie on! Season four victor Carrie Underwood has now sold more albums than any other "Idol" with about 14 million to date. Her current album "Blown Away" has generated two top two hits in 2012: "Good Girl" and the title track. That makes 15 consecutive top 2 hits on the Billboard country chart over seven years dating back to "Jesus, Take the Wheel." She hosted the CMAs for a fifth year with Brad Paisley. Last month, she landed a role as lead in a remake of"The Sound of Music." She toured to sold-out crowds again, hitting Gwinnett Arena earlier this month, where she thankecl "Idol" for getting her to where she's at, something, she certainly no longer needs to do but still does. Class act, that lady. | high4212.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "emotional"
},
"options": [
"believable",
"significant",
"emotional",
"confident"
],
"question": "According to the study , when women express anger they are thought of as _ .",
"question_type": "cloze_que... | The findings , recently published by the researchers from Arizona State University ( ASU ) suggest that angry men appear to gain influence in a group , but angry women lose influence .
The study found that when men expressed their opinion with anger , participants rated them as more believable . But when women expressed anger , they were viewed as more emotional and , thus , less convincing . In other words , a man could benefit from using anger in power and persuasion . A woman , however , could be ignored or hurt by her group if she expressed anger .
The study was based on the responses of 210 students . They were shown evidence and photographs online from a real murder trial . A man had supposedly murdered his wife . The students were asked to decide if the man was guilty or not .
Before making their decision , the students discussed the case online with five jurors . But these were not real jurors ; they were computers generating responses and comments back to the students . Some of the fake jurors had male identities . Others had female identities .
Some male jurors were angry about the judgement . When this happened , the students reacted by doubting their own decisions about the case . Confidence in their responses on the judgement " dropped significantly " . But when female jurors seemed angry , the student participants " became significantly more confident in their original judgments " .
The study could have wider importance .
The results have effects for any woman who is trying to exert influence on a decision in their workplace and everyday lives . This includes governing bodies , task forces and committees . In a political debate , a female candidate might have less influence if she shows anger .
An example is the 2016 Democratic presidential race . This might explain why Bernie Sanders is able to freely express his passion and conviction , while Hillary Clinton clearly regulates her emotions more carefully . | high19466.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "the twoparty system contributes to the establishment of a powerful and long lasting government"
},
"options": [
"if there are parties in Britain,none of them will be strong enough to have control in the government",
"the more parti... | There are two major parties in Britain today,the Conservative and the Labour,which have been in power by turns since 1945.The twoparty system of Britain was formed in the course of the development of the capitalist state and the political parties. To strengthen the state machine,the British bourgeosie have let it come into being and exist in one form or another since the 17th century. P.S.Tregidgo once said,"The more parties there are,the less likely it is that any one of them will be strong enough in Parliament to control all the others; but when there are only two,one of them is sure to have a majority of seats. This helps to ensure a strong and stable government." This explains why the British have the twoparty system.
The division into two parties grew out the establishment of a Protestant Church of England in the 16th century. Because of a purely religious difference of opinion,the Puritans were separated from the broad body of the Anglican Church. The non Puritan Anglicans were on the side of the King and Church,whose supporters were called by their opponents "Tories".The Puritans were for Parliament and trade,whose supporters are called by the "Tories" "Whigs".The Tories and the Whigs were in power by turns for a long time. In 1833,the Tory Party split into two and its name was changed to Conservative. In the 1860s the Whigs became Liberals. Since then,the Liberals and the Conservatives were in office by turns until 1922.They have some different opinions,but were both controlled by the rich.
The working class became more and more unwilling to follow the Conservatives and the Liberals. They wanted to have their own party. So the Labour Party was formed by the trade unions. After 1922,the Labour Party gradually replaced the Liberal Party. | high16755.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "cross-channel ferries"
},
"options": [
"the English Channel",
"the weather on the Channel",
"cross-channel ferries",
"what crossing the Channel by ferry is like"
],
"question": "The passage is mainly concerned w... | The Channel is the name given to the stretch of water which separates England and France. Ferries operate all year round to carry people across the Channel, and they are busy most of the year. January is the only quiet month nowadays. As well as summer holiday-makers, there are day trippers and coach traffic, not to mention lorries and other commercial vehicles. Some ferries carry cars and their passengers, while others also connect train passengers with the Continental rail network.
The biggest hazard for the ferry is the wind. The crew listens to BBC weather reports four times a day. Or they sometimes get gale warnings from local radio station.
Crossing the Channel by ferry is a bit like trying to cross Oxford Street on a busy afternoon, according to one ferryboat captain. The ferries from Folkstone and Dover to Calais and Boulogne have to cross the main flow of traffic. This consists of ships traveling through the Channel to and from Northern Europe. There may be four hundred ships making the journey at any one time, and they all pass through a "choke point" which is only fifteen miles (twenty-five kilometers) wide. The cross-channel ferries have to sail right through the middle of all this traffic. | high4574.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "lay eggs"
},
"options": [
"seek food",
"keep organized",
"lay eggs",
"keep guard"
],
"question": "The duty of the queen ants is to .",
"question_type": "factiod_questions"
},
{
"answer": {
... | Scientists have always been interested in the high level of organization in ant societies. American researchers have watched ants build life-saving rafts to keep afloat during floods. They also have documented how ant colonies choose their next queen--the female whose job is to produce eggs rather than seek food for others.
New technology is helping to improve researchers' understanding of the insects. But there is still a lot to be learned.
Fire ants living in Brazilian forests are perfectly at home in an environment where flooding is common. To save themselves, the insects connect their legs together and create floating rafts. Some ant rafts can be up to 20 centimeters wide.
David Hu who is a mechanical engineer with the Georgia Institute of Technology, also known as Georgia Tech, says, "If you have 100 ants, which means 600 legs, 99 percent of those legs will be connected to a neighbor. So they're very, very good at maintaining this network."
David Hu and other Georgia Tech researchers want to study ants and the secret of their engineering. They freeze ant rafts and then look at them with the help of computed technology, or CT, images. The pictures show that larger ants serve in central positions to which smaller ants hold. The larger ants form pockets of air that keep the insects afloat.
Scientists say small robots or materials that can change shape could be programmed in a similar way, working towards a shared goal.
Researchers at North Carolina State University are also studying ants. They examined how Indian jumping ants choose the leader of the colony when they lose their top female or queen. | high19300.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "her son in danger of losing his life"
},
"options": [
"a boa eating her son",
"her son was playing with a big snake",
"her son in danger of losing his life",
"her son was fighting with a boa"
],
"question": "Whe... | The following is a true story. It happened in the northern end of Queensland, Australia, where all kinds of animals live in the forest.
Lisa, a 33-year-old woman, went to prepare lunch in the kitchen, leaving Barney, her three-year-old son, playing by himself in the back garden.
Suddenly, a sharp cry of Barney came into the mother's ears, and Lisa rushed into the backyard in a hurry and found a big snake entwining the little child with its terrible body and trying to eat the boy as its delicious dish! It was a boa ! Lisa was terrified and quite angry. She made up her mind to save her son from the snake's mouth. It was fearless mother love that made Lisa forget what she faced. She took up an old hoe from the ground and beat the boa with all her might. One...two... With the hoe, Lisa beat the snake repeatedly, but useless. The little boy's voice and breath were getting weaker and weaker. Lisa's heart was broken and she got nearly mad.
Suddenly Lisa put away the hoe and threw herself to the boa, opening her mouth and bit into the boa's back as if trying to eat a rare steak . Lisa was really mad!
Blood was spurting out of the boa's body and covered most of Lisa's body. The boa was so badly wounded that it let go of Barney and moved back into the forest hurriedly. It had never known how a man had such terrible sharp teeth! On halfway home, the boa died.
It was fearless mother love that saved the little boy. | high16033.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "reduction in carbon dioxide emissions"
},
"options": [
"heat waves and drought",
"increase in the number of bugs",
"reduction in carbon dioxide emissions",
"global warming and climate change"
],
"question": "Acc... | The health and welfare of every person in America will be affected by global warming, especially children, the elderly and the poor, according to a new White House science report.
The report said every region of the country will suffer worse health from heat waves and drought. _ It predicts an increase in diseases spread by tainted food, bad water and bugs .
The report concludes that climate change causes real risk to human health and human system that supports the way of life in the United States.
Man-made global warming is caused by greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels. At current emission levels, global temperatures are likely to rise by about 2 degrees by midcentury and about 7.5 degrees by the end of the century.
The most vulnerable Americans -- the poor, elderly, sick, very young and immigrants -- will suffer more. That's at least 10 percent of the country's population, probably more. It will be tougher for these people to get enough health care for climate-related illnesses, to cool down in heat waves, to escape extreme events such as Hurricane Katrina, and even to get enough food.
While every region of America is vulnerable to global warming's health and welfare effects, more people are moving to coastal regions, which are most vulnerable to climate change because of drought and hurricanes. | high11984.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "Jeans were not popular with all Americans until the late 1950s and early 1960s"
},
"options": [
"Jeans could first be seen in Europe during the Second World War",
"Jeans were not popular with all Americans until the late 1950s and ... | Levi Strauss, who was born in 1830 and went to the USA at the age of 17, sat in the saloon and drank his beer slowly. He began to think. Business was not good. Nobody wanted to buy anything. He thought about the canvas and the pots and pans on the wagon. Then he remembered the hole in Hank's trousers. Suddenly, he had an idea -- "pants", he jumped up and shouted, "Everyone needs pants." He hurried to a tailor and gave him all his canvas.
"I want you to make pants with this canvas," he said. "Can you do that?"
"Yes, of course," said the tailor, "What name is it?"
"Strauss, Levi Strauss."
It was the beginning of jeans. Now more than a hundred years later, people wear jeans all over the world and everyone knows the name of Levi Strauss. In the 1860s, farmers, rail-road workers, cowboys and miners helped to develop the new land. Life was hard. They worked for long hours in all kinds of weather. They wore trousers made by Levi Strauss. They were the first people to wear jeans in America.
Jeans first came to Europe with the American soldiers during World War II. Soon, workers in Europe were wearing them. Workers liked them: they were cheap, hardwearing and practical. They were not popular with young people generally until the late 1950s and early 1960s.
It came suddenly. It started in America and it crossed the Atlantic quickly. It was a new kind of music, a new kind of dance. Rock' n Roll. The king of Rock' n Roll was Elvis Presley. Teenagers loved him. At home he wore a T shirt, an old leather jacket and blue jeans, so more and more teenagers began to wear jeans. They liked them tight. | high20581.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "To compare it to our life's journey."
},
"options": [
"To lead us into a perfect world.",
"To let people enjoy the scenery.",
"To introduce an actual trip of his.",
"To compare it to our life's journey."
],
"que... | Hidden in our subconsciousness is a perfect mental picture. We see ourselves on a long trip that goes across the continent. We are traveling by train. Out the windows, we think in the passing scene of cars on nearby highways, of children waving at a crossing, of cattle feeding on a distant hillside, of smoke pouring from a power plant, or row upon row of corn and wheat, of flat lands and valleys, of mountains and rolling hills, of city skylines and village halls.
But uppermost in our minds is the final destination. On a certain day at a certain hour, we will pull into the station. Bands will be playing and flags waving. Once we get there, so many wonderful dreams will come true and the pieces of our lives will fit together like a completed jigsaw puzzle. How restlessly we pace the aisles , condemning the minutes for loitering --waiting, waiting, waiting for the station.
"When we reach the station, that will be it!" we cry. "When I'm 38." "When I buy a new 450SL Mercdes Benz!" "When I put the last kid through college." "When I have paid off the loan!" "When I get a promotion." "When I reach the age of retirement, I shall live happily ever after! "
Sooner or later, we must realize there is no station, no one place to arrive at once and for all. The true joy of life is the trip. The station is only a dream. It constantly outdistances us.
"Relish(appreciate) the moment" is a good motto, actually it isn't the burdens of today that drive man mad. It is the regret over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who rob us of today.
So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more and cry less. Life must be lived as we go along. Then the station will come soon enough. | high10442.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "Institutions worldwide are hiring administrators from the U.S."
},
"options": [
"Institutions worldwide are hiring administrators from the U.S.",
"More international students are being admitted to American universities.",
"Un... | When next year's crop of high-school graduates arrive at Oxford University in the fall, they will be joined by a new face: Andrew Hamilton, the 55-year-old provost of Yale, who will become Oxford's vice-chancellor -- a position equal to university president in America.
Hamilton isn't the only educator crossing the Atlantic. Schools in France, Egypt, Singapore, etc. have also recently made top-level hires from abroad. Yet the talent flow isn't universal. High-level personnel tend to head in only one direction: Outward from America.
The chief reason is that American schools don't tend to seriously consider looking abroad. For example, when the board of the University of Colorado searched for a new president, it wanted a leader familiar with the state government, a major source of the university's budget. "We didn't do any global consideration," says Patricia Hayes, the board's chair. The board finally picked Bruce Benson, a 69-year-old Colorado businessman and political activist who is likely to do well in the main task of modern university presidents: fund-raising. Fund-raising is a particularly American thing, since U.S. schools rely heavily on donations. The fund-raising ability is largely a product of experience and necessity.
Many European universities, meanwhile, are still mostly dependent on government funding. But government support has failed to keep pace with rising student numbers. The decline in government support has made fund-raising an increasingly necessary ability among administrators , and has made hiring committees hungry for Americans.
In the past few years, well-known schools around the world have joined the trend. In 2011, when Cambridge University appointed Alison Richard, another former Yale provost, as its vice-chancellor, the university publicly stressed that in her previous job she had overseen " a major strengthening of Yale's financial position".
Of course, fund-raising isn't the only skill outsiders offer. The globalization of education means more universities will be seeking heads with international experience of some kind to promote international programs and attract a global student body. Foreigners can offer a fresh perspective on established practices. | high2105.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "Because he wanted to pick up his wife."
},
"options": [
"Because he wanted to pick up his wife.",
"Because he wanted to show off his car.",
"Because he wanted to wipe off his car.",
"Because he wanted to do some shoppin... | Coming my way from across the parking lot was what society would consider a _ .From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes, and no money.There are times when you feel generous but there are other times that you just don't want to be bothered.This was one of those "don't want to be bothered times".
" I hope he doesn't ask me for any money," I thought.
He didn't.He came and sat on the edge of the pavement in front of the bus stop but he didn't look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus.After a few minutes he spoke.
"That's a very pretty car," he said.
He was in rags but he had an air of dignity around him.His badly-grown blond beard kept more than his face warm.
I said, "thanks," and continued wiping off my car.He sat there quietly as I worked.The expected plea for money never came.As the silence between us widened, something inside said, "ask him if he needs any help." I was sure that he would say "yes" but I held true to the inner voice.
"Do you need any help?" I asked.
He answered in three simple words that I shall never forget.We often look for wisdom in great men and women.We expect it from those of higher learning and achievements.I expected nothing but an outstretched dirty hand.He spoke the three words that shook me.
"Don't we all?" he said. | high21847.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "4168--6106."
},
"options": [
"819--l647--3226.",
"207--322--2973.",
"800345--2929.",
"4168--6106."
],
"question": "If you want to learn to be independent,what phone number will you dial?",
"question_type": "... | The International School for Earth Studies
It's a private,interdisciplinary institution specializing in earth-based studies.The Programs encourage students to explore the seeds of greatness,with a view to developing tomorrow's environmentally sensitive spokespersons and leaders. The principle goal is to help students develop responsibility inspired through appreciation and love for natural places and the greater environment.
Program Location(s):Newfoundland,Canada
Phone:819--647--3226
Email:info@earthstudies.ca
Expedition Education Institute
Do you want to be an ecological leader,to become deeply rooted in the natural world and in your own power to make change and create a better,more resilient world?
Organized as the equivalent to a semester abroad,Expedition Education Institute offers a unique opportunity for gap year participants to be personally transformed and academically challenged and supported to become better and more self-directed life-long learners.
Program Location(s):USA
Phone:207--322--2973
Email:Info@expedition educatlon.org
The Experiment in International Living
It provides summer abroad programs for high school students who want to connect deeply and engage meaningfully with the richness and complexities of another country. Programs are designed to equip participants not only with essential cultural skills and,in many cases,language skills,but also with a deeper awareness of and sensitivity to critical global issues shaping the diverse communities and regions we visit.
Program Location(s):Europe,the Americas,Africa,south of the Sahara
Phone:800--345--2929
Email:experiment@worldlearning.org
Visitoz
It's the Only organization in Australia that guarantees jobs for young people coming to our country on a Work and Holiday Visa. For young Americans this is a huge chance to get away from home and stand on their own two feet to make their own decisions.
Program Location(s):Australia
Phone:4168--6106
Email:info@visitoz.org | high14624.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "Getting extra work by taking translating jobs online"
},
"options": [
"How to find a job on the Internet",
"How to earn extra money",
"Getting extra work by taking translating jobs online",
"How to find a friend on the ... | Did you know that many people today are getting extra work by taking translating jobs online?
It's true! And you can do it too. Many companies in the USA need translators now to translate simple documents online from Chinese to English, such as emails, website content, movie subtitles and more.
Companies like Real Translator Jobs are actively seeking translators from China to fill demand. There are more translation jobs than people to complete them. This leaves a big opportunity for anyone to start doing this and earn extra money.
Do you have to speak perfect English? No! Even basic knowledge of English is OK. This is really a job for anyone from China who wants to do it.
We spoke to one student from Beijing, Harris, who has been doing this for 2 years now and is earning between $150 and $225 every day. He completes about 3 to 4 jobs per day which takes him about 3 hours. It's an incredible amount of money to earn on your spare time!
It is great that we now live in the "Information Age" and opportunities like this are available to people in China to earn extra money working from home over the Internet. It's something that our parent's generation could have never imagined. This type of work is surely to do great things for young people in China.
If you would also like to do this, it's easy to get started. Just follow these steps:
1. Sign up at Real Translator Jobs (where Chinese translators are needed now), or a similar service.
2. Review the job posting and complete the ones you like.
3. Get paid once per month by cheque, PayPal or bank wire transfer.
I hope you enjoyed this information and good luck earning extra money online translating documents. | high9050.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "he missed a good chance to retire."
},
"options": [
"he missed the bus.",
"he missed a dental appointment..",
"he missed a good chance to retire.",
"he missed the opportunity seeing his closed relative."
],
"que... | In this life, what did you miss?
The wife asked the husband when she was 25. Despondently, the husband replied: 'I missed a new job opportunity.' When she was 35, the husband angrily told her that he had just missed the bus. At 45, the husband sadly said: 'I missed the opportunity seeing my closed relative before his last breath.' At 55, the husband said disappointingly: 'I missed a good chance to retire.' At 65, the husband hurriedly replied: 'I missed a dental appointment.' At 75, the wife did not ask the husband anymore, the husband was kneeling in front of the very sick wife. Remembering the question the wife used to ask him, this time he asked the wife the same question. The wife, with a smile and peaceful look, replied: 'In this life, I did not miss having you!' The husband was full of tears. He always thought that they could be together forever. He was always busy with work and trifles. So much so he had never been thoughtful to his wife. The husband hugged the wife tightly and said: 'Over 50 years, how I had allowed myself to miss your deep love for me.'
In the busy city life, there are many people who are always busy with work. These people revolve their lives around their jobs, these people sacrifice all their times and health to meet the social expectations. They are unwilling to spend times on health care. They miss the opportunity to be with their children in their growing up. They neglect the loved ones who care for them, and also their health. Nobody knows what is going to happen one year from now.
Life is not _ , so always live in the now. Express your gratitude to your loved ones in words. Show your care with actions. Treat everyday as the last episode of life. In this way, when you are gone, you loved ones would have nothing to feel sorry about. | high6363.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "a pilot"
},
"options": [
"a debt collector",
"a pilot",
"a dentist",
"an artist"
],
"question": "According to the researchers, a child born in March is likely to become _ .",
"question_type": "cloze_questi... | The time of year a baby is born can shape what profession they will _ in later life, a new study has suggested. Being born in a certain month appears to indicate the possibility of what job a person will end up with, the study by the Office for National Statistics found.
Researchers have uncovered that the month in which babies are born could also affect everything from intelligence to length of life. A child born in December is more likely to become a dentist while someone whose birthday falls in January will tend to a debt collector, they found.
A February birth appears to increase the chances of being an artist while March babies appear to go on to become pilots. Meanwhile, April and May are said to have a fairly even spread of professions, births in the summer months mean a much lower chance of becoming a high-earning football player, doctor or dentist. The study was gained by researchers who analyzed the birth months of people in 19 separate occupations using information from the last census , the Daily Mail reported. Although these trends may be difficult to explain, relations between birth months and specific health problems have a scientific basis.
Spring babies are at greater risk of illnesses including schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, asthma and autism. They may also be less clever than classmates born in other parts of the year. (http://www.ebigear.com/news-115-76605.html) | high22396.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "Because the payments of hotels and services are usually made through credit cards in these places."
},
"options": [
"Because they are from developed countries.",
"Because the payments of hotels and services are usually made through... | Here are four pieces of news from China Daily:
SHANGHAI---The Huachen Group, which has put 83 million yuan in the development of the commerce market since its official registration late last year, recently held a meeting in Shanghai to show the use of its newly opened tourism business payment network. The network aims to serve tourists from all over the world, but especially from Europe and the United States where credit cards are popularly used. After opening the www.ehinaeonet.com website, netizens can get information about hotels and tourism services on tourism page. Hotels and services can be reserved and payment made through credit cards. The network opened in February in Beijing.
SYDNEY---The Sydney Olympic flame will travel underwater on Australia's Great Barrier Reef during the torch relay following a successful test.
Scuba diver Wendy Craig, a marine biologist, will carry the torch on three-to-four-minute underwater journey at Agincourt Reef on June 27, creating Olympic history, organizers said yesterday.
Burning at 2,000 degrees, the torch is expected to remain alight three meters underwater because of a special kind of technology which creates a "fierce flame"--- too powerful to be drowned out by water. Charles Tegner, managing director of torch creator, said the flame would burn like a flame from oxygen-producing chemicals.
BEIJING---The election of a new leader in Taiwan cannot change the fact that Taiwan is part of China. "Taiwan Independence" in whatever form will never be allowed, according to a statesman of China's central government.
"We should listen to what the new leader in Taiwan says and watch what he does. We will observe where he will lead Cross-Straits relations. We are willing to exchange views on Cross-Straits relations and peaceful reunification with all parties, organizations and people in Taiwan who favor the one-China principle," says the statesman, from Taiwan Affairs Office of the CPC Central Committee.
HAIKOU---Customs officers in Haikou, capital of South China's Hainan Province, recently stopped a boat loaded with 781 cases of foreign-brand cigarettes being smuggling into China. The cigarettes are estimated to be worth more than 1.8 million yuan, said a customs officer. They discovered the smuggling boat as they were going around the northern sea area of Yangpu Port.
The smuggled cigarettes cases, packed into two containers, were _ to avoid being examined. The boat was registered in the coastal city Xiamen in East China's Fujian Province. All eight suspects aboard the boat were kept by the police in Haikou. | high12255.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "To attract tourists to Virginia ."
},
"options": [
"To attract tourists to Virginia .",
"To encourage people to settle in Virginia .",
"To introduce historic sites in Virginia .",
"To give people a general description o... | Rock House Museum
Take a journey through history with a visit to the exciting museum and historic sites of Wytheville . The Rock House Museum offers glimpses into daily life in the 19th century . The museum is part of the 50 structures featured in Wytheville's Historic Walking Tour . 540/233-3330 .
Grand Caverns
Grand Caverns is America's oldest cave . Beautiful and massive formations . Union troops visited the caverns . Thomas Jefferson visited--you should , too ! Open weekends in March , daily April--October , 9 a.m.--5 p.m. Hour tours leave every 30 minutes . 703/249-5705 .
The News Museum
The News Museum in Arlington is the world's only interactive museum of news . Visitors can be reporters or television newscasters , see today's news as it happens on a block-long video news wall , and be taken behind the scenes to see how news is made . The News museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a. m.--5 p. m. You can visitwww. News museum .Org .
Kenmore Plantation & Gardens
Kenmore Plantation & Gardens has over two hundred years of history from the Revolutionary War , Civil War and into the 21st century . Home of Betty Washington , George Washington's only sister , and Patriot Col. Fielding Lewis . Explore this historic building and city block of restored gardens . Tea and ginger cookies served . 540/373-3381 .
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach offers 11 000 hotel / motel rooms , plus cottages and campgrounds . Enjoy miles of clean beaches and a variety of family attractions . Fine restaurants , various shopping areas , exciting nightlife , and special events are offered throughout the year . 800/822-3224 . | high1418.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "to employ English teachers"
},
"options": [
"to start a business",
"to employ English teachers",
"to provide the latest jobs",
"to help people find a suitable job"
],
"question": "The purpose of the advertisemen... | English Teacher Needed
We are one of the biggest English Teacher agency in China, we refer lots of foreign teacher/employee to university or company daily.We provide this service to teacher for free.
What you need to do is log on our website www.languageteaching.com.cn and register, we will put your resume on Chinese website except contact details.There are thousand potential clients who will view your information daily, once they choose you we will contact with you.For any more details you also can send email to admin@languageteaching.com.cn
Part Time English Tutor wanted
We are looking for a part time English teacher, the teacher should come from U.S.A, Canada, UK, New Zealand or Australia.We would like to have 2 lessons a week, 2 hours each lesson.Please send me your Resume with photo if you are interested, email: admin@languageteaching.com.cn
Private English Tutor Wanted
Senior Chinese manager is looking for a one-on-one English tutor for several hours per week.He would like to learn British pronunciation, so UK nationals will be preferred.Tutors should be fairly flexible to suit his busy schedule and be of professional appearance.Pay is to be discussed directly and will be very high for the right candidate.Teaching experience is not a must.
If interested, please send an email with your background information, pay expectations and a recent picture to dhanyatk@hotmail.com.
_ - Teacher/Librarian!
We are a small Kindergarten to Grade 6 international school in Beijing.We need a teacher/ librarian.The teacher we are looking for will: - Be a Chinese /English speaking librarian.
Qualifications
Be self-starters, active team players,
Have a positive attitude and love to work with kids
Provide an exciting and innovative library program to students.
If you meet the above qualifications, please send your CV and a current picture to principalinchina@yahoo.com . | high14630.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "we'll have polluted the air so badly that it'll be impossible for us to breathe without masks."
},
"options": [
"the seas and oceans will be full of houses",
"we'll have used up all the resources",
"we will not have enough fi... | Some people are pessimistic when they think about the future. They say that a hundred years from now, we will have used most of the earth's resources. We will have polluted our seas badly, and be unable to eat fish from them. We will have made the air so dirty that we will need to wear masks. The world's population will have doubled, and we will have used all the countryside for housing; there will be no farmland left.
Other people believe that Man adapts very easily. They have a different idea of the future. How, in their views, will people be living in a hundred years' time?
One architect believes that Man will move off the land. He suggests that the city of the future will be a huge, pyramid-shaped building, which will be floating on the surface of the sea. About 5,000 families will be living there, and the building will contain shops and schools as well as homes. By living on the sea, we will give the farmers more land to grow crops.
As for oil, people will no longer need it: we will be heating our homes with power from the sun. And we will not be short of minerals, because there are plenty under our oceans. At the moment, we do not have the technology to get them out. But, in a hundred years' time, the optimists say, the new sea cities will be using these resources.
What will be in the shops in the year 3000? What will people be wearing? How will people be traveling?
Scientists who make predictions about the future suggest that, by the year 3000, shops will no longer exist. Computers will have replaced them, and people will order goods from home.
People will be wearing very light, thin clothes. By this time, scientists will have invented a fabric that keeps us cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather.
As for travel, the experts say that most people will be using public transport. Electric cars will be traveling through the streets day and night. Anybody will be able to stop one and use it.
An interesting picture. Unfortunately, we will not be there to see if these predictions come true. | high22382.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "is not a good inspirational phrase for study"
},
"options": [
"best describes how to study well",
"makes people treat study as a habit",
"encourages people to learn step by step",
"is not a good inspirational phrase for... | Common phrases like " no pains, no gains" give the impression that we ought to be suffering while we study. It's almost as though the only way to know if we're putting in enough work is the sense of hardship we bear.
When we haven't taken the time to come up with another idea, all we know how to do is shut ourselves in a room with a book. It's no surprise that we find revision boring and difficult. Just as children learn from playing, we can learn from doing, or at least from study techniques that interest us, rather than make us switch off.
Shutting yourself away can make you learn to hate studying. This leads to a situation where instead of being able to concentrate on your work, you are troubled by how unfair it is that you must study.
When you hate your work it's very difficult to make yourself star, or approach it with any kind of structure or enthusiasm. This can be part of a vicious cycle that traps you into ineffective revision, your poor progress fuelling further annoyance.
Just being around other people really helps fight against feelings of loneliness and, thankfully, it's perfectly possible to work in the company of other people. We just need to learn how to deal with distractions .
It's not necessary to avoid all company, just idle company. Studying in the same room as someone who is ironing or working out is perfectly possible. People who are bored and looking to be distracted, however, are terrible to work around. They constantly try to keep others in conversation.
It's also a good idea to avoid the company of people involved in activities that you would rather be doing than studying. _
If being around others means working in a noisy environment, a pair of headphones and some background music can block out even noisy children. They also act as a psychological barrier, so that people think twice before interrupting you.
When you're studying for a big exam, it seems like your whole life is taken up with study. Friends and family can lessen feelings of isolation . And connecting with other people makes us happy, so it's important not to give that up and to make sure that we take the time to socialize. | high7069.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "Because it spreads quickly."
},
"options": [
"Because it does harm to charity.",
"Because it is popular with celebrities.",
"Because it challenges a person's courage.",
"Because it spreads quickly."
],
"question... | The lce Bucket Challenge, in which people dump a bucket of ice water on their heads and challenge others to do the same, has brought in millions of dollars in donations for the ALS Association, and is among the biggest viral phenomena 2.4 million vides related to the ice bucket challenge have been shared on the social network, and more than 28 million people have posted, commented or liked a post relating to the challenge.
"Marrying the Internet's love of challenges with donation and charity is _ ." Said Neetzan Zimmerman, a former editor at Gawaker who's widely considered as an expert in viral phenomena. "There is no other way to say this--it's absolutely pure brilliance ."
The nature of the Ice Bucket Challenge is, in itself, quick in spread. "People want to look good to others, so it's hard to turn down a prosocial cause," said Jonah Berger, an author of Contagious: Why Things Catch On. "ALS is a great cause, so when someone asks you directly to do this, it's hard to turn them down without seeming like a bad person."
The Ice Bucket Challenge campaign has been great for the ALS Association, a non-profit organization that does research and provides help for patients with Lou Gehrig's disease. It has received $ 22.9 million since July 29 and the donations are coming not only from existing donors, but from nearly half a million new donors.
Celebrities have been interested in the cause, which has undoubtedly accelerated the spread. At this point, it's almost difficult to find a celebrity who hasn't had ice water dumped on his or her head. Kobe and Lcbron have done it and Bieber has done it twice. "If you are doing, it's as if you could stand in for them," said Jennifer Cool, an anthropologist at USC who studies Internet culture and history. "You can be in the shoes of Lady Gaga or Bill Gates, too."
And, of course, there's showing off factor, Internet is a place to show off and promote yourself, filled with incredible vacation photos, reminders to all that you're in love with challenges. You may have some friends who've seemed eager to show off their bikini or swim trunk bodies in their Ice Bucket Challenge videos. At this point, some celebrities seem to be trying to one-up each other. Bill Gates released a highly produced video of himself designing a method of dumping water on himself. Hockey player Paul Bissonnette, for some reason, had a helicopter drop glacier water on him. | high12241.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "People suffering sleeping problems."
},
"options": [
"People full of imagination.",
"People suffering sleeping problems.",
"People having access to the Internet.",
"People having bad lifestyles."
],
"question": ... | Few of us make money by losing sleep.But three graduate students at Brown University in Providence built a company around sleep deprivation .
Jason Donahue, Ben Rubin and Eric Shashoua were working late nights in Brown's business and engineering schools.They began thinking about ways to sleep better.They discovered they weren't alone in burning the midnight oil.Around 20% of Americans get less than six hours of rest a night.
The friends imagined a smart alarm clock that could track how much time people spend in the most restorative stages of the sleep cycle: REM (rapid eye movement) and deep sleep.What would it cost to design such a thing? Five years of research, 20 employees, $14 million and a whole lot of doubting from investors and scientists.
Their company, Zeo, based in Newton, Mass, launched its product in June, 2009.The Zeo device uses a headband with tiny sensors that scan your brain for signs of four sleep states- REM, light, deep and waking sleep.The smart alarm clock displays a graph of your sleep pattern and wakes you as you're not in REM sleep (which is when you're least groggy).In the morning you can upload the data to the company's Web site, and so track your sleep over time.Most of the feedback comes in the form of Zeo's ZQ score showing how well you've slept.
"Zeo allows people to unlock this black box of sleep," says Dave Dickinson, a health-care CEO.
Whether any of this actually improves sleep is up to the consumer, who will also need to make lifestyle changes like cutting out alcohol before bedtime or caffeine after 3 pm.
For now the company is selling Zeo online only.Dickinson also plans to spread it to countries such as Australia, where sleep deprivation approaches US levels. | high11748.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "Her voiced style."
},
"options": [
"Her musical partner.",
"Her voiced style.",
"Jazz instrumentalists.",
"Her way of singing."
],
"question": "What made Holiday develop a new way of controlling tempo?",
"qu... | Billie Holiday was an American jazz singer and songwriter. Nicknamed Lady Day by her loyal friend and musical partner, Lester Young, Holiday was a great influence on jazz and pop singing. Her voiced style, strongly inspired by jazz instrumentalists, pioneered a new way of controlling tempo . Above all, she was admired for her deeply personal and direct approach to singing.
Billie Holiday was born Eleanora Fagan on April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her father, Clarence Halliday (Holiday), a musician, did not marry or live with her mother. Her mother had moved to Philadelphia when thirteen, after being driven away from her parents' home in Sandtown-Winchester, Baltimore for becoming pregnant. With no support from her own parents, Holiday's mother arranged for the young Holiday to stay with her older married half sister, Eva Miller, who lived in Baltimore.
During her final period of separation from her mother, Holiday began to perform the songs she learned while working in the brothel . By early 1929, Holiday joined her mother in Harlem. Their landlady was a sharply dressed woman named Florence Williams, who ran a brothel at 151 West 140th Street. In order to live, Holiday and her mother had to work there. Holiday had not yet turned fourteen at that time. On May 2, 1929, the house was raided , and Holiday and her mother were sent to prison. After spending some time in a workhouse, her mother was released in July, followed by Holiday in October, at the age of 14.
She co-wrote a few songs, and several of them have become jazz standards, notably God Bless the Child, Don't Explain, and Lady Sings the Blues. She also became famous for singing jazz standards written by others, including Easy Living and Strange Fruit.
Her early career is hard to track down exactly. But, she later gained work singing in local jazz clubs before being spotted by a talent scout , John Hammond, in 1933, aged 18.
Her voice and recordings are loved for the depth of emotion and intensity she could bring to classic standards. Her range of voice was not the greatest, but, her extraordinary gravelly voice was soon to become very famous and influential.
She was an important icon of the jazz era and influential in the development of jazz singing. In the late 1930s she began singing a civil rights song called Strange Fruit--a song which told the tale of a lynching of a black man in the deep south. It was very controversial for that period and it was not played on radios. It was recorded for Commodore records and she performed it many times over the next 20 years.
In early 1959 she found out that she had cirrhosis of the liver. The doctor told her to stop drinking, which she did for a short time, but soon returned to heavy drinking. By May she had lost twenty pounds, friends Leonard Feather, Joe Glaser, and Allan Morrison tried to get her to check into to a hospital, she put them off.
On May 31, 1959, Holiday was taken to Metropolitan Hospital in New York suffering from liver and heart disease. She was arrested for drug possession as she lay dying, and her hospital room was raided by authorities. Police officers were stationed at the door to her room. Holiday remained under police guard at the hospital until she died from cirrhosis of the liver on July 17, 1959.Billie Holiday had difficult life experiences which influenced her attitude towards life. She experienced many violent relationships. She also became increasingly dependent on various drugs which contributed to her early death in 1959, aged just 44. | high19314.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "doubted the existence of true love at first"
},
"options": [
"thought the game was meaningless",
"believes everyone can experience true love",
"doubted the existence of true love at first",
"sometimes left \"shmily\" ar... | My grandparents were married for over half a century, and played their own special game the time they had met each other. The goal of their game was to write the word "shmily" in a surprise place for the other to find. They took turns leaving "shmily" around the house, and as soon as one of them discovered it, it was their turn to hide it once more. They dragged "shmily" with their fingers through the sugar and flour containers to await whoever was preparing the next meal. "Shmily" was written in the steam left on the mirror after a hot shower, where it would reappear bath after bath. There was no end to the places where "shmily" would _ . Little notes with "shmily" were found on car seats, or taped to steering wheels. The notes were put inside shoes and left under pillows. "Shmily" was written in the dust upon the mantel and traced in the ashes of the fireplace. This mysterious word was as much a part of my grandparents' house as the furniture.
It took me a long time before I was able to fully appreciate my grandparents' game. Skepticism has kept me from believing in true love --- one that is pure and enduring . However, I never doubted my grandparents' relationship. It was based on passionate affection which not everyone is lucky enough to experience.
But there was a dark cloud in my grandparents' life: my grandmother had breast cancer. The disease had first appeared ten years earlier. As always, Grandpa was with her every step of the way. He comforted her in their yellow room, painted that way so that she could always be surrounded by sunshine, even when she was too sick to go outside. But my grandmother grew steadily weaker until, finally, she could not leave the house anymore. Then one day, what we all dreaded finally happened. Grandma was gone.
"Shmily." It was written in yellow on the pink ribbons of my grandmother's funeral bouquet . As the crowd thinned and the last mourners turned to leave, Grandpa stepped up to my grandmother's coffin and, taking a shaky breath, he began to sing to her. Through his tears and grief, the song came: S-h-m-i-l-y: See How Much I Love You. | high4560.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "Put on an advertisement in a local newspaper."
},
"options": [
"Put on an advertisement in a local newspaper.",
"Display your goods in front of the garage.",
"Find rare items and fix their prices.",
"Clear your garage a... | On any weekend throughout the year one can spend hours browsing through neighborhood flea markets.These are very popular for those who are in search of bargains and who have a keen eye for picking through what others have
.They hunt and search for something they can reuse.Americans love secondhand merchandise which can be bought cheaply and restored to its original use.In many cases the condition and the quality are still good, though the style might be outdated.
For some people searching through flea markets is a hobby which reaps rewards.They look for possible antiques among the items for sale or for old furniture which can be restored with a little care and used again.Many wise collectors often find rare items worth much more than their bargained price.Since prices are usually not fixed, if one is persistent a bargain can easily be struck.The owner may be selling a rare collectable and may not even be aware of its value.One of the great pleasures of shopping at such markets is the chance to bargain with the shop owner and settle for a price which one can afford and is willing to pay.
Perhaps even more enjoyable than flea markets are the weekend outdoor garage sales which have now become very much a part of American culture.These are held usually in the spring and fall when the weather is still good.Usually a homeowner, having decided that he would like to clear his residence of accumulated items which are no longer useful to him, advertises in a local paper that he is holding a garage sale.More than likely the goods on display are in good condition and great buys can be found if one has the time and patience to search carefully.The home owner places items for sale on display along the driveway leading to his garage or on his front lawn and waits for people to look at what he has to sell.Old magazines, books, paintings, bicycles, ice-skates, items of clothing and electrical appliances of every sort appear on a regular basis.If the owner is in a position where he must sell his home or plans to move soon, then he may be forced to practically give things away at a price far below their true worth. | high16027.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "She meant to stay with her aunt's family."
},
"options": [
"She intended to go sightseeing there.",
"She meant to stay with her aunt's family.",
"She was homeless and adopted by her aunt.",
"She wanted to try her luck a... | The thing is,my luck's always been ruineD. Just look at my name: Jean.Not Jean Marie,or Jeanine,or Jeanette,or even Jeanne.Just Jean.Did you know in France,they name boys Jean? It's French for John.And okay,I don't live in France.But still,I'm basically a girl named John.If I lived in France,anyway.
This is the kind of luck I've had since before Mom even filled out my birth certificate.So it wasn't any big surprise to me when the cab driver didn't help me with my suitcase.I'd already had to tolerate arriving at the airport to find no one there to greet me,and then got no answer to my many phone calls,asking where my aunt and uncle were.Did they not want me after all? Had they changed their minds? Had they heard about my bad luck--all the way from Iowa--and decided they didn't want any of it to _ them?
So when the cab driver,instead of getting out and helping me with my bags,just pushed a little button so that the trunk popped open a few inches,it wasn't the worst thing that had ever happened to me.It wasn't even the worst thing that had happened to me that day.
According to my mom,most brownstones in New York City were originally single-family homes when they were built way back in the 1800s.But now they've been divided up into apartments,so that there's one--or sometimes even two or more families--per floor.
Not Mom's sister Evelyn's brownstone,though.Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Ted Gardiner own all four floors of their brownstone.That's practically one floor per person,since Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Ted only have three kids,my cousins Tory,Teddy,and Alice.
Back home,we just have two floors,but there are seven people living on them.And only one bathroom.Not that I'm complaining.Still,ever since my sister Courtney discovered blow-outs,it's been pretty frightful at home.
But as tall as my aunt and uncle's house was,it was really narrow--just three windows across.Still,it was a very pretty townhouse,painted gray.The door was a bright,cheerful yellow.There were yellow flower boxes along the base of each window,flower boxes from which bright red--and obviously newly planted,since it was only the middle of April,and not quite warm enough for them.
It was nice to know that,even in a sophisticated city like New York,people still realized how homey and welcoming a box of flowers could be.The sight of those flowers cheered me up a little.
Like maybe Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Ted just forgot I was arriving today,and hadn't deliberately failed to meet me at the airport because they'd changed their minds about letting me come to stay.
Like everything was going to be all right,after all.
Yeah.With my luck,probably not.
I started up the steps to the front door of 326 East Sixty-Ninth Street,then realized I couldn't make it with both bags and my violin.Leaving one bag on the sidewalk,I dragged the other up the steps with me.Maybe I took the steps a little too fast,since I nearly tripped and fell flat on my face on the sidewalk.I managed to catch myself at the last moment by grabbing some of the fence the gardeners had put up... | high11990.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "not all the games have long history"
},
"options": [
"people began to play about one hundred years ago",
"about 100 years ago people ran or jumped when they played",
"basketball has a longer history than volleyball",
"n... | All over the world people enjoy sports. Sports help to keep people healthy, happy and help them to live longer.
Sports change with the season. People play different games in winter and summer. Games and sports often grow out of people's work and everyday activities. The Arabs use horses or camels in much of their everyday life; they use them in their sports, too.
Some sports are so interesting that people everywhere go in for them. Football, for example, has spread around the world. Swimming is popular in all countries near the sea or in those with many rivers.
Some sports or games go back thousands of years, like running or jumping. Chinese boxing, for example, has a very long history. But basketball and volleyball are rather new. Neither one is a hundred years old yet. People are inventing new sports or games all the time.
People from different countries may not be able to understand each other, but after a game they often become good friends. Sports help to train a person's character . One learns to fight hard but fight fair, to win without pride and to lose with grace . | high20595.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "At the age of 4."
},
"options": [
"At the age of 3.",
"At the age of 4.",
"At the age of 6.",
"At the age of 17."
],
"question": "When did Oprah Winfrey make up her mind that her life would be better?",
"que... | Until she was six, Oprah Winfrey lived on a farm with her grandmother. She remembers, "One day, my grandmother was boiling clothes because at that time we didn't have a washing machine. I was four years old, and I remember thinking, 'My life won't be like this. It will be better.' " It is better-- much better. Winfrey is a billionaire, and "the Oprah Winfrey Show", which is watched by over 20 million people every day, has won many awards.
As a little girl, Winfrey was always different. She learned to read when she was three. She read the Bible in church and was famous for being the little girl who talked a lot. Since then, talking has been the most important part of her life.
She got her first big chance while at Tennessee State University. At age 17, she was offered a job at a radio station. Next, she hosted a talk show, " People Are Talking" , which soon became very popular. People felt comfortable telling her about their lives, and people liked her warm interviewing style. After a year, the show was renamed " The Oprah Winfrey Show" , and she was a star.
Winfrey's real dream, though , was to be an actor.
Finally, she achieved this when she starred in " The Color Purpose" in 1985. Her performance won her an Oscar nomination . She now has her own production company. Harpo Productions ("Harpo" is "Oprah" spelled backward).Winfrey says her greatest lesson in her life is " not living my life to please other people, but doing what my heart says". | high17339.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "we will appear educated on important occasions"
},
"options": [
"we will offend others",
"we will appear educated on important occasions",
"we needn't pay more attention to grammar rules",
"we can express ourselves more... | Few people realize that there is a big difference between formal English and informal English. Formal English is used for most writing, and often in public speaking and formal meetings. It pays close attention to grammar rules, because if we use proper grammar, our meaning is often more _ . Also, on important occasions, we do not want to appear uneducated or to offend others, so we are very careful about how we speak. Informal English is used in speaking or writing to our friends and family. It often does not pay such close attention to grammar rules, because when we speak or write to them, we want our words to flow quickly. Also, with our friends and family, we are usually not so worried about appearing uneducated or about offending them by how we write or speak.
A big difference between formal and informal English is the use of contractions. A contraction is where we make a word shorter or where we put two words together and take away some of the letters. For example, instead of saying "do not", many people say "don't". Using contractions in our speech is fine because it sounds natural, especially when we speak to our friends. In formal writing, however, contractions are usually avoided because people might think that you have made a mistake, or that you do not know proper grammar.
In the same way we might make words shorter, in informal English we often make sentences shorter as well. For example, if someone asks you your name, you will likely answer with one word: your first name. However, in formal English we usually use complete sentences. For example, we might write "My name is John". In most speaking, we may not need to use every word in a sentence because the person we are speaking to will probably still understand us. In most writing, however, every word in a sentence must be written out in order to make sure that we can be understood. | high2111.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "direct the driver when necessary"
},
"options": [
"look ahead to see where there's a turn",
"direct the driver when necessary",
"move to the back seat if feeling uncomfortable",
"keep looking at the map to find a place ... | It's great fun to explore new places--it feels like an adventure,even when you know you're not the first to have been there. But make sure not to get lost or waste time going round in circles.
* Do the map reading if you're being driven somewhere. It'll be easier if you keep turning the map so it follows the direction you're traveling in. Keep looking ahead so that you can give the driver lots of warning before having to make a turn or you'll have to move to the back seat.
* Get a group of friends together and go exploring. You'll need a good map, a compass , a raincoat, a cell phone to call for help in case you get lost, and a bit of spare cash for emergencies . Tell someone where you're going before you set out and let them know what time you expect to be back. The test is in not getting lost, not in seeing how fast you can go, so always stick together, waiting for slower friends to catch up.
* See if your school or a club organizes orienteering activities, in which you need a map and a compass to find your way. This can be done as a sport, with teams trying to find the way from A to B (and B to C, etc.)in the fastest time, or simply as a spare-time activity. Either way, its not only good fun, but a great way to keep fit. | high10330.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "They can hardly meet the special demands of education."
},
"options": [
"They can hardly meet the special demands of education.",
"They are quite enough to solve the present problem.",
"They only focused on a major specialism... | All schoolchildren should have "happiness" lessons up to the age of 18 to combat growing levels of depression, according to a senior government adviser.
"Pupils should study subjects such as how to manage feelings, attitudes to work and money, channeling negative emotions and even how to take a critical view of the media," said Lord Richard Layard, a Labor peer and professor of economics at the London School of Economics.
The proposal comes only days after the Government said that lessons in manners--including respect for the elderly and how to say "please" and "thank you"--should be taught in secondary schools to combat bad behavior.
Lord Layard, the director of the wellbeing program at the LSE's Center for Economic Performance, said: "Learning hard things takes an enormous amount of practice. To play the violin well takes 10,000 hours of practice. How can we expect people to learn to be happy without large amounts of practice and repetition?"
It is believed that at least two percent of British children under 12 now struggle with significant depression. Among teenagers, the figure rises to five percent. A UNICEF study involving 21 developed countries showed that British children were the least satisfied with their lives, while the World Health Organization predicts that childhood psychiatric disorders will rise by 50 percent by 2020.
In a speech at Cambridge University, Lord Layard said the Government's lessons in manners did not go far enough. "We need a commitment to producing a major specialism in this area, with a serious teacher training program," he said.
However, happiness lessons have been criticized by academics. Frank Furedi, a sociology professor at Kent University and author of Therapy Culture, said: "In pushing emotional literacy, what some teachers are really doing is abandoning teaching. They are giving up and talking about emotions instead, so that children value all this non-discipline-led activity more than maths, English or science. What is amazing about this is that time and time again, research says that it does not work." | high16999.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "She was disabled in an accident."
},
"options": [
"She was disabled in an accident.",
"She disliked judo training.",
"She learnt several moves.",
"She won the first two matches hard."
],
"question": "What can we... | One girl decided to study judo although she had lost her left arm in a car accident.
The girl began lessons with an old Japanese judo instructor. The girl was doing well. So she couldn't understand why, after three months of training, the instructor had taught her only one move.
"Instructor," the girl finally said, "Shouldn't I be learning more moves?"
"This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you'll ever need to know," the instructor replied.
Not quite understanding, but believing in her teacher, the girl kept training.
Several months later, the instructor took the girl to her first tournament. Surprising herself, the girl easily won her first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, her opponent became impatient and charged. The girl skillfully used her one move to win the match. Still amazed by her success, the girl was now in the finals.
This time, her opponent was bigger, stronger and more experienced. For a while, the girl appeared to be _ . Concerned that the girl might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. She was about to stop the match when the instructor intervened .
"No," the instructor insisted, "Let her continue."
Soon after the match restarted, her opponent made a serious mistake: she dropped her guard. Instantly, the girl used her move to pin her opponent. The girl had won the match and the tournament. She was the champion.
On the way home, the girl and her teacher reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the girl gathered the courage to ask what was really on her mind.
"Instructor, how did I win the tournament with only one move?"
"You won for two reasons," the teacher answered. "First, you've almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. Second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm."
The girl's biggest weakness had become her biggest strength. | high2677.txt |
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