Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
The man with the bullhorn encouraged the runners as they made their way up the hill. "Two hours, fifteen minutes, forty seconds ..."His deep, loud voice boomed toward us.
It was mile 17 of the marathon.
"Hey, great stride!" a bearded viewer yelled to me. He clapped loudly. "You're looking strong. Keep going--go, go, go!"
You bet I'm looking strong, I thought, as I followed my younger sister, Laura. I just got started. She had been diligently clocking eight-minute miles since the race had begun downtown. Initially in the middle of a pack, which was several thousand people, she had been steadily passing other runners for the past 10 miles or so. We were now on the relatively steep rise to the St. Cecelia Bridge. Once we crossed, we would begin heading back into town, running along the east side of the Rincon River. Laura had asked me to run the most difficult section of the marathon with her. Not having trained for anything more challenging than a quick walk, and with no experience running in organized events, I figured I might be good for two or three miles.
Up ahead, steel drums were playing. A group of drummers was beating their drums, chanting, and encouraging us with their music and smiles. Crossing the bridge, I recalled the advice in the Marathon Handbook. During my preview of the route, it had seemed like a babyish thing to do. But now it seemed like a fine idea, and I spat magnificently over the side of the bridge.
"I read the handbook, too!" said a woman behind me, who also let loose over the side of the bridge. We had now started a chain reaction of bridge spitters. It was quite a sight, but I had other things to occupy my attention, namely the back of Laura's sweater.
Easing off the bridge, and heading south on Avila Boulevard, Laura and I found our pace together again. Here we could hang to the left of the group and enjoy some brief conversation. "You keeping up okay?" she asked. Being her older brother, and therefore unable to admit weakness, I nodded convincingly.
"Hey, Lee!" yelled a waving man on the sidewalk. Immediately pleased that my marathon efforts had been recognized by someone I knew, I waved back and reflected on the importance of wearing tie-dyed clothing to a road race of this size. It made it a lot easier to be spotted!
The town marathon is a "people's" marathon in that it tends to be a family affair, with the runners and spectators creating a festival atmosphere. I managed to run six miles before bowing out, and Laura finished the entire race in under four hours. I now pride myself on telling people that I ran in a marathon. The distinction between having run a marathon and having run in a marathon seems unimportant. If pressed, however, I'll admit that I only ran one-fourth of one.
Inspired by this year's experience, I plan to walk the course--really fast--next year. It's not because I'm jealous of my sister's accomplishment. This is not some silly competition in which I must do whatever she does. Rather, Laura got free cookies at the finish line, and the promise of that will lead me to any goal.

<question>:
Why did the author write this story  _  ?

<options>:
A to explain how marathons are won
B to tell about the history of marathons
C to tell a story about a marathon experience
D to show how difficult running in a marathon can be

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
The man with the bullhorn encouraged the runners as they made their way up the hill. "Two hours, fifteen minutes, forty seconds ..."His deep, loud voice boomed toward us.
It was mile 17 of the marathon.
"Hey, great stride!" a bearded viewer yelled to me. He clapped loudly. "You're looking strong. Keep going--go, go, go!"
You bet I'm looking strong, I thought, as I followed my younger sister, Laura. I just got started. She had been diligently clocking eight-minute miles since the race had begun downtown. Initially in the middle of a pack, which was several thousand people, she had been steadily passing other runners for the past 10 miles or so. We were now on the relatively steep rise to the St. Cecelia Bridge. Once we crossed, we would begin heading back into town, running along the east side of the Rincon River. Laura had asked me to run the most difficult section of the marathon with her. Not having trained for anything more challenging than a quick walk, and with no experience running in organized events, I figured I might be good for two or three miles.
Up ahead, steel drums were playing. A group of drummers was beating their drums, chanting, and encouraging us with their music and smiles. Crossing the bridge, I recalled the advice in the Marathon Handbook. During my preview of the route, it had seemed like a babyish thing to do. But now it seemed like a fine idea, and I spat magnificently over the side of the bridge.
"I read the handbook, too!" said a woman behind me, who also let loose over the side of the bridge. We had now started a chain reaction of bridge spitters. It was quite a sight, but I had other things to occupy my attention, namely the back of Laura's sweater.
Easing off the bridge, and heading south on Avila Boulevard, Laura and I found our pace together again. Here we could hang to the left of the group and enjoy some brief conversation. "You keeping up okay?" she asked. Being her older brother, and therefore unable to admit weakness, I nodded convincingly.
"Hey, Lee!" yelled a waving man on the sidewalk. Immediately pleased that my marathon efforts had been recognized by someone I knew, I waved back and reflected on the importance of wearing tie-dyed clothing to a road race of this size. It made it a lot easier to be spotted!
The town marathon is a "people's" marathon in that it tends to be a family affair, with the runners and spectators creating a festival atmosphere. I managed to run six miles before bowing out, and Laura finished the entire race in under four hours. I now pride myself on telling people that I ran in a marathon. The distinction between having run a marathon and having run in a marathon seems unimportant. If pressed, however, I'll admit that I only ran one-fourth of one.
Inspired by this year's experience, I plan to walk the course--really fast--next year. It's not because I'm jealous of my sister's accomplishment. This is not some silly competition in which I must do whatever she does. Rather, Laura got free cookies at the finish line, and the promise of that will lead me to any goal.

<question>:
Why was Lee glad he wore a tie-dyed shirt?

<options>:
A It helped people locate him easily.
B The shirt brought him good luck.
C It added to the festival atmosphere.
D The shirt was a favorite of Laura's.

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
The man with the bullhorn encouraged the runners as they made their way up the hill. "Two hours, fifteen minutes, forty seconds ..."His deep, loud voice boomed toward us.
It was mile 17 of the marathon.
"Hey, great stride!" a bearded viewer yelled to me. He clapped loudly. "You're looking strong. Keep going--go, go, go!"
You bet I'm looking strong, I thought, as I followed my younger sister, Laura. I just got started. She had been diligently clocking eight-minute miles since the race had begun downtown. Initially in the middle of a pack, which was several thousand people, she had been steadily passing other runners for the past 10 miles or so. We were now on the relatively steep rise to the St. Cecelia Bridge. Once we crossed, we would begin heading back into town, running along the east side of the Rincon River. Laura had asked me to run the most difficult section of the marathon with her. Not having trained for anything more challenging than a quick walk, and with no experience running in organized events, I figured I might be good for two or three miles.
Up ahead, steel drums were playing. A group of drummers was beating their drums, chanting, and encouraging us with their music and smiles. Crossing the bridge, I recalled the advice in the Marathon Handbook. During my preview of the route, it had seemed like a babyish thing to do. But now it seemed like a fine idea, and I spat magnificently over the side of the bridge.
"I read the handbook, too!" said a woman behind me, who also let loose over the side of the bridge. We had now started a chain reaction of bridge spitters. It was quite a sight, but I had other things to occupy my attention, namely the back of Laura's sweater.
Easing off the bridge, and heading south on Avila Boulevard, Laura and I found our pace together again. Here we could hang to the left of the group and enjoy some brief conversation. "You keeping up okay?" she asked. Being her older brother, and therefore unable to admit weakness, I nodded convincingly.
"Hey, Lee!" yelled a waving man on the sidewalk. Immediately pleased that my marathon efforts had been recognized by someone I knew, I waved back and reflected on the importance of wearing tie-dyed clothing to a road race of this size. It made it a lot easier to be spotted!
The town marathon is a "people's" marathon in that it tends to be a family affair, with the runners and spectators creating a festival atmosphere. I managed to run six miles before bowing out, and Laura finished the entire race in under four hours. I now pride myself on telling people that I ran in a marathon. The distinction between having run a marathon and having run in a marathon seems unimportant. If pressed, however, I'll admit that I only ran one-fourth of one.
Inspired by this year's experience, I plan to walk the course--really fast--next year. It's not because I'm jealous of my sister's accomplishment. This is not some silly competition in which I must do whatever she does. Rather, Laura got free cookies at the finish line, and the promise of that will lead me to any goal.

<question>:
Which of the following words best describes Laura as she is presented in this passage?

<options>:
A competitive
B foolish
C comical
D carefree

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
The man with the bullhorn encouraged the runners as they made their way up the hill. "Two hours, fifteen minutes, forty seconds ..."His deep, loud voice boomed toward us.
It was mile 17 of the marathon.
"Hey, great stride!" a bearded viewer yelled to me. He clapped loudly. "You're looking strong. Keep going--go, go, go!"
You bet I'm looking strong, I thought, as I followed my younger sister, Laura. I just got started. She had been diligently clocking eight-minute miles since the race had begun downtown. Initially in the middle of a pack, which was several thousand people, she had been steadily passing other runners for the past 10 miles or so. We were now on the relatively steep rise to the St. Cecelia Bridge. Once we crossed, we would begin heading back into town, running along the east side of the Rincon River. Laura had asked me to run the most difficult section of the marathon with her. Not having trained for anything more challenging than a quick walk, and with no experience running in organized events, I figured I might be good for two or three miles.
Up ahead, steel drums were playing. A group of drummers was beating their drums, chanting, and encouraging us with their music and smiles. Crossing the bridge, I recalled the advice in the Marathon Handbook. During my preview of the route, it had seemed like a babyish thing to do. But now it seemed like a fine idea, and I spat magnificently over the side of the bridge.
"I read the handbook, too!" said a woman behind me, who also let loose over the side of the bridge. We had now started a chain reaction of bridge spitters. It was quite a sight, but I had other things to occupy my attention, namely the back of Laura's sweater.
Easing off the bridge, and heading south on Avila Boulevard, Laura and I found our pace together again. Here we could hang to the left of the group and enjoy some brief conversation. "You keeping up okay?" she asked. Being her older brother, and therefore unable to admit weakness, I nodded convincingly.
"Hey, Lee!" yelled a waving man on the sidewalk. Immediately pleased that my marathon efforts had been recognized by someone I knew, I waved back and reflected on the importance of wearing tie-dyed clothing to a road race of this size. It made it a lot easier to be spotted!
The town marathon is a "people's" marathon in that it tends to be a family affair, with the runners and spectators creating a festival atmosphere. I managed to run six miles before bowing out, and Laura finished the entire race in under four hours. I now pride myself on telling people that I ran in a marathon. The distinction between having run a marathon and having run in a marathon seems unimportant. If pressed, however, I'll admit that I only ran one-fourth of one.
Inspired by this year's experience, I plan to walk the course--really fast--next year. It's not because I'm jealous of my sister's accomplishment. This is not some silly competition in which I must do whatever she does. Rather, Laura got free cookies at the finish line, and the promise of that will lead me to any goal.

<question>:
The tone of this passage is best described as   _  .

<options>:
A tense and anxious
B light and friendly
C matter-of-fact
D uninterested and bored

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
Humankind has tried to improve its standard of living since the very beginning of civilization. Back then, as well as today, providing food and security was the basic task for a person. However, nowadays the range of required goods has expanded significantly. People feel the need for not only some primary things, such as a piece of bread and a roof over their heads, but also for various facilities and luxuries. Providing humanity with these things is connected to the use of natural resources, which requires energy. In turn, the common sources of energy we use today cause pollution, so economic growth is almost unavoidably associated with environmental damage.
Economic growth is the increase in numbers of goods and services produced over time by an economy, and it is calculated in terms of real Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Before growth is calculated, inflation  is adjusted in order to take into account its misleading effect on the price of goods and services. Economic growth can also be explained as the increase in expected output, which results from an increase in actual output, or total demand.
There are certain aspects of economic growth which affect the environment. The first of these is the fact that in order to produce more goods and products, at a faster rate, the construction of large industrial plants is required. These plants produce a lot of waste, leading to the pollution of water and the atmosphere, which may cause negative long term health effects to nearby populations of animals, or people. _ also lead to global warming.
Industrial manufacturing leads to the constantly increasing energy consumption. The traditional energy sources, which are commonly used nowadays, are considered to be the greatest polluters to the environment. There also exist so-called eco-friendly sources of energy. They are sometimes preferred but replacing the traditional sources with them also requires time, during which people have to make some sacrifices to support these undertakings.
In order to produce economically practical energy, a sometimes significant transformation of the natural site is often inevitable. This is expensive and, has harmful effects on the environment. Application of wind energy would block airflows' natural speed which is the reason for their decrease in strength, after crossing the windmill. Consequently, the pressure balance that is brought about by this current will be affected, and it is important to remember that the environment and weather conditions are directly affected by atmospheric pressure.
For these reasons, bringing about economic growth without any resulting environmental damage, whatsoever, is impossible.

<question>:
What does the passage mainly talk about?

<options>:
A Pollution caused by plant construction.
B Effects of windmills on the environment.
C Economic growth and human civilization.
D Economic growth and environmental damage.

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
Humankind has tried to improve its standard of living since the very beginning of civilization. Back then, as well as today, providing food and security was the basic task for a person. However, nowadays the range of required goods has expanded significantly. People feel the need for not only some primary things, such as a piece of bread and a roof over their heads, but also for various facilities and luxuries. Providing humanity with these things is connected to the use of natural resources, which requires energy. In turn, the common sources of energy we use today cause pollution, so economic growth is almost unavoidably associated with environmental damage.
Economic growth is the increase in numbers of goods and services produced over time by an economy, and it is calculated in terms of real Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Before growth is calculated, inflation  is adjusted in order to take into account its misleading effect on the price of goods and services. Economic growth can also be explained as the increase in expected output, which results from an increase in actual output, or total demand.
There are certain aspects of economic growth which affect the environment. The first of these is the fact that in order to produce more goods and products, at a faster rate, the construction of large industrial plants is required. These plants produce a lot of waste, leading to the pollution of water and the atmosphere, which may cause negative long term health effects to nearby populations of animals, or people. _ also lead to global warming.
Industrial manufacturing leads to the constantly increasing energy consumption. The traditional energy sources, which are commonly used nowadays, are considered to be the greatest polluters to the environment. There also exist so-called eco-friendly sources of energy. They are sometimes preferred but replacing the traditional sources with them also requires time, during which people have to make some sacrifices to support these undertakings.
In order to produce economically practical energy, a sometimes significant transformation of the natural site is often inevitable. This is expensive and, has harmful effects on the environment. Application of wind energy would block airflows' natural speed which is the reason for their decrease in strength, after crossing the windmill. Consequently, the pressure balance that is brought about by this current will be affected, and it is important to remember that the environment and weather conditions are directly affected by atmospheric pressure.
For these reasons, bringing about economic growth without any resulting environmental damage, whatsoever, is impossible.

<question>:
According to the passage, the author holds the opinion that   _  .

<options>:
A economic growth should be calculated in terms of GDP
B use of natural resources causes no damage to the environment
C industrial manufacturing may cause damage to the environment
D a windmill is a perfect way to produce economically practical energy

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
A sandstorm, also known as a dust storm, is exactly what it sounds like. A very strong windstorm especially in the desert carries clouds of sand or dust that greatly reduces visibility. This wind is usually caused by convection currents  , which are created by intense heating of the ground, and is usually strong enough to move entire sand dunes. Air is unstable when heated, and this instability in the air will cause higher winds to mix with winds in the lower atmosphere, producing strong surface winds.
Sandstorms can disturb people's travel, and can sometimes destroy whole roads, and dry flat areas. Similar dust storms can be found on the planet Mars, and are thought to be seasonal. Today, the destruction of forests and too much farming of farmland can lead to sandstorms. Too much use of water resources can also cause sandstorms.
In the United States of America, sandstorms are rare because of the lack of large deserts and more importantly the development of proper agricultural techniques. The last recorded destructive sandstorm in American history was the Dust Bowl, which occurred on July 16, 1971 and was widely recorded by meteorologists  .
To protect themselves from sandstorms, some people wear protective suits. Special equipment can be fixed in some cars to prevent sand from getting into the engine. Sandstorms can cause coughs, and the sand and dust has also been known to carry "infectious diseases". Sand particles, unlike dust ones, will block air passages, and cause a person who breathes them in to choke. Dust particles may cause an allergic   reaction.

<question>:
Which of the following plays the first part in forming sandstorms?

<options>:
A The instability of the sand.
B The instability of the wind.
C The intense heating of the ground.
D The speed of the wind.

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
A sandstorm, also known as a dust storm, is exactly what it sounds like. A very strong windstorm especially in the desert carries clouds of sand or dust that greatly reduces visibility. This wind is usually caused by convection currents  , which are created by intense heating of the ground, and is usually strong enough to move entire sand dunes. Air is unstable when heated, and this instability in the air will cause higher winds to mix with winds in the lower atmosphere, producing strong surface winds.
Sandstorms can disturb people's travel, and can sometimes destroy whole roads, and dry flat areas. Similar dust storms can be found on the planet Mars, and are thought to be seasonal. Today, the destruction of forests and too much farming of farmland can lead to sandstorms. Too much use of water resources can also cause sandstorms.
In the United States of America, sandstorms are rare because of the lack of large deserts and more importantly the development of proper agricultural techniques. The last recorded destructive sandstorm in American history was the Dust Bowl, which occurred on July 16, 1971 and was widely recorded by meteorologists  .
To protect themselves from sandstorms, some people wear protective suits. Special equipment can be fixed in some cars to prevent sand from getting into the engine. Sandstorms can cause coughs, and the sand and dust has also been known to carry "infectious diseases". Sand particles, unlike dust ones, will block air passages, and cause a person who breathes them in to choke. Dust particles may cause an allergic   reaction.

<question>:
The author will most probably agree that   _  .

<options>:
A there will soon be no sandstorms in the USA
B humans haven't thought of any way to deal with sandstorms
C death caused by sandstorms is increasing all the time
D humans should make more efforts to stop soil turning into desert

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
With the rapid social development, the Internet now provides social networks that include online movies and videos.The major television networks have much less control over your mind and their broadcasts for entertainment and, more importantly, advertising.It has long been known that television's audience will spend more time on the Internet than watching TV.People have found another means of entertainment by going to websites which seem to satisfy their specific interests more completely.This isn't very good news for the television networks.
The influence of people using DVRs (Digital Video Recorder) also has led to fewer and fewer viewers watching television commercials.Market research indicates the effectiveness of TV ads is getting weaker as a result.Many DVR owners are fast forwarding and skipping television commercials.With viewers now spending an average of four times longer on the Internet and more viewers avoiding commercials, this trend isn't good for television's advertising revenues .
Major TV advertisers know full well that their advertising dollars on TV aren't as an effective investment as they once were.The major players in advertising have been moving towards the Internet as a serious alternative means of advertising.
For thousands of people involved in Internet marketing, it's history-making to share the revenue that previously all went to major television networks.There's already a group of Internet marketers being paid a larger amount of advertising revenue.These are everyday people that work usually from home on their own.Advertisers can direct their advertising to websites where viewer types are more likely to be interested in their product or service.
The development of the Internet and its role and change in our lives cannot be compared to any other form of media created throughout the history of mankind.

<question>:
People are going to websites for entertainment because   _  .

<options>:
A they'd like to follow the last trend
B there are fewer commercials
C there are more movies and videos
D they can choose what meets their particular needs

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
With the rapid social development, the Internet now provides social networks that include online movies and videos.The major television networks have much less control over your mind and their broadcasts for entertainment and, more importantly, advertising.It has long been known that television's audience will spend more time on the Internet than watching TV.People have found another means of entertainment by going to websites which seem to satisfy their specific interests more completely.This isn't very good news for the television networks.
The influence of people using DVRs (Digital Video Recorder) also has led to fewer and fewer viewers watching television commercials.Market research indicates the effectiveness of TV ads is getting weaker as a result.Many DVR owners are fast forwarding and skipping television commercials.With viewers now spending an average of four times longer on the Internet and more viewers avoiding commercials, this trend isn't good for television's advertising revenues .
Major TV advertisers know full well that their advertising dollars on TV aren't as an effective investment as they once were.The major players in advertising have been moving towards the Internet as a serious alternative means of advertising.
For thousands of people involved in Internet marketing, it's history-making to share the revenue that previously all went to major television networks.There's already a group of Internet marketers being paid a larger amount of advertising revenue.These are everyday people that work usually from home on their own.Advertisers can direct their advertising to websites where viewer types are more likely to be interested in their product or service.
The development of the Internet and its role and change in our lives cannot be compared to any other form of media created throughout the history of mankind.

<question>:
It can be inferred from the passage that   _  .

<options>:
A people spend time on the Internet mainly for entertainment
B most people prefer to work at home nowadays
C the Internet will attract more and more advertisers
D the appearance of TV changed our lives

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
With the rapid social development, the Internet now provides social networks that include online movies and videos.The major television networks have much less control over your mind and their broadcasts for entertainment and, more importantly, advertising.It has long been known that television's audience will spend more time on the Internet than watching TV.People have found another means of entertainment by going to websites which seem to satisfy their specific interests more completely.This isn't very good news for the television networks.
The influence of people using DVRs (Digital Video Recorder) also has led to fewer and fewer viewers watching television commercials.Market research indicates the effectiveness of TV ads is getting weaker as a result.Many DVR owners are fast forwarding and skipping television commercials.With viewers now spending an average of four times longer on the Internet and more viewers avoiding commercials, this trend isn't good for television's advertising revenues .
Major TV advertisers know full well that their advertising dollars on TV aren't as an effective investment as they once were.The major players in advertising have been moving towards the Internet as a serious alternative means of advertising.
For thousands of people involved in Internet marketing, it's history-making to share the revenue that previously all went to major television networks.There's already a group of Internet marketers being paid a larger amount of advertising revenue.These are everyday people that work usually from home on their own.Advertisers can direct their advertising to websites where viewer types are more likely to be interested in their product or service.
The development of the Internet and its role and change in our lives cannot be compared to any other form of media created throughout the history of mankind.

<question>:
The passage mainly tells us   _  .

<options>:
A the rapid social development
B the fast development of the Internet advertising
C the way to advertise on the Internet
D the influence of television commercials

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
Parties and social gatherings no longer excite us the same way they once did. This is not due to a lack of desire to socialize, but the smartphone.
At parties, more people are on their smartphones than on their drinks. According to a recent International Data Corporation study, well over half of all Americans have a smartphone and reach for it the moment they wake up, keeping it in hand all day. In addition, too much of society is using smartphones while driving and as a result getting into car crashes. 34 percent of teens admit to text while driving, and they confirm that text messaging is their number one driving interruption. People's attachment to their smartphones is unbelievably becoming more important than the lives of themselves and others.
Just as drivers dismiss the importance of focusing while on the road, many people also fail to recognize the significance of human interaction. When with their friends, some people pointlessly check or send text messages in the presence of a friend, which sends a message to that friend: the person I am texting is more important than you. In addition, relying on our smartphone to make friends does not give us the same advantage as being able to make new friendships in the real world. Face-to-face conversations will give us much stronger communication skills in the long run.
As many people risk their lives and the lives of people around them just to send a text or mindlessly check their massages, smartphones are in many ways more dangerous to people. The quality of this technology is de-advancing societal achievements and weakening the value of communication. Not only is the smartphone affecting our desire to interact   face-to-face but it is also lowering society's ability to communicate.

<question>:
The purpose of this text is to   _  .

<options>:
A call for an end to use the smartphone while driving
B express concern about the overuse of the smartphone
C appeal to us to pay attention to communication skills
D advise us to be cautious about the addiction to the smartphone

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
Parties and social gatherings no longer excite us the same way they once did. This is not due to a lack of desire to socialize, but the smartphone.
At parties, more people are on their smartphones than on their drinks. According to a recent International Data Corporation study, well over half of all Americans have a smartphone and reach for it the moment they wake up, keeping it in hand all day. In addition, too much of society is using smartphones while driving and as a result getting into car crashes. 34 percent of teens admit to text while driving, and they confirm that text messaging is their number one driving interruption. People's attachment to their smartphones is unbelievably becoming more important than the lives of themselves and others.
Just as drivers dismiss the importance of focusing while on the road, many people also fail to recognize the significance of human interaction. When with their friends, some people pointlessly check or send text messages in the presence of a friend, which sends a message to that friend: the person I am texting is more important than you. In addition, relying on our smartphone to make friends does not give us the same advantage as being able to make new friendships in the real world. Face-to-face conversations will give us much stronger communication skills in the long run.
As many people risk their lives and the lives of people around them just to send a text or mindlessly check their massages, smartphones are in many ways more dangerous to people. The quality of this technology is de-advancing societal achievements and weakening the value of communication. Not only is the smartphone affecting our desire to interact   face-to-face but it is also lowering society's ability to communicate.

<question>:
Over dependence on the smartphone leads to the fact that   _  .

<options>:
A parties and gatherings limit their social circle
B people's communication skills are weakened
C people are more and more narrow-minded
D face-to-face communication becomes less important

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
Yousuf Karsh,the Canadian portrait artist who photographed many of the most influential figures of the 20thcentury,died in a Boston hospital on July l3 th,2002.He was 93.
Working from a studio in Ottawa,Karsh produced famous portraits of such subjects as Winston Churchill,John F.Kennedy,Ernest Hemingway and Albert Einstein.Actually he has become almost as famous as his legendary subjects.In the latest edition of Who's Who,which listed the most notable people of the last century,Karsh was the only Canadian of the 100 famous people listed----51 0f whom Karsh had photographed.
As a master portraitist,often working in black and white.Karsh was famous for talking to his subjects as he was getting the shot's composition just right,asking them questions and putting them at ease.In preparation,he read as much as he could about the _ ,but avoided having the idea beforehand of how he would photograph them.He sought, as he wrote in Karsh Portfolio in 1967,to capture the "essential element which has made them great," explaining,"All I know is that within every mall a secret is hidden,and as a photographer, it is my task to reveal it if I can."
Karsh was born in America in 1908,and his uncle,George Nakash,brought him to John Garo,all outstanding photographer,to teach him in 1928.Four years later,Karsh set up his own studio in Ottawa.
In December of 1941,his memorable portrait of Winston Churchill brought Karsh into international fame.Canada's Prime Minister Mackenzie King arranged for him to photograph Churchill following Churchill's speech in the House of Commons.Not told,Churchill lit up a cigar, "Why was I not told of this?'' Karsh asked him to remove the cigar and,when he didn't,stepped forward and gently removed it with the comment,"Forgive me,Sir."Churchill glowered   as the shot was taken,then permitted Karsh to take still another,;jokingly commenting,"You can even make a roaring lion stand still to be photographed." The Churchill portrait has since appeared in publications all over the world.
Karsh traveled to London in 1943 with his portable studio ---- an 8-by-10 view camera and many studio lamps to photograph such notables as George Bernard Shaw and the royal family.All these portraits fully illustrate Karsh's ability.

<question>:
What did Karsh seek to do most in working?

<options>:
A Capture the essence and greatness of the character.
B Present the true and vivid expression of the subject.
C Make the photograph more colorful and expressive.
D Reveal the idea he has got in preparing for the shot.

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
Yousuf Karsh,the Canadian portrait artist who photographed many of the most influential figures of the 20thcentury,died in a Boston hospital on July l3 th,2002.He was 93.
Working from a studio in Ottawa,Karsh produced famous portraits of such subjects as Winston Churchill,John F.Kennedy,Ernest Hemingway and Albert Einstein.Actually he has become almost as famous as his legendary subjects.In the latest edition of Who's Who,which listed the most notable people of the last century,Karsh was the only Canadian of the 100 famous people listed----51 0f whom Karsh had photographed.
As a master portraitist,often working in black and white.Karsh was famous for talking to his subjects as he was getting the shot's composition just right,asking them questions and putting them at ease.In preparation,he read as much as he could about the _ ,but avoided having the idea beforehand of how he would photograph them.He sought, as he wrote in Karsh Portfolio in 1967,to capture the "essential element which has made them great," explaining,"All I know is that within every mall a secret is hidden,and as a photographer, it is my task to reveal it if I can."
Karsh was born in America in 1908,and his uncle,George Nakash,brought him to John Garo,all outstanding photographer,to teach him in 1928.Four years later,Karsh set up his own studio in Ottawa.
In December of 1941,his memorable portrait of Winston Churchill brought Karsh into international fame.Canada's Prime Minister Mackenzie King arranged for him to photograph Churchill following Churchill's speech in the House of Commons.Not told,Churchill lit up a cigar, "Why was I not told of this?'' Karsh asked him to remove the cigar and,when he didn't,stepped forward and gently removed it with the comment,"Forgive me,Sir."Churchill glowered   as the shot was taken,then permitted Karsh to take still another,;jokingly commenting,"You can even make a roaring lion stand still to be photographed." The Churchill portrait has since appeared in publications all over the world.
Karsh traveled to London in 1943 with his portable studio ---- an 8-by-10 view camera and many studio lamps to photograph such notables as George Bernard Shaw and the royal family.All these portraits fully illustrate Karsh's ability.

<question>:
From the passage,we can learn that   _   .

<options>:
A Churchill was asked to stand still when Karsh took a photograph of him
B Churchill's portrait hanging in the House of Commons gave Karsh great fame
C Karsh was listed as one of the 100 notables by Who's Who in the last century
D Karsh could skilfully adjust the subjects' mood when photographing them

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
The building is shaking. A woman with a baby in her arms is trying to open the door, but fails. Finding no way, she rushes into her bedroom and there they survive the earthquake.
       In a factory building, as the workshop floor swings under the terrible shaking, workers run for safety. Some hide under the machines and survive, but others who try to run outside are killed by the falling ceilings.
       These scenes, played by actors and actresses, are from a film of science education Making a Split Second Decision shown in 1998 on China Central TV in memory of Tangshan Earthquake.
        By studying actual cases in the earthquake areas and scientific experiments, experts find that buildings remain untouched for the first 12 seconds of an earthquake.
        In this short time, one has the best chance of surviving an earthquake by staying near the inside walls, in bedrooms and under beds, experts concluded in the film. "Earthquakes seem to catch the lives of those who run," said many survivors in the earthquake areas, describing how their friends were killed on the doorways or along the stair steps as they tried to get out of the building.
        Their advice was proved in the film, "Take a hiding-place where you are rather than run, unless you are sure you can reach a safe open place in ten seconds."

. (2,8)

<question>:
What does the passage mainly talk about?

<options>:
A A woman's experience
B How to survive in an earthquake.
C Scientific experiments on earthquake
D A film of science education

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
The building is shaking. A woman with a baby in her arms is trying to open the door, but fails. Finding no way, she rushes into her bedroom and there they survive the earthquake.
       In a factory building, as the workshop floor swings under the terrible shaking, workers run for safety. Some hide under the machines and survive, but others who try to run outside are killed by the falling ceilings.
       These scenes, played by actors and actresses, are from a film of science education Making a Split Second Decision shown in 1998 on China Central TV in memory of Tangshan Earthquake.
        By studying actual cases in the earthquake areas and scientific experiments, experts find that buildings remain untouched for the first 12 seconds of an earthquake.
        In this short time, one has the best chance of surviving an earthquake by staying near the inside walls, in bedrooms and under beds, experts concluded in the film. "Earthquakes seem to catch the lives of those who run," said many survivors in the earthquake areas, describing how their friends were killed on the doorways or along the stair steps as they tried to get out of the building.
        Their advice was proved in the film, "Take a hiding-place where you are rather than run, unless you are sure you can reach a safe open place in ten seconds."

. (2,8)

<question>:
The workers who try to run outside the building die because  _  .

<options>:
A the factory building is shaking terribly.
B they are making a film.
C they don't have enough time to run outside.
D they are too nervous

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
The building is shaking. A woman with a baby in her arms is trying to open the door, but fails. Finding no way, she rushes into her bedroom and there they survive the earthquake.
       In a factory building, as the workshop floor swings under the terrible shaking, workers run for safety. Some hide under the machines and survive, but others who try to run outside are killed by the falling ceilings.
       These scenes, played by actors and actresses, are from a film of science education Making a Split Second Decision shown in 1998 on China Central TV in memory of Tangshan Earthquake.
        By studying actual cases in the earthquake areas and scientific experiments, experts find that buildings remain untouched for the first 12 seconds of an earthquake.
        In this short time, one has the best chance of surviving an earthquake by staying near the inside walls, in bedrooms and under beds, experts concluded in the film. "Earthquakes seem to catch the lives of those who run," said many survivors in the earthquake areas, describing how their friends were killed on the doorways or along the stair steps as they tried to get out of the building.
        Their advice was proved in the film, "Take a hiding-place where you are rather than run, unless you are sure you can reach a safe open place in ten seconds."

. (2,8)

<question>:
The passage suggests that you should   _  .

<options>:
A cry for help and run out
B not move and lie on the floor immediately
C run down the steps as fast as you can.
D hide in a safe place at once or run out in ten seconds.

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
The building is shaking. A woman with a baby in her arms is trying to open the door, but fails. Finding no way, she rushes into her bedroom and there they survive the earthquake.
       In a factory building, as the workshop floor swings under the terrible shaking, workers run for safety. Some hide under the machines and survive, but others who try to run outside are killed by the falling ceilings.
       These scenes, played by actors and actresses, are from a film of science education Making a Split Second Decision shown in 1998 on China Central TV in memory of Tangshan Earthquake.
        By studying actual cases in the earthquake areas and scientific experiments, experts find that buildings remain untouched for the first 12 seconds of an earthquake.
        In this short time, one has the best chance of surviving an earthquake by staying near the inside walls, in bedrooms and under beds, experts concluded in the film. "Earthquakes seem to catch the lives of those who run," said many survivors in the earthquake areas, describing how their friends were killed on the doorways or along the stair steps as they tried to get out of the building.
        Their advice was proved in the film, "Take a hiding-place where you are rather than run, unless you are sure you can reach a safe open place in ten seconds."

. (2,8)

<question>:
Where can we probably find this passage?

<options>:
A In a magazine
B In a novel
C In a history book
D On a poster

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
My name is Pablo. I think I'm a lucky guy. I have a good family, and we live in a nice neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. People travel here from many countries for their vacations. We have beautiful beaches, hotels, restaurants, shopping and sports.
However, in my beautiful hometown, there are also very poor neighborhoods. These areas are crowded and have a lot of crime. Life is terrible for many of the children in these areas. Some don't really have a childhood because they're homeless and live on the streets. They don't have education. They don't have enough food. Many use drugs or have diseases or mental problems.
Last year, I came back to Puerto Vallarta from my university in Mexico City. I spent one year as a volunteer with an organization called Outreach International. They have several programs. I volunteered for one program to help street children.
I worked in a home for street children (all boys, at this one). At this home, the boys have a place to sleep and three meals daily. The home keeps the boys off the streets. It shows them another way of life. As a volunteer, I helped to prepare meals. I taught games---such as basketball, football and art. I helped the kids with their homework. These kids can be fun. They have a lot of energy, but they're also really tough. Their hardships on the streets make them strong and not always "sweet little children."
At this boys' home, I met two other volunteers---Brian from Canada and Greg from Australia. In many ways, we were very similar. We were the same age, came from good homes and had a good education. They were both college students, like me. We became very good friends. Now, we email each other.
It was the best---and most difficult---year of my life. I learned a lot that year.

<question>:
What do we learn about the author?

<options>:
A He loves travelling.
B He enjoys his work as a volunteer.
C He is now working for Outreach International.
D He has made friends with the homeless children.

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
My name is Pablo. I think I'm a lucky guy. I have a good family, and we live in a nice neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. People travel here from many countries for their vacations. We have beautiful beaches, hotels, restaurants, shopping and sports.
However, in my beautiful hometown, there are also very poor neighborhoods. These areas are crowded and have a lot of crime. Life is terrible for many of the children in these areas. Some don't really have a childhood because they're homeless and live on the streets. They don't have education. They don't have enough food. Many use drugs or have diseases or mental problems.
Last year, I came back to Puerto Vallarta from my university in Mexico City. I spent one year as a volunteer with an organization called Outreach International. They have several programs. I volunteered for one program to help street children.
I worked in a home for street children (all boys, at this one). At this home, the boys have a place to sleep and three meals daily. The home keeps the boys off the streets. It shows them another way of life. As a volunteer, I helped to prepare meals. I taught games---such as basketball, football and art. I helped the kids with their homework. These kids can be fun. They have a lot of energy, but they're also really tough. Their hardships on the streets make them strong and not always "sweet little children."
At this boys' home, I met two other volunteers---Brian from Canada and Greg from Australia. In many ways, we were very similar. We were the same age, came from good homes and had a good education. They were both college students, like me. We became very good friends. Now, we email each other.
It was the best---and most difficult---year of my life. I learned a lot that year.

<question>:
According to the author, what makes the street children really tough?

<options>:
A Drugs.
B Too much energy.
C Hard life.
D Pressure from school.

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
My name is Pablo. I think I'm a lucky guy. I have a good family, and we live in a nice neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. People travel here from many countries for their vacations. We have beautiful beaches, hotels, restaurants, shopping and sports.
However, in my beautiful hometown, there are also very poor neighborhoods. These areas are crowded and have a lot of crime. Life is terrible for many of the children in these areas. Some don't really have a childhood because they're homeless and live on the streets. They don't have education. They don't have enough food. Many use drugs or have diseases or mental problems.
Last year, I came back to Puerto Vallarta from my university in Mexico City. I spent one year as a volunteer with an organization called Outreach International. They have several programs. I volunteered for one program to help street children.
I worked in a home for street children (all boys, at this one). At this home, the boys have a place to sleep and three meals daily. The home keeps the boys off the streets. It shows them another way of life. As a volunteer, I helped to prepare meals. I taught games---such as basketball, football and art. I helped the kids with their homework. These kids can be fun. They have a lot of energy, but they're also really tough. Their hardships on the streets make them strong and not always "sweet little children."
At this boys' home, I met two other volunteers---Brian from Canada and Greg from Australia. In many ways, we were very similar. We were the same age, came from good homes and had a good education. They were both college students, like me. We became very good friends. Now, we email each other.
It was the best---and most difficult---year of my life. I learned a lot that year.

<question>:
What is the best title for the passage?

<options>:
A My Special Year
B A Sweet Home
C Outreach International
D Street Children

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
I belong to that classification of people known as wives. I am a wife. And, not altogether incidentally, I am a mother.
Not too long ago a male friend of mine appeared on the scene fresh from a recent divorce. He had one child, who is, of course, with his ex-wife. He is obviously looking for another wife. As I thought about him while I was ironing one evening, it suddenly occurred to me that I, too, would like to have a wife. Why do I want a wife?
I would like to go back to school so that I can become economically independent, support myself, and if needed, support those dependent upon me. I want a wife who will work and send me to school. And while I am going to school, I want a wife to take care of my children. I want a wife to keep track of the children's doctor. And to keep track of mine, too. I want a wife to make sure my children eat properly and are kept clean. I want a wife who will wash the children's clothes and keep them mended. I want a wife who takes care of the children when they are sick, a wife who arranges to be around when the children need special care, because, of course, I cannot miss classes at school. My wife must arrange to lose time at work and not lose the job. It may mean a small cut in my wife's income from time to time, but I guess I can tolerate that. Needless to say, my wife will arrange and pay for the care of the children while my wife is working.
I want a wife who will take care of my physical needs. I want a wife who will keep my house clean. I want a wife who will keep my clothes cleaned, ironed, mended, replaced and who cooks the meals, does the necessary grocery shopping, prepares the meals, serves them pleasantly, and then does the cleaning up while I do my studying. I want a wife who will care for me when I am sick and sympathize with my pain and loss of time from school.
I want a wife who will take care of the details of my social life. When my wife and I are invited out by my friends, I want a wife who will take care of the babysitting arrangements. When I meet people at school that I like and want to entertain, I want a wife who will have the house cleaned and prepare a special meal and serve it to me and my friends and will not interrupt when I talk about the things that interest me and my friends.
If, by chance, I find another person more suitable as a wife than the wife I already have, I want the liberty to replace my present wife with another one. Naturally, I will expect a fresh, new life: My wife will take the children and be only responsible for them so that I am left free.
When I am through with school and have a job, I want my wife to stop working and remain at home so that my wife can more fully and completely take care of a wife's duties.
My God, who wouldn't want a wife?

<question>:
The writer is a   _  .

<options>:
A student
B man
C woman
D housewife

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
I belong to that classification of people known as wives. I am a wife. And, not altogether incidentally, I am a mother.
Not too long ago a male friend of mine appeared on the scene fresh from a recent divorce. He had one child, who is, of course, with his ex-wife. He is obviously looking for another wife. As I thought about him while I was ironing one evening, it suddenly occurred to me that I, too, would like to have a wife. Why do I want a wife?
I would like to go back to school so that I can become economically independent, support myself, and if needed, support those dependent upon me. I want a wife who will work and send me to school. And while I am going to school, I want a wife to take care of my children. I want a wife to keep track of the children's doctor. And to keep track of mine, too. I want a wife to make sure my children eat properly and are kept clean. I want a wife who will wash the children's clothes and keep them mended. I want a wife who takes care of the children when they are sick, a wife who arranges to be around when the children need special care, because, of course, I cannot miss classes at school. My wife must arrange to lose time at work and not lose the job. It may mean a small cut in my wife's income from time to time, but I guess I can tolerate that. Needless to say, my wife will arrange and pay for the care of the children while my wife is working.
I want a wife who will take care of my physical needs. I want a wife who will keep my house clean. I want a wife who will keep my clothes cleaned, ironed, mended, replaced and who cooks the meals, does the necessary grocery shopping, prepares the meals, serves them pleasantly, and then does the cleaning up while I do my studying. I want a wife who will care for me when I am sick and sympathize with my pain and loss of time from school.
I want a wife who will take care of the details of my social life. When my wife and I are invited out by my friends, I want a wife who will take care of the babysitting arrangements. When I meet people at school that I like and want to entertain, I want a wife who will have the house cleaned and prepare a special meal and serve it to me and my friends and will not interrupt when I talk about the things that interest me and my friends.
If, by chance, I find another person more suitable as a wife than the wife I already have, I want the liberty to replace my present wife with another one. Naturally, I will expect a fresh, new life: My wife will take the children and be only responsible for them so that I am left free.
When I am through with school and have a job, I want my wife to stop working and remain at home so that my wife can more fully and completely take care of a wife's duties.
My God, who wouldn't want a wife?

<question>:
The article is written in a(n)   _   tone.

<options>:
A ironic   and humorous
B serious and pleasant
C approving   and objective
D persuasive and aggressive

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
I belong to that classification of people known as wives. I am a wife. And, not altogether incidentally, I am a mother.
Not too long ago a male friend of mine appeared on the scene fresh from a recent divorce. He had one child, who is, of course, with his ex-wife. He is obviously looking for another wife. As I thought about him while I was ironing one evening, it suddenly occurred to me that I, too, would like to have a wife. Why do I want a wife?
I would like to go back to school so that I can become economically independent, support myself, and if needed, support those dependent upon me. I want a wife who will work and send me to school. And while I am going to school, I want a wife to take care of my children. I want a wife to keep track of the children's doctor. And to keep track of mine, too. I want a wife to make sure my children eat properly and are kept clean. I want a wife who will wash the children's clothes and keep them mended. I want a wife who takes care of the children when they are sick, a wife who arranges to be around when the children need special care, because, of course, I cannot miss classes at school. My wife must arrange to lose time at work and not lose the job. It may mean a small cut in my wife's income from time to time, but I guess I can tolerate that. Needless to say, my wife will arrange and pay for the care of the children while my wife is working.
I want a wife who will take care of my physical needs. I want a wife who will keep my house clean. I want a wife who will keep my clothes cleaned, ironed, mended, replaced and who cooks the meals, does the necessary grocery shopping, prepares the meals, serves them pleasantly, and then does the cleaning up while I do my studying. I want a wife who will care for me when I am sick and sympathize with my pain and loss of time from school.
I want a wife who will take care of the details of my social life. When my wife and I are invited out by my friends, I want a wife who will take care of the babysitting arrangements. When I meet people at school that I like and want to entertain, I want a wife who will have the house cleaned and prepare a special meal and serve it to me and my friends and will not interrupt when I talk about the things that interest me and my friends.
If, by chance, I find another person more suitable as a wife than the wife I already have, I want the liberty to replace my present wife with another one. Naturally, I will expect a fresh, new life: My wife will take the children and be only responsible for them so that I am left free.
When I am through with school and have a job, I want my wife to stop working and remain at home so that my wife can more fully and completely take care of a wife's duties.
My God, who wouldn't want a wife?

<question>:
What is implied according to the passage?

<options>:
A The writer really approves of the present situation of the wives' position at home.
B The writer expresses the satisfaction with a wife's position at home and speaks for all the wives.
C The writer thinks a wife should indeed do everything for the children and the husband at home but nothing else.
D It is wrong for some of the husbands not to share the duties at home and women should be respected in family life.

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
I belong to that classification of people known as wives. I am a wife. And, not altogether incidentally, I am a mother.
Not too long ago a male friend of mine appeared on the scene fresh from a recent divorce. He had one child, who is, of course, with his ex-wife. He is obviously looking for another wife. As I thought about him while I was ironing one evening, it suddenly occurred to me that I, too, would like to have a wife. Why do I want a wife?
I would like to go back to school so that I can become economically independent, support myself, and if needed, support those dependent upon me. I want a wife who will work and send me to school. And while I am going to school, I want a wife to take care of my children. I want a wife to keep track of the children's doctor. And to keep track of mine, too. I want a wife to make sure my children eat properly and are kept clean. I want a wife who will wash the children's clothes and keep them mended. I want a wife who takes care of the children when they are sick, a wife who arranges to be around when the children need special care, because, of course, I cannot miss classes at school. My wife must arrange to lose time at work and not lose the job. It may mean a small cut in my wife's income from time to time, but I guess I can tolerate that. Needless to say, my wife will arrange and pay for the care of the children while my wife is working.
I want a wife who will take care of my physical needs. I want a wife who will keep my house clean. I want a wife who will keep my clothes cleaned, ironed, mended, replaced and who cooks the meals, does the necessary grocery shopping, prepares the meals, serves them pleasantly, and then does the cleaning up while I do my studying. I want a wife who will care for me when I am sick and sympathize with my pain and loss of time from school.
I want a wife who will take care of the details of my social life. When my wife and I are invited out by my friends, I want a wife who will take care of the babysitting arrangements. When I meet people at school that I like and want to entertain, I want a wife who will have the house cleaned and prepare a special meal and serve it to me and my friends and will not interrupt when I talk about the things that interest me and my friends.
If, by chance, I find another person more suitable as a wife than the wife I already have, I want the liberty to replace my present wife with another one. Naturally, I will expect a fresh, new life: My wife will take the children and be only responsible for them so that I am left free.
When I am through with school and have a job, I want my wife to stop working and remain at home so that my wife can more fully and completely take care of a wife's duties.
My God, who wouldn't want a wife?

<question>:
A wife should be   _   according to the author's description?

<options>:
A curious
B optimistic
C romantic
D energetic

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
Big Blue Whale
Nicola Davies
Illustrated(......) by Nick Maland
Nicola Davies provides a look at nature's largest living creature in Big Blue Whale. The text often uses examples from the child's world to help youngsters understand this great creature. For example, the blue whale's skin is "smooth like a hard-boiled egg" and its eye is "big as a teacup". Nick Maland's pen-and-ink illustrations capture the majesty of the blue whale, of which only 10,000 remain.
Ages 3 to 8, $ 19.99.
Life in the Coral Reef
Bobbie Kalman & Niki Walker
Photographed by Tom Stack
This educational book has outstanding photographs and illustrations. The bright colors are attention grabbing. The importance of the coral reefs  in the ecology of the earth is explained as well as how the coral reefs are being harmed and destroyed. The author then offers solutions and suggestions to help prevent the destruction of these beautiful natural resources.
Ages 7 up, $ 16.95.
North American Endangered Species
Colleayn O. Mastin
Illustrated by Jan Sovak
This is a beautifully illustrated book by the award winner Jan Sovak featuring fifteen North American animals that are in danger of becoming extinct. Each  animal is introduced with a short poem, followed by factual information and why the species is considered to be endangered.
Ages 6 up, $ 9.95.
Whale
Vasilli Papastavrou
Photographed by Frank Greenaway
This reference book takes a close look at the fascinating world of majestic sea mammals including whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions. The author describes how whales adapt to sea life and explores whale communication, socialization, behaviors and reproduction, life cycles, habitats and physical characteristics.
Ages 10 up, $ 19.00.

<question>:
What do we learn from Big Blue Whale?

<options>:
A The number of the blue whale is increasing.
B Many animals are in danger of dying out.
C There used to be more than 10,000 blue whales.
D The blue whale has strong survival abilities.

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
Big Blue Whale
Nicola Davies
Illustrated(......) by Nick Maland
Nicola Davies provides a look at nature's largest living creature in Big Blue Whale. The text often uses examples from the child's world to help youngsters understand this great creature. For example, the blue whale's skin is "smooth like a hard-boiled egg" and its eye is "big as a teacup". Nick Maland's pen-and-ink illustrations capture the majesty of the blue whale, of which only 10,000 remain.
Ages 3 to 8, $ 19.99.
Life in the Coral Reef
Bobbie Kalman & Niki Walker
Photographed by Tom Stack
This educational book has outstanding photographs and illustrations. The bright colors are attention grabbing. The importance of the coral reefs  in the ecology of the earth is explained as well as how the coral reefs are being harmed and destroyed. The author then offers solutions and suggestions to help prevent the destruction of these beautiful natural resources.
Ages 7 up, $ 16.95.
North American Endangered Species
Colleayn O. Mastin
Illustrated by Jan Sovak
This is a beautifully illustrated book by the award winner Jan Sovak featuring fifteen North American animals that are in danger of becoming extinct. Each  animal is introduced with a short poem, followed by factual information and why the species is considered to be endangered.
Ages 6 up, $ 9.95.
Whale
Vasilli Papastavrou
Photographed by Frank Greenaway
This reference book takes a close look at the fascinating world of majestic sea mammals including whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions. The author describes how whales adapt to sea life and explores whale communication, socialization, behaviors and reproduction, life cycles, habitats and physical characteristics.
Ages 10 up, $ 19.00.

<question>:
What is special about North American Endangered Species?

<options>:
A It uses examples from the child's world.
B The author introduces animals with poems.
C It contains bright colors.
D It takes a close look at sea animals.

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
Big Blue Whale
Nicola Davies
Illustrated(......) by Nick Maland
Nicola Davies provides a look at nature's largest living creature in Big Blue Whale. The text often uses examples from the child's world to help youngsters understand this great creature. For example, the blue whale's skin is "smooth like a hard-boiled egg" and its eye is "big as a teacup". Nick Maland's pen-and-ink illustrations capture the majesty of the blue whale, of which only 10,000 remain.
Ages 3 to 8, $ 19.99.
Life in the Coral Reef
Bobbie Kalman & Niki Walker
Photographed by Tom Stack
This educational book has outstanding photographs and illustrations. The bright colors are attention grabbing. The importance of the coral reefs  in the ecology of the earth is explained as well as how the coral reefs are being harmed and destroyed. The author then offers solutions and suggestions to help prevent the destruction of these beautiful natural resources.
Ages 7 up, $ 16.95.
North American Endangered Species
Colleayn O. Mastin
Illustrated by Jan Sovak
This is a beautifully illustrated book by the award winner Jan Sovak featuring fifteen North American animals that are in danger of becoming extinct. Each  animal is introduced with a short poem, followed by factual information and why the species is considered to be endangered.
Ages 6 up, $ 9.95.
Whale
Vasilli Papastavrou
Photographed by Frank Greenaway
This reference book takes a close look at the fascinating world of majestic sea mammals including whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions. The author describes how whales adapt to sea life and explores whale communication, socialization, behaviors and reproduction, life cycles, habitats and physical characteristics.
Ages 10 up, $ 19.00.

<question>:
Who has won an award as an illustrator or a photographer?

<options>:
A Nick Maland.
B Tom Stack.
C Jan Sovak.
D Frank Greenaway.

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
Big Blue Whale
Nicola Davies
Illustrated(......) by Nick Maland
Nicola Davies provides a look at nature's largest living creature in Big Blue Whale. The text often uses examples from the child's world to help youngsters understand this great creature. For example, the blue whale's skin is "smooth like a hard-boiled egg" and its eye is "big as a teacup". Nick Maland's pen-and-ink illustrations capture the majesty of the blue whale, of which only 10,000 remain.
Ages 3 to 8, $ 19.99.
Life in the Coral Reef
Bobbie Kalman & Niki Walker
Photographed by Tom Stack
This educational book has outstanding photographs and illustrations. The bright colors are attention grabbing. The importance of the coral reefs  in the ecology of the earth is explained as well as how the coral reefs are being harmed and destroyed. The author then offers solutions and suggestions to help prevent the destruction of these beautiful natural resources.
Ages 7 up, $ 16.95.
North American Endangered Species
Colleayn O. Mastin
Illustrated by Jan Sovak
This is a beautifully illustrated book by the award winner Jan Sovak featuring fifteen North American animals that are in danger of becoming extinct. Each  animal is introduced with a short poem, followed by factual information and why the species is considered to be endangered.
Ages 6 up, $ 9.95.
Whale
Vasilli Papastavrou
Photographed by Frank Greenaway
This reference book takes a close look at the fascinating world of majestic sea mammals including whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions. The author describes how whales adapt to sea life and explores whale communication, socialization, behaviors and reproduction, life cycles, habitats and physical characteristics.
Ages 10 up, $ 19.00.

<question>:
A child who wants to learn about how whales communicate will buy    _    .

<options>:
A Big Blue Whale
B Life in the Coral Reef
C North American Endangered Species
D Whale

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
You're standing in the dairy section at the grocery store, searching for your favorite brand. Suddenly, you catch a smell of chocolate cookies. You forget about dairy and head for the bakery   section. Guess what? You just walked into an odor   trap  ! The odor was cooked up by scientists in a lab.
For years, scientists have been studying the special powers of smell. They found that more than our other senses, smell changes our mood and helps us remember things.
So companies have begun spending thousands of dollars to scent   entire stores. Artificial   scents are being used to lead customers by the nose. These smells help to get people inside and put them in the mood to buy. They even make customers remember the store later, so they'll come back for more. Also, many companies have smartly made use of product smells. A company added lemon fragrance to its dish cleaner. They wanted people to think the soap contained "natural" cleaners. It worked!
New uses for smells are being created every day. One bank, for example, gives customers coupons   advertising car loans  . To get people to take out a loan, bank officials hope to coat these coupons with the fresh leather smell of a new car. In Australia, telephone offices are putting sweat odor on unpaid bills. Since some people sweat when they're scared, this smell might remind them of when they were frightened. And they'll pay the bills right away!
What lies ahead for our noses? Smell scientists are working on some pretty far-out ideas. Would you believe TV sets that produce smells? Or how about scent diets? Certain food smells will fool your stomach into thinking it's full. Alarm clocks will scent your bedroom with a strong pleasant smell designed to wake you up. Scientists are even working on ways to keep garbage from smelling. Researchers expect scents to help students make more sense of what they're learning.
And just think.

<question>:
How do sales methods affect customers in the stores?

<options>:
A They change customers' preferences.
B They persuade customers to use credit cards.
C They make customers avoid bad and unsafe products.
D They influence customers to make unplanned purchases.

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
You're standing in the dairy section at the grocery store, searching for your favorite brand. Suddenly, you catch a smell of chocolate cookies. You forget about dairy and head for the bakery   section. Guess what? You just walked into an odor   trap  ! The odor was cooked up by scientists in a lab.
For years, scientists have been studying the special powers of smell. They found that more than our other senses, smell changes our mood and helps us remember things.
So companies have begun spending thousands of dollars to scent   entire stores. Artificial   scents are being used to lead customers by the nose. These smells help to get people inside and put them in the mood to buy. They even make customers remember the store later, so they'll come back for more. Also, many companies have smartly made use of product smells. A company added lemon fragrance to its dish cleaner. They wanted people to think the soap contained "natural" cleaners. It worked!
New uses for smells are being created every day. One bank, for example, gives customers coupons   advertising car loans  . To get people to take out a loan, bank officials hope to coat these coupons with the fresh leather smell of a new car. In Australia, telephone offices are putting sweat odor on unpaid bills. Since some people sweat when they're scared, this smell might remind them of when they were frightened. And they'll pay the bills right away!
What lies ahead for our noses? Smell scientists are working on some pretty far-out ideas. Would you believe TV sets that produce smells? Or how about scent diets? Certain food smells will fool your stomach into thinking it's full. Alarm clocks will scent your bedroom with a strong pleasant smell designed to wake you up. Scientists are even working on ways to keep garbage from smelling. Researchers expect scents to help students make more sense of what they're learning.
And just think.

<question>:
Why do telephone offices put sweat odor on unpaid bills?

<options>:
A Because the sweat odor is a reminder of terrifying experience.
B Because the sweat odor can change people's attitude.
C Because most people don't think much of sweating.
D Because many people dislike paying bills.

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
You're standing in the dairy section at the grocery store, searching for your favorite brand. Suddenly, you catch a smell of chocolate cookies. You forget about dairy and head for the bakery   section. Guess what? You just walked into an odor   trap  ! The odor was cooked up by scientists in a lab.
For years, scientists have been studying the special powers of smell. They found that more than our other senses, smell changes our mood and helps us remember things.
So companies have begun spending thousands of dollars to scent   entire stores. Artificial   scents are being used to lead customers by the nose. These smells help to get people inside and put them in the mood to buy. They even make customers remember the store later, so they'll come back for more. Also, many companies have smartly made use of product smells. A company added lemon fragrance to its dish cleaner. They wanted people to think the soap contained "natural" cleaners. It worked!
New uses for smells are being created every day. One bank, for example, gives customers coupons   advertising car loans  . To get people to take out a loan, bank officials hope to coat these coupons with the fresh leather smell of a new car. In Australia, telephone offices are putting sweat odor on unpaid bills. Since some people sweat when they're scared, this smell might remind them of when they were frightened. And they'll pay the bills right away!
What lies ahead for our noses? Smell scientists are working on some pretty far-out ideas. Would you believe TV sets that produce smells? Or how about scent diets? Certain food smells will fool your stomach into thinking it's full. Alarm clocks will scent your bedroom with a strong pleasant smell designed to wake you up. Scientists are even working on ways to keep garbage from smelling. Researchers expect scents to help students make more sense of what they're learning.
And just think.

<question>:
What does the author mean by saying "Someday soon, even your homework may smell nice!"?

<options>:
A Students would benefit more from smell research.
B Students would be more willing to do homework.
C Smell research would develop beyond our imagination.
D Smell research would make great differences to our life.

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
You're standing in the dairy section at the grocery store, searching for your favorite brand. Suddenly, you catch a smell of chocolate cookies. You forget about dairy and head for the bakery   section. Guess what? You just walked into an odor   trap  ! The odor was cooked up by scientists in a lab.
For years, scientists have been studying the special powers of smell. They found that more than our other senses, smell changes our mood and helps us remember things.
So companies have begun spending thousands of dollars to scent   entire stores. Artificial   scents are being used to lead customers by the nose. These smells help to get people inside and put them in the mood to buy. They even make customers remember the store later, so they'll come back for more. Also, many companies have smartly made use of product smells. A company added lemon fragrance to its dish cleaner. They wanted people to think the soap contained "natural" cleaners. It worked!
New uses for smells are being created every day. One bank, for example, gives customers coupons   advertising car loans  . To get people to take out a loan, bank officials hope to coat these coupons with the fresh leather smell of a new car. In Australia, telephone offices are putting sweat odor on unpaid bills. Since some people sweat when they're scared, this smell might remind them of when they were frightened. And they'll pay the bills right away!
What lies ahead for our noses? Smell scientists are working on some pretty far-out ideas. Would you believe TV sets that produce smells? Or how about scent diets? Certain food smells will fool your stomach into thinking it's full. Alarm clocks will scent your bedroom with a strong pleasant smell designed to wake you up. Scientists are even working on ways to keep garbage from smelling. Researchers expect scents to help students make more sense of what they're learning.
And just think.

<question>:
Why does the author write this passage?

<options>:
A To encourage the store owners to use smells.
B To expose wrong practices by smell scientists.
C To inform the readers of an interesting subject.
D To blame the advertisers that use smells to sell.

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
By the time I reached junior high,I was sure I wanted to be a nurse. If you didn't study Latin,you couldn't be a nurse,so I enrolled. Many Latin words were familiar to me. The hard part turned out to be the usage and creating sentences with the words that seemed so easy to pronounce. Several weeks into the course my teacher came to me,saying,"I think you should withdraw from this course. It seems to be too hard for you. "
That was the day I learned I wasn't smart enough to become a nurse. With shame. I handed in my Latin textbook.
After high school,the years raced by. I married and had children. Then one day my husband John came home. "Carol. Max died this afternoon. "I looked at my husband with disbelief.
John was touched by this tragedy. Finally one evening he said,"Carol,Jackie has never worked and now she's alone with four children. I've been thinking -- if anything happens to me. I want you to be able to take care of yourself and the children. Why don't you think about what you'd like to do and get the training you'll need to do it?"
I signed up for the entrance exam for nursing programs. One day I received a letter from the schoo1. I wanted so badly to open it,but with my lack of confidence,I laid it on the kitchen counter saying," I'm not in the mood for a rejection letter today. "
Finally I forced myself to open it. "Dear Carol,"I read. "We are pleased to inform you that you successfully passed the entrance exam."
An insensitive teacher once stole my dream. If you have a dream, exhaust every effort to reach it. I've worked thirty years now as a nurse and I've never been more certain that this is what I was meant to be.

<question>:
Why did John advise Carol to find a job?

<options>:
A To support the family
B To be able to live independently
C To live a more colorful life
D To provide more money for her kids

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
By the time I reached junior high,I was sure I wanted to be a nurse. If you didn't study Latin,you couldn't be a nurse,so I enrolled. Many Latin words were familiar to me. The hard part turned out to be the usage and creating sentences with the words that seemed so easy to pronounce. Several weeks into the course my teacher came to me,saying,"I think you should withdraw from this course. It seems to be too hard for you. "
That was the day I learned I wasn't smart enough to become a nurse. With shame. I handed in my Latin textbook.
After high school,the years raced by. I married and had children. Then one day my husband John came home. "Carol. Max died this afternoon. "I looked at my husband with disbelief.
John was touched by this tragedy. Finally one evening he said,"Carol,Jackie has never worked and now she's alone with four children. I've been thinking -- if anything happens to me. I want you to be able to take care of yourself and the children. Why don't you think about what you'd like to do and get the training you'll need to do it?"
I signed up for the entrance exam for nursing programs. One day I received a letter from the schoo1. I wanted so badly to open it,but with my lack of confidence,I laid it on the kitchen counter saying," I'm not in the mood for a rejection letter today. "
Finally I forced myself to open it. "Dear Carol,"I read. "We are pleased to inform you that you successfully passed the entrance exam."
An insensitive teacher once stole my dream. If you have a dream, exhaust every effort to reach it. I've worked thirty years now as a nurse and I've never been more certain that this is what I was meant to be.

<question>:
From the text, we know what the teacher said  _  .

<options>:
A saved Carol from wasting her time
B helped Carol find her true interest
C destroyed Carol's dream to be a nurse
D encouraged Carol to be careful in learning

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
By the time I reached junior high,I was sure I wanted to be a nurse. If you didn't study Latin,you couldn't be a nurse,so I enrolled. Many Latin words were familiar to me. The hard part turned out to be the usage and creating sentences with the words that seemed so easy to pronounce. Several weeks into the course my teacher came to me,saying,"I think you should withdraw from this course. It seems to be too hard for you. "
That was the day I learned I wasn't smart enough to become a nurse. With shame. I handed in my Latin textbook.
After high school,the years raced by. I married and had children. Then one day my husband John came home. "Carol. Max died this afternoon. "I looked at my husband with disbelief.
John was touched by this tragedy. Finally one evening he said,"Carol,Jackie has never worked and now she's alone with four children. I've been thinking -- if anything happens to me. I want you to be able to take care of yourself and the children. Why don't you think about what you'd like to do and get the training you'll need to do it?"
I signed up for the entrance exam for nursing programs. One day I received a letter from the schoo1. I wanted so badly to open it,but with my lack of confidence,I laid it on the kitchen counter saying," I'm not in the mood for a rejection letter today. "
Finally I forced myself to open it. "Dear Carol,"I read. "We are pleased to inform you that you successfully passed the entrance exam."
An insensitive teacher once stole my dream. If you have a dream, exhaust every effort to reach it. I've worked thirty years now as a nurse and I've never been more certain that this is what I was meant to be.

<question>:
After receiving the letter from the schoo1, Caro1  _  .

<options>:
A couldn't wait to open it
B had no mood to read it then
C didn't take it seriously at all
D was uncertain about the result

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
By the time I reached junior high,I was sure I wanted to be a nurse. If you didn't study Latin,you couldn't be a nurse,so I enrolled. Many Latin words were familiar to me. The hard part turned out to be the usage and creating sentences with the words that seemed so easy to pronounce. Several weeks into the course my teacher came to me,saying,"I think you should withdraw from this course. It seems to be too hard for you. "
That was the day I learned I wasn't smart enough to become a nurse. With shame. I handed in my Latin textbook.
After high school,the years raced by. I married and had children. Then one day my husband John came home. "Carol. Max died this afternoon. "I looked at my husband with disbelief.
John was touched by this tragedy. Finally one evening he said,"Carol,Jackie has never worked and now she's alone with four children. I've been thinking -- if anything happens to me. I want you to be able to take care of yourself and the children. Why don't you think about what you'd like to do and get the training you'll need to do it?"
I signed up for the entrance exam for nursing programs. One day I received a letter from the schoo1. I wanted so badly to open it,but with my lack of confidence,I laid it on the kitchen counter saying," I'm not in the mood for a rejection letter today. "
Finally I forced myself to open it. "Dear Carol,"I read. "We are pleased to inform you that you successfully passed the entrance exam."
An insensitive teacher once stole my dream. If you have a dream, exhaust every effort to reach it. I've worked thirty years now as a nurse and I've never been more certain that this is what I was meant to be.

<question>:
What may be the best title for the text?

<options>:
A Too stupid to be a nurse
B A dream too high to achieve
C Never too late to 1earn
D A chance too important to miss

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
Many of us have heard of the saying: everything is possible if you can just believe. But few of us really know the power of faith and perseverance .  South African swimmer Natalie du Tiot embodies those virtues.
Du Tiot, 24, became the first swimmer to compete in both the Olympic Games and the Paralympics  in Beijing. Although she finished 16thin the tough 10km marathon in the able-bodied Games, she has collected three golds in the Paralympics so far.
One of the most successful disabled athletes of all time, Natalie du Tiot was already a promising swimmer when she lost her leg in a motorcycle accident in 2001, at just 17.
"There are a lot of dark moments," she said, "There are some days when I cry. But I try to remember that better days are ahead. You just go on."
Within a few months, she was back in the swimming pool.
She still completes and still succeeds. The only difference is she has switched to longer events--from 200m and 400m individual medley to 800m and 1,500m freestyle--to make up for her loss of speed with only one leg. But she made no adjustment to her mental look .
"Going out in the water, it feels as if there's nothing wrong with me. It doesn't matter if you look different. You're still the same as everybody else because you have the same dream."
She is the owner of many world records, and she also won gold when competing against able-bodied swimmers in the 1,500m freestyle at the All African Games in 2007.
But there is no magic recipe  for success. It all comes down to hard work and determination. "She is stubborn, which is good and bad," said her coach Karoly Von Toros. "Good for the swimming, but bad for the coach."
There is a poem that hangs on her wall that reads:
The tragedy  of life does not lie in not reaching your goals;
The tragedy of life lies in not having goals to reach for.

<question>:
Natalie du Tiot is a vivid example that  _  .

<options>:
A you are what you believe
B your biggest enemy is yourself
C results are not so important as the process
D you must set reasonable goals or you will fail

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
Many of us have heard of the saying: everything is possible if you can just believe. But few of us really know the power of faith and perseverance .  South African swimmer Natalie du Tiot embodies those virtues.
Du Tiot, 24, became the first swimmer to compete in both the Olympic Games and the Paralympics  in Beijing. Although she finished 16thin the tough 10km marathon in the able-bodied Games, she has collected three golds in the Paralympics so far.
One of the most successful disabled athletes of all time, Natalie du Tiot was already a promising swimmer when she lost her leg in a motorcycle accident in 2001, at just 17.
"There are a lot of dark moments," she said, "There are some days when I cry. But I try to remember that better days are ahead. You just go on."
Within a few months, she was back in the swimming pool.
She still completes and still succeeds. The only difference is she has switched to longer events--from 200m and 400m individual medley to 800m and 1,500m freestyle--to make up for her loss of speed with only one leg. But she made no adjustment to her mental look .
"Going out in the water, it feels as if there's nothing wrong with me. It doesn't matter if you look different. You're still the same as everybody else because you have the same dream."
She is the owner of many world records, and she also won gold when competing against able-bodied swimmers in the 1,500m freestyle at the All African Games in 2007.
But there is no magic recipe  for success. It all comes down to hard work and determination. "She is stubborn, which is good and bad," said her coach Karoly Von Toros. "Good for the swimming, but bad for the coach."
There is a poem that hangs on her wall that reads:
The tragedy  of life does not lie in not reaching your goals;
The tragedy of life lies in not having goals to reach for.

<question>:
According to the text , Natalie du Tiot became  _  .

<options>:
A the first athlete to compete with able-bodied swimmers in the world
B the youngest disabled swimmer to break the world record in the 1,500m freestyle
C the youngese disabled swimmer to collect three golds in a single Paralympics
D the first swimmer to compete in both the Olympic Games and the Paralympics

<answer>:


Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
Many of us have heard of the saying: everything is possible if you can just believe. But few of us really know the power of faith and perseverance .  South African swimmer Natalie du Tiot embodies those virtues.
Du Tiot, 24, became the first swimmer to compete in both the Olympic Games and the Paralympics  in Beijing. Although she finished 16thin the tough 10km marathon in the able-bodied Games, she has collected three golds in the Paralympics so far.
One of the most successful disabled athletes of all time, Natalie du Tiot was already a promising swimmer when she lost her leg in a motorcycle accident in 2001, at just 17.
"There are a lot of dark moments," she said, "There are some days when I cry. But I try to remember that better days are ahead. You just go on."
Within a few months, she was back in the swimming pool.
She still completes and still succeeds. The only difference is she has switched to longer events--from 200m and 400m individual medley to 800m and 1,500m freestyle--to make up for her loss of speed with only one leg. But she made no adjustment to her mental look .
"Going out in the water, it feels as if there's nothing wrong with me. It doesn't matter if you look different. You're still the same as everybody else because you have the same dream."
She is the owner of many world records, and she also won gold when competing against able-bodied swimmers in the 1,500m freestyle at the All African Games in 2007.
But there is no magic recipe  for success. It all comes down to hard work and determination. "She is stubborn, which is good and bad," said her coach Karoly Von Toros. "Good for the swimming, but bad for the coach."
There is a poem that hangs on her wall that reads:
The tragedy  of life does not lie in not reaching your goals;
The tragedy of life lies in not having goals to reach for.

<question>:
In dark moments it was  _   that pushed her on.

<options>:
A her coach
B her family
C hope and faith
D her love of swimming

<answer>: