questions list | article stringlengths 9 6.44k | id stringlengths 9 14 |
|---|---|---|
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "For education."
},
"options": [
"For fun.",
"For education.",
"For money.",
"For fame."
],
"question": "Why does Helen travel to different places worldwide?",
"question_type": "factiod_questions"
},
{
... | Helen Thayer, one of the greatest explorers of the 20th century, loves challenges. She says,"I like to see what's on the other side of the hill." She has gone almost everywhere to do that.
In 1988,at the age of 50,she became the first woman to travel alone to the North Pole. She pulled her own sled piled with 160 pounds of supplies,and during her trip no one brought her fresh supplies.Accompanied only by her dog Charlie,she survived cold weather and meetings with polar bears. In fact,Charlie saved her life when one of them attacked her.Near the end of her trip,a forceful wind blew away the majority of her supplies. The last week of the trip,she survived on a handful of nuts and a little water each day.
Helen goes to challenging places not only for adventures,but also for education.Before her Arctic journey,she started a website called Adventure Classroom.On the site,she shared her adventures in order to inspire students.She explained,"Although kids often see the world in a negative way,without hope for their future,we work to inspire them to set goals,plan for success and never give up..."
Helen grew up in New Zealand.Her parents were athletes and mountain climbers.Following her parents'example,she climbed her first mountain at the age of nine.Later,she climbed the highest mountains in North and South America,the former USSR and New Zealand.
In 1996,she took on another challenge--the Sahara Desert.She and her husband,Bill,walked 2,400 miles across it.In 2001,she and Bill travelled on foot from west to east through the Gobi Desert in Mongolia.They hope to travel in mainland China into Sichuan and Tibet to study pandas.
Helen plans to continue taking trips.She'll use her explorations,writing,photography and environmental works to create programs for her Adventure Classroom website. She wants to inspire her students to never stop facing challenges. | high17044.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "Have joy and spread joy to people around you"
},
"options": [
"Give your fortune to your coming generations",
"Treat your fortune as very valuable things",
"Pass your joy on to your coming generations",
"Have joy and sp... | I was driving down the road the other day, listening to sweet music coming out of my car radio. My heart felt peaceful, my mind was clear, and my soul was full of love. Even with all its problem: life seemed good. Then the music stopped and the news came on. There was talk of another famous millionaire in drug rehab after an incident with the police. There was news on the murder of a poor man whose life was supposed to be changed after winning the lottery. There was even a discussion on how much greed and excess had damaged our world.
Every story seemed to point once again to the old saying that money can't buy happiness. Hearing them made me think of a movie I saw many years ago on Mother Teresa's home for the dying in India. What struck me most when I watched it wasn't the unbearable poverty there. It wasn't the sickness and suffering that the people there were going through. It was rather the peaceful smiles of love, kindness, and happiness that they shared with the Sisters and with each other.. These people had nothing. Many were struggling at the end of death. Yet, they knew the simple truth that so many of us here are still learning: Joy is Free.
We can have joy and spread joy everyday of our life here. Don't love or admire dollar signs and think that money will bring you happiness then. Joy can't be purchased. It can't be owned. It can only be chosen and then given freely to others. In the eyes of eternity money is only worthless paper. The only thing that matters is the love within you and the love that you give to the world. Make that your legacy and your life will forever be rich in joy. | high19069.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "some Americans join a health club but never go there"
},
"options": [
"some Americans join a health club but never go there",
"the number of overweight people has doubled since 1993",
"more than 45 million Americans now go to... | One of the most widely accepted, commonly repeated assumptions in our culture is that if you exercise, you will lose weight. I exercise all the time, but I still have gut fat that hangs over my belt when I sit. Why isn't all the exercise getting rid of it?
It's a question many of us could ask. More than 45 million Americans now belong to a health club, up from 23 million in 1993. We spend some $19 billion a year on gym memberships. Of course, some people join and never go. Still, as one major study -- the Minnesota Heart Survey -- found, more of us at least say we exercise regularly.
And yet obesity figures have risen sharply in the same period: a third of Americans are obese, and another third count as overweight by the Federal Government's definition. Yes, it's entirely possible that those of us who regularly go to the gym would weigh even more if we exercised less. But like many other people, I get hungry after I exercise, so I often eat more on the days I work out than on the days I don't. Could exercise actually be keeping me from losing weight?
The popular belief that exercise is essential for weight control is actually fairly new. As recently as the 1960s, doctors routinely advised against too much exercise, particularly for older adults who could injure themselves. Today doctors encourage even their oldest patients to exercise, which is sound advice for many reasons: People who regularly exercise are at significantly lower risk for all manner of diseases -- those of the heart in particular. They less often develop cancer and many other illnesses. But the past few years of obesity research show that the role of exercise in weight loss has been wildly over-evaluated.
"In general, for weight loss, exercise is pretty useless," says Eric Ravussin, exercise researcher at Louisiana State University. Many recent studies have found that exercise isn't as important in helping people lose weight as you hear so regularly in gym advertisements or on shows likeThe Biggest Loser -- or, for that matter, from magazines like this one.
The basic problem is that while it's true that exercise burns calories and that you must burn calories to lose weight, exercise has another effect: it can make one hungry. That causes us to eat more, which in turn can negate the weight-loss benefits we just gained. Exercise, in other words, isn't necessarily helping us lose weight. It may even be making it harder. | high11435.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "China's railway pricing scheme unchanged"
},
"options": [
"China's railway pricing scheme unchanged",
"A State-owned company takes over the commercial functions of MOR.",
"China's latest railway reform",
"The former MOR... | BEIJING - China's railway rates for freight and passenger transport will continue to be set by the government, announced a senior official with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's top economic planner, on Friday.
Cao Changqing, head of the NDRC's department of price, said that the country will continue to implement government-set or government-guided prices for the railway sector after the China Railway Corporation (CRC), a State-owned company that takes over the commercial functions of the former Ministry of Railways (MOR), went into business on March 17.
Cao said the railway sector, constituting China's main public transport facilities, is a key basic industry. Its pricing scheme is concerned with both the sector's normal operation and development, as well as the daily traveling and vital interests of the general public.
The state will be very cautious in making any price adjustment in the railway sector, taking into account various factors including operation, construction, public acceptance and coordinated development with other modes of transport, according to the NDRC official.
Under Chinese law and regulations, hearings will be held before adjustments in the basic passenger train ticket fare, Cao said.
In China's latest railway reform, endorsed at the just-concluded annual session of the country's top legislature, the former MOR was dismantled into two parts, with the newly created CRC carrying out business functions and a state railways administration fulfilling administrative functions. | high3172.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "clear labels"
},
"options": [
"clean labels",
"clear labels",
"no label",
"secret labels"
],
"question": "The law requires that furs should carry _ .",
"question_type": "cloze_questions"
},
{
"ans... | When you buy a T-shirt, or a fur coat in a store, it often carries a label telling who made it or from what store it was bought. Instead, some labels show the dress is famous and it is very expensive, so buyers secretly wish they could be carried forever. On the other hand, buyers who deal with the cheapest products would be pleased to be away with labels _ .
However, there is another label more important than the one showing from which store the dress was bought. When a person buys a fur coat, or a jacket from a store, a label telling what the product is made of should be carried to it.
The label is required by law. Besides telling what the product on show is made of, the label should be in clear English and be where one can find it easily. The information on the label must be true.
The reason for this is that most buyers today aren't expert enough to know exactly what kind of fur or material they are buying. The buyers must believe in the store that sells the products or in what the label says. | high20830.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "A person's character."
},
"options": [
"How a person tests his / her brainpower.",
"A person's character.",
"How smart a person is.",
"A person's IQ."
],
"question": "According to Professor Salovery, what factor... | While IQ (Intelligence Quotient) tells you how smart you are. EQ (Emotional Quotient) tells you how well you use your smartness. Professor Salovery, the psychologist who created the term, EQ, says that it is IQ that gets you hired but it is EQ that gets you promoted.
Supported by his research, he suggested that when predicting future successes, a person's brainpower, as measured by IQ tests, might actually matter less than a person's character, or EQ. Professor Salovery may be correct. For example, have you ever wondered why some of the best and smartest students in your class end up failing exams? Perhaps it is because of their EQ. People often make the mistake of thinking that EQ is the opposite of IQ. It is not. Although it is hoped that people have both high EQs and IQs, there is little doubt that those with low EQs have a hard time surviving in life.
For a long time, researchers discussed if a person's IQ could be raised. The geneticists said no, while the social scientists said yes. Furthermore, the social scientists said that it was possible to improve a person's EQ, particularly in terms of "people skills", such as understanding and communication.
Recently, a professor released the findings of a study on senior high school students. When some normal students were introduced to some disabled students, they found that afterwards they were more willing to help people in difficulties. At the same time, there was a marked change in the disabled students' attitudes. They became more positive about their disabilities and were more eager to try new things. People with high EQs often have positive attitudes towards life and are open to different ideas, so they tend to be more creative in their thinking. Please remember that having a high IQ is helpful but having a high EQ might even be more helpful. | high15653.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "She is now called Liz instead of Beth"
},
"options": [
"She had a quarrel with the author in the fifth grade",
"She moved to another school in the fifth grade",
"She is now called Liz instead of Beth",
"She hasn't seen ... | Elizabeth and I are 18 now, and about to graduate. I think about our elementary school friendship, but some memories have blurred . What happened that day in the fifth grade when Beth suddenly stopped speaking to me? Does she know that I've been thinking about her for seven years? If only we could go back, and discover what ended our relationship.
I have to speak with Beth. I see her sometimes, and find out school is "fine". It's not the same. It nvever will be. Someone says that she's Liz now. what happened to Beth?
I can't call her. Should I write? What if she doesn't answer me? How will I know what she's thinking?
Yes, I'll write her a letter. These things are easier to express in writing. "Dear Be-," no, "Dear Li-" no, "Dear Elizabeth," I begin. The words flow freely, as seven-year-old memories are reborn. I ask her all the questions that have been left unanswered in my mind, and pray she will answer. I seal my thoughts in the perfect white envelope, and imagine Beth looking into the mailbox. Will she know why I'm writing? Maybe she once thought of writing the same letter.
As the mailman takes my envelope from me forever, I wonder if I've made the right decision. Do I have the right to force myself into Beth's life again? Am I simply part of the past? I have taken the first stop. _
One day has passed. Are my words lying on the bottom of the post office floor.
Two days are gone. I'm lost in thought and don't even hear the phone ring.
"Hello? It's Elizabeth" | high8027.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "to make a living"
},
"options": [
"to run their own businesses",
"to find their ancestors",
"to make a living",
"to dig gold"
],
"question": "According to Bill Yee, many Chinese went to America in the 1860's mai... | Next year marks the 150thanniversary of when large numbers of Chinese started working on a huge project in the United States. They help to build America's first transcontinental railroad between 1863 and 1869, connecting the East Coast with the West.
People know little about the Chinese railroad workers and what happened to them after the project was finished. Stanford University in California wants to learn more about the lives of these men by reaching out to their families.
Bill Yee's ancestors came from southern China. He said, "My great-great-grandfather came to America during the'gold rush'days and he returned to China as a wealthy man. And then my great-grandfather came to work on the railroad and died there."
But that did not stop his grandfather from coming to the US on false papers. He operated a laundry. Bill Yee's father continued to run the business and has never returned to China.
"Things were pretty bad in some parts of China in the 1860's. They came to America at all costs in order that they no longer had to bear hunger," Bill Yee said.
Shelley Fisher Fishkin is helping to direct the Chinese Railroad Workers in North America Project at Stanford University. She said, "Many of the Chinese workers who came to work on the transcontinental and other railroads returned to China after their work was done and created families there. Some of them settled in America and created new families, but they had families who they left when they came here and they may have descendants in China."
There is a need to create a record of the object and spoken history from the families of the railroad workers.
"The US could not have become the modern industrial nation without the railroads. And the railroads would not have come together without the work of these Chinese workers," said Shelley Fisher Fishkin. | high9339.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "His performance impressed a duke."
},
"options": [
"His father was sure of his future success.",
"His performance impressed a duke.",
"He begged his father to send him to Italy.",
"He practiced hard and taught himself m... | 1685 was a very good year for German composers. Within the space of a month, two of the greatest were born: Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel.
Handel's father was a barber and surgeon, which sounds like a strange combination today, but back then those occupations went hand in hand. Even though Handel was very interested in music, his father didn't think that was a good way to earn a living, so he wanted his son to be a lawyer. The story goes that Handel _ a quiet piano into the house so that he could practice in secret.
One day, Handel went along when his father went to shave a duke. While his father was working, Handel sat down and played the duke's organ. The duke was so impressed that he convinced Handel's father to let his son study music, and Handel finally got to learn how to compose.
Handel soon discovered that what he liked most was opera. In fact, he was so passionate about opera that he even fought a duel over it with one of his friends. Since Italy was the place to learn about opera composing, Handel went off to Italy to study. When he got home, he got a job as court composer for a German prince.
Having landed such a wonderful job, Handel immediately asked his boss for time off. He wanted to go to England, where he'd heard that there weren't nearly enough composers to satisfy the British taste for Italian opera.
After great success writing opera in London, Handel came back to Germany. Then fate played a funny trick on Handel and his boss. The Queen of England died, and it just so happened that the prince Handel worked for was next in line to the British throne. When he arrived in London as King George, followed Handel, his court composer in Germany.
In addition to serving the King, Handel became one of the most successful opera composers of his time. And he also produced them and traveled all over Europe to hire the best singers. There are stories of battles with rival opera producers and of fights between rival singers. Handel apparently had quite a temper.
If you ever go to London, look for Handel's grave in Westminster Abbey, where there's a wonderful monument to him. | high1765.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "his owners would go on a trip"
},
"options": [
"his owners would go on a trip",
"he was just saved from death",
"he would be Spotty's husband",
"he would be trained"
],
"question": "Brownie went to the writer's ... | "Is it possible for Brownie not to be glad to be back after a happy stay at my uncle's?"Miss Gauss asked Dad."It'll be all right. Give her a bit more to eat," he said in a low voice, without tearing his eyes from Brownie while his wife was busy packing Brownie's belongings, saying,"Brownie is not so cute as her younger brother, Spotty. Take care of the little thing when walking him."
It happened on the night of July 10th, 2013 before the Gausses took a trip to Hawaii. They entrusted their pet to me because they thought I was the first person they'd confide in. And another intention of theirs was that I had already trained Spotty into a wellknown pet in my community, which can act many tricks, such as "Sit down!" "Stand up!" "Give me your right hand!" "Turn around!" She can even sing, and, of course, that's just a strange sharp noise. Having seen them off, I took beautiful Brownie home in my arms, for fear that he would slip away.
_ so I tried many ways to be his friend, which made Spotty rather unhappy. They often fought a battle, seemingly to break my roof loose. Soon, Brownie turned out to be an agreeable family member. He was an endearing pet, often begging for comforts in my arms. I seized the chance to train him and he achieved a lot, which I texted Mr.Gauss. They were so overjoyed and decided to fly home ahead of time to see Brownie's qualitative change.
But,all this was thoroughly destroyed because of Brownie's death in a traffic accident. What a poor little creature!He was really dogged by bad luck, and he was saved from death shortly after his birth. For whatever reason,therefore, I was overwhelmed by feelings of guilt, which seemed to run most deeply in me.
The best way to cheer ourselves up is to try first to cheer somebody else up. That will be an everlasting pain in my heart, a wound that does not heal. | high13222.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "Couples of young children eat more fatty foods and lead unhealthier lives."
},
"options": [
"Childless couples live a much happier life than those with children.",
"Mothers will be unhealthy because of the postpartum deprdession",
... | You'd be forgiven for thinking that running after children each day would leave parents in the best shape of their lives.But a study has found that the mothers and fathers of young children are more unhealthy than their childless peers .
Mothers with young children are heavier and eat more calories and fatty foods,and consume more sugary dinks than chidless women,scientists said.And both sexes are less active than those in their age group without children.
Parents often choose quick,easily preparesd foods that are high in fat and calories,and by choosing these foods they may in turn serve them to their children,forming a cycle of unhealthy diet.
Dr.Berge,one of the study authors,said:"This isn't a study about blame,this is about spotting a very high-risk time period for parents that doctors should be aware of ,so they can offer solutions ."
According to the study ,mothers ate more fatty foods and drank about seven sugary drinks weekly,equal to about four chidless women.They also had an average of 2,360 calories daily,368 calories more than women without children,With that many calorise,women that age would need to be active to avoid to avoid gaining weight.
Fathers ate about the same amount of daily calories childless men and both had an average boby-mass index ,but fathersgot less physical activity--about five hours weekly ,compared to almost seven hours among chidless men.
The study has several limitations-there's no data on how many women reccently had babies.Ther's also no information on the number of single parents,who likely face diet and exercise challenges.Sarah Kriger,an American dietician who works with new mothers said some of the mothers may have had postpartum depression,which might affect their eating and exercise habits. | high12128.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "easy-going and optimistic"
},
"options": [
"impolite and greedy",
"easy-going and optimistic",
"shy and unconfident",
"friendly and brave"
],
"question": "We can describe Greg as _ .",
"question_type": "cl... | The story of the day I lost my best friend to a car accident. The day a precious life was taken from us way too soon.
It was a bright and Sunny day in November. Thanksgiving had been celebrated only two days before. Since it was a holiday weekend I had been on the phone with Greg the night before many times. His dad didn't want him to come over because of the holiday. I guess he finally wore him down and he called and said, "I can stay". So, my mom, brother, and I went to pick him up. He was always smiling. The complete opposite of my shy self, Greg was always the life of the party.
We got two large pizzas that Friday night. I've never known anyone in my entire life who loved to eat more than Greg. That's the way he was though. He was just enjoying life. And if it meant gaining weight or whatever, so be it. He would sit back and put his hands on his belly and just laugh. We (Greg, David, and I) did so many funny things together and had such great times. Things we should have done and things we shouldn't have done, I'll "Never" forget.
On Saturday morning Dad took us out for breakfast. We all finished eating and followed my Dad up to the cashier. Greg asked Dad if he could have a candy bar. I looked at Greg shaking my head. He just laughed. After breakfast, Father took us to my Mom's house.
When we got out at Mom's house there was no one home. So, one of us grabbed a big wheel and rode it down the steep driveway into the street. Just boys being boys. Greg and I did it several times until the last time. The car hit him on the head, knocking him around 75-- 100 yards. My brother and I both ran screaming just yelling for help and crying. One of the neighbors called 911. I was in shock. That day was forever etched into our memories.
It still hurts to think about it. Wishing we could have grown old together. Wondering how it would have been. I'm sure It WOULD HAVE BEEN GREAT. | high8033.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "make an observation about a kind of bird"
},
"options": [
"go on a tour of the desert",
"carry out research into some animals in the desert",
"make an observation about a kind of bird",
"enjoy an adventure in southern A... | I bent down in the shade under a sixty-foot-tall cactus , waiting for them to appear. The time was eight thirty in the morning. For seven mornings I had come to the same distant spot in the Sonoran Desert, in southern Arizona. I was here to watch the roadrunner, a small fast-running bird.
I spotted two birds under a bush with red flowers. The roadrunners rushed out from under it. The birds moved rapidly on long skinny legs. Their feathers were brown and black. Their tails were seven inches long. Roadrunners use the tail for balance when running.
That day, the roadrunners performed a courtship dance. They ran in wild circles. Suddenly, one stopped and stood still, its round eyes full of light. The second bird took hold of a small stick off the ground and presented it to the first, a gift serving as a symbol of their partnership.
I returned to the spot each day, leaving bits of boiled chicken hoping they would return. Roadrunners eat snakes, lizards, mice, beetles, and spiders. Food is in short supply in the desert, so my offerings were welcome. The pair grew used to me.
Soon after the pair finished building their nest six white eggs appeared in the nest bowl. In about three weeks, six roadrunner chicks, skin as black as coal, cried for food. Their parents brought food such as fence lizards and stink bugs. They fed their young until they were a month and a half old.
Early one morning, a coyote came around, nose to the ground, for fresh bird meat. The roadrunners fearlessly drove the coyote away, but it was soon back. After three attacks the coyote went away for good, tail between its legs.
I stopped watching the nest when the little roadrunners, at two months of age, were ready to live on their own. It was hard to break away from "my roadrunner family." Whenever I see a roadrunner now, rushing over the ground, I say hello to it as an old friend. | high15647.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "sell the baby chimp"
},
"options": [
"sell the baby chimp",
"ask him to take care of the baby chimp",
"wash the baby chimp's wound",
"ask him to return the baby chimp to its wild community"
],
"question": "The d... | The forest in Senegal, a country in western Africa, is full of the chimps' usual noises. Suddenly dogs bark. Larger male chimps drop from the trees to face the threat while the others climb to safety. Then the dogs' young human masters appear.
One mother chimp with a tiny baby tries to run. The dogs attack and separate them. The two teenage boys quickly catch the baby chimp. But they don't act out of sympathy --- they save the baby so they can sell it.
After the teenagers return to their hometown, they visit a man who is said to be very interested in chimps. When they ask the man, Johnny Kante, if he wants to buy the baby, he replies, "That's not what we do." Kante is a member of a scientific team. Although Kante is angry with the teens for capturing the chimp, he hides his anger and persuades them to take him to the baby chimp.
Unsure of what to do next upon seeing the chimp, Kante calls Jill Pruetz, the head of the chimp research team. "I'm really worried," says Pruetz, doubtful that the mother is still alive. But knowing that wild chimps sometimes adopt orphans , Kante and pruetz decide they must try to return the baby chimp to its wild community.
Kante pays another visit to the teenagers. After he explains how much trouble they are in, because chimps are an endangered species, he requests they should give him the frightened baby without payment. They agree. Kante takes the baby chimp to his home and feeds her milk from a bottle whenever she cries.
The next morning, Pruetz and Kante leave the baby with another team member and begin their search for the wild chimps. Pruetz quickly finds the group in the woods. She recognizes the female that is without her child.
Pruetz is so excited that she runs the entire mile back to bring the baby chimp to the tree where the chimps are hanging out. The researchers place the baby on the ground near the tree and back away. Almost immediately, a male chimp drops to the ground and stares at the baby curiously. He carries her back to where the mother is waiting.
Pruetz still can't believe how fortunate they were to have reunited the mother and child. "Surprising is the only word I can think of," she says. | high14559.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "To reduce CO\n2 emissions from airplanes."
},
"options": [
"To cut down the flight cost of the company.",
"To remove some hurdles for the biofuel to work.",
"To reduce CO\n2 emissions from airplanes.",
"To test plane en... | This morning, a Virgin Atantin 747 Jumbo Jet became the first commercial airplane to fly on biofuel. The short flight from London to Amsterdam used a blend of 20% babassu oil mixed with 80% conventional jet fuel.
What was really exciting about the flight was the fact that the engine did not have to be altered in any way for the biofuel to work While this is a great initial step in trying to reduce CO2(carbon-dioxide)emissions from airplanes. there are a lot of hurdles that still need to be overcome.
First and foremost, unlike the normal fuel used to run airplanes (known as Jet A),biofuel freezes at high altitudes. Also, Jet'A'fuel burns consistently (at the same pace),which means it provides a safe and reliable fuel for long flights--engineers are not sure if biofuel will be able to do the same.
The biggest hurdle to a full biofuel switch is our ability to be able to grow enough crops that can be converted to biofuel. There are two concerns that scientists have in this matter - the first is that the land to grow the extra crops will come from clearing more of our forests and the second is that since it competes with what we eat, the price of food will go up.
However, Richard Branson of Virgin Airlines, envisions that if biofuel starts to replace oil on a greater basis, it will be manufactured from algae produced in sewage treatment plants, not from food sources.
Birgin Airlines is not the only one trying to look for alternative fuel sources. Earlier this year, an Airbus A380 used another alternative fuel-a man-made mix of gas-to-liquid, in one of its four engines. The flight was tested by Rolls Royce (manufacturer of jet engines), in partnership with Shell (an oil company). Rolls Royce is also working with Air New Zealand on a similar project.
While a complete switch to alternative fuel may take years, it is very encouraging to see airlines, oil companies and airplane manufacturers all coming together to try to make it happen! | high1771.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "Ad 3"
},
"options": [
"Ad 1",
"Ad 2",
"Ad 3",
"Ad 4"
],
"question": "If you want to send your kids to the babysitter's home, you can find one in _ .",
"question_type": "cloze_questions"
},
{
"ans... | Lost iPhone
Unexpectedly, I lost my white iPhone 5s in Midtown on Friday night. It had a blue green cover on it. There are many pictures of my son in it, and I'm heartbroken. Please return, no questions asked. Reward. Reply to: -2652255359@craigslist. org
Do you need a babysitter that you can trust? [:++]
My name is Tina. I am a responsible babysitter that you can trust. If you are looking for someone dependable and affordable I am that person! I HAVE MORE THAN 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE (including disabled children)! I am a retired Home Health Aid and absolutely love children. I work with my sister Iris who has also more than 20 years' experience as a teacher's assistant. WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETINC YOU! Available 24 hours and flexible with fees! I am fully bilingual--Spanish/English. Please email me or call 712-867-7688.
I BABYSIT ONLY AT MY HOME
I accept children from all ages. Fee starts from $100~$150 a week depending on the hours. I am very flexible and my fee can change. Feel free to contact me via email or on my cell phone 566-67-1873 and we can work something out.
Part-time Chinese Babysitter Wanted
Part-time Chinese speaking babysitter needed to assist with one-year-old twins and to perform some light housework as needed. Assistance needed Fridays and occasional weekends. Please provide your salary expectation. College students are welcome to apply.
Reply to: comm-encbq-2652113885@craigslist. org | high13236.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "It's people's determination, intelligence and personality that decide their success."
},
"options": [
"How a bitter childhood contributes to one's success.",
"It's important to choose a right career to achieve one's life goal.",
... | Ron Meyer is the president and COO of Universal Studios.As one of the most successful business leaders in Hollywood, he heads up Universal Pictures and Universal Parks & Resorts.He's the guy who oversees the production of Multimillion-dollar extravaganzas likeKing KongandCinderella Man.
Meyer's story sounds like the plot of one of his motion pictures.He grew up in a modest home where there was little income.It was a big deal to go to a restaurant.At 15, he quit high school and spent his time hanging out with the neighborhood toughs .He was then a kid quick with his fists who seemed to get into fights somewhat regularly.At one point, he was separated from others with an infectious disease, having no TV and nothing to do.His mother sent him two books.One wasThe Amboy Dukes, a novel about kids in street gangs.The other wasThe Flesh Peddlers, about a guy in the talent agency who lived a successful life."I realized," he says, "that I was no longer that silly kid I had been, and I wanted to change my life."
Meyer took any job he could get.He worked as a busboy and short-order cook.He cleaned offices and sold shoes.That attitude made an impression on people.One day he received a call from Paul Kohner, a successful agent who represented stars like John Huston, Charles Bronson and Lana Turner.Their messenger and driver had quit, and they knew Ron was willing to take whatever job they offered. He started the job the next day.
Meyer was lucky to work with a good boss--and _ .In nearly six years of driving for Kohner, Meyer became his right-hand man and learned a lot.By the 1970s, Meyer had built many relationships in the business.In 1975, the fate presented an opportunity and he started his own operation Creative Artists Agency, which became a huge success, representing Hollywood legends like Barbra Streisand, Tom Hanks and Tom Cruise.
Twenty years later, Meyer was appointed to run Universal Studios, a position far beyond his youthful dream.But once he saw success was possible, he was driven to achieve it.Today, colleagues regularly owe his success--and theirs--to his humility and perseverance.It's a level of success that takes determination, personality and intelligence, whether it comes from a college education or from the street. | high2278.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "To see the Statue of Liberty."
},
"options": [
"To enjoy roast Beijing duck.",
"To taste the finest French coq au vin.",
"To spend an evening with Beethoven.",
"To see the Statue of Liberty."
],
"question": "Whi... | If you're looking for the place that has everything, there's only one place to visit, and that is New York. It's a whole world in a city.
The World of Theatre: All of New York is a stage. And it begins with Broadway. Where else can you find so many hit shows in one place? Only in New York.
The World of Music: Spend an evening with Beethoven at Lincoln Centre. Swing to the great jazz of Greenwich Village. Or rock yourself silly at the hottest dance spots found anywhere.
The World of Art: From Rembrandt to Picasso. From Egyptian tombs to Indian teepees. Whatever kind of art you like, you will find it in New York.
The World of Fine Dining: Whether it's roast Beijing duck in Chinatown, lasagna in Little Italy, or the finest French coq au vin found anywhere, there is a world of great taste waiting for you in New York.
The World of Sights: What other city has a Statue of Liberty? A Rockefeller Centre? Or a Bronx Zoo? | high5517.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "He works in the bank as a clerk, too."
},
"options": [
"He works in the bank as a clerk, too.",
"He went to the bank to do some business.",
"He was touched by the untouched cup of tea.",
"He got annoyed after waiting a ... | It was January lst, the first day of the year and a holiday for me.I went to the bank to get the bank work out of the way. The bank clerk nodded and I sat in front of him. He was busy filling up entries in his register.
I put my form and booklet in front of him.After waiting for a few more minutes, in which I showed all signs of being impatient, I asked him if my work was done. He shouted, "Nothing is done, and it will take time ! "
Just then I saw his morning cup of tea, which had been lying there for the last ten minutes, untoucheD.The tea had turned almost cold while he was doing his work.Suddenly I felt what this man must be feeling when customers like me come always in a hurry to get their work done. We do not even feel the need to thank them for being there.
So I told him, "Sir, please have your teA.I am not in a hurry. " This man suddenly looked up at me and for the first time we had eye contact.I saw a different person there, who was as hard-pressed for time as I always am.
_ . I felt that he was also missing the small things in life like a hot cup of tea or lying in a warm bed for a few more minutes like me.He gave me a rare smile and said, "It is an everyday affair with me; you are not in a hurry but somebody else will be.
He really touched my heart with his wise words. I felt that all this time I thought of him as someone who was there for my convenience, but today I suddenly felt a strange communion with him. I vowed to be friendly with people who help me with my work and be thankful that they are there for me. | high4609.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "To frighten it away ."
},
"options": [
"To get ready to fight .",
"To protect his son .",
"To calm himself down .",
"To frighten it away ."
],
"question": "Why did Jeb pull his jacket open when he saw the cougar... | Lying in the sun on a rock , the cougar saw Jeb and his son Tom before they saw it . Jeb put his bag down quickly and pulled his jacket open with both hands , making himself look big to the cougar . It worked . The cougar hesitated , ready to attack Jeb , but ready to forget the whole thing , too .
Jeb let go of his jacket , grasped Tom and held him across his body , making a cross . Now the cougar's enemy looked even bigger , and it rose up , ready to move away , but unfortunately Tom got scared and struggled free of Jeb .
" Tom , no ! " shouted his father .
But Tom broke and ran and that's the last thing you do with a cougar . The second Tom broke free , Jeb threw himself on the cougar , just as it jumped from the rock . They hit each other in mid-air and both fell . The cougar was on Jeb in a flash , leaving Tom alone , which was what Jeb wanted .
Cougars are not as big as most people think and a determined man stands a chance , even with just his fists . As the cougar's claws got into his left shoulder , Jeb swung his fist at its eyes and hit hard . The animal howled and put its head back . Jeb followed up with his other fist . Then out of the corner of his eye , Jeb saw Tom . The boy was running back to help his father .
" knife , Tom , " shouted Jeb .
The boy ran to his father's bag , while Jeb started shouting as well as hitting , to keep the cougar's attention away from Tom . Tom got the knife and ran over to Jeb . The cougar was moving its head in and out , trying to find a way through the wall Jeb was making out of his arms . Tom swung with the knife , into the cougar's back . It howled horribly and ran off into the mountains .
The whole fight had taken about thirty seconds . | high11421.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "20"
},
"options": [
"9",
"8",
"20",
"4"
],
"question": "_ parks and gardens are selected as National Parks in the first group.",
"question_type": "cloze_questions"
},
{
"answer": {
"answer_in... | The Ministry of Construction has released the names of the first group of 20 national parks, including 9 Suzhou classical gardens: Zhuozheng Garden, Liu Garden, Wangshi Garden, Huanxiu Villa, Lion Grove, Yipu Garden, Ou Garden, Tuisi Garden and Canglang Pavilion.
National parks refer to the famous city parks and gardens. Suzhou classical gardens are parts of China's precious cultural heritage (all the 9 gardens are on the list of World Cultural Heritage) as well as a necessary part of the life of Suzhou citizens, not to mention they are also world-famous tourism resorts . In fact, their unique historical and cultural background serves to contribute to their ranking among national parks.
The earliest classical gardens in Suzhou can date back to the Song Dynasty. However, the gardens impress their visitors not only with their age-old history but also with their _ scenes, particularly Canglang Pavilion, Zhuozheng Garden, Lion Grove and Liu Garden, the most famous four that represent different styles of dynasties of Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing.
In 1978, an imitation of a Suzhou classical garden was set up by Chen Congzhou (the author of the book Suzhou Classical Gardens) in the City Museum of Art in New York, US, which was the first time ever to directly introduce Chinese ancient architecture to Westerners. | high20824.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "tell the poor to pass on the spirit to others"
},
"options": [
"help the poor go through the difficulties",
"let the poor know who gave away the things",
"tell the poor how to use the items correctly",
"tell the poor to... | The whole morning we just checked our own things. We were looking for items to give away. We thought of blankets, food and clothing. Our aim was not to find things we no longer wanted, but things we use every day and would be useful to others.
We made up boxes with the things and added some small toys. Inside the boxes a simple letter was placed, reading:
"Please take these items and know that your life is important. Times are difficult but they will pass. We share what we have, believing it will matter. Use the blanket to stay warm. Be safe and know that the human spirit can overcome anything. Don't hold your head down. Someday please do the same when you can. How you do it and when, your heart will tell you.
This kind act was not because the phone rang or for any reason. It was simply because it was the right time to do. We have often seen homeless people at the park where we left the belongings. The city would say that it isn't a problem but I see the lives walking to and from it.
I noticed that my wife had put her favorite green coat into one of the boxes. I asked if she was sure about it and she simply replied that it had a hood . She liked the coat but knew the hood could shelter someone from the rain.
We don't know where these gifts of compassion will go. We never go back and see what happens. It's unimportant. The right things will find the right people and that is all that counts. On the way my wife started to cry. When I asked why, she said because some things felt so right. | high11347.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "a TV report"
},
"options": [
"a magazine",
"a newspaper report",
"a TV report",
"a film"
],
"question": "This passage is probably from _ .",
"question_type": "cloze_questions"
},
{
"answer": {
... | This is the SCIENCE IN THE NEWS, I'm Barbara Klein.
Animal experts say one of the world's most beautiful and rare kinds of big cat is close to disappearing from the wild. A study earlier this year found that about thirty Amur leopards still live free. The cats are also called Far Eastern leopards.
Recently, their number has been reduced by one, Some person shot a female Amur, then beat her to death. The animal's body was discovered last month in the Barsovy National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Russia.
An official of the World Wildlife Fund, Darron, said this was the third such killing in the area in the past fives years. Mr, Collins said the death of even one adult female is a huge loss for the endangered cat, He noted that the killing reduces the possibility for cubs or young.
It is not clear how many Amur leopards still live free. One population count was performed in February and March. Wildlife expert Dmitry Pikuuov led this study. It found evidence of seven to nine males. The study identified three to seven females without cubs, Four leopards were identified as females with cubs. In all, five or six cubs were recorded, Six to eight animals could not be identified.
Most of the land where the Amur leopard once lived was in China.New roads and climate change there threatened the animals. So did hunters who kill big cats for their body parts.
Mr. Pikuuov says adult Amurs need about five hundred square kilometers with good forests to survive. He said they also need a large and continuing supply of animals like deer for food. He believes the answer to saving the Amur leopard is for governments to provide protected spaces for wildlife. | high3600.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "Thanks to rock, the blues became the mainstream of music."
},
"options": [
"W.",
"Lots of popular music is influenced by the blues.",
"The blues of today have absorbed many elements of other music.",
"Thanks to rock, th... | The origins of blues are not unlike the origins of life. For many years it was recorded only by memory, and relayed only live, and in person. The blues were born in the North Mississippi Delta following the Civil War. Influenced by African roots, field hollers , ballads, church music and rhythmic dance tunes called jump-ups evolved into a music for a singer who would engage in call-and-response with his guitar. He would sing a line, and the guitar would answer.
From the crossroads of Highways 61 and 49, and the platform of the Clarksdale Railway Station, the blues headed north to Beale Street in Memphis. The blues have strongly influenced almost all popular music including jazz, country, and rock and roll and continue to help shape music worldwide. Bad luck and trouble are always present in the Blues. Relentless rhythms repeat the chants of sorrow, and the pity of a lost soul many times over.
The blues form was first popularized about 1911-14 by the black composer W.C. Handy. However, the poetic and musical form of the blues first crystallized around 1910 and gained popularity through the publication of Handy's Memphis Blues(1912) and St.Louis Blues(1914). Instrumental blues had been recorded as early as 1913. During the twenties, the blues became a national craze. Mamie Smith recorded the first vocal blues song, Crazy Blues in 1920.
In the early 1960s, the urban bluesmen were "discovered" by young white American and European musicians. Many blues-based bands brought the blues to young white audiences. Since the sixties, rock has undergone several blues revivals. Some rock guitarists have used the blues as a foundation for offshoot styles. The latest generation of blues players like Robert Cray and the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, gracing the blues tradition with their incredible technicality , have drawn a new generation listeners to the blues. | high21284.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "sensed that something terrible had happened."
},
"options": [
"sensed that something terrible had happened.",
"might be very concerned about who phoned so late.",
"wanted to scold the people who phoned so late.",
"was n... | It was a late Wednesday night when the dreading phone call reached our home. I sat up, so I could hear the phone call better. To my surprise. I heard my mom burst into tears. "Get the car . Dean! Andrea has been in a car accident. "
We ran every sign on the way to the hospital and our tires screeched around every corner. We got to the hospital. but were not allowed to see Andrea. The next morning. after wearing masks, we were allowed to go to the ICU to see Andrea. Well. the least I could say was that everything was injured in her body and she lost all of her memories. It was a fatal accident. Over the next two months. I lived more at the hospital than I did at my house. I watched as Andrea worked so hard to gain back everyday motor skills. She never once complained or pitied herself, her determined spirit was shining through. After two weeks in the ICU and two months of the regular hospital treatment, Andrea was able to come home. She missed several months of school. so it was hard for her to catch up. Andrea had tasks to accomplish, and no matter how hard it was. she stuck with them until t he job was done. ThOU9h busy with dealing with pain and therapy. she always found time to love and play with me.
I' ll never forget the impact that this incident made on my life. I admire her strong-willed personality and her determined spirit. Today she is perfectly normal. despite the scars and the pins holding her leg in place. I couldn't ask for a better sister. hero. or best friend. | high18405.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "There are lectures, but you don't need to meet the lecturers."
},
"options": [
"If you get sick, you'll miss the lecture.",
"There are lectures, but you don't need to meet the lecturers.",
"If you get a phone call during clas... | Online Degrees
Today, you can earn a degree from a major university without ever having sat in one of their classrooms. Many colleges and universities are offering online courses and degree programs now.
Online Learning Programs
With a computer and an Internet connection, you can earn a degree from home, work, or anywhere else for that matter. Online degree programs follow much the same routines as traditional learning, with a few twists. There are lectures, but they won't be in person. There are assignments , but you won't hand them to your instructor. In most situations, you are free to "go to class" when it fits your"schedule. If you get a phone call during class, you don't have to miss anything. If you get sick, you don't have to ask for someone's notes, and you just visit the lecture later.
You'll communicate with your instructor by e-mail, chat room and instant messaging. Your classroom will live in a special software program. Contrary to popular belief, you will have close contact with other students and the instructor.
Evaluating the Program
There are a lot of questions to ask before you make your selection, such as:
How do students interact with each other?
Online programs can use chat rooms, instant messaging, teleconferencing, and video conferencing to communicate. The key is to find a program that has this interaction built into it and even requires it.
What kind of reputation does the school have?
It may seem simple-a good school will have a good online program. This reputation,however, may not be as straightforward as you think. It's not uncommon for a great school to have a weak program or two. So you'd better look at the overall quality of the school and make a judgment.
The Employers' View
As more and more employees get online degrees and use them in the workforce , hiring managers will begin to feel more secure about the quality of education these people have. | high5271.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "show some written proof of the purchase to the store"
},
"options": [
"complain personally to the manager",
"threaten to take the matter to court",
"write a firm letter of complaint to the store of purchase",
"show some... | When a consumer finds that an item she or he bought is faulty or in some other way does not live up to the manufacturer's claims, the first step is to present the warranty, or any other records which might help at the store of purchase. In most cases, this action will produce results. However, if it does not, there are various means the consumer may use to gain satisfaction. A simple and common method used by many consumers is to complain directly to the store manager. In general, the "higher up" his or her complaint, the faster he or she can expect it to be settled. In such a case, it is usually settled in the consumer's favor, assuming he or she has a just claim.
Consumers should complain in person whenever possible, but if they cannot get to the place of purchase, it is acceptable to phone or write the complaint in a letter.
Complaining is usually most effective when it is done politely but firmly, and especially when the consumer can demonstrate what is wrong with the item in question. If this cannot be done, the consumer will succeed best by presenting specific information as to what is wrong, rather than by making general statements. For example, "The left speaker does not work at all and the sound coming out of the right one is unclear" is better than "This stereo does not work". The store manager may advise the consumer to write to the manufacturer. If so, the consumer should do this, stating the complaint as politely and firmly as possible. If a polite complaint does not achieve the desired result, the consumer can go to a step further. She or he can threaten to take the seller to court or report the seller to a private or public organization responsible for protecting consumer's rights. | high17736.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "its financial problem"
},
"options": [
"the mother bear deserting him",
"Knut's aggressive behavior",
"lacking a skillful bear keeper",
"its financial problem"
],
"question": "The Berlin Zoo intends to find a ne... | Opposition is growing to the Berlin Zoo's plans to find a new home for Knut, the moneymaking celebrity polar bear whose popularity has been exploited by environmentalists and even Canadian tourism promoters.
No longer cute, and just days before his second birthday, Knut will be given a new home that is expected to include a potential mating partner.
The Berlin Zoo, facing the global economic crisis, can't afford the estimated $ 13 million it would take to acquire a female and a new home for them to share. "It's time for him to go--the sooner he gets a new home the better," said senior bear keeper Heiner Kloes.
But some Berliners are beginning a campaign, collecting petition signatures and arguing that he's a tourist draw and a symbol as important as the Brandenburg Gate. "He means a lot to many people. When you're with him you forget your problems," Hartmut Wiedenroth, co-founder of the campaign, told Spiegel Online.
Knut became an international celebrity in 2007, drawing huge crowds to his cage and _ sales of thousands of Knut toys and Knut-shaped candies.
The Vancouver-based Canadian Tourism Commission made Knut a major part of its "Canada--Keep Exploring" campaign to draw tourists to the country-- and especially to polar bear country in northern Manitoba to see them in their natural habitat. Environmentalists also used the bear to promote the fight against global warming.
But Knut's popularity diminished as his size increased to 210 kilograms, He was photographed at one point snapping at a child near his cage. In September his keeper, Thomas Doerflein, died of a heart attack. Doerflein, who became a celebrity himself after nursing the tiny ball of white fur when Knut's mother rejected him, had been re-assigned shortly after Knut's first birthday. Some animal rights critics said Knut has been showing unusually aggressive behavior because of his unnatural upbringing. | high10059.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "wouldn't be sold for large amounts of money"
},
"options": [
"were worth collecting for selling later",
"were surely valuable if not made out of steel",
"wouldn't be sold for large amounts of money",
"were only useful f... | Many people say pennies are not worth saving. After all, a penny is only worth a cent. But one unusual penny turned out to be worth a lot more when a coin collector paid $1.7 million for it earlier this month.
The coin is one of a kind. It is the only penny that the Denver mint made out of copper, instead of steel, in 1943. Because it is unique, it is also very valuable. No penny has ever sold for so much money.
The Changing Penny
The Lincoln penny first appeared in 1909. For 34 years, the one-cent coin was made out of copper. Then, in 1943, the penny changed. World War II was going on, and copper was needed for equipment. So for one year, pennies were made out of steel instead. At least most of them were.
Only a few coins were made out of unused copper. There are three main mints, or places where coins are made, in the United States. Of the known copper pennies from 1943, twelve were made in the Philadephia mint, and five were made in the San Francisco mint. Only one was made in the Denver mint.
Nobody knows for sure why a copper penny was made at the Denver mint in 1943, coin dealers Andy Skrabalak toldTime for Kids. "There is a rumor that a mint employee made the coin in the middle of the night."
A Special Set
The coin collector who bought the $1.7 million penny wants to remain unknown. But the reason for the trade is known. He already had two copper pennies from 1943 - one from the San Francisco mint and one from the Philadephia mint. To complete the set, he needed the Denver penny. The three coins will go on display at a coin exhibition in Tampa, Florida.
The collector who sold the penny is also keeping his name a secret. It took four years to convince him to give up the rare coin. Now that he has finally donating all of the money to charity. | high1017.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "newspaper"
},
"options": [
"travel guide",
"medicine booklet",
"textbook",
"newspaper"
],
"question": "You can most probably read the passage in a _ .",
"question_type": "cloze_questions"
},
{
"a... | Name:Off the Beaten Path
Cover price:$30.00
Our price:$19.80
The best-selling Reader's Digest travel book has 40% new content including over 200 new sites, over 200 new full-color photographs, and all-new, up-to-date maps. It focuses on more than 1, 000 of the United States' most overlooked must-see destinations.
Name:Container Gardens by Number
Cover price:$ 15.95
Our price:$9.49
A unique book contains 50 easy-to-follow container designs. Each design provides a simple numbered planting plan that shows exactly how to create each display, with an instruction of the finished planter and in-depth plant information. The plans are easy to follow and for any type of living space or garden.
Name:Best Weekend Projects
Cover price:$ 17.95
Our price:$13.96
Choose from 80 unique ideas to create an extraordinary living space. The projects are practical, as well as attractive, and will improve your home and yard and can be made in a weekend. These 80 well-designed projects are presented in a clear, easy-to-follow style that addresses readers in an accessible, user-friendly tone.
Name:l80l Home Remedies
Cover price:$ 40.00
Our price:$ 29.96
Plenty of health complaints can be handled at home. Each and every remedy will be tested by a doctor to make sure it is safe and sound.
Dozens of conditions are covered, from headaches, sunburn, bad breath, and blisters(;)to allergies, and hiccups . | high583.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "prefers Chinese festivals to western festivals"
},
"options": [
"is an old-fashioned girl",
"doesn't like festivals at all",
"prefers western festivals to Chinese festivals",
"prefers Chinese festivals to western festiv... | It's not Christmas Day yet. But wherever I go on the streets, I see shops selling Christmas trees and all kinds of beautiful decorations, waiters wearing Christmas hats; I hear children singing Christmas songs on broadcast; I get messages of Christmas's best wishes from friends.
I just got quite confused again, since when have Chinese begun celebrating Christmas Day? What do these people celebrate it for, the birth of Chris? But we all know that most of Chinese are not Christians, they don't even know the origin of Christmas Day, and they celebrate it for no reason.
I don't celebrate Christmas Day or any other western holidays since I'm not a Christian and nor am I a westerner. I don't know what Christmas really means. Anyway I can't get reasonable answers from my friends. Some of them think they would like to just take this chance to enjoy themselves regardless of the meaning of the festival. Some of them think I'm an old-fashioned girl, a _ who doesn't appreciate the spirit of Chinese cultural tolerance and understanding of other cultures. Well, if it is about cultural tolerance, why don't we ever celebrate the month of Muharram, or festivals of colours in India, or Fiestas Patrias in Mexico?
I really appreciate cultural exchanges and communications with all nations, but I don't think this is what it's about. People are celebrating more and more western festivals while ignoring our traditional ones.
Is it part of globalization ? Do people in other non-western countries also celebrate Christmas? | high13550.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "there are some stayathome parents who have time and the ability to teach their children"
},
"options": [
"there are not enough public schools to meet with the children's education",
"the development of the Internet and other techni... | Homeschooling is a popular alternative to send your children to a public or private school. It seems to be especially popular with stayathome parents who would rather teach their children themselves in the privacy of their own homes. In order to homeschool your children,you will need to know the basics of how to do this,and like everything,there are steps you will need to follow.
Homeschooling is legal in all fifty states. The first step is to check with your state's Board of Education to find out what the legal requirements are and what you will need to do in order to _ them.
Next,you will need to determine whether or not you want your children to follow a structured curriculum. Most parents use this system to ensure that their children will study every subject that a child who goes to a private or public school would.
Homeschooling can not only provide your children with the essential learning of the basic subjects of reading,writing,and arithmetic,but it can also help your children to master muchneeded life skills. These skills can range from learning how to do the cleaning to balancing his or her own checkbook. They are skills that your child will need to know so that he or she can take care of themselves later on in life.
One last point about homeschooling:The question of interaction and socialization is most always brought up in the question on whether or not a child should be homeschooled. Public schooling is automatically thought to be a good place for a child to learn how to get along with his or her peers. While some social skills probably can be learned in this type of environment,peer pressure is always a constant concern for parents. Fortunately,parents who homeschool can teach their children moral values as well as the right way to get along with other people. | high23493.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "Because he desired to get some food to eat."
},
"options": [
"Because he didn't want to be late for work there.",
"Because he desired to get some food to eat.",
"Because he went there to help the poor.",
"Because he hel... | Twelve years ago, I arrived in Central Florida from Puerto Rico. I had heard of a job opportunity and decided to pursue it. But it never became a reality. I quickly learned that being alone without resources in an unfamiliar city was not a comfortable situation to be in.
Once my limited funds ran out I became homeless and spent a year and a half living on the streets of Orlando. Apart from feeling not being noticed and missing my family, I had to face another challenge--hunger.
For the first time in my life, I, as a foreign man, who had lived my life in the relative comfort of the middle class, understood the desperation someone feels when they don't get enough to eat. I clearly remembered having run a distance of more than 7 miles on many occasions just to make it to a local feeding program before they closed at 7 pm.
Once the need for food was met, the next challenge would arise--where to find a place to sleep for the night. Fortunately, local programs like the Coalition for the Homeless, Second Harvest Food Bank and the Wayne Densch Center were an important part of my ability to survive my painful experience.
With the assistance of these programs, I was accepted by a college scholarship program through the Coalition and obtained two degrees from Valencia.
My experience has helped me understand that devoting my life to helping others offers lasting rewards. Today, I am employed as Childhood Hunger Programs Manager at Second Harvest Food Bank and oversee the summer feeding, Hi-Five Kids Pack, and Kids Cafe programs. I am so proud to be able to distribute food resources to those wonderful programs and help hundreds more like me. | high12896.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "They both died of old age."
},
"options": [
"They died from accidents.",
"They both died of old age.",
"They died due to lack of care by family members.",
"They weren't accustomed to the change in life."
],
"que... | I had an experience once which taught me something about the ways people made a bad situation worse by blaming themselves. One January, I officiated at two funerals for two elderly women. Both died a natural death. At the first home, the son of the deceased woman said, "If only I had sent my mother to Florida and gotten her out of this cold and snow, she would be alive today. It's my fault that she died." At the second home, the son said, "If only I had not insisted her going to Florida, she would be alive today. That long airplane ride was more than she could take. It is my fault."
When things don't turn out as we would like them to, we tend to assume that had we done things differently, the story would have had a happier ending. Any time there is a death, the survivors will feel guilty. Because the course of action they took turned out bad, they believe that the opposite course, for example, keeping mother at home, would have turned out better. After all, how could it have turned out any worse?
There seem to be elements involved in our readiness to feel guilty. The first lies in our belief that the world makes sense----there is a reason for everything that happens.
The second is the thought that we are the cause of what happens, especially the bad things that happen. The roots of this feeling may lie in our childhood. A baby comes to think that the world exists to meet his needs, and that he makes everything happen in it. He wakes up in the morning and calls the rest of the world to its tasks. He cries, and someone comes to attend to him. When he is hungry, people feed him, and when he is wet, people change him. Very often, we do not completely abandon that childish thought that our wishes cause things to happen. | high6778.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "in autumn"
},
"options": [
"in spring",
"in summer",
"in autumn",
"in winter"
],
"question": "Thanksgiving Day is celebrated _ .",
"question_type": "cloze_questions"
},
{
"answer": {
"answer... | Thanksgiving Day is a special holiday in the United States and Canada. Families and friends gather to eat and give thanks for their blessing. Thanksgiving Day is really a harvest festival. This is why it is celebrated in late fall, after the crops are get in. But one of the first thanksgivings in America had nothing to do with a good harvest. On December 4,1619, the Pilgrims from England landed near what is now Charles City, Virginia. They knelt down and thanked God for their safe journey across the Atlantic.
The first New England Thanksgiving did celebrate a rich harvest. The Pilgrims landed at what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620. They had a difficult time and the first winter was cruel. Many of the Pilgrims died. But the next year, they had a good harvest. So Governor Bradford declared a three-day feast . The Pilgrims invited Indian friends to join them for their special feast. Everyone brought food.
In time, other colonies began to celebrate a day of thanksgiving. But it took years before there was a national Thanksgiving Day. During the Civil War, Sarah Josepha Hale persuaded Abraham Lincoln to do something about it. He proclaimed the last Thursday of November in 1863 as a day of thanksgiving. Today, Americans celebrate this happy harvest festival on the fourth Thursday in November. Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving Day in much the same way as their American neighbours. But the Canadian Thanksgiving Day falls on the second Monday in October. | high8755.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "Both B and C"
},
"options": [
"tax that one pays direct to the government",
"tax that is not paid directly to the government",
"tax that is paid as an extra amount added to the price of certain goods",
"Both B and C"
... | Why must we pay taxes? The answer is that the government needs money for many things, for example to pay its soldiers, sailors and airmen, to build roads, bridges, offices, schools, etc and to buy goods from abroad; and only the people of the country can supply the money.One of the most important taxes is income-tax which a person pays according to the amount of his income-tax.Whether he is a businessman, a doctor, a lawyer, a shopkeeper, a miner, or anything else.This is called a "direct" tax, because it is paid in money direct to the government.
Another tax is paid on goods such as watches, jewellery, new clothes, tobacco, wine, etc, when they are brought into a country, such a tax is paid as part of the price of these goods if they are later sold in shops.We call it "indirect" tax, because it is paid indirectly through the shopkeeper.
People usually complain about having to pay taxes, but they forget that the money is spent on the things that they and their families need.We need policemen to catch thieves, to see that men obey the laws, to direct traffic, etc, and they must be paid what they earn; children need education and there must be schools and teachers; we want our streets to be kept clean, and the wages of men who do this kind of work have to be paid.Above all, the country must always be ready to defend itself against attacking enemies, and we cannot have an army without paying for it.
Taxes, therefore, cannot be avoided.We buy our own food and clothes and pay for our own amusements, but there are several things that the State finds the money for, and that are necessary for us if our society is to continue.So we have no real cause to complain when we are asked to supply money to be spent for the good of ourselves and for our fellow-citizens. | high15121.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "optimistic"
},
"options": [
"worried",
"proud",
"concerned",
"optimistic"
],
"question": "Ridley's attitude toweards the human future is _ .",
"question_type": "cloze_questions"
},
{
"answer": {
... | "The world has never been a better place to live in," says science writer Matt Ridley, "and it will keep on getting better." Ridley's critics have accused him of his views on climate change and the free market. Yet Ridley, 54, sticks to his guns. "It is not mad to believe in a happy future for people and the planet," he says. Ridley, who's been a foreign correspondent, a zoologist, an economist, and a financier, brings a broad view to his sunny outlook. "People say I'm crazy to claim the world will go on getting better, yet I can't stop myself," he says. Read on to see how Ridley makes his case.
Compared with 50 years ago, when I was just four years old, the average human now earns nearly three times as much money, eats one third more calories, and can expect to live one third longer. In fact, it's hard to find any region of the world that's worse off now than it was then, even though the global population has more than doubled over that period.
City citizens take up less space, use less energy, and have less impact on natural ecosystems than country livers. The world's cities now contain over half its people, but they occupy less than 3 percent of its land area. Urban growth may worry environmentalists, but living in the country is not the best way to care for the earth. The best thing we can do for the planet is build more skyscrapers.
The rich get richer, but the poor do even better. Between 1980 and 2000, the poor doubled their consumption. Nigerians are twice as rich and live nine more years. The percentage of the world's people living in poverty has dropped by over half. The United Nations estimates that poverty was reduced more in the past 50 years than in the previous 500. | high22766.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "Unexpected things will make you excited and surprised."
},
"options": [
"When you watch it, you will certainly feel cold.",
"Unexpected things will make you excited and surprised.",
"Something strange will puzzle everyone, in... | What's On Stage
An acrobatic show:To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the China Acrobatic Troupe will present "The Soul of China", where the seemingly impossible is made real. Chills will run down your spine as you watch breathlessly as performers take their art and their bodies to the edge.
Time: 7:30 p.m., September 13-19
Place: Capital Theatre, 22 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District
Exhibitions
Joint Show: A group ink painting exhibition is running at the Huangshicheng Art Gallery in Beijing. About 50 works by 25 young artists including Ge Yun and Yu Yang are on display.
Time: 9:00 a. m.-5:00 p.m. until September 10
Place: Huangshicheng Art Gallery, 136 Nanchizi Dajie, Dongcheng District
Oil paintings:The Wanfung Art Gallery will host a joint show of oil painting by 10 young and middle-aged artists. On display are more than 30 of their latest works, which capture the wondrous variety of life in unique styles.
Time: 9:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. until September 15
Place: 136 Nanchizi Street, Dongcheng District
Literature museum: The National Museum of Modern Chinese Literature offers an in-depth study of the evolution of Chinese contemporary literature from 1919 to 1949.
Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., daily
Place: 45 Anyuan Donglu, Chaoyang District (Shaoyaoju area)
Concerts
Beijing rocks:"The Fashion Night of Chinese Rock" is set to bring rock fans out by the thousands next month. Nine Chinese rock bands will perform at the concert, including older generation bands, middle generation and some recent arrivals. The audience will be given a chance to decide what songs they want to hear, which is sure to bring a storm.
Time: September 16
Place: The Olympic Center
Belgium orchestra:La Petite Bande, the Baroque Orehestra of Belgium, will perform in Beijing at the Grand Theatre of the Cultural Palace of Nationalities as part of activities across the world in memory of the 250th anniversary of Bach's death.
Time: 7:30 p.m. September 11-14
Place: Grand Theatre of the Cultural Palace of Nationalities | high568.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "grownups who hold on to childlike emotion"
},
"options": [
"children who can't wait to grow up",
"grownups who hold on to childlike emotion",
"people who enjoy playing sports",
"young people who pretended to be grownups... | Every kid wishes to be an adult. Do you remember playing houses as a child pretending to be a grownup like your parents? Did you imagine you were a doctor, a soldier or a teacher? At that time, anything seemed more exciting than young.
But now as grownups, some adults find they cannot leave childhood behind. They become "kidults"(kid+adult). Being a kidult has become a lifestyle choice among young people across Asia. Some kidults collect toys they once played with. Hello Kitty, Garfield, and Snoopy have many adult fans around the world. It is not unusual to see a 20something woman with a big, Garfieldshaped cushion on her sofa or a Hello Kitty mobile phone accessory . Other kidults still enjoy children's stories and fairy tales. For example, even an edition of the Harry Potter novels with an adult cover came out in Britain. That way, no one else on the subway will know that an adult is actually reading a children's book!
"Kidults can be like vitamins to society. Adults who value their childhood and hold on to pure, childlike emotion may be needed in such a rough and dry society," said a professor in a Korean University. He added that kidult culture might fill the generation gap between adults and kids. It could give children and their parents books, movies, and cartoon shows to enjoy together.
Tim Greenhalgh, a professor in London explained that some kidults just refuse to grow up. They cling to childhood because life in a busy and stressful city frightens them. Kidults would like to forget their age and openly show their fear of society and adulthood.
"So, they look for an escape from increasingly complex and stressful life that are hard to deal with," Greenhalgh said. | high8966.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "the urban traffic has been seriously influenced"
},
"options": [
"students there can go to school as usual",
"residents in the city can see as far as 20 meters",
"traffic lights can be easily visible",
"the urban traffi... | Smoggy weather has become common in China. But these days, air pollution levels in the north eastern city of Harbin surpassed the previous record levels.
The city was essentially shut down after PM2. 5, fine Particulate pollution that is considered hazardous . reached levels of 1000 micrograms per cubic meter-40 times the safety level remended by the World Health Organization. Schools, motorways and an airport were closed on Tuesday as visibility in some areas of the city dropped to less than 10 meters.
Photos from Harbin showed residents covering their mouths with masks and scarves, and moving like ghostly shadows through the fog. Cars and motorcycles are moving slowly as traffic came to a standstill with traffic lights barely visible. .
Just days previously , the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified air pollution as a carcinogen . It stated that there is " sufficient evidence" that exposure to outdoor air pollution causes lung cancer and also linked it with an increased risk of bladder cancer. It's said that exposure has increased significantly particularly in " rapidly industrial countries with large populations".
"The air we breathe has become polluted with a mixture of cancer-causing substances" , Dr Kurt Straif , head of the IARC said in a press released. "We now know that outdoor air pollution is not only a major risk to health in general, but also a leading environmental cause of cancer deaths. "
On the Chinese social media site Weibo , many users complained about the pollution and shared their concerns. References to "feed people with smog "have become popular on Weibo and there is a sarcastic play on the expression "serve the people" , as the two have a similar pronunciation.
"The impact of air pollution on people will be gradual. There won't be a sudden outbreak of symptoms, but normally three to five days after the smoggy weather occurs, there is a peak in the number of people seeing doctors, " Deng Ying, a doctor at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University was quoted as saying. | high6793.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "Bamboo People"
},
"options": [
"Revolver",
"Last Night I Sang to the Monster",
"Revolution",
"Bamboo People"
],
"question": "Which of the following books may not be classified as a thriller one?",
"question_... | I'm flying high today after hearing the news that Bamboo People is a top ten book on the Best Fiction for Young Adults 2011 list from the American Library Association. Here are the top ten titles with annotations by YALSA librarians:
*Bacigalupi, Paolo. Ship Breaker. Little, Brown, and Co. Nailer is a light crew cleaner tearing up old hulks of ships, living day to day, until a rich girl and her gleaming ship run ashore in a storm on the beach and his life gets more dangerous.
*Donnelley, Jennifer. Revolution. Random House Children's Books/Delacorte. Haunted by the death of her brother, Andi is taken to Paris by her separated father where an encounter with a mysterious diary may bring her back from the edge.
*Marchetta, Melina. Finnikin of the Rock. Candlewick. Finnikin and his fellow exiles from Lumatere wish to return to their cursed homeland. Finnikin must go on an epic journey with a dumb beginner named Evanjalin to return home.
*Matson, Morgan. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour. Simon & Schuster. Amy and Roger must both learn to deal with loss while on a road trip across the country which doesn't go as expected.
*McBride, Lish. Hold Me Closer, Necromancer. Macmillan Children's Book Group/Henry Holt. When Sam discovers he is a necromancer he must learn to control his power in order to defeat a powerful and corrupt opponent and save his friends.
*Mulligan, Andy. Trash. David Fickling Books. Three garbage-picker boys find an item of great value to a corrupt politician on their rounds, setting off a tense hunt to see who will win.
*Perkins, Mitali. Bamboo People. Chiko, a Burmese soldier and Tu Reh, a Kerenni refugee meet on opposite sides of war and each must learn what it means to be a man of his people.
*Reinhardt, Dana. The Things a Brother Knows. Random House Children's Books/Wendy Lamb. Boaz is back and cheered as the hometown hero, but he is not at all the same. Can his younger brother Levi help him truly make his way home?
*Saenz, Benjamin. Last Night I Sang to the Monster. Cinco Puntos Press, 2009. Weeks in therapy go by and 18-year-old Zach is still unable to remember the monstrous events that left him alone and haunted by nightmares.
*Sedgwick, Marcus. Revolver. Roaring Brook Press. Sig is alone with his father's body when the lawless man his father had managed to escape appears out of the icy wilderness | high19928.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "Under the ground."
},
"options": [
"In the Street .",
"Under the ground.",
"From the trash cans.",
"In burger shops."
],
"question": "Where did the rodents use to search for food?",
"question_type": "factiod... | prefix = st1 /Britainis facing a sharp rise in its rat population as growing numbers of people leave fast food scraps in the street , an environment group warned . Keep Britain Tidy said the rodents were stopping their traditional hunts underground and were roaming the streets ,tempted by discarded burgers ,pizzas and crisps. "The rat population is on the rise and soon it'll be as common to see a rodent on our street as it is to see a dog or a cat," said group Director ,Sue Nelson. The practice of dumping fast food litter and scraps on the street rather than in the trash-with young men the worst offenders-was behind the rise. According to the National Rodent Survey in 2005, Britain's rat population has grown by nearly one quarter since 2000 and is now estimated at 60 million , two million more than the human population. On average a rat can give birth every 24--28 days and just a single pair of rats can produce a colony of 2,000 a year. Around 200 people a year get Weil's Disease----an infection which can lead to liver or kidney failure and eventually death and which is arrived in rat's waste. To highlight the issue , Keep Britain Tidy launched a cinema ad entitled "How close do you want them to get?" The advertisement gave a shocking image of a young woman sleeping in a bed of rots, echoing the nightmare scene from James Herbert's classic horror tale The Rats, in which mutant rodents begin to prey on humans. | high17905.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "has always tried to make soccer more popular worldwide"
},
"options": [
"has almost 200 member states",
"has always tried to make soccer more popular worldwide",
"has organized the World Cup since 1920",
"has almost the... | Celebrating soccer
THIS summer is exciting for many people on the planet--- the World Cup take place in Brazil from June 12 to July 13. Among the world's most widely watched sporting events, the World Cup makes the world turn around a moving ball. Many businesses, including banks and shops in some countries, change their hours according to the games so that people don't miss any of the action.
But why is this sporting event so popular? Soccer can be played by anybody almost anywhere, without too much and expensive equipment. The universal attraction of the sport is down to being simple, according to Kevin Alavy from a sports research organization.
FIFA , which has organized the World Cup since 1930, has helped make the event more popular. FIFA makes a habit of taking the World Cup to many new markets, such as South Korea and Japan in 2002 and South Africa in 2010. This has expanded the sport's reach beyond Europe and South America, according to CNN. Brazil is seen by many as the home of soccer, so it is a bit surprising that this is just the second time that the World Cup is held in the country after the fourth one was held there back in 1950.
Soccer writer Jonsthan Wilson believes that the challenge of achieving success at the World Cup has also increased its magical attraction. Although FIFA has more than 200 member states --- it's an organization with more members than the United Nations --- only eight countries have ever won the competition. These countries are Brazil (five wins), Italy and Germany (four each); Uruguay and Argentina (twice each); and England, France and Spain (once each).
The 2014 World Cup has seen different teams compete in 12 different cities, more than any other Cup on record. Spreading from south to north, some cities have different scenes, which surely make the World Cup more inspiring. | high18388.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "Try letting children accept the fact of moving."
},
"options": [
"Let doctors give children some advice.",
"Try letting children accept the fact of moving.",
"Let children keep in touch with their former friends.",
"Cop... | One in five American families will move every year. Moving is one of the most stress-producing events a family has to go through. Experts say it can be harder for children. How do you help your child adjust to the changes?
The Ricardos moved from their old house to a new home. Same family, same dog-but it was harder for 9-year-old Elena. She hated the room, the house and everything. She hated leaving her friends the most.
" I was so emotional. I mean, saying goodbye to all my friends.....my very close friends, who was my neighbor, made me so sad," says Elena.
For some children, the emotional stress of moving is not much more different from the emotions when someone has died.
"There's that sense that, 'I've lost my friends, my friends, my base, my school, my teachers-everything I knew that made me feel safe is all gone now. I have to start over," says Dr. Tim Jordan.
Starting over is exactly Dr. Tim Jordan's advice. Make new friends, enter the new school and enter the new neighborhood. And here are some other pieces of advice.
* Explain clearly to the children why the move is necessary.
* Familiarize the children as much as possible with the new area with maps, photographs or the daily newspaper.
* After the move, got the children to join in activities in the place.
* Help the children keep in touch with friends from the neighborhood before through telephone, letters, e-mail, and personal visits. | high15874.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "The woman and her daughters were unable to get out of the car by themselves."
},
"options": [
"The woman, her daughters and McHugh hid in the truck as the train smashed into the car.",
"The woman and her daughters were unable to ge... | Todd McHugh doesn't think he is a hero, but police say the California teenager probably saved a mother and her two young children from serious injury or death last month.
He pulled them out of their car, stuck on light-rail tracks in Folsom, California, about 90 seconds before a train smashed into it.
McHugh, 17, was northbound on his way to meet friends when the silver car in front of him turned off the road, went into a ditch and jolted to a stop on the tracks.
McHugh jumped out of his vehicle and went to help. The driver, a woman who police say had fallen asleep, was behind the wheel and dazed. Her two daughters aged 7 and 10, were in the back seat, buckled in.
McHugh took the woman's hand and helped her from the car. She unbuckled the kids.
Another driver who had pulled over to help shouted that a train was coming, McHugh recalled.
Police said the other man ran along the tracks and tried to wave down the train. It was dark and there was a bend in the tracks. The train operator probably never saw him.
McHugh said the driver applied the brakes, but the train was still going fast when it came up on them.
The woman, her daughters and McHugh took shelter behind his truck as the train smashed into their car, dragging it down the tracks, the teenager said.
The woman's car was destroyed. Officials said the train was damaged. But none of the crew and four passengers were injured.
Police said the outcome could have been far worse: "Had she sat there for another minute or two, she and her daughters could have been in that vehicle when the train struck it, and they could have been severely injured or killed."
McHugh said he "didn't do anything anyone else wouldn't have done." | high22000.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "tell the merits and usefulness of the Internet"
},
"options": [
"explain how to use the Internet",
"describe the writer's joy of keeping up with the latest technology",
"tell the merits and usefulness of the Internet",
... | Personal computers and the Internet give people new choices about how to spend their time.
Some may use this freedom to share less time with certain friends or family members, but new technology will also let them stay in closer touch with those they care most about. I know this from personal experience.
E-mail makes it easy to work at home, which is where I now spend most weekends and evenings. My working hours aren't necessarily much shorter than they once were but I spend fewer of them at the office. This lets me share more time with my young daughter than I might have if she'd been born before electronic mail became such a practical tool.
The Internet also makes it easy to share thoughts with a group of friends. Say you do something fun see a great movie perhaps-and there are four or five friends who might want to hear about it. If you call each one, you may tire of telling the story.
With E-mail, you just write one note about your experience, at your convenience, and address it to all the friends you think might be interested. They can read your message when they have time, and read only as much as they want to. They can reply at their convenience, and you can read what they have to say at your convenience.
E-mail is also an inexpensive way stay in close touch with people who live far away. More than a few parents use E-mail to keep in touch, even daily touch, with their children off at college.
We just have to keep in mind that computers and the Internet offer another way of staying in touch. They don't take the place of any of the old ways. | high1942.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "can be of any size or color"
},
"options": [
"can be either new or second-hand",
"can be of any size or color",
"must be a certain famous brand",
"can be worn by dolls and humans"
],
"question": "The denim cloth... | DONATE YOUR OLD JEANS AND DO THE PLANET GOOD
What Will Be Done With All This Denim?
All the denim will be donated to Cotton. From Blue to Green. This denim drive recycled jeans into UltraTouch
Natural Cotton Fiber Insulation, which is used to help build houses in places that have been damaged by hurricanes and other natural disasters. Your jeans will help keep clothes out of landfills, and build houses for families to live in! UltraTouch
is made of 85% recycled fibers and is an environmentally safe, natural cotton fiber insulation.
It's a Fact: It takes about 500 pairs of old jeans to insulate one average-size US house.
Here's How You Can Get Involved!
1. Get a parent's permission and select as many denim jeans as you like. (Any denim clothing is OK.)
2. The denim must be used and can be any brand.
3. The denim can be any color or size but must have been worn by a human. (no doll clothes!)
4. Jeans must be received by June 30, 2011.
POST A JOB AD--IDEAL FOR CASUAL ADVERTISERS
REGISTER NOW AND POST A JOB AD
All job Advertisements are reviewed and uploaded usually within 24 hours.
Standard Job Advertisement
$65.00 + GST (Goods and Service Tax) =" $" 71.50
Premium Job Advertisement
$80.00 + GST =" $88.00"
No additional costs for all the features below.
Standard Job Ad Features:
---Active for 30 days
---Include your company LOGO
---Update or Edit live ads online anytime
---Access state of your job ad
---Unlimited text to describe your vacancy
(able to insert HTML links--very useful if you want candidate to apply using your own online application on your corporate website)
---Able to copy and paste your active job ad from other job sites including logo and layout
Premium Job Ad Features:
---All the features of a standard Job Ad
---Displayed on top of the main job search page with highlighted colors also within the standard job ads in its highlighted format. For any questions contact us.
REGISTER NOW AND POST A JOB AD | high15860.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "everyone in society"
},
"options": [
"most people in society",
"some people in society",
"few people in society",
"everyone in society"
],
"question": "Before the 1970s, most development policies were based on t... | We often use the words "growth" and "development" as if they meant basically the same thing. But this may not always be the case. One can easily imagine instances in which a country has achieved higher levels of income (growth) with little or no benefit coming to most of its citizens (development).
In the past, most development policies were aimed at increasing the growth rate of income per capita . Many are still based on the theory that benefit of economic growth will come to all members of society. If this theory is correct, growth should encourage development.
By the early 1970s, however, the relationship between growth and development was being questioned. A major study by the World Bank in 1974 concluded that it is now clear that more than decades of rapid growth in developing countries has been of little benefit to a third of their population.
The World Bank study showed that increase in GNP per capita did not promise important improvements in such development indicators as nutrition, health, and education. Although GNP per capita did indeed rise, its benefit came down to only a small part of the population. This realization gives rise to a call for new development policies. These new policies favor agriculture over industry, call for national redistribution of income and wealth, and encourage programs to satisfy such basic needs as food and shelter.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s the international macroeconomic crises of high oil prices, worldwide recession and the third world debt, forced attention away from programs designed to get rid of poverty. However, the lesson remains: economic growth does not promise economic development. Efforts may be required to change growing output capacity into economic benefit that reaches most of a nation's people. | high22014.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "To predict whether someone may attempt suicide."
},
"options": [
"To predict people's characters.",
"To help cure those who lack SKA2.",
"To predict whether someone may attempt suicide.",
"To see whether people get infe... | American researchers have found that variations in a single gene can be used to predict if someone is likely to take their own life. Researchers at John Hopkins University, in Baltimore, Maryland, found that the gene SKA2 stopped functioning correctly in people at risk of suicide. The SKA2 gene is found in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, and is involved in preventing negative thoughts and controlling abnormal behavior. If there isn't enough SKA2, or it is changed in some way, the body cannot control levels of cortisol . Previous research has shown that people who attempt suicide or who take their own lives have large amounts of cortisol in their systems. A test could allow doctors or psychologists to place patients on "suicide watch" and disable their access to drugs or equipment which they could use to end their own life.
The research was reported in The American Journal of Psychology. "We need to study this in a larger sample but we believe that we might be able to monitor the blood to identify those at risk of suicide. After all, suicide is a major preventable public health problem, but we have been stymied in our prevention efforts because we have no steady way to predict those who are at increased risk of killing themselves," says study leader Dr Zachary Kaminsky, an assistant professor of psychological and behavioral sciences. "With a test like ours, we may be able to cut down suicide rates by identifying those people and intervening early enough to head off a catastrophe ."
The blood test managed to predict those with the most severe risk of suicide with 90 per cent accuracy. They could also spot if someone had already attempted suicide with 96 per cent accuracy, simply by looking at the levels of SKA2. | high19082.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "a way of warning"
},
"options": [
"an expression of happiness",
"a way of greeting",
"an expression of anger",
"a way of warning"
],
"question": "Some scientists believe that most of the time birds' singing is a... | Have you ever wondered why birds sing? Maybe you thought that they were just happy.After all,you probably sing or whistle when you are happy.
Some scientists believe that birds do sing some of the time just because they are happy.However,they sing most of the time for a very different reason.Their singing is actually a warning to other birds to stay out of their territory
Do you know what a "territory" is? A territory is an area that an animal,usually the male,claims as its own.Only he and his family are welcome there.No other families 0f the same species are welcome.Your yard and house are your territory where only your family and friends are welcome.If a stranger should enter your territory and threaten you,you might shout.Probably this would be enough to frighten him away.
If so,you have actually scared the stranger away without having to fight him.A bird does the same thing. But he expects an outsider almost any time,especially at nesting season.So he is screaming all the time,whether he can see an outsider or not This screaming is what we call a bird's song,and it is usually enough to keep an outsider away.
Birds sing loudest in the spring when they are trying to attract a mate and warn others not to enter the territory of theirs.
You can see that birds have a language all their own.Most of it has to do with attracting mates and setting up territories. | high3199.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "Elephants should not be on display."
},
"options": [
"Zoo elephants don't live as long as those in the wild.",
"Elephants should not be on display.",
"Asian elephants are in danger.",
"Asia is far more successful in pro... | Zoo elephants don't live as long as those in the wild, according to a study sure to cause debate about keeping the giant animals on display. Researchers compared the life spans of elephants in European zoos with those living in Amboseli National Park in Kenya and others working on a timber enterprise in Buma. Animals in the wild or in natural working conditions had life expectancies twice than or more of their relatives in zoos.
Animal care activists have urged in recent years to discourage keeping elephants in zoos, largely because of the lack of space and small numbers of animals that can be kept in a group.
The researchers found that the _ life span for African elephants in European zoos was 16.9 years, compared with 56 years for elephants who died of natural causes in Kenya's Amboseli Park. Adding in those elephants killed by people in Africa lowered the median life expectancy there to 35.9 years. For the more endangered Asian elephants, the median life span in European zoos was 18.9 years, compared with 41.7 years for those working in the Burma Timber Enterprise. Median means half died younger than that age and half lived longer.
There is some good news, though. The life expectancies of zoo elephants have improved in recent years, suggesting an improvement in their care and raising, but "Protecting elephants in Africa and Asia is far more successful than protecting them in Western zoos."
There are about 1,200 elephants in zoos, half in Europe, researchers concentrated on female elephants, which make up 80 percent of the zoo population. One amazing thing was that Asian elephants born in zoos had shorter life spans that those brought to the zoos from the wild.
Zoos usually lack large areas that elephants are used to in the wild, and that zoo animals often are alone or with one or two other unrelated animals, while in the wild they tend to live in related groups of 8 to 12 animals. In Asian elephants, baby death rates are two to three times higher in zoos than in the Burmese logging camps, and then, in adulthood, zoo-born animals die young. People are not sure why. | high2287.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "Parents."
},
"options": [
"Parents.",
"Children.",
"Teachers.",
"Scientists."
],
"question": "Whom is the passage written for?",
"question_type": null
},
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
... | Parents often avoid talking about the issue of media and kids because we don't know what to do. But we need to roll up our sleeves and get to work helping our kids make right and wise decisions about media. There are things you can do to improve the media health of your family.
Take the television for example. The television is not a babysitter. Hopefully, parents are extremely careful about choosing a babysitter and day care for their children. Why are we not as careful in choosing the TV programs our kids watch?
Know what shows your kids are watching on television. It is important to know the content of every program your child watches. As a rule, most programs will either work to reinforce your values or oppose them. This is why it is so important to be aware of a program's content.
Don't put a television in their bedrooms. A television in your child's bedroom is a big no-no. You won't be able to monitor the content, and our kids may be drawn to their rooms. A television in the bedroom is a far too attractive temptation for your kids.
Set limits on TV time. What are your guidelines, rules, and expectations for television viewing? Setting limits may be challenging, but if you insist, the results are well worth it.
Talk with your kids about TV shows. All television is educational. The question is what does it teach? Watch television with your kids, and then discuss with them the themes and content afterward. You'll be surprised just how easy it is to turn a TV program or movie into a first-rate learning experience. | high20603.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "one's bodyweight"
},
"options": [
"one's bodyweight",
"one's blood pressure",
"one's way of living",
"one's metabolic rate"
],
"question": "Hormones are tested in the research because they can affect _ .",
... | Looking for a new weight loss plan? Try living on top of a mountain. Mountain air contains less oxygen than air at lower altitudes, so breathing it causes the heart to beat faster and the body to burn more energy. A handful of studies have found that athletes training at high altitudes tend to lose weight. Doctor Florian Lippl of the University Hospital Of Ludwig-Maximilians-university Munich wondered how the mountain air would affect overweight individuals if they weren't doing any more physical activity than usual.
Lippl and his colleagues invited 20 overweight men to an environmental research station about 300 meters below the summit of Zugspitze, a mountain around 2,970 meters near the Austrian border. They were allowed to eat as much as they liked. The men also gave blood so that researchers could test for hormones linked to appetite and fatness. At the end of the week, the men, whose mean weight starting out was 105kg, had lost on average about l.5kg. The men's blood pressure also dropped, which the researchers believed was due to weight lost.
Exactly what caused the weight loss is uncertain. Loss of appetite is common at higher altitudes, and indeed the men ate significantly less than usual--about 700 calories fewer per day. Lippl also notes that because their consumption was being recorded, they may have been more self-conscious about what they ate. Regardless, eating less accounts for just l kg of the l.5 kg lost, says Lippl. He thinks the increased metabolic rate, which was measured, also contributed to weight loss but cannot separate the different effects with the given data.
Appetite loss at high altitudes could certainly be key, notes Damian Bailey, a physiologist at the University of Glamorgan, UK, who recently lost 11 kg during a 3-month expedition to the Andes in Chile.
Unfortunately, for the average person there is no treatment that can resemble living at high altitude, says Lippl. The only alternative is hypobaric chamber, which exposes subjects to low oxygen and isn't practical as a treatment. He says, half- jokingly, "If fat people plan their holidays, they might not go to the sea, but maybe to the mountain." | high3827.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "The Olympic Games have much to do with the religion."
},
"options": [
"Zeus is the founder of the Olympic Games.",
"The ancient stadium in Olympic were used as training sites for the athletes in the 10th century.",
"The Olymp... | The history of the Games Olympia
Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic Games, is in the western part of the Peloponnese which, according to Greek mythology, is the island of "Pelops", the founder of the Olympic Games. Imposing temples, votive buildings, elaborate shrines and ancient sporting facilities were combined in a site of unique natural and mystical beauty.
Olympia functioned as a meeting place for worship and other religious and political practices as early as the 10th century B.C. The central part of Olympia was dominated by the majestic temple of Zeus, with the temple of Hera parallel to it. The ancient stadium in Olympia could hold more than 40,000 audience, while in the surrounding area there were auxiliary buildings which developed gradually up until the 4th century B.C. and were used as training sites for the athletes or to house the judges of the Games.
The Games and religion
The Olympic Games were closely linked to the religious festivals of the cult of Zeus, but were not a total part of a rite. Indeed, they had a secular character and aimed to show the physical qualities and development of the performances accomplished by young people, as well as encouraging good relations between the cities of Greece. According to specialists, the Olympic Games owed their purity and importance to religion.
Victory ceremonies
The Olympic victor received his first awards immediately after the competition. Following the announcement of the winner's name by the herald, a Hellanodikis (Greek judge) would place a palm branch in his hands, while the audience cheered and threw flowers to him. Red ribbons were tied on his head and hands as a mark of victory.
The official award ceremony would take place on the last day of the Games, at the elevated vestibule of the temple of Zeus. In a loud voice, the herald would announce the name of the Olympic winner, his father's name, and his homeland. Then, the Hellanodikis placed the sacred olive tree wreath , or kotinos, on the winner's head. | high7499.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "Bad dreams may have a cheese explanation."
},
"options": [
"A big piece of cheese is bad for our health.",
"Cheese produces a chemical called serotonin.",
"We'd better take nothing before bedtime.",
"Bad dreams may have... | Last night I had a terrible nightmare. I imagined that I was falling between the walls of a deep valley. I was screaming as
the ground rushed towards me. I was sure that I was going to die. Suddenly, I was awake, sweaty but amazingly alive. I
was angry with myself.
According to popular stories I am to blame for the bad dream. I had eaten a big piece of cheese before bedtime.
Cheese, says folk stories, causes nightmares. One minute I'm eating a piece of cheddar (a kind of cheese), the next _ 'm
falling through a canyon .
It's not just folk stories that suggests Roquefort and Red Leicester (two types of cheese) give you nightmares. Scientists seem to agree. Cheese contains a substance that makes our bodies produce a chemical called serotonin.
Serotonin slows down the heart and so our blood slows down around our bodies. When we're awake, this can lead to headaches. When we're asleep this gives us strong dreams. Cheese is also hard to digest and may make us sleep badly. We are more likely to wake during deep sleep and remember any dreams or nightmares.
Don't think that removing cheese from your late night meals will stop the nightmares. Bananas, chocolate and tomatoes all have the same effect. | high22772.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "a little more than five years old"
},
"options": [
"nearly six years old",
"less than five years old",
"a little more than five years old",
"more than six years old"
],
"question": "The girl who tasted the honey... | A decades-old tradition, illustrated in a modem children's book, links the sweetness of honey with the joy of learning to read.
The grandpa held a jar of honey so that all the family could see. He then dipped a spoon into it and put some honey on the cover of a small book.
The little girl had just turned five. Stand up, little one, "he asked the girl softly. "I did this for your mother, your uncles, your
old brother, and now you ! "
Then, he handed the book to her. "Taste f "
She touched the honey with her finger and put it into her mouth.
" What is the taste?" the grandpa asked.
The little girl answered, " Sweet ! "
Then all. the family said in a single voice, "Yes, and so is knowledge, but knowledge is from the bee that made that sweet honey, you have to go after it through the pages of a book ! " The little girl knew that the promise to read was at last hers. Soon she was going to learn to read.
This is the beginning of a profoundly moving children's book entitled Thank You, Mr. Falker.
In this book, Patricia Polacco writes of her own passion to read, inspired by the honey on the book. It wasn't until fifth grade that she met her beloved teacher who provided the help that she needed to finally unlock the magic of the written world.
The child learning to read is admitted into a collective memory by way of books. And with the printed words that are active with. meaning, the child bees acquainted with a common past which he or she renews, to a greater or lesser degree, in every reading. Much as the author of the book Thank You, Mr. Falker puts it, " Almost as if it were magic, or as if light poured into her brain, the words and sentences started to take shape on the page as they never had before-And she understood the whole thing---Then she went into the living room and found the book on a shelf, the very book that her grandpa had shown her so many years ago. She spooned honey on the cover and tasted the sweetness---Then she held the book, honey and all, close to her chest. She could feel tears roll down her cheeks, but they weren't tears of sadness- she way happy, so very happy. " | high6787.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "a photographer who enjoys outdoor activities."
},
"options": [
"an old couple celebrating their gold wedding",
"a new father with his twin baby girls aged 2",
"a photographer who enjoys outdoor activities.",
"an art stu... | Explore Australia's Top End on a Northern Territory camping tour through Kakadu, Katherine Gorge and Litchfield national parks. This five-day-tour to the Top End's three most popular national parks takes you hiking to waterfalls, swimming in rock pools and spotting crocodiles on a private wildlife cruise. Experience the Top End's unique culture, spend evenings around the campfire and sleep under the stars at private campsites in a traditional Australian bedroll or a permanent safari tent. This small-group tour is limited to 16 people, ensuring a personalized experience with your guide, and operates seasonally from May to November.
Additional Information:
* Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
* There is a possibility of cancellation after confirming if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund .
* A moderate amount of walking is involved.
* Minimum age is 5 years.
* Please restrict luggage to 22 lbs (10kg). Excess luggage can be stored at your Darwin accommodation.
* Please bring hat, sunscreen, water bottle. (1.5 liters), walking shoes/boots and swimsuit.
* Take insect-resisting measures.
* All camping equipment provided including sleeping bag, pillow, pillow case, towel and sheet. | high12869.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "The stones might have some connections with the Stonehenge."
},
"options": [
"A post history wonder confused archaeologists centuries.",
"The mystery of Stonehenge has been solved.",
"The stones might have some connections wi... | For centuries Stonehenge has mystified and enraptured archaeologists and visitors. So maybe it is not surprising that another monumental wonder from prehistory has been overlooked for so long - even though it is just a mile away.
Experts have discovered an 'extraordinary' line of giant stones that dates back more than 4,500 years. The area around Stonehenge is littered with prehistoric sights but the 90 or more stones, lying 3ft underground, have only just been discovered by sophisticated radar equipment towed by radar equipment.
The buried monoliths are each up to 15ft tall. Instead of being arranged in a circle as they are at Stonehenge, it is thought they once formed a long standing line.
'We are looking at one of the largest stone monuments in Europe and it has been under our noses for something like 4,000 years,' said Professor Vince Gaffney, from the University of Bradford, one of the archaeologists leading the research. 'It's truly remarkable. We don't think there's anything quite like this anywhere else in the world. This is completely new and the scale is extraordinary."
Prof. Gaffney believes the stones may have been planted by the same people who built Stonehenge, but he doubts whether there is a direct link between the two monuments.
These stones were placed along a steep slope, cut into a natural dry valley to form a C-shaped feature.
Precisely why the stones were put there remains a mystery. The archaeologists believe that at some stage the stones were pushed over. This was not done to damage the monument but rather to preserve whatever it was about the stones that seemed so important. "There was a transformation in the landscape that we do not understand," Prof. Gaffney said. "The stones had significance. These were special places. Societies were organized, as with the great cathedrals, to create these things." | high19914.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "the passage didn't tell us clearly"
},
"options": [
"he didn't love her any more",
"the passage didn't tell us clearly",
"he killed her by mistake",
"he loved her dearly"
],
"question": "The reason why Camara ki... | The man who admitted to killing an Italian woman inside her East Harlem apartment said he was possessed by an "evil spell ," police said Thursday.
Bakary Camara, 41, who once dated the murdered woman, penned his admission of guilt in a three-page letter folded in his pocket as he tried to kill himself after policemen burst into his home. Kelly, a policeman, said "He says that there was an evil spell that was cast on him."
Camara, who was in stable condition at St. Barnabas Hospital, was later charged with the murder of Rita Morelli.
The 36-year-old woman was getting a degree at Borough of Manhattan Community College as she waited tables at Caffe Buon Gusto on the upper East Side, police said. Camara called 911 from a payphone after killing the lively Morelli on Nov. 23.
Her body was later found in her E. 120th St. home. She was hanged and had knife wounds to her throat and chest.
Policemen began dialing numbers from Morelli's cell phone and when Camara picked up, a detective recognized his voice as the man who called in the report of a dead body, police said. When officers went to Camara's home, he locked himself inside, forcing policemen to burst down the front door to catch him.
"He is standing there with a knife pointed at his chest," Kelly, a policeman, said. "He makes threatening statements as to the fact that he killed the woman. He then stabs himself in the chest."
Camara, who told police he served six years in prison for robbery back in his native country, was still waiting to be charged with murder Thursday.
Morelli left her hometown of Spoltore, Italy, five years ago to fully experience the arts and music culture of the big city, her family said. | high17939.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "The old lady didn't know who broke the window."
},
"options": [
"The author was a newsboy when he was twelve years old.",
"The old lady didn't know who broke the window.",
"The author felt guilty of breaking the old lady's wi... | Twenty years seems like a long time to remember the name of a mere acquaintance.I have forgotten the name of an old lady,who was a customer on the paper route in my hometown when I was a twelve-year-old boy.Yet it exists in my memory that she taught me a lesson in forgiveness which I shall never forget.
On a winter afternoon.a friend and I were throwing stones onto the roof of a house for fun.I was brave enough to find a big rock and threw it out.Unfortunately,the rock was so heavy that it didn't fly onto the roof but into the room through the window.At the sound of crashed glass,we knew we were in trouble and ran away.
I was so scared about being caught that I didn't go to deliver newspapers to the old lady for a few days.The next week,when I gave her the paper again,she still greeted me with a big smile as usual.I felt so guilty,however,so I made up my mind that I would save my paper delivery money to cover the cost of her window.I made it.Three weeks later,I saved seven dollars and put them in an envelope with a note explaining that 1 was sorry for breaking her window and that I hoped the money could repair it.I waited until it was dark,and put the envelope in her door secretly.
The next day,I handed the old lady her paper and was able to return the warm smile that I was receiving from her.She thanked me and gave me a bag of delicious cookies she had made herself.
Reaching for the cookies,I felt an envelope and pulled it out of the bag.When I opened the envelope,I was surprised.Inside were the seven dollars and a short note saying,"I am proud of you." | high21253.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "it is hard to know certain features of dinosaurs just by studying their fossils and skeletons"
},
"options": [
"some dinosaurs actually looked a little like ancient elephants",
"drawing a dinosaur takes much longer than people thin... | Do we really know what dinosaurs looked like? Of course we do. We see them everywhere, not only in museums, but also in movies, magazines, and even in the toys we get from McDonald's.
Since the days of early cinema, dinosaurs have captured our imaginations. They are often shown as scaly beasts with sharp horns and crocodile-like bellies .
But the big screen dinosaurs are "a leap from what we know", Mark Norell, who studies dinosaurs at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, told Discover magazine.
The reality of drawing dinosaurs for movie studios, magazines, or museums is that the artist often only has half of a skeleton to work with. Many existing and newly-discovered dinosaurs do not have a complete skeleton, which makes it difficult to tell what they looked like.
And even with a complete skeleton, there is a lot of room for interpretation.
"Look at an elephant's trunk and ears," Jason Brougham, a dinosaur sculptor at the American Museum of Natural History, told Discover magazine. "It's impossible to guess those features by only looking at the skeleton."
Researchers suggest that the dinosaurs of old could have had trunks like an elephant or even red necks like a turkey. They could have had colorful spots, stripes , and other interesting patterns on their bodies, just like snakes. Yet, with only a few fossilized bones to study, it is impossible to know for sure.
Remember the cruel and quick-running velociraptors in the US film Jurassic Park? Now experts believe that they were much smaller than in the movies, about the size of a large chicken, the BBC has reported.
Since the 1990s, some well-preserved dinosaur fossils have been found in China's Liaoning province. Thanks to that, we have known for a while that one group of dinosaurs was covered in feathers. And thanks to the recent discovery of a feathered plant-eating species in Russia, many scientists now believe more dinosaurs than we previously thought had feathers, much like a chicken.
Also, in 2007, scientists confirmed that the closest living relative of T-Rex, the most feared and famous of all the dinosaurs, is a chicken.
Now, who are you calling "chicken"? | high8782.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "most people think olive oil is healthier than others"
},
"options": [
"most people prefer canola oil than olive oil",
"most people think olive oil is healthier than others",
"people use olive oil to help them lose weight",
... | Americans have developed an olive oil habit. Out to dinner recently, I saw a man dipping his white bread in olive oil and then pouring it all over his salad, saying, "Wow, this is so good for me!"
But is olive oil the healthiest fat? No, it's not. You might ask, doesn't it lower cholesterol ? Well, only when you substitute olive oil in equivalent amounts for butter or oils that are higher in saturated fat. Olive oil doesn't lower cholesterol; it just doesn't raise it as much.
You may be better off with canola oil. The 1999 Lyon Diet Heart Study found that a Mediterranean diet significantly reduced heart attacks and premature deaths. Many people attributed this to eating a lot of olive oil. But it was increased consumption of canola oil that accounted for these improvements.
Also, study participants ate more whole-grain bread, vegetables, fish and fruit, and less meat. Butter and cream were replaced with man-made butter made from canola oil, which has more healthy omega-3 fatty acids than olive oil does.
Another study found that olive oil reduced blood flow by 31%. Canola oil and fish oil don't. (You want to increase blood flow to all body parts.)
I like the taste of olive oil, and I use it sometimes. It's a healthier fat than many others, but it's not nearly as healthy as canola oil -- or fish oil and flaxseed oil, for that matter, which also have lots of omega-3s. And a tablespoon of any oil has 126 calories. Think about that before you pour it on. | high12699.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "lonely"
},
"options": [
"excited",
"communicative",
"lonely",
"happy"
],
"question": "According to the research, surfing on the Internet can make people feel more .",
"question_type": "factiod_questions"
... | Spending just a few hours a week online may make people feel more socially isolated , lonely and downhearted , according to a two-year study of nearly 100 families with the Internet.
"We were surprised to find that social technology has such bad effects on social communications," the lead author, Dr. Robert Kraut of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, said in a statement to the news. The findings suggest that "Rather than encourage students to use the Internet alone for research, teachers might give pupils online group homework to complete with classmates. Local groups might build websites that allow neighbors to discuss local affairs ."
"Before the technology develops and can be really more _ , people shouldcontrol their wishes to use much of the Internet," Dr. Kraut and other experts advise. In order to control their children and encourage family activities, parents might think of putting the computer in the living room rather than in a child's room, they suggest.
Dr. Kraut also suggests that when surfing on the net, especially when chatting with strangers on the net, children should not use their real names, and that they should not tell the addresses, telephone numbers to the strangers. | high22982.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "It owns more stations than the subway."
},
"options": [
"Its bikes have no baskets.",
"Its bikes are light and colorful.",
"People must return the bike to the same place after using it.",
"It owns more stations than the... | Like all big cities, Paris has a traffic problem: lots of cars, lots of traffic jams and lots of pollution from exhaust fumes . So the city began a scheme to improve the situation.
Under the Velib scheme('Velib' comes from velo liberte, or 'bicycle freedom') , people can take a bicycle, use it for as long as they want, and then leave it at the same or another bicycle station. The first half-hour on the bike is free, but if you don't return it after 30 minutes, you have to pay. But it's only [?]1 a day or [?]29 a year! The bicycles are heavy (25 kg), and they are all grey and have baskets. There are about 20,000 of them in the city, and around 1,450 bicycle stations. So there are a lot more Velib stations than the 298 subway stations!
Paris is not the first city to have a scheme like this. But not everybody thinks it's a great idea. One Parisian said, "These bicycles are only for short journeys. If people want to travel across the city, they won't use a bicycle -- they'll still use their cars."
A city spokesman said, "The bicycle scheme won't solve all our traffic problems, of course. But it might help reduce air pollution. Traffic, together with factory fumes, is a big problem. There aren't any simple answers to traffic problems and pollution in cities. But unless we do something now, there will be more traffic jams and temperatures will continue to rise, so the problems in our environment will get worse. The bikes might help people to lead a healthier life, too." | high13587.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "What time of the day is suitable for taking exercise."
},
"options": [
"What benefits one can get from taking exercise.",
"How much exercise one should take.",
"What time of the day is suitable for taking exercise.",
"W... | You can get a lot from being healthy. Everyone needs to take time to exercise. There are lots of ways to improve your health without having to join a gym. Here are some tips on how to better make use of your free time while staying healthy.
By keeping physically active, you're making sure that your joints and body organs are kept in good working order. Exercise can also help keep your weight at a healthy level and can protect you against catching coughs and colds. Other benefits are an increase in your energy level and brain activity. Knowing that you're looking and feeling good can also increase your self-confidence.
If you're under 18, you should try to do a total of 60 minutes of physical exercise every day. This includes anything from taking the lift at the gym to walking up stairs. If you're over 18, it's at least 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week.
Getting fit isn't all about gyms - some forms of exercise won't cost you any money, and most forms can easily be used in your busy lifestyle without having to find some special time in your day. For example, riding a bike to school, college or work, and even running on a playground a few times a week can improve your fitness level.
Getting fit isn't just something you have to do by yourself. Playing team sports like football, or basketball is great exercise, and it is often more enjoyable because you're playing with a group of friends. | high23444.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "our own opinions matter most"
},
"options": [
"we can turn small issues into big ones",
"our positions are higher than others",
"our own opinions matter most",
"others will be less defensive"
],
"question": "In ... | So many of us hold on to little complaints that may have come from an argument ,a misunderstanding,the way we were raised,or some other painful events. Stubbornly,we wait for someone else to reach out to us -- believing this is the only way we can forgive or _ a friendship or family relationship.
A friend of mine,recently told me that she hadn't spoken to her son in almost three years. She said that she and her son had had a disagreement about his wife and that she wouldn't speak to him again unless he called first. When I suggested that she be the one to reach out,she said," I can't do that. He's the one who should apologize. " After a little gentle encouragement,however,she did decide to be the first one to reach out. To her amazement,her son was grateful for her willingness to call and offered an apology of his own. As is usually the case,when someone takes the chance and reaches out,everyone wins.
Whenever we hold on to our anger, we turn" small stuff")"into really" big stuff" in our minds. We start to believe that our positions are more important than our happiness. They are not. If you want to be a more peaceful person you must understand that being right is almost never more important than allowing yourself to be happy. The way to be happy is to let go,and reach out. Let other people be right. This doesn't mean that you're wrong. Everything will be fine. You'll experience the peace of letting go,as well as the joy of letting others be right.
You'11 also notice that,as you reach out and let others be "right",they will become less defensive and more loving toward you. They might even reach back. But,if for some reason they don't, that's okay too. You '11 have the inner satisfaction of knowing that you have done your part to create a more loving world,and certainly you'11 be more peaceful yourself. | high12841.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "will become bad-tempered and upset"
},
"options": [
"thinks slower but more carefully",
"must make up for the lost sleep on the weekends",
"will become more interested in fancying",
"will become bad-tempered and upset"
... | Let's face it -- you're going to get a lot of well-intentioned advice from friends, parents and grandparents about your sleep. Some of this advice is going to be just wrong.
Myth 1: Sleeping late on the weekends will make up for lost sleep during the week.
Fact: Getting less than the amount of sleep that you need night after night accumulates over time and starts to create a "sleep debt". And like all debts, eventually you need to pay the price. The problem with waiting until the weekend to meet sleep needs is that in the meantime, you are paying the price of being less alert, feeling more moody, thinking slower and having less stimulation.
Myth 2: A boring teacher (or warm room, full stomach, etc.) can put teens to sleep.
Fact: If you are getting enough sleep on a regular basis, there is no teacher, math book or reading assignment in the world boring enough to make you fall asleep in class. There are basically two things that make people sleepy -- not getting enough sleep and not getting good quality sleep. The environment kids are in, including the room temperature, light level and entertainment value, may unmask underlying sleepiness, but the environment does not cause it! So if you are dozing off in class, don't blame it on bad teaching.
Myth 3: Teenagers can pull an all-nighter to study and still be ready for the big test in the morning.
Fact: Teenagers are much better off studying less and getting a good night's sleep. Research clearly shows that the ability to concentrate and learn new information, as well as to work efficiently, declines sharply after being awake for 15-16 hours, and continues to bottom out the longer you stay up. Plus, if the big test is at 8:00 am, the problem gets even worse. That's because morning time typically represents a low energy point in the body's normal 24-hour circadian rhythm, especially in teenagers. | high23322.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "Ten."
},
"options": [
"Ten.",
"Nine.",
"Eleven.",
"Two."
],
"question": "How many provinces are there in Canada?",
"question_type": "factiod_questions"
},
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
... | One Canada, Two Languages
Canada is one of the few nations in the world to have two official languages: English and French. There are 10 provinces in the country but only one of these--Quebec is known as "French Canada". This is because it was founded by French explorers while British adventurers discovered the rest.
Canada left the British empire in 1867 to become an independent country, and English and French have been recognized as the official languages ever since.
Most people speak English as their first language and the two national television networks broadcast in English throughout the country. Apart from in Quebec and a few places on the east coast, French television is very rare.
The same goes for traffic signs and menus. For example, outside of Quebec, there are only a few places where you'll see traffic signs in French. In restaurants, it's almost impossible to find French on the menu unless you are in the heartland of French Canada. However, all products sold in Canada must, by law, have labels and instructions in both languages.
In Canada's English speaking provinces, official bilingualism means that students can choose to complete a special French language course. Under this programme, they are taught most of their subjects in French.
If a student begins the course in kindergarten or Grade One, it is likely that all their lessons will be in French. However, if they start at junior high school,25 per cent of the teaching will continue to be in English. | high232.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "are playing video games"
},
"options": [
"use the dialysis machines",
"are in a car race",
"are playing video games",
"stay alone with illness"
],
"question": "According to the passage, the sick kids may feel le... | Many grown-ups worry that spending too much time playing video games isn't good for a kid's health. But some doctors have noticed that kids who bring their game players to the hospital seem less worried about being there. They also seem to feel less pain when they are giving all their attention on a car race or other games.
At a children's center in Baltimore, Maryland, young kids are finding hospital visits easier to deal with, thanks to a test program called HOPE. Patients in HOPE have a life-threatening condition where their kidneys no longer get rid of wastes from their blood. To get their blood cleaned, these kids must use the dialysis machines at the hospital three times a week, for at least three hours each time. HOPE allows kids to play Internet sports, racing, and other games with each other. They will be able to connect with kids in other hospitals who have the same problem. "We want to use the Internet to bring together kids who are ill, and let them know they are not alone," said Arun Mathews, the doctor of the program. He loved video games himself and got the idea to connect kids all over the country.
Many researchers elsewhere are testing video programs that might help young patients. For example, nine-year-old Ben Duskin of San Francisco, California, who was struggling with cancer helped to design a video game where players got rid of cancer cells.
That's all great news, because doctors already know that reducing pain and worry helps patients heal faster. | high15848.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "uniting surrounding cities"
},
"options": [
"building up identity",
"entertainment",
"bringing pride to the locals",
"uniting surrounding cities"
],
"question": "A nickname of a place can have the following func... | Nicknames for Los Angeles
A nickname is a shortened form of a person's name. A nickname can also be a descriptive name for a person, place or thing. Many American cities have nicknames. These can help establish an identity, spread pride among citizens and build unity. Nicknames can also be funny.
Los Angeles, California is the second largest city in population, after New York City. Los Angeles has several nicknames. One is simply the city's initials, L.A. It is also called the City of Angels because Los Angeles means "the angels" in Spanish.
Los Angeles often has warm, sunny weather. So another nickname is City of Flowers and Sunshine. New York is called The Big Apple. So Los Angeles is sometimes called The Big Orange because of the fruit that grows in that city's warm climate.
The American motion picture and television industries are based in Los Angeles. So it is not surprising that it is called The Entertainment Capital of the World. Many films are made in the area of Los Angeles called Hollywood. Millions of people visit the area.
Many movie stars live in Los Angeles. The city is sometimes called Tinseltown. This nickname comes from the shiny, bright and often unreal nature of Hollywood and the movie industry.
Another nickname for Los Angeles is La-La Land, using the first letters of Los and Angeles. This means a place that is fun and not serious, and maybe even out of touch with reality.
The city of Los Angeles is part of Los Angeles County. There are many smaller cities in the county. Beverly Hills, with its rich people, is one of them. So is Pasadena, with its Rose Parade each New Year's Day. So are the coastal cities of Santa Monica and Malibu, where people like to ride surfboards on the Pacific Ocean waves.
A good place for watching unusual-looking people is Venice, an area on the west side of Los Angeles. A system of waterways designed after the Italian city of Venice has been built there.
Many people love Los Angeles for its warm sunny weather, beautiful mountains and beaches, and movie stars. That includes Randy Newman, who sings about his hometown. | high15690.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "he is exhausted"
},
"options": [
"he is in poor health",
"he cannot move",
"he has a sound sleep",
"he is exhausted"
],
"question": "If someone says he is half dead, he means _ .",
"question_type": "cloze_... | When I first began to work with international students, I asked someone at a lunch, "What brings you here today?" Looking at me like I was a bit crazy, he answered, " The bus." That was my first realization that no matter how good a speaker is, there are phrases that will always tend to cause confusion to non-native speakers. These idiomatic phrases add color and interest to any language and are worth learning if you want to talk fluently with native speakers.
"By no stretch"----The speaker is referring to something that's very hard to achieve or realize, even with great effort, as in "It was not a good meal, by any stretch of the imagination." Which means that _ .
"Half dead"----An expression of extreme tiredness, having nothing to do with actual health. Commonly used at the end of a long and tiring day.
"By the book"----This means that an action should follow the rules exactly. It also describes the nature of someone who won't deviate from a set of rules no matter what the situation is.
"More power to you"----This isn't a wish for you to have better electricity from the power company----it's a statement, usually slightly ironic , that the speaker thinks that you are unlikely to do a task, but you should try if you think you can complete it. It generally means the speaker has no intention of helping you achieve your goal neither will they discourage you from attempting to reach it. For example, "I don't think you can meet that deadline, but more power to you."
"As easy as pie"----A reference that something is as simple or easy as eating a delicious dessert, or that it requires little effort to successfully achieve. In chatting, this phrase does not refer to the process of cooking or eating. | high10930.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "He is satisfied with his programme."
},
"options": [
"He is satisfied with his programme.",
"He is working at another advertisement.",
"He wants to advertise his program.",
"He wants to improve his memory."
],
"... | Many expensive nutrition additives advertised on TV say they can improve your memory. But only ordinary food and healthy habits have been shown to work.
A research team from UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles) has designed a four-step plan to improve your memory in just 14 days.
"It sounds like another advertisement, but it really works," says UCLA psychiatry professor Gary Small.
The team found the four-step plan improved memory function in teenagers under stress and older people. After a two-week study that included brain-teasers , exercise and diet changes, test subjects' memories worked more efficiently.
Here's the programme:
Memory training: Train yourself with brain-teasers, crossword puzzles and memory exercises that train verbal skills throughout the day.
Healthy diet: Eat five rather than three meals a day. The food should be rich in omega-3 fats (omega-3), such as whole grains and vegetables that contain antioxidants . Having frequent meals helps increase blood glucose , the primary energy source for the brain.
Physical fitness: Have regular physical exercise such as walking, basketball or running, every day.
Stress reduction : Perform stretching and relaxation exercises. Stress causes the body to release a chemical that can shrink the memory centres in the brain.
Before-and-after brain scans showed that test subjects experienced on average a 5 per cent increase in working memory. This suggests they were using their brains more efficiently. They also performed better on a cognitive test.
A control group that didn't follow the plan showed no big changes.
"We've known for years that diet and exercise can help people keep their physical health, which is a key part of healthy aging," said Small. "But keeping mental health is just as important. Now we have evidence that people can improve their memories through a programme of memory exercises and stress reduction." | high21535.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "once offered women a. special approach to university education"
},
"options": [
"is a subject becoming more and more popular with Americans",
"is often used to help fight against obesity and chronic diseases",
"once offered w... | Nobody likes home economics . But restoring the program could help us in the fight against obesity and chronic diseases today.
The home economics movement was founded on the belief that housework and food preparation were important subjects that should be studied scientifically. The first classes occurred in the agricultural and technical colleges that were built in the 1860s. When most departments of universities rejected women, home economics was a back door into higher education.
Indeed, in the early 20th century, home economics was a serious subject When few people understood germ theory and almost no one had heard of vitamins, home economics classes offered vital information about washing hands regularly, eating fruits and vegetables and not feeding coffee to babies.
However, today we remember only the fixed ideas about home economics, forgetting the movement's most important lessons on healthy eating and cooking. Too many Americans simply don't know how to cook. Our diets, consisting of highly processed foods made cheaply outside the home, have contributed to many serious health problems. In the last decade, many cities and states have tried to tax junk food heavily or to ban the use of food stamps to buy soda. Clearly, many people are doubtful about any governmental steps to promote healthy eating. But what if the government put the tools of obesity prevention in the hands of children themselves by teaching them how to cook?
My first experience with home economics happened two decades ago when I was a seventh grader in a North Carolina public school. A year later, my father's job took our family to Wales, where I attended a large school for a few months. It was the first time I had ever really cooked anything. I remember that it was fun, and with an instructor standing by, it wasn't hard. Those lessons stuck with me when I first started cooking for my husband and myself after college and they still do. Teaching cooking in public schools can help solve some problems facing Americans today. The history of home economics shows it's possible. | high4806.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "flour and vinegar"
},
"options": [
"cabbage and onion",
"carrot and potato",
"beef and water",
"flour and vinegar"
],
"question": "Which of the following materials are not needed in this course?",
"question_... | Corned Beef & Cabbage.
From Quick Cooking
"I've been making this meal for more than 40 years," remarks Ruth Warner of Wheat Ridge, Colorado. "It is so easy and so delicious. It's especially good served with a salad of peaches and cottage cheese."
INGREDIENTS
4 cups water
1 corned beef brisket with spice packet (2 pounds)
1 medium head cabbage , cut into 8 wedges
2 large red potatoes , cut into 2-inch chunks
1 can (14--1/2 ounces ) chicken broth
4 large carrots , cut into 2--inch chunks
1 medium onion , cut into 2--inch pieces
SERVINGS, 4--6
CATEGORY , Main Dish
PREP , 10 min.
METHOD, Pressure Cooker
COOK, 45 min.
TOTAL, 55 min.DIRECTIONS
In a 6-qt. pressure cooker ,combine water and contents of corned beef seasoning packet; add beef. Close cover securely ;place pressure regulator on vent pipe .Bring cooker to full pressure over high heat .Reduce heat to medium-high and cook for 45 minutes .(Pressure regulator should maintain a slow steady rocking motion; adjust heat if needed.)
Meanwhile ,in a large saucepan ,combine the cabbage ,potatoes and broth .Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes .Add carrots and onion. Cover and simmer 20--25 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender ;drain.
Remove pressure cooker from the heat; allow pressure to drop on its own. Remove beef to a serving platter. Discard cooking liquid .Serve beef with cabbage ,potatoes ,carrots and onion.
Yield: 4--6 servings.
For more recipes ,click here. | high17087.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "Greek"
},
"options": [
"Egypt",
"Israel",
"Greek",
"India"
],
"question": "Mykonos island lies in _ .",
"question_type": "cloze_questions"
},
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_t... | Mylonoa Island in autumn and winter is peaceful and beautiful. It is perfect for a relaxing stay or a brief visit. One can see and enjoy the blue skies, the wide beaches, and also have wonderful walks in the hills, perhaps not every day, but usually until the beginning of January. Visitors and winter tourists often come to Mykonos to discover the traditional Greek island. They can escape busy Athens after business, or calm down after a long European tour before traveling on further to Egypt, Israel, or Asia.
Apart from the more usual tourists, you will find various hikers, walkers, readers, writers, bikers, and so on in this island. You can also visit the beautiful Delos, hike through mountains walk on beaches, explore another side of the island life with some monasteries , horse ride, or take part in local gatherings and meet some friendly Mykonians,
Mykonos' climate is Mediterranean and mild. Autumn is always blue skied and sunny, where the temperature only drops very gradually. The nice days for beach going and swimming last until early January. The real winter months are also mild. Even in January, the temperature never drops very to be on. The island has a great percentage of _ because of the south-easterly winds and rainfall between mid-January and each- March; there is also a possibility of storms and colder northerly winds at this period. Snow is rare, perhaps one every ten years. The clear blue sky still exists for most of the winter. | high10924.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "how to choose the perfect blanket"
},
"options": [
"the importance of blankets",
"how to choose the perfect blanket",
"different materials used to make blankets",
"the history and usage of blankets"
],
"question... | A warm blanket is the ideal sleep aid for a freezing winter night. The right blanket can warm your bones but the wrong one can affect your sleep. I asked experts for advice on picking the perfect blanket for a good night's sleep. Here's what they told me.
When it comes to sleep temperature, experts recommend following the principle: not too cold, not too hot, but just right. "People seem to sleep best at temperature between 62 and 70 degrees F," says Dr. Alice Hoagland. When the surrounding temperature falls too low, it can _ you from sleep. A good blanket helps drive the coldness away.
At the other extreme, overheating yourself can affect your sleep as well. "Core body temperature typically drops during the first four hour's of sleep," says Dr. Hoagland. This decline in body temperature helps you fall asleep and stay asleep.
"In medical care, weighted blankets are one of our most powerful tools for helping people who are anxious, upset, and possibly losing control," says Dr. Karen Moore. These special blankets are filled with weighted pellets. Weighted blankets are also marketed for general use as an aid to sleep and relaxation. Like a firm hug, weighted blankets help us feel safe." This is the reason why many people like to sleep under a blanket even in summer.
"If you want to try this type of blanket, the best weight depends on your body size and personal preference. However, 15 to 30 pounds is typical for adults," Moor says. She adds that weighted blankets are not recommended for those recovering from surgery.
"People can also have serious preferences for a particular blanket," says Dr. Hoagland. "Regularly using a favorite blanket for sleep can help to develop a conditioned response so that sleep is quicker." In fact, many sleep centers ask patients to bring their own blanket and pillow from home, which helps them fall asleep more easily. | high4812.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "The shirt itself."
},
"options": [
"The mirror.",
"The shirt itself.",
"The counter.",
"The medicine."
],
"question": "What changes the color1 of your shirt?",
"question_type": "factiod_questions"
},
{
... | It's 2035. You have a job ,a family and you' re about 40 years old ! Welcome to your
future life.
Getting ready for work, you pause in front of the mirror. "Turn red," you say. Your shirt changes from sky blue to deep red. Tiny pre-programmed electronics are rearranged in your shirt to change its color1. Looking into the mirror, you find it hard to believe you're 40. You look much younger. With amazing advances in medicine, people in your generation may live to be 150 years old. You ' re not even middle-aged!
As you go into the kitchen and prepare to pour your breakfast cereal into a bowl, you hear, "To lose weight, you shouldn't eat that," from your shoes. They read the tiny electronic code on the cereal box to find out the nutrition details. You decide to listen to your shoes. "Kitchen, what can I have for breakfast?" A list of possible food appears on the counter as the kitchen checks its food supplies.
"Ready for your trip to space?" you ask your son and daughter. In 2005 only specially trained astronauts went into space -- and very few of them. Today anyone can go to space for day trips or longer vacations. Your best friend even works in space. Handing your children three strawberries each, you add, "The doctor said you need these for space travel." Thanks to medical advances, vaccination shots are a thing of the past. Ordinary foods contain specific vaccines. With the berries in their mouths, the kids head for the front door.
It's time for you to go to work. Your car checks your fingerprints and unlocks the doors. " My office. Autopilot. "you command. Your car drives itself down the road and moves smoothly into traffic on the highway. You sit back and unroll your e-newspaper. The latest news downloads and fills the viewer. Looking through the pages, you watch the news as video film rather than read it. | high17093.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "runs much further per charge"
},
"options": [
"costs less",
"needs more time to be recharged",
"is harder to book",
"runs much further per charge"
],
"question": "Compared with Aptera 2e, Tesla Roadster _",
... | I am especially interested in eco-friendly cars. Would you please give me some help?
-John Lily
John Lily,
More and more automobile companies are taking measures to create cars that do less harm to the planet. Here are some of the top green cars this year.
Tesla Roadster
This is an electric sports car. You can travel 220 miles before recharging the battery. The only problem? It will cost you $ 100 000. So, until you win the lottery or happen to find a box of gold at the end of a rainbow, let's move on to the more reasonable choices.
Aptera 2e
This electric car is much more affordable than the Tesla Roadster, with a starting price of around $25 000. Its electric motor runs 100 miles per charge. Unfortunately, it is currently only available in California through a complex booking process.
Toyota Prius
At 51 miles per gallon in the city and 48 0n the highway, the Toyota Prius is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the world With an annual C02 rating of 1 968 kilograms, this car holds the first place on MSN's list of the Least Polluting Vehicles of 2009. It also has other eco-friendly features like a solar-powered ventilation system.
Honda Civic Hybrid
The Honda Civic Hybrid is competitive with the Toyota Prius when it comes to fuel efficiency. It gets 40 miles per gallon in the city and 45 0n the highway. It also has the second-lowest annual CO2figure, releasing 2 160 kilograms in a year.
Honda Insight Hybrid
With a base price of just $20 000, the Honda Insight Hybrid is the least expensive Hybrid on the market today. Coming just after the Honda Civic and Toyota Prius in terms of pollution, this fuel-efficient vehicle gets 40 miles per gallon in the city and 43 0n the highway:
Besides all these, Toyota Camry Hybrid is also a good choice.
William | high23336.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "A nineteen-year-old student."
},
"options": [
"A ten-year-old student.",
"A thirteen-year-old student.",
"A sixteen-year-old student.",
"A nineteen-year-old student."
],
"question": "Who may work in the Youth Wo... | Thank you for your interest in helping animals! Volunteering is a wonderful way to learn, have fun and give back to yourcommunity . There are many ways to care for the animals at PAWS.
Youth Work Party
If you are ten years or older, you can join the Youth Work Party Team with a parent to work on different projects around PAWS in Lynnwood, WA. For example, you can build boxes for frightened, injured wildlife to hide in. Ask your parent to sign up to join a work party. If you are eighteen years or older, you can join the Youth Work Party Team independently.
PAWSwalk
PAWSwalk is our biggestfundraising event of the year, held at the end of the summer to raise money to care for the animals. You can collect money with the help of your family, friends and school, and then walk in the event.
Cookie Sale
Selling homemade dog cookies is a wonderful way to help the animals. PAWS can providebrochures to give out when you sell the cookies prepared by you and your parents, so people can learn about PAWS at the same time. You can find homemade dog cookie cooking instructions on the Internet or by checking out cookbooks for dogs at the library.
Movie Night
Invite friends, family, neighbors and classmates to watch your favorite animal movie, likeBabe or Charlotte's Web. Ask them to bring an "entrance fee" of donations or supplies for the animals.
Thanks again for your interest in PAWS and helping animals. Share your ideas with your parents and invite a few friends to join you in helping make a difference for animals. If you have any questions, call 425-787-2500-261. | high226.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "he had saved her son's life"
},
"options": [
"he had saved her life",
"he had saved her son's life",
"he had lent her some money",
"he often called on her"
],
"question": "The lady was thankful to the doctor bec... | A famous doctor once received a little child who was badly ill. Thanks to his skill and care, his young patient got well and was soon able to get up and run about again.
The child's mother was very much obliged to the doctor, and she called on him to thank him for what he had done for her child. "Doctor," she said, "you have saved my little son. I don't know how to thank you enough. I feel that money alone cannot repay you, so I have made this little purse with my own hands, as a sign of my gratitude. I hope you will accept it." The doctor stood up and said coldly, "Madam, a little present like that is very nice between friends, but a doctor needs to be paid properly for what he has done." The lady was so surprised and hurt so much that she could not reply for a moment. Then she said quietly, "Perhaps you will tell me how much your fee is?"
"Fifty pounds", he answered.
The lady opened the little purse and took out four fifty-pound bank notes. She handed one of them to the doctor, and put the other three back into the purse. She put the purse into her handbag and, saying good bye to the doctor, went out of the room. | high6963.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "is concerned about the threat of global warming"
},
"options": [
"is concerned about the threat of global warming",
"holds that human doesn't cause global warming",
"knows how to stop global warming successfully",
"does... | First Man-Bear-Pig, and now global warming; it seems Al Gore never stops to surprise the world. Recently Al Gore produced the movie An Inconvenient Truthwhich explained the threats and told us how to control global warming. What it left out is that there is no proof that human activity is even causing global warming, let alone if global warming is even taking place.
Global warming is the idea that greenhouse gases that shut in infra-red radiation in the earth' s atmosphere are becoming more powerful and heating our planet up. The theory is that if the planet continues to heat up the polar ice caps could melt and cover the earth in water.
Over the last 100 years the Earth has increased one degree in temperature, and sea level has risen millimeters. Even though this "eye-opening" news is taking place, there is no clear proof saying that it is due to global warming. It could be just a regular weather pattern the earth is circulating. The polar ice caps have not grown or reduced in size since man began tracking them. Also the ground-based temperature has remained the same besides growing cities. In fact most clues support the idea that global warming is not taking place and human activity isn't causing any earth to melt down.
Although Al Gore insists the world is on its way to certain destruction, the facts say otherwise. It seems that driving to work won' t lead to the doom ( ) of mankind, and the movie Water World won' t be happening any time soon. | high22996.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "To Type or To Hand Write"
},
"options": [
"The Importance of Handwriting and Typing",
"To Type or To Hand Write",
"Writing By Computer Will Replace Writing By Hand",
"Practical and Aesthetic Value of Chinese Characters"... | As computers become more popular in China, Chinese people are increasingly relying on computer keyboards to input Chinese characters. But if they use the computer too much, they may end up forgetting the exact strokes of each Chinese character when writing on paper. Experts suggest people, especially students, write by hand more.
Do you write by hand more or type more? In Beijing, students start using a computer as early as primary school. And computer dependence is more wide-spread among university students. Almost all their assignments and essays are typed on a computer.
All the students interviewed say they usually use a computer.
It's faster and easier to correct if using a computer. And that's why computers are being applied more and more often to modern education. But when people are _ computers increasingly, problems appear.
"When I'm writing with a pen, I find I often can't remember how to write a character, though I feel I'm familiar with it."
"I'm not in the mood to write when faced with a pen and paper."
Many students don't feel this is something to worry about. Now that it's more convenient and efficient to write on a computer, why bother to handwrite?
Many educators think differently. Shi Liwei, the headmaster of a famous primary school in the capital said, "Chinese characters enjoy both practical and aesthetic value. But those characters typed with computer keyboards only maintain their practical value. All the artistic beauty of the characters is lost. And handwriting contains the writer's emotion. Through one's handwriting, people can get to know one's thinking and personality. Beautiful writing will give people a better first impression of them."
To encourage students to handwrite more, many primary schools in Beijing have made writing classes compulsory and in universities, some professors are asking students to turn in their homework and essays written by hand. | high540.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "Punished for speeding and wrong parking."
},
"options": [
"Punished for speeding and wrong parking.",
"Fond of beer and wine.",
"Not having college education.",
"Unable to speak a foreign language."
],
"question... | Read the advertisements, and then choose the best answers.
Driver Wanted
1. Clean driving license
2. Must be of smart appearance.
3. Aged over 25.
Apply to :Capes Taxis, 17 Palace Road, Boston
Air Hostesses for International Flight Wanted
1. Applicants must be between 20 and 33 years old.
2. Height 1.6m to 1.75m.
3. Education to GCSE standard.
4. Two languages.
5. Must be able to swim.
Apply to: Recruitment office, Southern Airlines, Heathrow Airport West HR37KK
Teachers Needed
For private language school. Teaching experience unnecessary.
Apply to: The Director of Studies, Instant Language Ltd, 279 Canal Street | high13593.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "They always made trouble."
},
"options": [
"They always made trouble.",
"They were brave.",
"They were easygoing.",
"They were honest."
],
"question": "What were the two boys like?",
"question_type": "factio... | A couple had two little boys aged 8 and 10 who were very naughty. They were always getting into trouble and their parents knew that if any trouble occurred in their town their sons were probably involved.
The boys' mother heard that a clergyman in the town had been successful in educating children so she asked if he would speak with his boys. The clergyman agreed but asked to see them individually. So the mother sent her 8-year-old first in the morning with the elder boy to see the clergyman in the afternoon.
The clergyman, a huge man with a booming voice, sat the younger boy down and asked him strictly, "where is God?"
The boy's mouth dropped open but he made no answer, sitting there with his mouth hanging open, wide-eyed. So the clergyman repeated the question in an even stricter tone "where is God?" Again the boy made no attempt to answer. So the clergyman raised his voice even more and shook his finger in the boy's face and shouted "where is God?"
The boy screamed and escaped from the room, ran directly home and dove into his closet, _ the door behind him. When his elder brother found him in the closet, he asked "what happened?"
The younger brother replied out of breath, "We are in big trouble this time. God is missing, and they think we did it." | high23450.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "it is common that people tell white lies"
},
"options": [
"it is common that people tell white lies",
"Dick could do nothing about bad traffic",
"it is common that people move their payment to a later time",
"Dick found... | At 9:00 Dick Spivak's bank telephoned and said his payment was late. 'The check is in the post,' Dick replied quickly. At 11:45 Dick left for a 12:00 meeting across town. Arriving late, he explained that traffic had been bad. That evening, Dick's girlfriend wore a new dress. He hated it. 'It looks just great on you,' he said.
Three lies in one day! Yet Dick Spivak is just an ordinary man. Each time, he told himself that sometimes the truth causes too many problems. Most of us tell much the same white lies, harmless untruths that help to save trouble. How often do we tell white lies? It depends in part on our age, education, and even where we live. According to one U.S. study, women are more truthful than men, and honesty increases as we get older.
While most people use little white lies to make life easier, the majority of Americans care about honesty in both public and personal life. They say that people today are less honest than they were ten years ago. Although it is believed that things are getting worse, lying seems to be an age-old human problem. The French philosopher Vauvenarges, writing in the eighteenth century, touched on the truth when he wrote, 'All men are born truthful and die liars .' | high9488.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "Cognitive activity does good to one's mind."
},
"options": [
"Higher education has a better cognitive advantage.",
"Better memories result from college degree.",
"Cognitive activity does good to one's mind.",
"Poor educ... | If you don't have a college degree, you're at greater risk of developing memory problems or even Alzheimer's . Education plays a key role in lifelong memory performance and risk for mental disorder, and it's well documented that those with a college degree possess a cognitive advantage over those less educated in middle and old age.
Now, a large national study from Brandeis University published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry shows that those with less schooling can significantly make up for poorer education by frequently engaging in mental exercises such as word games, puzzles, reading, and lectures.
"The lifelong benefits of higher education for memory in later life are quite impressive, but we do not clearly understand how and why these effects last so long," said lead author Margie Lachman, a psychologist. She suggested that higher education may encourage lifelong interest in cognitive efforts, while those with less education may not engage as frequently in mental exercises that help keep the memory agile .
But education early in adulthood does not appear to be the only route to maintain your memory. The study found that intellectual activities undertaken regularly made a difference. "Among individuals with low education, those who are engaged in reading, writing, attending lectures, doing word games or puzzles once a week or more had memory scores similar to people with more education," said Lachman.
The study, called Midlife in the United States, assessed 3,343 men and women between the ages of 32 and 84 with an average age of 56 years. Almost 40 percent of the participants had at least a 4-year college degree. The researchers evaluated how the participants performed in two cognitive areas, verbal memory and executive function --- brain processes involved in planning, abstract thinking and cognitive flexibility. Participants were given a series of tests, including tests of verbal fluency, word recall, and backward counting.
As expected, those with higher education said they engaged in cognitive activities more often and also did better on the memory tests, but some with lower education also did well, explained Lachman.
"The findings are promising because they suggest there may be ways to level the playing field for those with lower educational achievement, and protect those at greatest risk for memory declines," said Lachman. "Although we can not rule out the possibility that those who have better memories are the ones who take on more activities, the evidence is consistent with cognitive plasticity , and suggests some degree of personal control over cognitive functioning in adulthood by adopting an intellectually active lifestyle." | high20159.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "Clothes and respect from GOONJ."
},
"options": [
"A non-profit organization.",
"Clothes and respect from GOONJ.",
"Donate what we can't wear to GOONJ.",
"Great people -- Anshu Gupta and his wife"
],
"question": ... | Suhklal lives in India. He works every day, but can only buy food, not anything else, even clothes. One day, Suhklal heard about a non-profit organization called GOONJ. This organization does not give away free clothes or sell clothes for money. Instead, GOONJ asks people to work to help the community. In return, GOONJ supplies people with clothes. Suhklal said the experience made him happy. He felt proud of his work and his new clothes.
In 1998, Anshu Gupta and his wife wanted to help the people affected by a crisis , so they gathered all the clothes they had not worn. Looking at their gathered clothing, they wanted to start a new clothing organization. But they wanted their organization to be different from others. They wanted to collect clothing all year round -- not just in times of crisis. And more importantly, they wanted to serve people in a way that made them feel proud when receiving clothes.
GOONJ makes sure the clothing is given to people who can use it. For example, people in areas with cooler temperatures receive warmer clothes. And people in villages that wear traditional clothing would receive traditional clothing. GOONJ also reuses clothes that people can't wear. For example, a shirt with holes can be made into a bag or used to make a blanket.
GOONJ helps organize projects that improve the community. People receive clothes in return for their community work. Gupta believes this helps the receivers build self-respect, because they have earned the clothes. It also helps the receivers to be proud of what they have done to help their community.
Since it began, GOONJ has expanded its work. GOONJ also collects more than just clothes. It collects home or school supplies. GOONJ also started a program that helps protect women's health. | high19900.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "Meat producing can cause global warming"
},
"options": [
"Meat producing can cause global warming",
"Most cows are raised not for people to eat",
"There is a lot of carbon dioxide in meat",
"Animals begin to die off bec... | Think about what you had for lunch: Was it a hamburger? A chicken sandwich? Barbecue? What about vegetables? Would it surprise you to learn that what you eat can affect the whole planet?
It can--in a big way. New studies show how food and its production affect the globe and its warming climate. You've probably heard of global warming : The temperature is on the rise because humankind has beenreleasing amounts of gases into the atmosphere. One of these greenhouse gases is carbon dioxide .
What does this have to do with food ? A big part of the carbon dioxide that we put in the atmosphere every year comes from the process of making and eating food. The production of meat contributes a lot of that carbon diode. And much of meat's contribution comes from beef , which is responsible for releasing even more warming gases into the atmosphere.
The process of making a hamburger ,for example, requires a lot of energy. A cow has to be fed and raised on farmland, and cow waste is a major source ofmethane -- an especially powerful greenhouse gas. The cow has to be killed. The meat has to beprocessed and shipped to a shop, which takes fuel . Most of the cow won't even be used for meat that people eat. By the time a hamburger finally lands on a dinner plate, it has made a heavy effect on the environment.
We can reduce the production of global-warming gases by eating less beef .Other kinds of meat like pork and chicken do less harm to the environment--at least in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases released.
All kinds of meat are harder on the planet than vegetables. To grow and eat a pound of potatoes, for example, sends less than one-quarter pound of carbon dioxide into the air. So changing our diet to less meat and more vegetables, as it turns out, may do the world some good. | high11384.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "Her mother often took her to cinema."
},
"options": [
"People around her thought that she would be a good actress.",
"Her family was poor and they couldn't send her to school.",
"Her mother often took her to cinema.",
"... | Angelina Jolie is an American actress. She has received an Academy Award and three Golden Globe Awards. Jolie is keen on charity, and is noted for her work with refugees as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). She has been recognized as one of the world's most attractive people, as well as the world's "sexiest" and "most beautiful" woman.
Born in Los Angels, California, Jolie is the daughter of actors Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand. After her parents' separation in 1976, Jolie and her brother were raised by their mother, who abandoned her acting ambitions and moved with them to Palisades, New York. As a child, Jolie regularly saw movies with her mother and later explained that this has inspired her interest in acting.
Jolie achieved wider fame after her performance of video games heroine Lara Croft in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and since then she has established herself as one of the best-known and highest-paid actress in Hollywood. Jolie has had her biggest commercial successes with the action-comedy Mr.&Mrs.Smith.
After divorcing her second ex-husband, Jolie lives with actor Brad Pitt, in a relationship that has attracted world-wide media attention. Jolie and Pitt have three adopted children, Maddox, Pax, and Zahara, and three biological children, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne.ks#5u
It's reported recently that Jolie and Brad Pitt have finally decided to legally become husband and wife, and the wedding ceremony will take place in September in their France castle. The couple will leave Hollywood, choosing to _ to southern France. They will also leave the U.S. to move to Europe. It seems that Jolie and Pitt will do this for their six children, who greatly desire this. | high21247.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "The songs of whales."
},
"options": [
"The little puffs.",
"The songs of whales.",
"The traveling speed of whales.",
"The depth of the whale's dive."
],
"question": "Which finding about whales is beyond the writ... | In October on the east coast of Australia migrating humpback whales pass very close to the shore. With the help of Max Egan, we went to film them near Byron Bay. It was extremely exciting to spot the little puffs of spray on the horizon. When migrating, the whales can be traveling at speeds of about 12km/h and can dive under anywhere between five and forty minutes, but with many years of experience Max usually guided our boat to exactly the right place to provide us with amazing sighting. As the whales break the surface like submarines , the water spills off their broad dark backs and huge tails. Then, with a powerful down stroke, they dive back into the depths of the sea, leaving just a smooth glassy patch of water or "footprint" on the surface to show where they had been.
One day we had traveled up and down the shore and far out to the sea in search of whales, but the horizon was deserted. There was no report of whales in the area so we decided to test out Max's new, highly sensitive hydrophone and the result was astonishing. As soon as the hydrophone was in the water, we found ourselves listening to the most beautiful voices. What may have seemed like a vast empty ocean was filled with the singing of whales.
It is the males which sing, as they migrate between feeding and breeding grounds. No one knows for sure what the purpose of these songs is, whether they are love songs to the females or warnings to other males to stay away.
It was thought that each population of humpbacks had its own song which remained regular but recent findings suggest that the whales appreciate a memorable tune and quickly adopt any new songs they hear. | high19257.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "The world's serious air pollution such as soot and dust."
},
"options": [
"The lack of tight environmental protection standards.",
"The increasing numbers of the diesel cars and trucks.",
"The frighteningly high death rate fr... | The economic growth that many nations in Asia and increasingly Africa have experienced over the past couple of decades has transformed hundreds of millions of lives - almost entirely for the better. But there's a _ to that growth, one that's evident - or sometimes less than evident - in the smoggy, smelly skies above cities like Beijing, New Delhi and Jakarta. Thanks to new cars and power plants, air pollution is bad and getting worse in much of the world, and it's taking a major toll (,) on global health.
How big? According to a new analysis published in the Lancet, more than 3.2 million people suffered deaths from air pollution in 2010, the largest number on record. That's up from 800,000 in 2000. And it's a regional problem: 65% of those deaths occurred in Asia, where the air is choked by diesel soot from cars and trucks, as well as the song from power plants and the dust from endless urban construction. In East Asia and China, 1.2 million people died, as well as another 712,000 in South Asia, including India. For the first time ever, air pollution is on the world's top - 10 list of killers, and it's moving up the ranks faster than any other factor.
So how can air pollution be so damaging? It is the very finest soot - so small that it roots deep within the lungs and then enters the bloodstream - that contributes to most of the public - health toll of air pollution including death. Diesel soot, which can also cause cancer, is a major problem because it is concentrated in cities along transportation zones affecting overpopulated areas. It is thought to contribute to half the deaths from air pollution in urban centers. Fro example, 1 in 6 people in the U.S. live near a diesel - pollution hot spot like a rail yard, port terminal or freeway.
We also know that air pollution may be linked to other non - deadly diseases. Fortunately in the U.S. and other developed nations, urban air is for the most part cleaner than it was 30 or 40 years ago, thanks to regulations and new technologies like the catalytic converters that reduce automobile emissions. Govemments are also pushing to make air cleaner - see the White House's move last week to further tighten soot standards. It's not perfect, but we've had much more success dealing with air pollution than climate change.
Will developing nations like India eventually catch up? Hopefully - though the problem may get worse before it gets better. The good news is that it doesn't take a major technological advance to improve urban air. Switching from diesel fuel to unleaded helps, as do newer and cleaner cars which are less likely to send out pollutants. Power plants - even ones that burn mineral fuels like coal - can be fitted with pollution - control equipment that, at a price, will greatly reduce smog and other pollutants.
But the best solutions may involve urban design. In the Guardian, John Vidal notes that Delhi now has 200 cars per 1,000 people, far more than much richer Asian cities like Hong Kong and Singapore. Developing cities will almost certainly see an increase in car ownership as residents become wealthier - and that doesn't have to mean deadly air pollution. Higher incomes should also lead to tougher environmental regulations, which is exactly what happened in the West. We can only hope it happens before the death toll from bad air gets even higher. | high4423.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "He senses when patients are to die."
},
"options": [
"He observes the cases of dying patients.",
"He curls up next to the patients.",
"He calls family members to the hospital.",
"He senses when patients are to die."
... | Oscar the cat seems to have an unnatural ability for predicting when nursing home patients are going to die, by curling up next to them during their final hours. His accuracy, observed in 25 cases, has led the staff to call family members once he has chosen someone. It usually means the patient has less than four hours to live. "Many family members take some comfort from it. They appreciate the companionship that the cat provides for their dying loved one," said Dosa, a doctor and assistant professor of medicine at Brown University.
The 2-year-old cat was adopted as a kitten and grew up in a third-floor dementia unit at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where the facility treats people with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and other illnesses. After about six months, the staff noticed Oscar would make his own rounds, just like the doctors and nurses. He'd smell and observe patients, then sit beside people who would end up dying in a few hours. Dosa said Oscar seems to take his work seriously.
"Oscar is better at predicting death than the people who work here," said Dr. Joan Teno of Brown University, who treats patients at the nursing home and is an expert on care for the terminally ill. She was convinced of Oscar's talent when he made his 13th correct call. While observing one patient, Teno said she noticed the woman wasn't eating, was breathing with difficulty and that her legs had a bluish color1, signs that often mean death is near. Oscar wouldn't stay inside the room, though, so Teno thought _ . Instead, it turned out the doctor's prediction was roughly 10 hours too early. Sure enough, during the patient's final two hours, nurses told Teno that Oscar joined the woman at her bedside.
Doctors say most of the people who get a visit from the sweet-faced, gray-and-white cat are so ill that they probably don't know he's there, so patients aren't aware he's a predictor of death. Most families are grateful for the advance warning.
No one's certain if Oscar's behavior is scientifically significant or points to a cause. Teno wonders if the cat senses mysterious scents or reads something from the behavior of the nurses who raised him. | high18149.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "plastic that repairs itself"
},
"options": [
"plastic that repairs itself",
"the chemical structure of plastic",
"permanent material invented",
"small balloons that makes plastic stronger"
],
"question": "The pa... | American scientists have developed the first material that repairs itself. The material is a form of plastic that has been engineered to fill breaks in its surface.
Plastics are used today in everything. Scientists wanted to find a way to make objects made of plastic last longer. The researchers hope their new discovery can be used to make objects that are difficult or impossible to replace.
The surface of plastic objects breaks over time. Very small breaks develop every time a plastic object is used. The researchers wanted to find out how to stop plastic from developing small breaks that weaken and destroy it. They found the answer in the chemical structure of plastic itself. The research team found a way to make plastic that contains very small balloons filled with monomer liquid. When the new plastic cracks, the monomer liquid is let out and flows into the crack. Thus the break is repaired. The repaired plastic has seventy-five percent of the strength of undamaged plastic.
The new self-repairing plastic is not yet ready for production. But it has several possible uses. One could be in space vehicles where parts cannot be repaired or replaced. Another possible use might be in bridges. And it could be used in people, to replace bone joints that have become broken or damaged. | high10515.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "www. Gardnermuseum.org"
},
"options": [
"www.pafa.org",
"www. Museumofglass.org",
"www.noguchi.org",
"www. Gardnermuseum.org"
],
"question": "Which of the following websites offers information about the furnitur... | Use your American Express Card to enjoy one-day privileges at four ofprefix = st1 /America's greatest museums. Note the participating museums, and their exciting special exhibitions that you will not want to miss, listed below.
Boston
Isabella StewartGardnerMuseum
Chairs
February 11-May 8, 2005
Italian furniture expert Fausto Calderai and Indian photographer Dayanita Singh present an exhibition of chairs from the museum's collection and "chair photographs" from around the world presented in a Venetian-style hall housing world-famous masterpieces.
For more information: www.gardnermuseum.org
New York
The NoguchiMuseum
Noguchi and Graham
December 1, 2004--May 1, 2005
Noguchi's long-term collaboration with dancer Martha Graham is regarded by many as a high pointin the history of both modern dance and art. The exhibition highlights nine of the sets created through this collaboration.
For more information: www.noguchi.org
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
In full View: American Painting(1720--2005)
January 11--April 10, 2005
Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy has been home to America's artists for 200 years. The Academy collects and exhibits the works of famous American artists, and is well-known for training fine artists. 2005 at the Academy begins with the largest exhibition of Academy's distinguished American collection in the institution's history.
For more information: www.pafa.org
Seattle
Seattle Museum of Glass
Murano: Glass from the Olnick Spanu Collection
Through November 7, 2004
This exhibition includes over 200 pieces of beautiful glass from Murano, the island of glassblowers near Venice,Italy. Watch live glass-blowing shows in the How Shop and see other modern glass exhibitions.
For more information: www.museumofglass.org | high21910.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 2,
"answer_text": "Mary, who enjoys exercising with her son.."
},
"options": [
"Jane, who decides to lose weight.",
"David, who exercises for future health.",
"Mary, who enjoys exercising with her son..",
"Mark, who is suffering from a se... | What would it take to persuade you to exercise? A desire to lose weight or improve your figure? To keep you away from diseases? To live to a healthy old age? You'd think any of those reasons would be enough to get Americans exercising. Yet a vast majority of Americans have thus far failed to swallow the "exercise pill".
Now a research by psychologists strongly suggests it's time to think of current well-being and happiness as motivators for exercise instead of future health, weight loss and body image.
Dr. Segar, one of the researchers, believes that immediate rewards are more motivating than distant ones. "People who say they exercise for the quality of life exercise more over the course of a year than those who say they value exercise for its health benefits." He said. '
Other studies have shown that what keeps people moving depends on age, sex and life circumstances. For those of college age, physical attractiveness typically heads the list of reasons to begin exercising, although what keeps them going seems to be the stress relief that a regular exercise program provides. The elderly, on the other hand, may get started because of health concerns. But often what keeps them exercising are the friendships and sense of community that may otherwise be missing from their lives. Improving daily well-being is the most influential factor for the women. Men indicate they are motivated by more distant health benefits, but this may be because men feel less comfortable discussing their mental health needs.
"Exercise should be encouraged but the emphasis on weight loss, disease prevention and healthy aging should be reduced." Dr. Segar concluded. "Exercise can make people feel more energetic, less stressed and, yes, happier." | high14773.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 1,
"answer_text": "were involved in a truck accident"
},
"options": [
"were lost on a country road",
"were involved in a truck accident",
"had limited time to find their way",
"knew little of what happened to them"
],
"question": ... | Rocky Lyons was five years old when his mother,Kelly,was driving along the country road with him.He was asleep on the front seat of their truck,with his feet resting on her lap.As his mom drove carefully down the winding country road,she turned onto a narrow bridge.The truck hit a rock and slid off the road.She attempted to bring it back up onto the road by pressing hard on the gas pedal and turning the steering wheel to the left.But Rocky's foot got caught between her leg and the steering wheel and she lost control of the truck.
The truck fell into a 20foot ravine .When it hit bottom,Rocky woke up."What happened,Mama?" he asked."Our wheels are pointing toward the sky."
Kelly was seriously wounded and blinded by blood."I'll get you out,Mama,"announced Rocky,who had surprisingly escaped injury.He climbed out from under Kelly,slid through the open window and tried to _ his mother out.But she didn't move.
"Just let me sleep," begged Kelly,who was out of consciousness.Rocky insisted,"Mom,you can't go to sleep."
Rocky managed to push Kelly out of the truck and told her he'd climb up to the road and stop a car to get help.Fearing that no one would be able to see her little boy in the dark,Kelly refused to let him go alone.Instead they slowly moved up to the road.The pain was so great that Kelly wanted to give up,but Rocky wouldn't let her.
Rocky kept repeating the inspirational phrase,"I know you can,I know you can."When they finally reached the road,Rocky broke into tears seeing his mother's torn face clearly for the first time.Waving his arms and shouting, "Please stop!" the boy stopped a truck.His mother was sent to hospital.
It took 8 hours to rebuild Kelly's face.She looks quite different today--"I used to have a straight long nose,thin lips and high cheekbones;now I've got a flat cheeks and much bigger lips"--but she has few scars and has recovered from her injuries.
Rocky's heroics were big news.Everyone was surprised at this little boy's power."It's not like I wanted it to happen," the boy explained."I just did what anyone would have done." "If it weren't for Rocky,I'd have died," said his mother. | high6234.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 0,
"answer_text": "ask her son to come back to China for the festival"
},
"options": [
"ask her son to come back to China for the festival",
"beg her son to answer her telephone more times",
"force her son to come home and get married",
"... | A mother's ad calling for her son to come home for Chinese New Year ran on the front page of the Chinese Melbourne Daily newspaper on January 14.
It placed a full page ad, saying "Dear Peng, I've called you many times but you don't pick up, maybe you will see this. Dad and mom won't ever force you to get married anymore, come home for Chinese New Year! From your mom who loves you."
The ad, which appeared on the front page of the Chinese Melbourne Daily on Tuesday, would cost $2,796.80 Australian dollars ($2465). The newspaper serves the city's Chinese community. The mother, who lives in Guangzhou had placed the ad after losing contact with her son.
Every year around this time, many Chinese prepare to head home for China's most important festival. But many of the younger generation are afraid of facing family confrontations about their love life.
On the online Chinese forum Tianya. cn, a single man asked for advice on facing his family. "It's almost that time of the year. How should I explain to my family and relatives that I am single?" a user in Guangzhou "1979xiaozhu" posted. Many of the replies were telling him not to go home instead.
User "qianlidaiwanwoduxing" wrote: "Going home means they will either arrange blind dates for you or you get scolded."
"This year my mom gave me an ultimatum. One, bring 50,000 yuan; second, bring a wife home. If I don't have both then she said I don't need to come home. What a tragedy!" said user "fghjkh84".
Those girls who can't handle the pressure of parents can rent a boyfriend for the day through China's online shopping giant, Taobao.com. Rental boyfriends come with services such as meeting the parents, shopping and watching movies. | high8219.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "met JoJo at the beach by accident"
},
"options": [
"often go to the beach with his daughter",
"is often troubled by his audience",
"was unwilling to help James",
"met JoJo at the beach by accident"
],
"question"... | One Sunday, I took my daughter to the seaside. On arriving at the beach, I saw JoJo, a wealthy man in hotel business. We sat down to chat in an open air cafe while I watched my daughter enjoy herself on the swings in front of us.
Suddenly, our conversation was interrupted by a stranger, who politely asked permission to speak to me privately. People often want to tell me something about my TV show.
We stood a bit away from my table. He said, "I'm James, the father of a 7-year-old girl who's very sick. The doctors said that if she was treated in the UK, she would probably survive. But I'm poor, so can you help me, please?"
I stared into the man's eyes full of tears and asked how I could help. After I went back, JoJo asked me, "What's wrong?" I told him about it and he was very sorry for that family.
All day I thought about James's family. I even thought about making a special TV show to raise money for the sick child.
On Monday morning, JoJo walked into my office. Actually, JoJo was very busy, and I never imagined he would have the time to come and see me.
"Please, call the man and tell him I'll pay all the expenses for the girl's treatment," JoJo said with a cheque in his hand. "I've been married for 35 years; I wasn't lucky enough to have a child. Sometimes I feel lonely. I want to help this child." I picked up the phone to call James.
Now James's daughter is well and JoJo sometimes goes to visit her. I'm so happy that there are so good people on this earth. | high12302.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "vitamin D may help to slow the ageing process"
},
"options": [
"people feel happy and energetic in the sun",
"sunshine protects people against heart disease",
"vitamin D makes one's skin look young and healthy",
"vitami... | A healthy amount of sunshine may be the secret to staying young. British scientists have discovered.
Vitamin D is produced naturally by the skin in response to(...) sunlight and may help to slow the ageing process and protect against heart disease, according to the study.
Researchers from King's College London studied 2,160 women aged between 18 and 79, looking at their telomeres--- a biological marker of ageing found in DNA. As people get older, their telomeres get shorter and they become more susceptible to certain illnesses.
But the study found women with high levels of vitamin D had comparatively longer telomeres--- a sign of being biologically younger and healthier.
The study suggests vitamin D may help to slow down the ageing process of DNA, and therefore the ageing process as a whole.
Lead researcher Dr Brent Richards said, "These results are exciting because they show for the first time that people who have higher levels of vitamin D may age more slowly than people with lower levels of vitamin D." This could help to explain how vitamin D has a protective effect on many ageing related diseases, such as heart disease and cancer."
Professor Tim Spector, a co-author of the report, added, "Although it might sound absurd
, it's possible that the same sunshine which may increase our risk of skin cancer may also have a healthy effect on the general ageing process."
Vitamin D made by the action of sunlight on the skin accounts for 90 percent of the body's supply, but lower levels can also be got through food such as fish, eggs and breakfast cereals .
Other studies have suggested the vitamin plays a key role in protecting against cancer and heart disease. | high12464.txt |
[
{
"answer": {
"answer_index": 3,
"answer_text": "he was a strong man in strange clothes who seemed dangerousZxxk"
},
"options": [
"they were not heading towards Manchester",
"they thought most hitchhikers were dangerous",
"hitchhiking had been forbidden and they didn't want... | We all remember seeing hitchhikers , standing by the side of the road, thumb sticking out, waiting for a lift. But it is getting rare nowadays. What killed hitchhiking? Safety is often mentioned as a reason. Movies about murderous hitchhikers and real-life crime have put many drivers off picking up hitchhikers. That no single women picked me up on my journey to Manchester no doubt reflects the safety fear: a large, strangely dressed man is seen as dangerous.
But the reason may be more complex: hitchhiking happens where people don't have cars and transport services are poor. Plenty of people still hitchhike in Poland and Romania. Perhaps the rising level of car ownership in the UK means the few people lift hitchhiking are usually considered strange. Why can't they afford cars? Why can't they take the coach or the train?
Three-quarters of the UK population have access to a car; many of the remainder will be quite old. The potential hitchhiking population is therefore small. Yet my trip proves it's still possible to hitchhike. The people who picked me up were very interesting-lawyer, retired surgeon, tank commander, carpenter, man who live in an isolated farmhouse and a couple living up in the mountains. My conclusion is that only really interesting people are mad enough to pick up fat blokes in red,
spotted scarves. Most just wanted to do someone a good turn; a few said they were so surprised to see a hitchhiker that they couldn't help stopping.
The future of hitchhiking most likely lies with car-sharing organized over the Internet, via sites such as hitchhikers. org. But for now, you can still stick your thumb out(actually, I didn't do much of that, preferring just to hold up my destination sign) and people-wonderful, caring, sharing, unafraid people-will stop.
In the UK, with its cheap coaches and reasonable rail service, I don't think I'll make a habit of it. But having enjoyed it so much, I'm ready now to do a big trip across Europe and beyond. In the 1970s a female friend of my wife's hitchhiked to India. How wonderful it would be to have another go, though Afghanistan might be a challenge. I wish I'd got that tank commander's mobile number. | high971.txt |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.