instruction
stringlengths 104
6.76k
| output
stringclasses 4
values |
|---|---|
<extra_id_5>Christina is an American girl. She is a good student. Every morning she gets up at 6:00. She has her breakfast at home. Then she wears her uniform and goes to school. She studies hard every day. She eats in the dining room when she is in school. After school, she does her homework first, then she cleans the room and helps her mother with the dinner. Before she goes to bed, she usually reads some books. Then at 10:00 p. m. she goes to bed. She thinks she is happy every day. What do you think of her? Christina is a (an) _ girl.
<extra_id_0>English
<extra_id_1>Chinese
<extra_id_2>American
<extra_id_3>Japanese
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>With only about 1, 000 pandas left in the world, China is desperately trying to clone the animal and save the endangered species . That's a move similar to what a Texas A & M University researchers have been undertaking for the past five years in a project called "Noah's Ark". Noah's Ark is aimed at collecting eggs, embryos , semen and DNA of endangered animals and storing them in liquid nitrogen . If certain species should become extinct, Dr. Duane Kraemer, a professor in Texas A & M's College of Veterinary Medicine, says there would be enough of the basic building blocks to reintroduce the species in the future. It is estimated that as many as 2,000 species of mammals, birds reptiles will become extinct in over 100 years. The panda, native only to China, is in danger of becoming extinct in the next 25 years. This week, Chinese scientists said they grew an embryo by introducing cells from a dead female panda into the egg cells of a Japanese white rabbit. They are now trying to implant the embryo into a host animal. The entire procedure could take from three to five years to complete. "The nuclear transfer of one species to another is not easy, and the lack of available(capable of being used) panda eggs could be a major problem," Kraemer believes. "They will probably have to do several hundred transfers to result in one pregnancy (having a baby). It takes a long time and it's difficult, but this could be groundbreaking science if it works. They are certainly not putting any live pandas at risk, so it is worth the effort," adds Kraemer, who is one of the leaders of the Project at Texas A& M, the first-ever attempt at cloning a dog. "They are trying to do something that's never been done, and this is very similar to our work in Noah's Ark. We're both trying to save animals that face extinction. I certainly appreciate their effort and there's a lot we can learn from what they are attempting to do. It's a research that is very much needed. " From the passage we know that _ .
<extra_id_0>Kraemer and his team have succeeded in cloning a dog.
<extra_id_1>scientists try to implant a panda's egg into a rabbit.
<extra_id_2>Kraemer will work with Chinese scientists in clone researches.
<extra_id_3>about two thousand of species will probably die out in a century.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>An American woman Anna Jervis was the first person to decide that mothers should have a holiday in their honor each year. Miss Jarvis started her campaign in 1906 in her home city Philadelphia. She wrote thousands of letters to congressmen ,city officials, teachers and newspaper publishers, proposing an official holiday for mothers. She traveled all over America, trying to get support for the idea. Her battle went on for years. In 1914 the Congress declared the second Sunday in May each year as Mother's Day. Anna Jarvis wanted Mother's Day to be a simple event. She thought children could honor their mothers by spending some time with them as an act of love and respect. However, the holiday turned out to be a major event for department stores, flower shops and greeting card industry, which Miss Jarvis didn't like. Americans spend millions of dollars on gifts for their mothers on this day. Younger children often try to prepare and serve breakfast for their mothers. Fathers may offer to take care of children so that mothers can enjoy themselves. The holiday becomes an important time for family fathering. On Mother's Day, department stores, flower shops _ .
<extra_id_0>are closed
<extra_id_1>have fewer customers
<extra_id_2>are full of people
<extra_id_3>only have women customers
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>We are naturally drawn to friends and colleagues with familiar voices, scientists have found.People prefer those who have a similar accent,intonation and tone of voice to themselves , they discovered. Previous research has focused on how masculine or feminine a voice sounds.Men with deeper voices and women with slightly higher voices were thought to sound more attractive,because they suggest a bigger or a smaller body. But the new study,published by a linguistics expert in Canada,suggests there is a more complex mechanism at play.Dr Molly Babel, from the University of British Columbia in Canada, said,"The voice is an amazingly flexible tool that we use to construct our identity.Very few things in our voices are changeless,so we felt that our preferences had to be about more than a person's shape and size.'' She recorded 30 volunteers' voices and asked each to rate the others' attractiveness on a scale of one to nine.Each participant was from western America,with similar accents.The people we assessed were all in the same dialect group,but they showed that dialect to different degrees. "We seem to like people who sound like we sound,we like people who fit within what we know,"Dr Babel said.She also found that breathy voices in women-typified by the famous American actress Marilyn Monroe-were seen as more attractive. The breathy tone,caused by younger and thinner vocal cords ,implied youthfulness and health A creaky voice,suggesting a person has a cold,is tired or smokes,was seen as unattractive.The participants preferred men who spoke with a shorter average word length and deeper voices. The linguist,whose work is published in the journal PLOS One,said,"Once you're outside of a certain range of familiarity,novel and exotic sounding voices might become more attractive.We also have to keep in mind we find some accents more preferable than others because of social fixed ideas." Dr. Molly Babel mentions Marilyn Monroe in order to _ .
<extra_id_0>evaluate a creaky voice
<extra_id_1>explain her new findings
<extra_id_2>challenge previous research
<extra_id_3>promote the actress's reputation
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_1> |
<extra_id_5>Whenever there's a terrible storm, there are plenty of sad stories. Many people lost their houses, their cars and their pets. But sometimes these stories have happy endings too. A family in New Jersey, US, had a cat named Vivien. She is very smart. She could even draw with her wet paws on the floor. They all love her very much. When hurricane Sandy hit America in October, they moved to a safer place-13km away from home. Sadly Vivien went missing. The whole family were worried about her. They put up posters on the Internet to look for her. All the nine family members searched wherever they thought she could stay, but they didn't find it. The family thought Vivien was gone forever. But six months later, Vivien showed up at their house, according to Yahoo News. They considered her return as a wonder. No one can be sure where Vivien was for all that time. Many animals are good at finding their way home. People usually say that dogs and cats find their way home through using their sense of smell. But that doesn't explain how Vivien found her way back. Hurricane Sandy blew away the normal smells of home. "I wish she could talk," said her owner. What can be the best title for the passage?
<extra_id_0>A Terrible Storm
<extra_id_1>A Clever Pet
<extra_id_2>A Smart Owner
<extra_id_3>A sad story
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_1> |
<extra_id_5>Intellectual property (IP) is a product of the mind that has commercial value. The concept dates back to 1623, when the first patent law to protect IP rights was passed. IP rights protect an artist from having his/her creative ideas copied by another. For example, if somebody generated an idea for a novel, that idea is protected by IP rights. If someone else wishes to represent the idea or develop it further, he/she must consult the original artists, who will normally be rewarded financially for its use. Back in the 17thcentury, IP rights were primarily carried out to protect newly developed manufacturing processes against stealing, but today intellectual property rights are also enjoyed by those who create music, art and literature. In recent years, IP rights have been the focus of a great deal of discussion because of a technology which looks set to weaken them altogether: the Internet. Many years ago, if you wanted a recoding of a song, you would have to purchase it from a music store; if a novel, from a book store. In those days, IP rights were easily protected since it was very difficult to obtain intellectual property without paying for it. However, a lot of IP, including songs, films, books and artwork, can be downloaded today free of charge using the internet. This practice has now taken the world by storm, dramatically affecting the way in which we view IP rights. What do we know about the Internet according to the passage?
<extra_id_0>It does not affect the way we understand IP rights.
<extra_id_1>It sells songs and films.
<extra_id_2>It makes IP rights harder to protect.
<extra_id_3>It prevents the production of artwork.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>I have a friend named John Roberts who owns a horse ranch in San Ysidro.The last time I was there he shared a story with me. "It is a story about a young man who was the son of an itinerant horse trainer. When he was a senior,he was asked to write a paper about what he wanted to be and do when he grew up." That night he wrote a seven-page paper describing his goal of someday owning a horse ranch. He wrote about his dream in great detail and he even drew a diagram of a 200-acre ranch, showing the location of all the buildings,the stables and the track. "The next day he handed it in to his teacher. Two days later he received his paper back. On the front page was a large red F with a note that read, 'See me after class.'" "The boy went to see the teacher after class and asked, 'Why did I receive an F?'" "The teacher said, 'This is an unrealistic dream for a young boy like you. You have no money. You come from an itinerant family. You have no resources. Owning a horse ranch requires a lot of money. You have to buy the land. You have to pay for the original breeding stock and later you'll have to pay large stud fees. There's no way you could ever do it.' Then the teacher added, 'If you will rewrite this paper with a more realistic goal, I will reconsider your grade.'" "The boy went home and asked his father what he should do. His father said, 'Look, son, you have to make up your own mind on this. However, I think it is a very important decision for you.'" "Finally,after sitting with it for a week, the boy turned in the same paper, making no changes at all. He stated, 'You can keep the F and I'll keep my dream.'" John continued, "I tell you this story because you are sitting in the middle of my 200-acre horse ranch. I still have that school paper framed over the fireplace." He added, "If I had changed my paper at that time, maybe we would not have the chance to be here talking about the dreams ." What was the boy's goal described in his seven-page paper?
<extra_id_0>to own a horse ranch
<extra_id_1>to be a senior trainer
<extra_id_2>to build many buildings
<extra_id_3>to buy many horses.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>My horse,Treasure,is my hero because she helped me discover how to relate to her.In the process,she " fixed " my relationship with my husband and my children. When I got her,she was 2 years old, _ . She was not going to accept any kind of instructions from me. In the interest of not getting myself killed,I started to read and educate myself on ways to manage a high-spirited horse. I discovered natural horsemanship ,a method of training that focuses on communication.In order to communicate with another person,you must be understood.The very definition of understanding is two or more persons share the same idea. This simple definition had a big influence on me.I realized that communication is a two-way street! When I started to adopt horsemanship in my life,I noticed a change in the way other people related to me.My husband,when I stopped ordering him around,became happier and more helpful.My children,when I practiced being fair,firm and most of all,considerate,were motivated to act sooner,at a polite request instead of the orders from me. I think the most valuable life skill I learned from my horse is that pressure motivates. As soon as I applied these basic skills to my daily activities, I started to notice positive changes. My children were more considerate of each other.and started to ask first,without telling.I became aware of my position as a role model. Today,five years later,I have the perfect horse.I also have very polite kids and a very happy husband.There's nothing in the world that can compare to being loved by ones you love most---even if it all started with the attitude of a very special horse. . What can we infer from the passage?
<extra_id_0>Treasure was worth a lot of money.
<extra_id_1>When the author got Treasure, she was a perfect horse.
<extra_id_2>Before the author got Treasure, she didn't love her husband.
<extra_id_3>Treasure's coming helped the author's family to get along better.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>I grew up in a small town in South Canada. Every autumn, there was a week-long fair in the town. Thousands of people from other towns came to sell and buy things. It was the most exciting time of the year. When "Fairtime" came, my grandma became the busiest person of the family. Grandma was a kind, well-educated old lady. She was good at cooking. During "Fairtime", relatives would come to live in her house and have meals there. Grandma was always happy to look after them. Year after year, many people moved to big cities. There was no longer "Fairtime". Grandma became very old and was going a little blind. My parents and I did our best to make her life as comfortable as possible. I was at high school then. What I often did at home was to help Grandma with the daily newspaper's crossword puzzle. However, she didn't look happy. She often sat in her room for hours, without saying a word. To attract people to move back, the Town Hall decided to reopen the Fair. One day, when I came back from school, I saw Grandma wearing her glasses, washing the dishes in the kitchen. With a big smile on her face, she looked excited and a lot much younger. She told me that her two of her cousins would come. "They said they missed hometown and wanted to enjoy my food again." Grandma said happily. "They will stay here for one week and we can have a big party. That must be the busiest week I've had in years!" I suddenly realized that Grandma didn't want to be looked after. She wanted to be "useful", appreciated and helpful. The Town Hall reopened the Fair to _ .
<extra_id_0>make Grandma happy
<extra_id_1>help people find jobs
<extra_id_2>attract people to move back
<extra_id_3>help the people become richer
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>It was almost four o'clock in the morning when the fire broke out."We watch one window blow out,and then another,and heard people shouting,"says Stanley,21,a junior from Westfield State College in Massachusetts.Students were throwing ropes made from bed sheets out their windows,and a couple of them were trying to climb down. Almost all the hotel's 502 rooms were filled with college students from across the United States who were spending their holiday here in Acpulco,Mexico.As the smoke thickened,Moreno ran upstairs to where other Westfield students were rooming."Some people had no idea what was going on,"he says."I was shouting at the top of my voice.I made sure I hit every door."At the same time,Stanley was downstairs helping people get through the smokefilled hall.There he joined forces with Nalewanski who had just come back from his own night out. "Let's go."Nalewanski says.He and Stanley wet their shirts in the bathroom and wrapped them around their mouths and noses so they could breathe.Then they ran up the stairs. Nalewanski and Stanley found Moreno on the fourth floor.They all ran upstairs and down the corridors on every floor,hitting every door hard. In the end,no one was seriously injured.Even more unbelievable,all the Westfield students made it back to Massachusetts later that same day. Westfield president Evan Dobelle says,"I have a great deal of pride in these young men and they were able to react in such an emergency." According to the passage _ might not have woken up people during the fire.
<extra_id_0>Evan Dobelle
<extra_id_1>Nalewanski
<extra_id_2>Stanley
<extra_id_3>Moreno
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>Think about the last time you felt afraid. Was it a fear of height? Did you oversleep on a weekday and fear you'd get into trouble at the office? In any case, you know what it feels like to feel fear. But one woman doesn't the woman, code-named "UM", gave her first-ever interview after years of being studied by a team of researchers. The woman is given a code name because the researchers want to protect her from anyone who would take advantage of her inability to feel afraid. UM can't tell you what fear is because she's never experienced it. "I wonder what it's like to actually be afraid of something," she said. The formal name for the disease is Urbach-Wieth disease, which is characterized by a hoarse voice,small bumps around the eyes, and calcium deposits in the brain. In the case of UM,the disease has transformed the part of her brain that controls the human response to fear. In the interview, UM talks about an event in her life where she was held at knifepoint and gunpoint, "I was walking to the store,and I saw a man on a park bench.He said. "Come here,please," so I went over to him. He grabbed me by the shirt,put a knife to my throat and told me he was going to cut me. I told him, "Go ahead and cut me," I wasn't afraid at all. And for some reason,he let me go." Doctors who have been studying UM's condition for years have been trying different things that could strike fear into her. They finally figured something out--increasing UM's carbon dioxide levels.Extra carbon dioxide concentration in the blood is known to cause fear and panic in health individuals. Increasing UM's carbon dioxide levels did manage to give her a fright. Why is the woman with Urbach-Wieth disease given a code name?
<extra_id_0>To tell her case from other patients
<extra_id_1>To respect her privacy
<extra_id_2>To meet the researchers' demands
<extra_id_3>To ensure her safety
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>Life in the future is different from now. There are not any paper money in the future. People use their _ when they go shopping. There are not so many stores. At weekends, people needn't go out. They usually do some shopping at home on the Internet. Children don't get up early to go to school. They have lessons at home on the Internet, too. Teachers teach their students and give them homework on the Internet. Children give the homework to their teachers on the Internet, too. People don't need to do much work. There are more robots . Robots do hard work for people. Parents don't cook or wash clothes. A cooking robot cooks breakfast. In fact, robots do all the housework for us. There are more holidays. Parents spend much time with their children. They spend a lot of time travelling around the world. I think life in the future is very interesting. Do you think so? Teachers teach their students _ in the future.
<extra_id_0>in the classroom
<extra_id_1>over the radio
<extra_id_2>on TV
<extra_id_3>on the Internet
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>Welcome to the future. It's year 2050 and Scotland is now powered completely by"clean"energy. Homes have entire roofs made of solar materials, rooms are kept warm by wallpaper, and people go to and from work in electric and hydrogen( ) cars. Oil is still being found in the North Sea, but it's not now only used to keep aircraft flying. And a new 500---mile underwater link with Iceland has been built to catch heat from the hot springs. There's still a role for king coal--but _ are now environment---friendly. People will be able to import the electricity they need and export any excess they make through rooftop windmills . New technology will store electricity better and provide it on demand. Heat exchangers will provide heating and hot water. Harmful carbon dioxide waste is being piped offshore to St Fergus and from there into some of the remaining oil--producing fields to be stored safely without entering the atmosphere. Gas remains the preferred energy source of industry and is now shipped in liquid form. But hydrogen is imported through pipelines from France and from a geothermal plant in Iceland. Hydrogen--fuelled cars have become popular. Electric bikes are common in cities using the new urban two--wheel network. Electric vehicles have become common, and their performances have been improved because of the developments in electrical drive technology like high--temperature super conducting motors. Many people leave their vehicles in a giant park where they can be recharged from the national electrical system . Oilseed rape is widely grown to fuel some motors . The means of transport people use in 2050 do not include _ .
<extra_id_0>windmills
<extra_id_1>electric bikes
<extra_id_2>hydrogen--fuelled cars
<extra_id_3>aircraft
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>Joanne "Jo" Rowling was born on 31 July 1965, pen name, is a British novelist, best known as the writer of the Harry Potter books. The Harry Potter books are world famous. People bought more than 400 million copies. They have become the best-selling book series in history.Rowling finished the first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 1997. Later Jo published 6 more -- the last, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in 2007. Jo is said to be the twelfth richest woman in the UK. In October 2010, Jo was named the "Most Influential Woman in Britain. She finished the first novel _ .
<extra_id_0>in 1997
<extra_id_1>in 2007
<extra_id_2>in 2010
<extra_id_3>in 1965
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>A heavier object
<extra_id_0>requires less force to move
<extra_id_1>requires minimal effort to move
<extra_id_2>requires more muscle power to shift
<extra_id_3>requires a light touch to move
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>_ In order to reduce air pollution and oilshortages, automobile manufacturers have announced their plans to develop hybrid vehicles for the Chinese market. Toyota's hybrid car Prius will be ready to drive in China this week. Let's have a look at the new car. Any vehicle is a hybrid when it combines two or more sources of power. Hybrid cars run off a rechargeable battery and gasoline. Hybrid cars have special engines, which are smaller than traditional gasoline engines. They run at 99 percent of their power when the car is cruising . A specially designed battery motor provides extra power for running up hills or when extra acceleration is needed. Step into a Prius, and turn on the engine. The first thing you notice is how much quieter it is than a traditional car. At this point, the car's gasoline engine is dormant . The electric motor will provide power until the car reaches about 24 km/h. If you stay at a low speed, you are effectively driving an electric car, with no gasoline being used, and no waste gas gives off. The onboard computer makes the decision about when to use a gas engine, when to go electric, and when to use a combination of the two. If you go over 24 km/h, when you step on the gas pedal , you are actually telling the computer how fast you want to go. The electronic motor recharges automatically using a set of batteries. When driving at high speed, the gasoline engine not only powers the car, but also charges the batteries. Any time you use the brake, the electric motor in the wheels will work like a generator and produce electricity to recharge the batteries. As a consequence, the car's batteries will last for around 200,000 miles. Which of the followings is NOT true?
<extra_id_0>The hybrid cars reduce air pollution and oilshortages.
<extra_id_1>The car's gasoline engine doesn't work until it reaches about 24 km/h.
<extra_id_2>This kind of car is completely controlled by an onboard computer.
<extra_id_3>A specially designed battery motor provides extra power when needed.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>LEEDS, England--- A Leeds University psychology professor is teaching a course to help dozens of Bristons forgive their enemies. "The hatred we hold within us is a cancer," Professor Ken Hart said, adding that holding in anger can lead to problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease. More than seventy people have become members in Hart's first 20-week workshop in London--- a course he says is the first of its kind in the world. These are people who are sick and tired of living with a memory. They realize their bitterness is a poison they think they can pour out, but they end up drinking it themselves, said Canadian- born Hart. The students meet in groups of eight to ten for a two-hour workshop with an adviser every fortnight. The course, ending in July, is expected to get rid of the cancer of hate in these people. "People have lots of the attitudes towards forgiveness," he said. "People confuse forgiveness with forgetting. Forgiveness means changing from a negative attitude to a positive one." Hart and his team have created instructions to provide the training needed. "The main idea is to give you guidelines on how to look at various kinds of angers and how they affect you, and how to change your attitudes towards the person you're angry with," said Norman Claringbull, a senior expert on the forgiveness project. Hart said he believes forgiveness is a skill that can be taught, as these people "want to get free of the past." According to the passage if you're angry with somebody, you should _ .
<extra_id_0>try your best to defeat him or her
<extra_id_1>break off relations with him or her
<extra_id_2>persuade him or her to have a talk with you
<extra_id_3>relax yourself by not thinking of him or her any more
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>To be punctual is important for us because people rather expect us to be on time for appointments. But it seems not easy to be on time every time. Here are some useful methods to help you be punctual. Plan your route. If your destination is unfamiliar, go online the night before to map out your route and see how long it's going to take. Then you will know when you have to leave the house. Do as much as possible the night before. Make your mornings less stressful by doing what you can the night before to make your time enough. Get your clothes ready. Set the breakfast table. Make your lunch if you need to take it. Make a time table. You need to make a time table if you have lots of things to do in a day. For example, the time you get up, the time you leave the house, and the time you wait for the bus. You also need to estimate how long it takes. Give yourself a gift of being early. If you plan to get to your destination 15 minutes early, you'll probably never be late again. Being early seems a waste of time. But you can do something you love. Read the newspaper, read your favorite blogs and even call a friend. It really can be a gift. What don't you need to do to make your mornings less stressful?
<extra_id_0>Get your clothes ready.
<extra_id_1>Set the breakfast table.
<extra_id_2>Make a time table.
<extra_id_3>Make your lunch.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>On May 23,1989, Stefania Follini came out from a cave at Carlsbad, New Mexico. She hadn't seen the sun for eighteen and a half weeks. Stefania was in a research program, and the scientists in the program were studying body rhythms . In this experiment Stefania had spent 130 days in a cave, 30 feet in depth. During her time in the cave, Stefania had been completely alone except for two white mice. Her living place had been very comfortable, but there had been nothing to fell her the time. She'd had no clock or watches, no television or radio. There had been no natural light and the temperature had always been kept at 21degC. The results were very interesting. Stefania had been in the cave for over four months, but she thought she had been there for only two. Her body clock had changed. She hadn't kept to a 24-hour day. She had stayed awake for 20-25 hours and then had slept for 10 hours. She had eaten fewer meals and had lost 17lbs in weight as a result! She had also become rather depressed . How had she spent her time in the cave? As part of the experiment she'd done some physical and mental tests. She'd recorded her daily activities and the results of the tests on a computer. This computer had been specially programmed for the project. Whenever she was free, she'd played cards, read books and listened to music. She'd also learned French from tapes. The experiment showed that our body clocks are affected by light and temperature, For example, the pattern of day and night makes us wake up and go to sleep. However, People are affected in different ways. Some people wake up naturally at 5:00 am, but others don't start to wake up till 9:00 or 10;00 am. This affects the whole daily rhythm. As a result, the early risers are at their best in the late morning. The late risers, on the other hand, are tired during the day and only come to life in the afternoon or evening! Where does the text probably come from?
<extra_id_0>A novel
<extra_id_1>A news story
<extra_id_2>A pet magazine
<extra_id_3>A travel guide
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_1> |
<extra_id_5>Have you ever noticed what happens to an idea once you express it ? Just talking about it or writing it down causes you to make it clear in your own mind. How can you use this to increase your brain power? Start writing. By putting thoughts into words, you are telling yourself the logic behind what you think, feel,or only partly understand. Often,explaining a thought is the process of understanding.In other words, you increase your brain power by exercising your"explain power". Another benefit of writing is that it helps you remember. Many,if not most,highly productive people are always taking notes.You can try keeping it all in your head,but if you keep a journal of your ideas the next time you're working on a big project, you'11 probably have more success. Want to understand a topic? Write a book about it.That's an extreme example, but if you are learning something new,write a letter to a friend about it,and you will understand it better. Want to invent something? Write an explanation of the problem---why you want to solve it,and why it is worth solving, and you're half-way there. Writers don't always write because they clearly understand something beforehand. Often,they write about something because they want to understand it. You can do the same. Writing will help bring you to all understanding. Give it a try. If a writer writes something, it means that he or she _ .
<extra_id_0>has understood it very well
<extra_id_1>needs to understand it better
<extra_id_2>wants to remember it in his or her mind
<extra_id_3>is testing his or her new ideas
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_1> |
<extra_id_5>Germany's mystery English-speaking "forest boy" is said to be having trouble adjusting to conventional life. Source close to the case claim he is having difficulty sleeping in a proper bed and wants to return to the wild. Other creature comforts , such as soap, hot showers, and running water, are also " unsettling" the youngster. Known only as Ray, and believed to be around 17, the boy is thought to have spent at least five years sleeping rough in woods south of the German capital. He handed himself into officials on September 5, and was carrying a rucksack ,tent and sleeping bag. He told police his father had recently died after a fall and he had buried him in a shallow grave. He then walked north for a fortnight for help until he got to the German capital. Despite the bizarre nature of the story, police have said it is credible. The source said it was " unsurprising" the teenager found a soft bed so unusual if he had been sleeping rough for so long. "He has indicated that he would be far more comfortable on the forest floor and would prefer to return there to sleep," the source added. The boy claimed that his father had taken him into the woods south of Berlin after his mother, Doreen, died in a car crash. Now detectives have begun a search for the grave, or any other place where Ryan's body might be lying. The boy is unable to tell them exactly where he buried his father, but claimed he " followed his compass northwards". In the meantime, they are trying to make Ray a ward of court, so that an official can be appointed to make important decisions on his behalf. DNA, fingerprint and dental records can also then be handed to Interpol so that his records can be checked against those of missing children. A police spokesman confirmed that a search had started for Ryan's grave after the boy said that he was buried under the stones " two weeks south of Berlin". Police are puzzled by the case, but say that everything Ray has told them so far adds up. Officials believe the teenager could be British because he speaks English but only basic German. The British Consul is also working with police to try to solve the mystery. Ray, who is 5 feet 11 inches, with blond hair, is in good physical shape and had no signs of abuse apart from a small scar that was at least 3 years old. What still remains mysterious about this boy?
<extra_id_0>His parent's names.
<extra_id_1>His state of health.
<extra_id_2>His nationality.
<extra_id_3>The languages he speaks.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>Learning English is one of the few things I have been doing consistently over the past 16 years.Like most Chinese students, I started learning English because it was a compulsory course in my middle school.More importantly, English was a central subject for the college entrance exam. At that time, studying English was not a pleasant experience for me.There was no fun in the process of learning.The focus of our English education was getting a good mark in exams.And nobody told me that the real meaning of studying mother language was communication. When I became a university student, I spent nearly half of my time on English.In fact , more than 90 percent of the job offer ads in Shanghai list " proficiency as a main requirement. How did I improve my English? People told me that TOEFL was very helpful and useful.As a result, I took a TOEFL training course and studied like mad.After six months' preparation, I took part in the exam and got a high score.Later on, I had a chance to further my study in Britain.I soon discovered that all of my past English learning had been futile .When I first went shopping in a local supermarket, I really could not understand what the cashier was saying at all. It was then that I realized I had totally missed the point.Instead of just passing exams, the main function of learning English or any other language is communication.What is more, language does not exist independent of culture.Hence, mechanical memorization helps very little in communication.That's why I was still unable to freely express myself after learning English for many years.By no means am I talented in any foreign language.I am still learning English.Why? First and foremost, my job requires me to use English everyday.Secondly, English helps me to have access to more information.Thirdly, as a bookworm, English gives me a chance to dive into the huge pool of inspiring English books.Last but not least, it is such a great experience to write in another language.Indeed, English has become part of my life. How can we master English well?
<extra_id_0>We need more mechanical memorization.
<extra_id_1>We should read and recite more books.
<extra_id_2>We should study English as well as its culture and use it more.
<extra_id_3>We can study hard in classrooms and houses and get high marks in exams.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>My school is not big but beautiful. There is a garden in the school. There are many flowers in the garden. The flowers are colorful-they are all kinds of colours. In the center of the garden, there is a pool. The fish are swimming in it. They look very happy and free. There are two teaching buildings around the garden. There are 18 classrooms in it. And there are also many other rooms in it -- music room, reading room, language lab and library. There are all kinds of books in the library, such as storybooks, cartoon books and magazines. You can read them after class. The playground is behind the teaching building. We do morning exercises on the playground every day. On the playground, you can play sports--running, playing basketball and playing badminton. I like my school very much. What colours are the flowers?
<extra_id_0>They are all kinds of colours.
<extra_id_1>They are red, yellow and green.
<extra_id_2>They are beautiful.
<extra_id_3>They are sweet-smelling .
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>Tina was not like many of her classmates. She didn't listen to popular music or watch many movies, and she wasn't interested in nice clothes. When she got together with her friends, they wanted to listen to rock and pop music. When Tina asked if they would like to try classical music, they all looked at her strangely."Classical music is for old people, " one of her friends said. Tina was worried that something was wrong with her. She decided to talk to her father. As she entered his study , her father could feel something was wrong. "Dad, am I strange?" she asked her father."Of course not, " he answered. "Why do you ask that?" "Because I don't like the same things as my classmates do. They want to listen to Mariah Carey's music. I like Yo Yo Ma's." "I can understand, Tina, it's all right _ You don't have to copy what other people do. Everybody has different tastes. Some of them are popular, and others aren't. "After talking with her father, Tina felt better. She realized that being different made her special. It was an important lesson for her to learn. Why did Tina talk with her father?
<extra_id_0>Because she wanted to tell him about Yo Yo Ma.
<extra_id_1>Because she wanted to talk about her problem.
<extra_id_2>Because she wanted to know about her friends.
<extra_id_3>Because she wanted to give him some ideas.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_1> |
<extra_id_5>It is important to know another language and how to communicate without words when you are in another country. Before saying anything, people communicate with each other by using gestures . However, many gestures have different meanings, or no meaning at all, in different parts of the world. In the United States, nodding your head up and down means "yes", while in some pats of Greece and Turkey, it means "no". In the southeast of Asia, it is a polite way of saying "I heard you". Today in the USA, when someone puts his thumb up, it means "Everything is all right." However, in Greece it is bad. Also putting your clasped hands up above your head means "I am the winner." It is the sign which players often make. In Russia it is the sign of friendship. In the USA, holding your hand up with the thumb and index finger , and the other three straight means "Everything is OK." In France, it means "You are worth nothing." It is also important to make eye communication. If you look down when talking to an American, he or she may feel that you are shy, or you are trying to hide something. Besides these, you should also know there are some topics that can not be talked about, such as age, weight and marriage. You can talk about the weather, work, sports, food, where one lives and news of the day. What does this sentence mean "....your action can speak louder than your words" ?
<extra_id_0>What you do is better than what you say.
<extra_id_1>You try your best to be polite.
<extra_id_2>You are better understood by your gestures than through your words.
<extra_id_3>What you say is better than what you do.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>Electronic waste, or e-waste, refers to electronic products that are no longer usable. This can include TVs, cell phones and computers and other office electronics, electronic toys and videos machines. Today, the average turnover rate for a computer in the United States is every two years, according to the environmental group, Greenpeace. The group's Dai Yun says e-waste is a global problem. "The electronic industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. The high speed of growth in this industry means more and more electronic products are being wasted and thrown away. If no one decides to retrieve the old products and process them properly, the electronic waste will sweep over the earth like the huge wave behind me and pollute the Earth seriously." Greenpeace works out that 20 to 50 million tons of e-waste are produced globally each year. The components in many electronic products contain harmful chemicals that pollute ground water and the environment. At present , the U.S. has no federal law for the disposal of e-waste although a few states have e-waste recycling programs in place, but there is no law. The U.S. exports much of its e-waste to third world countries, such as India and China, where workers took apart computers for valuable parts, hoping to sell them for money. But harmful wastes expert, Dr. Bakul Rao, says that's a dangerous practice. "From now on, the recyclers are not very educated. All they know is they can retrieve copper or gold out of it. So, the easiest way to do that is leach it out in an acid or burn it off to retrieve it. So, that's where they don't know how to deal with it, neither do they have any health systems in place. So, their exposure is more." What is the purpose of writing the passage?
<extra_id_0>To attract more people's attention to e-waste.
<extra_id_1>To call on people not to throw away e-waste anywhere.
<extra_id_2>To tell people what e-waste is and how to deal with it well.
<extra_id_3>To warn people to break away from the electronic industry.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>I'm Ann. I am twelve. My birthday is on May 11th. I am a student. I am in No. 3 middle School. I have a good friend. Her name is Alice. She is twelve, too. We are not in the same class. We have the same English teacher. Her name is Monica. We all like her. Kate is Alice's sister. Oh, today is November 11th. It's Kate's birthday. I will buy her a birthday card. When is Ann's birthday? _ .
<extra_id_0>May 8th
<extra_id_1>May 11th
<extra_id_2>November 11th
<extra_id_3>November 12th
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_1> |
<extra_id_5>. As the world's largest terrestrial carnivore ,the polar bear is the king of the great white north. Adult males can measure more than 9 feet in length and weigh between 770 and 1,430 pounds. The bear's body and neck are elongated, and the head is narrow and long with small, rounded ears. Polar bear populations can be found in northern Canada, Greenland, Norway and Russia, and there have been reports that polar bear tracks have been found as far north as the North Pole. The 5,000,000-square-mile range of the polar bear circles the Arctic and contains stretches of open water where seals are easily caught. Polar bears live on the annual Arctic sea ice that provides a platform from which they can hunt. They hunt seals on the sea ice by breaking into seal dens in the sea ice. The dens aren't visible from above,but seeing is less important than smelling to a polar bear -- with their keen sense of smell,polar bears can sense the breathing holes of seals in their dens beneath the snow and ice. As the southern edge of the Arctic ice cap melts in summer, polar bears are stranded on land and spend their summers fasting ,living off body fat stored from hunting in spring and winter. It might come as a surprise that this species faces an uncertain future. Climate change is causing the disappearance of sea ice from which polar bears hunt seals. Sea ice in the Arctic is melting earlier and forming later each year. With about 22,000 polar bears living in the wild,the species is not endangered at the moment, but its future is far from certain. People have reached an agreement that controls the hunting of polar bears and directs each nation to protect their habitats, but it does not protect the bears against the biggest man-made threat to their survival : global warming. If current warming trends continue, scientists believe that polar bears may disappear within 100 years. It can be inferred from the passage that _ .
<extra_id_0>the polar bear is an endangered species at present
<extra_id_1>we should protect seals in order to keep the food chain in the Arctic
<extra_id_2>the polar bear can be found near the North Pole and the South Pole
<extra_id_3>people will do something to protect polar bears
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>Emma Hart Willard (1787--1870) was an American pioneer educator. In her time, colleges and universities were open only to men, and women were not permitted to attend. Emma received advanced education at home from her father and became a school teacher at twenty. She continued to teach at school for several years after her marriage. Then began offer college lessons in her home to women students. Later she founded a school in New York State, which was the first school that offered higher education in the US for women. Emma Willard also tried to persuade New York State to pass a law to allow women to attend public colleges and universities, though that did not come about until after her death. Some years later people remembered her for her life-long efforts and elected her to the US Hall of Fame in 1905. Emma received advanced education at home because _ .
<extra_id_0>universities were only for men at that time
<extra_id_1>her father did not trust the schools
<extra_id_2>her family was poor when she was young
<extra_id_3>she was too shy to go to a public college
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>It was June 15, and in two days I would be turning thirty. I was not sure about entering a new decade of my life and feared that my best years were now behind me. My daily routine included going to the gym for a workout( ) before going to work. Every morning I would see my friend Nicholas at the gym. He was seventy nine years old and in terrific shape. As I greeted Nicholas on that particular day, he noticed I wasn't full of my usual vitality and asked if there was anything wrong. I told him I was feeling anxious about turning thirty. I wondered how I would look back on( )my life once I reached Nicholas's age, so I asked him, "What was the best time of your life?" Without hesitation, Nicholas replied, "Well, Joe, this is my philosophical answer to your philosophical question: When I was a child in Austria and everything was taken care of for me and I was _ by my parents, that was the best time of my life. When I was going to school and learning the things I know today, that was the best time of my life. When I got my first job and had responsibilities and got paid for my efforts, that was the best time of my life. When I met my wife and fell in love, that was the best time of my life. The Second World War came, and my wife and I had to flee Austria to save our lives. When we were together and safe on a ship bound for North America, that was the best time of my life. When we came to Canada and started a family, that was the best time of my life. When I was a young father, watching my children grow up, that was the best time of my life." "And now, Joe, I am seventy nine years old. I have my health, I feel good and I am in love with my wife just as I was when we first met. This is the best time of my life." Why was the writer anxious?
<extra_id_0>He wasn't full of his usual vitality.
<extra_id_1>He didn't see his old friend Nicholas.
<extra_id_2>He was feeling anxious about turning thirty.
<extra_id_3>He didn't like his friend's answer about the best time.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>My parents taught me not to waste food. My mum always found ways to make leftovers taste good. I went to YiLan to learn about some of their special food. As I was there, I learned about the food and the history of the area. I learned that they don't waste food, either, and they use leftovers! Many years ago, there was not enough food for everyone. People learned to cook and eat almost everything. They had to think of ways to make special dishes. One of these dishes is kao zha.It made with leftovers like meat, soup, oil and fat. That might not sound very good, but it does taste good. Today, kao zha is a special dish at big banquets . Another famous dish is called zao bing. It's made with fruit, meat and other things. I really liked it! But I didn't want to eat too much. It has a lot of fat in it. I smelled something burning and I saw smoke, so I found another special food of the YiLan area duck meat. The duck meat is put in a big oven to cook it. Smoke keeps the meat fresh. I don't usually eat meat, but this duck meat was delicious! It tasted sweet. YiLan is a great place with delicious food. I hope I can come back again! There are _ kinds of special foods mentioned in the passage
<extra_id_0>two
<extra_id_1>three
<extra_id_2>four
<extra_id_3>five.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_1> |
<extra_id_5>Two recent studies have found that punishment is not the best way to influence behavior. One showed that adults are much more cooperative if they work in a system based on rewards. Researchers at Harvard University in the United States and the Stockholm School of Economics in Sweden did the study. They had about two hundred college students play a version of the game known as the Prisoner's Dilemma. The game is based on the tension between the interests of an individual and a group. The students played in groups of four. Each player could win points for the group, so they would all gain equally. But each player could also reward or punish each of the other three players, at a cost to the punisher. Harvard researcher David Rand says the most successful behavior proved to be cooperation. The groups that rewarded it the most earned about twice as much in the game as the groups that rewarded it the least. And the more a group punished itself, the lower its earnings were. The group with the most punishment earned twenty-five percent less than the group with the least punishment. The study appeared last month in the journal Science. The other study involved children. It was presented last month in California at a conference on violence and abuse. Researchers used intelligence tests given to two groups. More than eight hundred children aged two to four the first time they were tested. More than seven hundred children aged five to nine. The two groups were retested four years later, and the study compared the results with the first test. Both groups contained children whose parents used physical punishment and children whose parents did not. The study says the IQs--or intelligence quotients--of the younger children who were not _ were five points higher than those who were. In the older group, the difference was almost three points. Murray Strauss from the University of New Hampshire worked with Mallie Paschall from the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation. Professor Strauss has written extensively about physical punishment of children. He says the more they are spanked, the slower their mental development. He also looked at average IQs in other nations and found them lower where spanking was more common. Which could be the best title of the passage?
<extra_id_0>Punishment
<extra_id_1>The Best Way to Influence Behavior.
<extra_id_2>Punishment or Reward: Which Works Better on Behavior?
<extra_id_3>Two Recent Studies.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>Three wishes A man and his wife were very poor. They kept hoping for new clothes and good food. The man enjoyed eating, and he especially liked cakes. One night an old woman came to their house and told them she would let them have three wishes. They could wish for anything they wanted. The man had just finished eating a piece of bread for his dinner, but he was still hungry. He said, "I wish I had a big cake!" Suddenly a cake appeared on his plate. "You fool!" His wife cried. "You could have wished for a house full of wonderful food, but you wished for a cake. I wish that cake was on the end of your foolish nose! " Immediately the cake stuck to the end of his nose. Then the man and his wife started blaming each other. "It's your fault!" the man cried. "No, it's your fault!" she answered. What could they do? The cake was still stuck to the husband's nose. "Oh!" the wife cried. "I wish none of this had ever happened!" Immediately the cake was gone, and the man was saying, "I'm still hungry. How I wish I had some cakes! " But of course nothing happened. The wrong statement of the following is _ .
<extra_id_0>the man made his wishes before dinner
<extra_id_1>the wife made two wishes, which worked
<extra_id_2>the wife wanted her husband to wish for more than a big cake
<extra_id_3>the man wished that the cake were not on his nose
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>Two little children come to a big city. Their names are Mike and Bob. They live with their father and mother. Their family is very rich. They have a driver and lots of servants. Mike and Bob are going to a new school. Their father says to them, "Mike and Bob, don't say we are rich at school." So they go to school. Their teacher says, "Hi, boys and girls. Today we write a composition about your family. " So all the children write something about their families. This is Mike's composition. "My name is Mike. My family is poor. My father and my mother are poor. Our driver is very poor and all the servants are very poor. " , . They have _ .
<extra_id_0>a driver
<extra_id_1>some servants
<extra_id_2>two sisters
<extra_id_3>Both A and B
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>To me, music is food and water. I can't live without it. I know this is not true for everybody. Many people don't listen to music and they can get along quite well. But music is everywhere in our life. For example, when you watch films or TV plays, do you find them interesting if there is no music? You would find them _ . And when you are waiting for the train or the plane, you would like music because it makes the time seem shorter. It is true that music is everywhere in our life. Some people like to sit by the sea and listen to the sound of the sea. Some enjoy listening to the singing of birds. Those sounds are some kinds of music. So music has meaning for everyone in some way or other. Of course, it has special meaning for people like me. We spend our lives playing or writing music. Someone said, "Through music, a child goes into a world of beauty, learns to take care of others and makes his mind and body strong." Music is an important part of our lives. Listening to music can _ when you are waiting for the train.
<extra_id_0>make time fly quickly
<extra_id_1>help you save time
<extra_id_2>make time short
<extra_id_3>make you feel time passes more quickly
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>What is the density of a 64-g iron cube that displaces 8 mL of water?
<extra_id_0>512 g/mL
<extra_id_1>32 g/mL
<extra_id_2>8 g/mL
<extra_id_3>4 g/mL
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>Mitsuaki recently arrived in the United States to enter university.He wants to do well in his studies and fit the new culture.But Mitsuaki has a problem.It's not his teachers.It's not even his English ability.His problem is that he doesn't have a car.Mitsuaki has already discovered a basic fact of American culture: Driving is a way of life. There are different transportations in America.Many cities have taxis, buses and subways. But most people find it the easiest to drive, even if they do have to deal with heavy traffic. Nowadays busy families often have more than one vehicle.Many people think their car as a status symbol.But no matter what their social status are, people without wheels feel stressed. When Mitsuaki first arrived, he was amazed at how young many American drivers there were.Young people in America often get their driver's license around age 16 by passing a written test and a driving test.Before they can get their license, they have to take a driver education course, For teenagers, being able to drive is important. It's hard to find an American teenager without one. Mitsuaki finally decides that he needs a car. His host family helps him find a good used car to buy. But before he gets his license and starts driving, he has to understand the American style of driving, He also needs to learn some of the basic rules of the road that good drivers follow. Driving to Americans is what flying to birds.It's almost part of their nature.For many Americans, being behind the wheel is like their natural home.But if they don't drive carefully, they can become an endangered animal. Which is the easiest transportation in the USA?
<extra_id_0>Taxis
<extra_id_1>Planes
<extra_id_2>Cars
<extra_id_3>Buses
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>Since 1936, many female space explorers have followed Russian astronaut Valentina Tereshkova. Let's look at the missions of four important female astronauts to find out what astronauts do in space. In 1983, Sally Ride became the first American women in space. Her team carried out scientific experiments in space and put two communications satellites in space. Satellites make it possible for us to communicate instantly with each other across the world through TV, radio, and telephones. In 1984, Kathryn Sullivan became the first American women to walk in space. During her mission, she discovered important information about the sun's energy and how it affects the climate in very hot and very cold places on Earth. She also took photographs of Earth and measured air pollution. In 1992, Mae Jemison became the first African-American in space. During her mission, she did scientific experiments using the weightless atmosphere. In space, there is no gravity, so everything floats! Dr. Jemison's experiments gave important information about the human body to produce better medicines and healthcare. In 2012, Liu Yang became the first Chinese women in space. She did experiments in space medicine, which look at how astronauts can survive and stay healthy in space. The conditions in space are very hard on the body and space medicine helps astronauts work safely. Who collected important information about air pollution?
<extra_id_0>Valentina Tereshkova.
<extra_id_1>Sally Ride.
<extra_id_2>Kathryn Sullivan.
<extra_id_3>Mae Jemison
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>Spain is famous for its tomato festival, called La Tomatina. It happens in a small town Hanoi on the last Wednesday of August every year. During the festival there are all kinds of activities, but the most exciting part is the tomato fight. It takes place at the end of long celebration . You are encouraged to throw tomatoes in the fight. There're many stories about how the festival began. One of the stories goes that during the 1940's, some friends started a tomato fight, while another story is about a local band. Anyway, everyone in Bunol seems to have a different story. Before the tomato fight, there are parades ,musical bands, street parties and so on. On the day of the fight, shopkeepers cover their windows and doors in order to keep away from the tomato fight. At the same time, thousands of tourists and local people come to the town square together. Then large trucks full of tomatoes arrive. From theback of the large trucks, a great town band start to throw tomatoes at others. Then the crowds fight back, throwing the tomatoes at anything and anyone. Soon the streets are in the sea of red tomato juice. Everyone is supposed to obey a small number of rules: You must squash the tomato before throwing it and you are allowed to throw nothing but tomatoes. It is usually over in less than half an hour. Everyone then sets off to the river to clearup. Sounds like fun! The best title of the passage can be _ .
<extra_id_0>Travel in Spain
<extra_id_1>The Tomato Festival in Spain.
<extra_id_2>The History of Spain
<extra_id_3>Rules of the Tomato Festival
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_1> |
<extra_id_5>Taylor Swift was born on December 13, 1989, in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. Swift's family ran a farm. "I had her sitting on a small horse when she was nine months old," said Swift's mother. "If my dream had gone well, she'd be in a horse show right now." The only obvious forerunner of Swift's musical talent was her grandmother, an opera singer. That talent showed itself early: when the family went to see a Disney musical film, Swift would come out of the theater singing all the songs correctly. At the age of 11, she sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" at a Philadelphia 76ers game. The experiences during her pre-teen years encouraged the creativity to go with Swift's talent. As a child, she attended the academically competitive Wyndcroft School in Pottstown, but then switched to public schools in Wyomissing. Although it was her hometown, she didn't know any of her classmates, and she was terrified. Swift began to understand the storytelling feature of country songs, and put her feelings into songs of her own. One of her future hits, "The Outside", was written when she was only 12. "I wrote that about the scariest feeling I've ever felt: going to school, looking at those faces, and not knowing who you're gonna talk to that day," she said. "In the music, I could never feel the kind of rejection that I felt in middle school." Swift's parents quickly realized that they had someone special on their hands. They sold their farm when she was 13 and moved the family to Hendersonville, Tennessee.[:Z+xx+k.Com] Swift had the ability, above all, to put feelings into words with accuracy far beyond her years. In "Our Song" she wrote, "Our song is the slamming screen door, going out late, tapping on your window." In the summer of 2006, "Tim McGraw" came out, and almost from the beginning the 16-year-old Taylor Swift was a star. Which of the following is TRUE according to the text?
<extra_id_0>Swift sang for a Disney movie at a young age.
<extra_id_1>"The Outside" came out when Swift was only 12.
<extra_id_2>Life in Wyndcroft School encouraged Swift's creativity.
<extra_id_3>She tells her stories in her music.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>A green container with white arrows in a circle indicate it's a receptacle for
<extra_id_0>trash that can be used for a new purpose
<extra_id_1>excess and unused portions of soylent green
<extra_id_2>radioactive nuclear waste materials
<extra_id_3>hazardous biological materials and waste
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>Somali pirates robbed three Thai fishing ships with 77 sailors on board nearly l, 200 Miles off the Somali coast, the farthest-off-shore attack to date, an officer said Tuesday. Pirates have gone farther south and east in answer to increased patrols by warships off the Somali shore. The robbing of the three ships Sunday was about 600 miles outside the normal operation area for the international force, said a spokesman. The spokesman said the attack so far out at sea was a clear sign that the international patrols against pirates were having a "marked effect on pirate activity in the area". "Once they start attacking that far out, you're not even really talking about the Somali basin or areas of water that have any connection with Somalia," said an officer, Roger Middleton. "Once you're that far out, it's just the Indian Ocean, and it means you're looking at trade going from the Gulf to Asia, from Asia to South Africa. " "This is the farthest robbing to date. They are now operating near the Maldives and India," said another officer. The three ships--the MV Prantalay 11, 12, and l 4--had 77 members on board in total. All of them are Thai, the spokesman said. Before the Sunday robbing, pirates held l l ships and 228 sailors. Pirates have increased attacks over the past year in hopes. of catching more dollar payments. Because of increased patrols and defenses on board ships, the success rate has gone down, though the number of successful attacks has stayed the same year over year. Which is true about the warship patrols according to the text?
<extra_id_0>The patrols are of little effect.
<extra_id_1>The patrols are more difficult.
<extra_id_2>More patrols are quite necessary even in Asia.
<extra_id_3>The patrols only drive the pirates to other areas.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_1> |
<extra_id_5>One day a man saw an old lady standing by her expensive car,clearly in need of help.So he stopped his old truck and got out.Although he was smiling,the old lady was worried.Was he going to hurt her ?He didn't look safe. The man could see that she was frightened,so in his friendliest voice he said," I'm here to help you,madam.Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm ?By the way,my name is Bryan Anderson."Bryan quickly fixed the car and the lady thanked him.Then she asked how Much she should pay him. But Bryan wanted no money.He was just giving a hand to someone in trouble.This was normal for him.He said,"If you really want to repay me,next time you see someone in need ,help them and think of me." After saying goodbye,the lady continued down the road until she reached a small care where she decided to stop for something to eat.As the pretty waitress took her order,the lady noticed she was nearly eight months pregnant .Although the waitress looked tired,she was very kind.As the lady was going to pay the$1 0 bill she remembered Bryan's words. She paid with a hundred--dollar bill.But when the waitress returned with the change,the lady was gone.On the table she saw a small note.There.were tears in her eyes when she read it:"Somebody once helped me the way I'm helping you.If you want to pay me back,continue being kind to others."Under the note were nine more$1 00 bills. Was the old lady an angel ?The waitress was so excited that she called her husband to tell him the news."Bryan***Bryan Anderson my dear***you're not going to believe what just happened..." What can we learn.about the old lady from the story?
<extra_id_0>She was never kind to others.
<extra_id_1>She was usually quite careless.
<extra_id_2>She was probably very rich.
<extra_id_3>She was not a very good driver.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>Giving Back Fair Way The Westborough High School golf team had taken the official photos with the state prize, The other teams, disappointed, were on the bus heading home. And then Westborough instructor Greg Rota noticed something wrong on one of the score cards. A 9 had been recorded as a 7. They were not the state prize winner; Wobum High had won. "None one have known, said Wobum's instructor, Bob Doran. For Rota, it wasn't a difficult decision: "The prize wasn't ours to take:? Coin Stars "College students are lazy. but they also want to help," says University of]Pennsyivania graduate. Dan Hork. So she made it easy, placing cups in rooms where students could leave their spare coins, and handing out cups to first-year students to keep in their rooms. Her "Change for Change" effort has collected$40,000 for charities, which were decided upon by students . Never Forgotten A school in Massachusetts received a $ 9. 5 million check from Jacques LeBermuth. But it took officials several days of digging to discover his connection to the school, Records showed the LeBermuth came from Belgium and studied in the school in the 1920s. When his family fell on hard times, he was offered free room and board. LeBermuth became a trader, owned shares of AT&T and lived off the earnings until he died at age 89. What did Greg Rota probably do in the end?
<extra_id_0>Returned the prize to the organizer,
<extra_id_1>Apologized to Wobum High School.
<extra_id_2>Took photos of the state prize.
<extra_id_3>Had a meeting with Doran
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>Last week,Chicago became the first city in the US to join the "Lights Out Plan".People turned off the lights in the city's tallest buildings,so that thousands of birds could get to their winter homes.Every year in autumn,some birds fly over Chicago on their way to the south,and come back the next spring. Lights mean danger to birds.Birds find their way by looking at the stars in the sky.Lights in tall buildings are so bright that birds may mistake them as stars.This means they can not find the right way to go home. This month,about 300 types of birds are flying over Chicago to go back to the south to live through the cold winter.Birds fly to warmer places for a few reasons.Many birds cannot live in the cold,so they fly to warmer places.But there are other reasons,too.Birds need to look for food in the south.Another reason is that they want to have baby birds.Many birds like to have their baby birds in the same "house" they lived in last year,so they fly back there. There are about 9,000 kinds of birds in the world,and about 600 kinds of birds _ .Some birds can fly a very long way.Sometimes they fly to other countries.We have fewer birds today because there are fewer places for birds. Which of the following statements is NOT true?
<extra_id_0>All birds fly to warmer places every year.
<extra_id_1>Some birds have to fly to warmer places in autumn.
<extra_id_2>Some birds can fly a long way to other countries.
<extra_id_3>About 600 kinds of birds migrate in the world.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>A single night of taking the drug Ecstasy can cause serious brain damage and speed up the start of Parkinson's disease , scientists say. Just two or three Ecstasy tablets can permanently destroy brain cells that affect movement and reasoning, according to American research that links the drug to Parkinson's for the first time. A study by a team at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, involving squirrel monkeys and baboons found that both species suffered permanent damage to key cells, which are lost in Parkinson's, after receiving three low doses of Ecstasy at three-hour periods. The study is particularly important because baboons are one of the best animal models for the human brain. George Ricaurte, who led the research, said that the widespread abuse of drug might have caused severe damage. "The most troubling result is that young adults using Ecstasy may be increasing their risk of developing Parkinsonism as they get older." Alan Leshner, a former director of the US National Institute on Drug Abuse, said, "This study emphasizes the multi-aspect damage that Ecstasy causes to users. We've long known that repeated use damages brain cells. But this study shows that even very occasional use can have long-lasting effects on many different brain systems. It sends an important message to young people: don't experiment with your own brain." Janet Betts, a mother whose teenage daughter Leah died after a single Ecstasy tablet in 1995, said, "This comes as no surprise. But people can't see the effects at first, and they say it won't happen to them. We'll see the symptoms later, just as we have with smoking." The article is intended to _ .
<extra_id_0>explain the bad effects of drugs on people's health
<extra_id_1>warn young people of the risk of taking the drug Ecstasy
<extra_id_2>persuade people out of such bad habits as smoking and using drugs
<extra_id_3>tell us the links between the drug Ecstasy and the animal models
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_1> |
<extra_id_5>A young woman was walking through a supermarket to pick up a few things when she noticed an old man following her around.Thinking nothing of it,she _ him and went on shopping.After she got what she wanted,she went to checkout line,but the old man got in front of her. "Pardon me!" he said,"I'm sorry if my staring at you has made you feel uncomfortable ,it's just because you look like my granddaughter,who just died recently.And I miss her very much." "I'm very sorry,"said the young woman."Is there anything I can do for you?" "Yes." the old man said."As I'm leaving,can you say 'Good-bye,grandpa' to me? It would make me feel so much better." "Sure,"answered the young woman. As the old man was leaving,she called out."Bye-bye,grandpa!" When she stepped up to the checkout counter ,she saw that her total was $178.50. "How can that be?" she asked."I only bought a few things!" "Your grandpa said you would pay for him," said the clerk. According to the passage we can know that _ .
<extra_id_0>the young woman is a careless person
<extra_id_1>the young woman is as clever as the old man
<extra_id_2>the young woman was pleased to pay for the old man
<extra_id_3>the young woman didn't know the old man at all
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>One billion teenagers and young adults around the world are in the face of losing their hearing by listening to loud music. This is according to the World Health Organization. Few things can make people happy and full of energy like good music. Many people believe louder is better if you are listening to rock and roll. But if you really listen to the music loudly, even really good music, it can hurt your hearing badly. If a person takes a subway to go from one place to the other for half an hour in the morning and a half an hour in the evening, and every day has to _ on his audio device because there is so much of noise of the train and everything around, and is listening to for one hour every day, his hearing is going to be hurt seriously in a few years, in a couple of years time, for sure. There can be many kinds of unsafe levels of sound. It depends on how loud the sound is and how long you listen to it. Unsafe can mean noise levels of 85 decibels for eight hours a day or 100 decibels for just 15 minutes. There are simple ways to protect people from unsafe sound levels. Young people who wear earplugs during concerts can enjoy music at 90 decibels as much as they can at 110 decibels. But earplugs may not look very cool. The fact that earplugs may look un-cool may be true today, but if there is nothing wrong with your hearing in the future may be true and wearing earplugs may actually be cool. Another common suggestion is to turn down the volume on your personal audio devices. The World Health Organization also advises young people to limit their use of such devices to less than one hour a day. Besides, the World Health Organization reminds people to use technology, such as smart audio devices keep listening levels safe. The levels of sound is safe or not depends on _ .
<extra_id_0>what kind of music is and where you listen to it
<extra_id_1>how loud the sound is and how long you listen to it
<extra_id_2>how clear the sound is and how often you listen to it
<extra_id_3>how much the audio device is and how long you keep it
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_1> |
<extra_id_5>Reading books has long been a way to relax.However,in this modern age of computers,the Internet,DVD movies and MP3 players,the simple act of reading a book has taken a back seat.People want something more interactive than just pages to turn.We seem to be turning away from the joy of reading a good book,but there is an answer. Audio books have been around for a long time.But most people think that audio books are just for people with eyesight problems.This is one of their uses,of course,but it is far from the full story. Audio books are in the form of either cassette tapes or CDs.The beauty of them is that the whole story is read often by well-known actors and actresses.It is like having your own play.There are many kinds of audio books,so you are sure to find one that suits your tastes.The really good thing of listening to an audio book is that you can listen to it wherever you want to. Audio books do not just tell stories--they also provide language lessons.Imagine learning to speak a number of key Japanese phrases while you do the ironing,or learning basic French while doing the housework.Audio books can be found in most big bookstores,as well as over the Internet.There are books for people of all ages,including kids.If you are a member of a local library,you will also find audio books to borrow,so you can try one and decide if you really want to buy one. In the writer's opinion,which of the following is a really good thing of audio books?
<extra_id_0>They can be found in most big bookstores.
<extra_id_1>They are much cheaper than printed books.
<extra_id_2>They can be listened to anywhere you like.
<extra_id_3>They can be borrowed from libraries.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>Christmas,Easter and Birthday parties can be difficult times for grandmothers and parents as they rush around trying to arrange the perfect celebration or making everyone as happy as possible! What's better than a birthday party that makes your grandchild smile throughout or a celebration that impresses relatives and close friends? That is why Granny Look has supplied in this section,one of the most comprehensive guides to making these special occasions that happen perhaps once a year a real success. From a selection of Advent Calendars to party planning or Christmas-stocking fillers we have all the possibilities covered so that your children and grandchildren will really have a memorable time with attractive gifts and original ideas. Bring that festive spirit to all those traditional days,and ensure you are always ready for any possibility. Granny Look's extensive links are bound to make every special occasion an entirely different experience from the year before and allow everyone to feel entertained and content. _ LOOK no further!! Granny Look helps the family to prepare in time for FATHER CHRISTMAS. Give SANTA CLAUS some ideas.He can fill all the children's Christmas-stockings with goodies! Unique Christmas gifts for children-stocking fillers. A Granny Look favorite! _ All children love the build-up to CHRISTMAS! What is better than choosing one of Granny Look's selection of Advent Calendars! Here you will find a list of websites to buy traditional or fun Advent Calendars for children at Christmas time. A Granny Look favorite! _ LOOKING for a SPECIAL BIRTHDAY GIFT? Explore Granny Look's selection of PRESENTS,PARTY PLANNING,PARTY TOYS and PARTY GAMES for your Children and Grandchildren's BIRTHDAYS. Plan and organize the KIDDIE'S PARTIES ahead of time!! Don't forget the PERSONALISED INVITATIONS! _ LOOK and BOOK now!! Granny Look's selection of CHRISTMAS GIFTS for children. Some guides to "What's on in your area"...for the kids.PANTOS,SHOWS,THEATRES...at Christmas time! UNIQUE Christmas gifts for Children.Spend QUALITY TIME with your Children's Children this FESTIVE SEASON! From the text,we know that "Granny Look" is _ .
<extra_id_0>a person who guides you to make your yearly celebration a real success
<extra_id_1>a magazine that helps the family to prepare for special occasions
<extra_id_2>a company that sells all sorts of products on the Internet
<extra_id_3>a website that helps you to prepare for special occasions
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>One fine day, an old couple around the age of 70, walks into a lawyer's office. Apparently, they are there to file a divorce. Lawyer was very puzzled, after having a chat with them, he got their story. This couple had been quarreling all their 40 years of marriage nothing ever seems to go right. They hang on because of their children, afraid that it might affect their up-bringing. Now, all their children have already grown up, have their own family, there's nothing else the old couple have to worry about, all they wanted is to lead their own life free from all these years of unhappiness from their marriage, so both agree on a divorce. While they were signing the papers, the wife told the husband. "I really love you, but I really can't carry on anymore, I'm sorry." "It's OK, I understand." said the husband. Little did she know that, over the years, the husband has been trying all ways to please her, little did she know that drumsticks were the husband's favorite. Little did he know that she never thought he understands her at all, little did he know that she hates drumsticks even though all he wants is the best for her. That night, both of them couldn't sleep, toss and turn, toss and turn. After hours, the old man couldn't take it anymore, he knows that he still loves her, and he can't carry on life without her, he wants her back, he wants to tell her, he is sorry, he wants to tell her, "I love you." He picked up the phone, started dialing her number. Ringing never stops. He never stops dialing. On the other side, she was sad, she couldn't understand how come after all these years, he still doesn't understand her at all, she loves him a lot, but she just can't take it any more. Phone's ringing, she refuses to answer knowing that it's him. "I want to keep it this way, if not I will lose face. "She thought. Phone is still ringing. She has decided to pull out the cord. Little did she remember, he had heart problems. The next day, she received news that he had passed away. She rushed down to his apartment, saw his body, lying on the couch still holding on to the phone. He had a heart attack when he was still trying to get through her phone line. The old couple wanted to file a divorce because _ .
<extra_id_0>they had no child.
<extra_id_1>their children didn't like them.
<extra_id_2>they didn't understand each other actually.
<extra_id_3>the old man didn't love the old woman.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>Sixteen years ago a boy gave me an important gift. It was a smile. It was the early autumn of my first year at a middle school, and my old school was far away. As a result, no one knew who I was. I was very lonely, and afraid to speak to anyone. Every time I heard the other students talking and laughing, I felt my heart break. I couldn't talk with anyone about my problems. Then one day, when my classmates were talking happily with their friends, I was sitting at my desk unhappily as usual. At that moment, a boy entered the classroom. I didn't know who he was. He passed by me and then turned back. He looked at me, with a smile. Suddenly, I felt the touch of something bright and friendly. It made me feel happy and warm. That smile changed my life. I started to talk with other students and made friends. Day by day, I became closer to everyone in my class. The boy with the lucky smile has become my best friend now. One day I asked him why he had smiled, but he couldn't remember doing so! It doesn't matter because all the dark days have gone. I believe that the world is what you think it is. If you think it is lonely, you might always be alone. So smile at the world and it will smile back. Where does she now think her feeling of unhappiness came from?
<extra_id_0>From her old school.
<extra_id_1>From her parents.
<extra_id_2>From herself.
<extra_id_3>From her classmates at the new school.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>Eureka, Inc., inventor of the LBVC, a laser-beam vegetable chopper, ran a television ad that described the chopper and said, "The LBVC is yours for only $49.99 if you send your check or money order to Box 007, Greenville. Not available in stores." Gourmet, who owned a retail specialty shop, wrote Eureka, "What's your best firm price for two dozen LBVCs?" Eureka sent a written reply that said in its entirety, "We quote you for prompt acceptance $39.99 per unit for 24 LBVCs." Gourmet subsequently mailed a check to Eureka in the appropriate amount, with a memo enclosed saying, "I accept your offer for 24 LBVCs."For this question only, assume the following facts: Eureka shipped 24 LBVCs to Gourmet after receiving his check and memo, and with the shipment sent Gourmet an invoice that conspicuously stated, among other things, the following lawful provision: "These items shall not be offered for resale at retail." Gourmet received and read but disregarded the invoice restriction and displayed the 24 LBVCs for resale. Eureka has a cause of action against Gourmet for breach of contract only if
<extra_id_0>Eureka, as inventor of the LBVC, was not a merchant.
<extra_id_1>the invoice restriction was a material alteration of preexisting terms.
<extra_id_2>Eureka's written reply that quoted $39.99 per LBVC but did not contain a restriction on retail sales, was not an offer that Gourmet accepted by ordering 24 LBVCs.
<extra_id_3>Gourmet was consciously aware when taking delivery of the goods that the television ad had said, "Not available in stores.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>Astin left her car at Garrison's Garage to have repair work done. After completing the repairs, Garrison took the car out for a test drive and was involved in an accident that caused damages to Placek. A statute imposes liability on the owner of an automobile for injuries to a third party that are caused by the negligence of any person driving the automobile with the owner's consent. The statute applies to situations of this kind, even if the owner did not specifically authorize the mechanic to test drive the car. Placek sued Astin and Garrison jointly for damages arising from the accident. In that action, Astin crossclaims to recover from Garrison the amount of any payment Astin may be required to make to Placek. The trier of fact has determined that the accident was caused solely by negligent driving on Garrison's part, and that Placek's damages were $100,000. In this action, the proper outcome will be that
<extra_id_0>Placek should have judgment for $50,000 each against Astin and Garrison; Astin should recover nothing from Garrison.
<extra_id_1>Placek should have judgment for $100,000 against Garrison only.
<extra_id_2>Placek should have judgment for $100,000 against Astin and Garrison jointly, and Astin should have judgment against Garrison for 50 percent of any amount collected from Astin by Placek.
<extra_id_3>Placek should have judgment for $100,000 against Astin and Garrison jointly, and Astin should have judgment against Garrison for any amount collected from Astin by Placek.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>The sharp drop in world oil prices has led oil companies in the United States to dismiss thousands of workers. Some companies have also delay new oil drilling and exploration projects. The drop in oil prices has also affected small service companies and even stores that do business with oil companies in big producer states like Texas. But the drop in oil prices has not been bad for everyone. Oil platform workers are often called roughnecks. In Texas, many roughnecks have lost their jobs because of the drop in oil prices. The effect of falling prices has been worse in states like Alaska and North Dakota. That is because production costs are higher there than they are in the Eagle Ford area of south-central Texas. Adam Perdue is an economist at the University of Houston's Institute for Regional Forecasting. He has been studying the effect of falling oil prices in Texas. He says oil company exploration and production budgets are being cut between 10 and 50 percent, with most of them being cut by a third. He thinks the lower spending will affect the local economy. The economic slowdown will affect companies that manufacture pipes and other equipment for oil exploration and production. It will also have an effect on trucking companies that supply sand and chemicals, and other small businesses that serve the energy industry. But low oil prices are good for chemical companies. They use hydrocarbons found in oil to make fertilizer, plastic and other products. Adam Perdue says a new chemical plant project near Houston will provide jobs for many skilled workers "A lot of these roughnecks that are gonna lose their jobs out there in the field are gonna be able to come home and, and, and get a welding job or a construction job." he says. But some oil industry experts believe prices will rise again in about six months when the oversupply of oil is reduced. Why is the effect of falling prices worse in North Dakota?
<extra_id_0>Roughnecks there have lost their jobs.
<extra_id_1>The oil production there costs more.
<extra_id_2>Oil platform there has been closed.
<extra_id_3>Oil prices there have fallen more sharply.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_1> |
<extra_id_5>Getting close to active or erupting volcanoes can be dangerous. But for Michael Rampino, it's all in a day's work. Rampino is a volcanologist, a scientist who studies volcanoes and how they affect our planet. Rampino has been close to red-hot lava flows in Hawaii and explosive volcanoes in Indonesia. He knows when to get close to an active volcano and when to back away. Rampino wasn't always a volcanologist. He worked for NASA for seven years. He studied rocks until he began to research climate change and the effects that volcanoes have on climate. He became interested in the subject. "Once I started working with volcanoes," Rampino said, "I was _ ." Rampino is a professor at New York University. As part of his job, he travels to areas where volcanoes have been active. "Active" means they have erupted within the past few centuries and probably will erupt again. Rampino studies the deposits of ash and other materials from the eruptions. The ash may hold clues to what happened to the Earth in the distant past. It may also help scientists predict what could happen to Earth's climate in the future. Rampino doesn't work alone. He works with a team of scientists who use computers to stimulate the effects volcanoes have on Earth's atmosphere. Being a volcanologist may be hard work, but it's also fun. "It's cool traveling the world studying volcanoes," Rampino says. When he talks to students about his work, he tells them that his goal is "to understand the events that have shaped Earth's history." In which part of a newspaper could we find this text?
<extra_id_0>Climate.
<extra_id_1>History.
<extra_id_2>People.
<extra_id_3>Business.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>Sitting across from a German couple and a Chinese mother and child, we were waiting at the Guilin airport for our delayed flight to Shanghai In this last week of our travel-study tour, my husband and I were savoring this mini-break by reading. While surrounded by languages I couldn't understand, it was an American accent that my attention was pulled from my book It also pulled the attention of three rows of people seated around us as the American barked, "Coming through! Coming through!" At the same time, an oversized man pulling an oversized carry-on turned down our row. His wheeled bag caught the foot of the German maa Turning to see what snagged his luggage ,the American bellower yanked his bag hard enough that it crossed over the man's feet It was then that my horror struck. There was no "I'm sorry; no "Excuse me" 5 no "Pardon me" coming from this countryman of mine. While this wasn't the first or last incident where I sighted impolite, ill-mannered, rude Americans in China, each produced similar feelings. First, I was embarrassed that someone from my country was creating a negative impression of Americans. My second reaction was a desire to apologize. I wanted to explain to the ChiiKse woman and her child, the German couple next to her, and everyone nearby that this was not typical American behavior. I wanted them to know "we" were all not like that I never got to explain, or to apologize. Language differences made that option impossible, and rational thinking made it inappropriate. But there turned out not to be a need The German man caught my eye and with a bit of head-shaking, smiling and eye rolling* which I returned, it was clear he knew we were Americans and was expressing that there was "no need" to apologize for "universal idiot behavior". Every time the author saw some Americans' bad behavior in China, she always felt _
<extra_id_0>uneasy and sorry
<extra_id_1>scared and disappointed
<extra_id_2>proud and comfortable
<extra_id_3>nervous and miserable
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>DoSomething.org is the country's largest non-profit organization for young people and social change. They provide some scholarships to reward teens who are social action leaders in their community. You may be interested in the following ones. 1. $2,000 Fight Climate Change like a Ninja Scholarship Ninjas release 86% less CO2 than the average person. Why? Because ninjas use a green form of transport ---- parkour . DoSomething.org wants to teach you their ways of going green---- and offer the chance for a $2,000 scholarship. Submit one of your friends' phone numbers. You'll both receive a text message with ways to protect the planet, and you'll be entered for the scholarship. Bonzail! 2. $3,000 Puppy Mills are Bad Scholarship Use your phone to fight for millions of puppies born in abusive factory farms. Share a text messaging game on puppy mills with 6 friends and you'll be entered to win a $3000 scholarship. Millions of puppies are born in horrible conditions each year, so puppy mills can make a profit. Invite your friends to step into the shoes of a pet store employee who discovers their store supports puppy mills. To enter for the $3,000 scholarship, visit www. Dosomething.org/puppy and submit six friends' phone numbers. 3. $5,000 Safe Driving Scholarship When you text while driving at 55 mph, your eyes go off the road for the length of an entire football field. Tell your friends about the danger of texting while driving to enter to win a $5000 scholarship. After entering, we'll send you a free pair of "thumb socks" ---- a physical reminder to stop texting while driving. Send us a picture of you with your thumb socks and you'll double your chance of winning the $5,000 scholarship. What do the scholarships mentioned in the passage have in common?
<extra_id_0>They are provided by DoSomething.org.
<extra_id_1>They offer a small gift to every attendant.
<extra_id_2>They require attendants to be top students.
<extra_id_3>They require attendants to play a message game.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>I never saw my father home from work late or ill, nor did I ever see my father take a "night out with the boys". He had no bobbies but just took care of his family. For 22 years, since I left home for college, my father called me every Sunday at 9:00 am. He was always interested in my life-how my family was doing. The calls even came when he and my mother were in Australia, England or Florida. Nine years ago when I bought me first house, my father, 67 years old, spent eight hours a day for three days, painting my house. He would not allow me to pay someone to have it done. All he asked, was a glass of iced tea, and that I hold a paintbrush for him and talk to him. But I was too busy, for I had a law practice to run, and I could not take the time to hold the paintbrush, or talk to my father. Five years ago, my 71-year-old father spent five hours putting together a swing set for my daughter. Again, all he asked was that I get him a glass of iced tea, and talk to him, But again, I had laundry to do, and the house to clean. The morning on Sunday, January 16, 1995, my father telephoned me as usual, this time he had seemed to have forgotten some things we had discussed the week before. I had to get to church, and I cut the conversation short. The call came at 4:40 am. That day my father was sent to hospital in Florida. I got on a plane immediately, and I vowed that when I arrived, I would make up for the lost time, and have a nice long talk with him ad really _ . I arrived in Florida at 1:00 am, but my father had passed away at 9:12 pm. This time it was he who did not have time to talk, or time to wait for me. In the years since his death I have learnt much about my father, and even more about every single day. We know from the reading that the father _ .
<extra_id_0>liked to paint houses
<extra_id_1>had no friends around him
<extra_id_2>was not healthy in his youth
<extra_id_3>thought of his family as his all
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>After a busy day of work and play, the body needs to rest. Sleep is necessary for good health. During this time, the body recovers from the activities of the previous day. The rest that you get while sleeping enables your body to prepare itself for the next day. There are four levels of sleep, each being a little deeper than the one before. As you sleep, your muscles relax little by little. Your heart beats more slowly, and your brain slows down. After you reach the fourth level, your body shifts back and forth from one level of sleep to the other. Although your mind slows down, from time to time you will dream. Scientists who study sleep state that when dreaming occurs, your eyeballs begin to move more quickly (Although your eyelids are closed). This stage of sleep is called REM, which stands for rapid eye movement. If you have trouble falling asleep, some people recommend breathing very deeply. Other people believe that drinking warm milk will help make you _ There is also an old suggestion the counting sheep will put you to sleep! During REM, _ .
<extra_id_0>your eyes move quickly
<extra_id_1>you dream
<extra_id_2>you are restless
<extra_id_3>both A and B
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>Luggage We ask you to keep what you bring with you down to one mediumsized suitcase per person on board the bus. Seat Arrangements Special needs for particular seats can be made on most bus breaks when booking, but since arrangements are made on a firstcomefirstserved basis, early booking is advisable. When bookings are made with us, you will be offered the best seats we have on the bus at that time. Travel Documents When you have paid your deposit , we will send you all the necessary documents, so that you receive them in good time before the bus break departure date. Certain documents, for example, air or boat tickets, may have to be kept and your driver or guide will then give them to you at the proper time. Special Diets If you need a special diet, you must tell us at the time of booking and provide us with a copy of the diet. This will be passed on to the hotel or hotels on your bus break. However, on certain bus breaks, the hotels used are tourist class and they may not be able to prepare special diets. Any extra costs must be paid to the hotel yourself before leaving the hotel. Programs Some of our hotels arrange extra programs which include music, dancing and film shows, etc. They are all offered by the hotel, but not guaranteed . Your air tickets _ .
<extra_id_0>will be sent to you at your departure point
<extra_id_1>will be kept by yourself
<extra_id_2>will be given to you with other documents
<extra_id_3>may be held by your bus driver until you need them
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>Having a bit of a temper tantrum , whether at home or in the classroom, is as harmful as you can get and only serves to discourage your teenagers. What they really need at this stage in their lives are words that build them up according to their needs that it may benefit them-that is, words of encouragement, affirmation and a good deal of praise. The benefits to them and us as parents and teachers are quite amazing-harmony, peace and love. When I left my last school where I had been a casual for eight years, I received "thank you" notes from the students. I think these notes illustrate what teenagers want and need from their parents and teachers. Some of the notes mention kindness, patience, thoughtfulness, encouragement and fun. Teenagers value these qualities and what I found was that the more I relaxed and enjoyed their company, the less I had to discipline them. Below I've included a few excerpts from the notes to let the kids speak for themselves. These are teenagers speaking from the heart and show what, according to teenagers, they need and value. Each note began, "Thank you for..." * making each student in the school happy * putting up with us every time you get us (i.e. having patience) * Always giving every student a chance and treating everyone like an adult giving lots of merits and making every lesson fun and enjoyable * Being very kind & for giving me lots of (merit) stickers * You make working be fun * Being a patient and thoughtful teacher Patience is needed as well as kindness, thoughtfulness, a sense of humor and fun and the ability to listen more than talk. When we praise and value our teenagers, the results are nothing short of miraculous. Why does the author mention the "Thank you" notes _ ?
<extra_id_0>Because he wants to show himself off
<extra_id_1>Because he wants to tell parents and other teachers what teenagers really need
<extra_id_2>Because he wants to show that his students are all kind and polite
<extra_id_3>Because he doesn't want to leave that school
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>Not everyone can sit around and daydream while twirling hair or worrying about how they are going to style it for school pictures or a special event. Some kids have no hair at all due to illness. Locks of Love is an organization that helps kids deal with their hair loss by providing real hair wigs from donors. Jessica Moon, a photo editor, donates her hair whenever she cuts it, waiting each time for it to grow the necessary 10 inches. "I don't miss my hair at all," Moon said. "And it grows really quickly." At Locks of Love, the focus is on helping kids who have gone bald and feel embarrassed to go out in public to go on with the activities they normally enjoy. Lauren Kukkamaa, who works for the organization, believes that it is important for kids to live out their lives as normally as possible. "Many times, a lot of children feel embarrassed by their baldness, " she said. "They have low self-confidence, so they may want to stop playing sports or going to summer camps. When they get the hair wigs, they feel confident to start doing these things again." "For a donor, I think it's a very personal donation," said Kukkamaa. "You're giving of yourself. If you're looking for a way to get involved and give back, I think it's a great opportunity for someone." Moon, who first donated her hair when she was 15 after she found out her father had cancer, said donating is a good way to make a difference. "The best part is that it's helpful for someone and it does make a difference for patients who need the hair," she said. What would be the best title for the text?
<extra_id_0>You can make a difference
<extra_id_1>Bald kids are very poor
<extra_id_2>Donating your hair
<extra_id_3>Wearing real hair wigs
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>My name is Mary Green. I live in a new house with my parents. There is a beautiful and a small room for me. I like it very much. Now let me tell you something about my new house. My new house is on a busy street. There is a big, new and clean park across from my house. I can see the flowers in it from my room. We often take a walk in the park after dinner every evening. There is a big supermarket near my house. It is between a hospital and a cinema. We can buy fruits, vegetables and food in the supermarket. They are good but cheap. My school is near my house. So I always go to school on foot. I like my new house. Do you like it? How is the park?
<extra_id_0>old
<extra_id_1>big
<extra_id_2>dirty
<extra_id_3>small
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_1> |
<extra_id_5>My House My mother moved a lot when she was growing up on account of Grandpa being in the army. She hated having to adjust to new schools and make new friends. That's why I thought she was joking when she put forward the idea of moving. But she was completely serious. "For just the two of us," my mother said, "an apartment in the city will suit our needs much better." Personally, I think she's lost her mind. I guess I can understand why she would want to move, but what about me and what this house means to me? I suppose if you looked at my house, you might think it was just another country house. But to me it is anything but standard. I moved into this house with my parents ten years ago. I can still remember that first day like it was yesterday. The first thing I noticed was the big front yard. To me it seemed like an ocean of grass--I couldn't wait to dive in. The backyard was full of gnarled (, ) and scary trees that talk on windy nights. But I grew to like them and the shadows they cast in my room. My father and I even built a small tree house, where I often go to remember all the wonderful times we had before Father's death. This house is special--maybe only to me--but special nevertheless. It's the little seemingly insignificant things that make this house so special to me: the ice-cold tile floors that make me tremble on midnight snack runs; the smell of my father's pipe that still exists; the towering bookcases of my mother; the view outside my bedroom window. This house holds too many memories, memories which would be lost if we gave it up. How did the author let us feel that the house was special to her?
<extra_id_0>By arguing whether the house was standard.
<extra_id_1>By explaining why the house suited their needs.
<extra_id_2>By describing the s
<extra_id_3>By comparing the differences between country and city life.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>If you go to Brisbane, Australia, you can easily get a small book called Discover Brisbane free. The book tells you almost everything in Brisbane: the restaurants, the shops, the cinemas, the streets, the buses, the trains, the banks, etc. Here is something about banks on page 49: ANZ Banking Group Cnr. Greek && Queen Sts .................. 228 3228 Bank of New Zealand 410 Queen Street ........................... 221 0411 Bank of Queensland 229 Elizabeth Street ........................ 229 3122 Commonwealth Banking Group 240 Queen Street ........................... 237 3111 National Australia Bank Ltd 225 Adelaide Street ........................ 221 6422 Westpac Banking Corp 260 Queen Street ........................... 227 2666 Banking hours are Mon.-Thu. 9:30 am to 4 pm. Fri. 9:30 am to 5 pm. All banks close Sat. Sun. && Public Holidays. Australia has a decimal currency with 100 cents to the dollar. Notes available are: $100, $50, $20, $10, $5 Gold coins are: $2 && $1 Silver coins are: 50, 20, 10&&5 cent Copper coins are: 2 && 1 cent _ seems to be the most important street in Brisbane.
<extra_id_0>Greek Street
<extra_id_1>Elizabeth Street
<extra_id_2>Queen Street
<extra_id_3>Adelaide Street
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>The weekend is usually a time of rest. But today's Chinese teenagers can't rest during the weekends. According to a survey , 24% of the Junior students in Beijing have classes at the weekend. Over 40% of the Junior 3 students have less than eight hours of sleep each night. Ji Ping, a Junior student in Guangzhou, has to get up at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. Then she has a whole day of classes. On Sunday she gets to extra classes for Maths and English. But she doesn't complain . She says that all her classmates work hard on Sunday. Liu Yang is from Dalian. As a Junior 2 student, his weekends are less busy. But he always spends Saturday in school. On Sunday, after finishing homework, he plays basketball. He feels happy because he still has time to do the things he likes. A few students are lucky. Yang Qing, a Junior 3 student from Zibo, Shangdong, is one of them. At weekends, she usually gets up at 8:00. Then she spends some time doing homework. After that she is free to do what she likes. "Don't push yourself too much. Learning well at school is easy," she said. And she is a top student in her class. What does Liu Yang do after finishing homework on Sunday?
<extra_id_0>He plays basketball.
<extra_id_1>He plays football.
<extra_id_2>He reads books.
<extra_id_3>He does housework.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>Surfing--the art of riding a wave on a pointed board--is the wildest, fastest natural water sport known to man. In recent years, it has developed into a major sport around the world, from Australia to South Africa. Australians brave men--eating sharks to ride the green waves Down Under, Hawaiian experts risk(...) their lives on huge, thirty foot swells against the wind of Oahu; Californians of all ages go out the year-round. In the winter, surf-riders put on life-suits to ride grave waves so cold that their flesh turns blue. Surfing is no sport for weak persons. Swimming a quarter of a mile or more, and pushing a surfboard out to where the swells are just right for riding, can be real work. Then, at exactly the right moment, you climb up the wave and go fast across the face of a powerful swell with the white water jumping at your feet. The huge wave bites at your shoulder, threatening at any moment to smash your flat. In the next several seconds, a cool head and lightning--quick action back to the pressure of the attacking wave will bring your board under control for that great ride down the back of the great, green mountain of water. Once on the beach, you know why surfing is growing in popularity as an international sport, and you're glad to be a member of this new water world. In order to experience what real surfing is, _ .
<extra_id_0>you must first swim a quarter of a mile to warm your body
<extra_id_1>you will first ride on a board to reach the swells
<extra_id_2>you must first put on your life-suits before doing surfing
<extra_id_3>you must first swim to the swells with your board
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>Erica McElrath calls herself " The Happy Lady". And by now, you may have caught her singing and dancing with her mp3 player on any of several city street corners. " I don't want money," said McElrah, 40, of St. Louis. " I come out here to make people smile." McElrah lost her full-time job in January. Since then, she has spent her days doing what she loves-dancing in the street. Her message to people in hard times: do something that you enjoy, no matter what your circumstances. " Life isn't that bad," she said. " If you're working 40 hours a week, you shouldn't be complaining." McElrah graduated from parkway Central High School and has spent the past 21 years working as a nursing assistant, She began singing and dancing publicly on her days off a few years ago to help her through the pain of her second divorce. Her favorite spot is the northwest corner of Chouteau Avenue and South Grand Boulevard near St. Louis University. McElrah's mp3 player is loaded with hundreds of classic rock hits and 80's pop songs, including those by Joe Cocker, Tina Turner, Neil Diamond and Toto. But her favorite artist, by far, is Stevie Nicks. Videos of McElrah have appeared on YouTube, a video-sharing website on which users can upload, share, and view videos. "People think I'm crazy, but I don't care," She said. " I can dance a little. I just go with the music." Even a rude gesture from a passing motorist doesn't bother her either. " I just smile and wave," she said. McElrah's show of bravery recently earned her a job opportunity with Liberty Tax Service, which temporarily offered her a job as a dancer Statute of Liberty to promote a new place near Grand Center starting in January. " Just be happy and do what you love," she said. "The money will come." At first McElrah began singing and dancing in public in order to _ .
<extra_id_0>make a living
<extra_id_1>entertain the public
<extra_id_2>rise to fame
<extra_id_3>encourage herself
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>Is there a magic cutoff period when children become responsible for their own actions? Is there a wonderful moment when parents can become lookers-on in the lives of their children and shrug , "It's their life," and feel nothing? When I was in my twenties, I stood in a hospital passage waiting for doctors to put a few stitches in my son's head. I asked, "When do you stop worry?" The nurse said, "When they get out of the accident stage. " My mother just smiled gently and said nothing. When I was in my thirties, I sat on a little chair in a classroom and heard how one of my children talked continually and disturbed the class. As if to read my mind, a teacher said. "Don't worry, they all go through this stage and then you can sit back, relax and enjoy them" My mother just smiled gently and said nothing. When I was in my forties, I spent a lifetime waiting for the phone to ring, the cars to come home, the front door to open. A friend said, " They're trying to find themselves, Don't worry, in a few years, you can stop worrying. They'll be adults. " My mother just smiled gently and said nothing. By the time I was 50, I was sick and tired of being weak. I was still worrying over my children, but there was a new wrinkle, there was nothing I could do about it. My mother just smiled gently and said nothing. I continued to suffer from their failures, and be absorbed in their disappointments. My friends said that when my kids got married I could stop worrying and lead my own life. I wanted to believe that, but I was haunted by my mother's warm smile and her occasional "You look pale. Are you all right?" Call me minute you get home. Are you depressed about something ?" Can it be that parents are sentenced to a lifetime of worry? One of my children became quite anxious about me recently, saying, "Where were you ? I've been calling for three days, and no one answered. I was worried. " I smiled a warm smile . The torch has been passed. The author mentioned her ages of twenties, thirties, forties and fifty in order to show _ .
<extra_id_0>the hard times she experiences in her life
<extra_id_1>the different stages of her children
<extra_id_2>the support she received from her mother
<extra_id_3>she had been worrying about her children in her life
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>If you watch the sky for about an hour after the sun goes down , you may see some " moving stars". But they're not really stars. They're man--made satellites . And the biggest of all is the International Space Station(ISS). From May to July is the best season to watch the ISS flying over the earth. And people can see it with their eyes. The ISS is the biggest satellite and scientists want to live on it. They think that the best way to learn more about space is to live there. When the space station is finished , it will be like a city in space. People will stay and study there with many of the things they have at home. Laboratories, living rooms and power stations are being built. The ISS is the most expensive space program. Billions of dollars are being spent on it every year. Scientists hope that the ISS will be _ for future space exploration . "The ISS will help us understand the human body better, explore space and study the earth. It can help us make life on the earth better, " said Kathryn Clark , an ISS scientist. Sixteen countries are part of the program: the US, Russia, Canada, Japan, Brazil and 11 European countries. China isn't an ISS country , but it has helped with some of the experiments. In 2003 , China sent some rice up to the ISS to find out what space would do to it. ,. Where do you most possibly find the passage?
<extra_id_0>A TV guide.
<extra_id_1>A storybook.
<extra_id_2>A science magazine.
<extra_id_3>A travel diary.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>Every day, 15-year-old Martha wrote on the Internet about the meal she ate at school. She also took pictures of the food. However, Martha was very honest about the food. She did not just describe the food. She judged the taste and health of the food. Martha also began to use her blog for an important reason. She began to raise money for the organization Mary's Meals in the East African country of Malawi. It provides food for children in schools for free. Martha encouraged her readers to send money to Mary's Meals to help build a kitchen. But then, Martha began to have a problem. Many people read her blog. She became big news. The news stories showed that the food at Martha's school was not always healthy. And that made some people angry. So the school officials decided to stop Martha's blog. They said that she could not take her camera to school. But an amazing thing happened. Many people began sending messages of support across the Internet. Martha's story was even bigger than before. Now the officials had to change their minds. A few days later, Martha was again writing her blog. But more than that, people had sent a lot of money for the Malawi school children. Martha had hoped to raise about 10,000 dollars. But the total reached 100,000 dollars and still kept on growing! Martha's blog also helped to improve meals at her school. One day she wrote: As we waited for dinner we were told that we are allowed to eat as much fruit and bread as we want. No one knows what will happen to Martha's blog in future. But already this little girl has helped to change the eating experience of many children just by sharing on the Internet pictures of her school meals. Martha wrote about her school meals on her blog to _ .
<extra_id_0>invite students to judge the food
<extra_id_1>show the terrible taste of the food
<extra_id_2>express her opinion about the food
<extra_id_3>ask the school to improve the food
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>In December of l 992.I was a happy husband and father of two young children.A month later,I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia . After two years of chemo that helped control the disease,my body was weak and lifeless.I felt as if I were a puppet who needed help to lift his arms or hold up his head. I began to run.After six months my strength had come back.On one of my runs,one where I felt I could run forever,I decided I was going to try to run a marathon. After telling my Dad about my plan,he told me of a program that trains people to run a marathon,while raising funds for Leukemia research at the same time.So that summer,through the Leukemia Society's Team in Training program,I started to train for the Marine Corps Marathon.During mile after mile of uncertainty,the day finally came to run the marathon. On October 27,1996,at 8 A.M.,along with l9,000 other brave souls I started on a 26.2-mile journey that I will never forget. I first saw my wife Patty at the six-mile mark . She seemed happy that I was still looking as if I knew what I was doing,and having a good time doing it.At Mile l7,my mind was going back to those two horrible years that tried to bring my family and me down.I saw her again.The concern in her face told me she knew I was starting to struggle.I felt as if we were thinking the same,nine more miles and these last few years will be behind us. That thought alone pulled me forward.Mile 22,23,slowing but going,24,25,then there it was.The Iwo Jima War Memorial.I have seen nothing so grand and inspiring in my life.Three hours and forty-one minutes after I started,I crossed what I think has to be the most fitting finish line in all of road racing! That night the Leukemia Society gave me a pin at a post-race party that simply says,"Leukemia 26.2". If God wills,my cancer may once again take away my hair and my strength,maybe even my life.But it can never take away my pin,or the fact that I am a marathoner . Why does the writer think the finish line is the most fitting?
<extra_id_0>Because running a marathon is the most suitable sport for him.
<extra_id_1>Because the memorial is the most powerful construction he has seen.
<extra_id_2>Because he considers it a victory over his disease to finish the race.
<extra_id_3>Because 26.2 miles is the most reasonable distance for road racing.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>A Russian, a Cuban, an American businessman and an American lawyer were on a train traveling across England. The Russian took out a large bottle of vodka, gave each of the men a drink and then threw the rest half bottle of vodka out of the window. "Why did you do that?" asked the American businessman. "There's too much vodka in my country," said the Russian, "And really we have more than we will ever use." A little later, the Cuban passed around fine Havana Cigars. Then he threw his out of the window. "I thought Cuba is not a rich country," the businessman said. "But you threw that very good cigars out of the window!" "Cigars," the Cuban answered, "are the cheapest in my country. We have more of them than we know what to do with." The American businessman sat quietly for a moment. Then he got up, caught the lawyer by the arm and threw him of the window. The four people are traveling by _ .
<extra_id_0>bus
<extra_id_1>air
<extra_id_2>train
<extra_id_3>sea
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>The high noise of modern life may affect speech and language development in the very young, according to a study that found the auditory parts of the brains of young mice are slower to organize properly in the presence of continuous sounds. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, reared a group of rats in an environment of continuous background noise and found that their brain circuits that receive and interpret sound did not develop at the same rate as animals that were raised in a quieter environment. Edward F. Chang and Michael Merzenich, co-authors of the study appearing in the journal Science, said that the continuous noise delayed the organization of auditory neurons during a critical two-to-three-week period after the rat pups were born. For rats not exposed to the noise, the auditory cortex neurons during this period gathered into a smaller area and began developing a selective response to sounds. But for the noiseexposed rats, this organization was slowed, causing a delay in the development of the ability to discriminate specific sound tones. The researchers said it took three or four times longer for the rats raised in a noisy environment to reach the basic bench marks of auditory development seen in the rat pups not exposed to noises. Although the rat is not a perfect model for what happens in humans, the authors note, the study does suggest that high levels of noise might possibly affect some language learning in babies. "These findings suggest that environmental noise, which is commonly present in contemporary child-rearing environments, can potentially contribute to auditory and language-related development delays,"the authors wrote in Science. The authors noted that although the brain development was delayed in rats exposed to the noise, their brains did eventually mature normally. The result of the research mainly tells us that noise _ .
<extra_id_0>delays brain development
<extra_id_1>stops baby growth
<extra_id_2>affects speech and language
<extra_id_3>destroys brains
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>EVERY so often, a sensational story hits the media about the kind of role models influencing UK teenagers. Youth culture celebrates too many bad examples, the reports say, and the finger of blame is often pointed at celebrities who drink or take drugs, or who are seen as sexually casual. Yet according to parents and educationalists the media itself is partly to blame. They argue that television, newspapers and magazines are obsessed with celebrity lives and over-promote a "celebrity culture" in which reality show stars are respected purely because they are on television. Meanwhile child psychologists warn of the negative effects of unsuitable role models, claiming that young people are being brainwashed into wanting to become famous overnight. They are taught to value physical appearance over personal achievement and set themselves impossible goals. According to a 2010 Home Office study, too many girls think that they have to look "sexy" and "hot" like their idols , and when they can't achieve this, they lose self-esteem or suffer from depression and eating disorders. But perhaps young people today are not as easily influenced as we think. The Girls' Attitudes Survey by Girlguiding UK (2011), for example, showed that young girls aged 11 to 21 questioned the media's description of women. Over half of the respondents disagreed with the statement that "girls and young women are portrayed fairly in the media". A Scout Association survey, of over a thousand 13- to 18-year-olds, showed that teenagers see their parents and siblings as far more positive role models than celebrities, and while many youngsters list celebrities like Kate Moss and Katie Price as role models, others list high achievers like David Beckham, Paralympian swimmer Eleanor Simmons, and grandparents who fought in the Second World War. What's the best title of the passage?
<extra_id_0>Role Modles
<extra_id_1>Celebrity Culture
<extra_id_2>Media Influence
<extra_id_3>Psychological Recognition
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_1> |
<extra_id_5>Imagine being given the opportunity to wake up to lions, eat your meals with monkeys, and even share your bath with bears, all from the comfort of a unique new lodging experience. The Jamala Wildlife Lodge opened its doors in January 2015, which was set up in an effort to educate visitors about aiding the survival of many of the world's endangered species. "It's great for the animals; they're going to get more space. It's great for the viewing public; they're going to get more things to see. It will be great for tourism and just for the local community," Said Richard Tindale, the owner and operator. Spreading across three locations in the National Zoo, the 18 rooms, which range from giraffe tree houses to jungle bungalows, offer a fantastic experience with wildlife The Giraffe Treehouse The Giraffe Treehouse is set among the giraffe enclosures , and the Jungle Bungalows are luxurious individual suites which are next to either lion, cheetah , brown bear, or Malaysian sun bear enclosures. The Ushaka House Housing up to 26 people, the Ushaka House is built around the monkey enclosure and has a built-in aquarium which offers private views of some of the zoo's sharks. The Burley Griffin House Only meters from the edge of Lake Burley Griffin, the indoor and outdoor entertaining areas have splendid views across the lake to Black Mountain. The Shark House The Shark House has its own little jetty and it comes out over the shark tank here and so the people who stay in the room will be able to go to their bedroom and pat the shark. Location Located in the heart of Australia's political capital, the Jamala Wildlife Lodge at the National Zoo and Aquarium is just ten minutes from Canberra's central Business District. Which of the following is TRUE about the Iamala Wildlife Lodge?
<extra_id_0>The Jamala Wildlife Lodge lies in the heart of Canberra.
<extra_id_1>The Jamala Wildlife Lodge has a very long history.
<extra_id_2>The Jamala Wildlife Lodge is outside the National Zoo.
<extra_id_3>The Jamala Wildlife Lodge has altogether 26 houses.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>One of the first things that Jim discovered while living with the Greens was that there were different television channels in Britain, the BBC broadcasts on two channels: BBC1 and BBC2. There is a mixture of serious and light programmes on BBC1; there are mainly serious programmes on BBC2. ITV is an independent channel which carries advertisements . There are no advertisements on the BBC, so everyone must pay some money to the BBC each year. There are both serious and light programmes on ITV. Because of the different channels, it is not surprising that you often see each member in Mg. Green's house wants to choose his or her own favorite channel. This is the sort of thing you hear: "There's sports programme on ITV." "What's that, children?" "We were wondering if we could watch the sports programme on ITV." "But I was wondering whether to watch the other programme on BBC1." And so on. The children like ITV; mother prefers BBC1; father prefers BBC2. Jim hasn't made up his mind. We can conclude that Jim_.
<extra_id_0>is a member of the Greens
<extra_id_1>had no idea whether to watch TV
<extra_id_2>was once a guest in the Greens
<extra_id_3>prefers ITV to the BBC
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>The mobile phone rule is just common polite behavior. Most people today have a mobile phone. In fact, many people can't imagine how they ever get along without them. However, many people also complain about mobile phone users. People complain about other people loudly discussing personal matters in public places. They complain when mobile phones ring in movie theaters and concert halls. They complain about people driving too slow, and paying no attention to where they are going because they are talking on a mobile phone. And they complain about people walking around talking to people who aren't there. Whenever a new communication technology becomes popular, it changes the way in which society is organized. Society has to invent rules for the polite way to use the new devices . Our rules of politeness for mobile phones are still evolving(;). The mobile phone rule applies to most public places. Always try to have your phone ring as low as possible or put your mobile phone on the vibration mode, so _ does not distract the people around you. The basic mobile phone rule includes: 1. Switch it off: Turn it off when you have meetings, worship, and so on. 2. Be brief: When you get a call and you're with friends, keep the call short. 3. Permission: Often, it is correct and polite behavior to inform others at the beginning of the meeting that you are expecting an important call and get their permission. 4. Be polite: Don't scream -- speak in a lower-than-normal voice. 5. Don't distract: Avoid talking where you may be distracting to others. 6. Driving: It is not only very dangerous, but also unlawful in most countries to drive and talk on your mobile phone. What is the best title for this passage?
<extra_id_0>How to use a mobile phone.
<extra_id_1>Mobile phone rule.
<extra_id_2>The disadvantages of mobile phones.
<extra_id_3>Mobile phones -- making them work for us.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_1> |
<extra_id_5>Rules for the University Entrance Examination *You must be at the examination center ten minutes before the examination starts. If you are more than ten minutes late, you may not enter the examination center. The examination takes place at the same time in different states. *You must have proof of your name and grade as well as official examination number. Show these when you come to the examination center. *Depending on which examination you are taking, you may bring certain items into the examination center. Mathematics examinations may allow you to use electronic calculators . Other subjects may allow you to use dictionaries and other reference material. Please read the notes sent with your timetable carefully. *You must bring your own pencils. None will be provided for you. The following items are not allowed in the examination center: walkmans and radios, head sets, any food or drink, schoolbags, electronic equipment (unless specifically permitted for various subjects), and mobile phones. *Once in the center, you must sit at the desk with your examination number on it. When you sit down, place your examination number at the top comer of your desk. *You must remain silent during the examination. You must not disturb other people who are taking the test. *If you need a drink or toilet break, you should raise your hand and wait for the supervisor to speak to you. You will be given water or the supervisor will take you to the bathroom. You are not allowed to talk with anyone during the break. *You must write your answers in the official answer sheet. Your supervisor will provide extra paper if you wish to make notes. *You may leave the examination room at any time if you do not plan to return. If you finish early and want to leave, please move well away from the examination center. *The supervisor will warn you fifteen minutes, five minutes and one minute before the end of the examination. When the supervisor says that the time is up, you must put down your pencil and wait at your desk until you paper is collected. What can be provided for you during the exam?
<extra_id_0>Pencils.
<extra_id_1>Food and drink.
<extra_id_2>Extra paper.
<extra_id_3>Calculators.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>Read the following interview with Dr John Bass, an international shark specialist who has spent many years studying sharks: First of all, doctor, are all sharks dangerous? No, they aren't. There are about 250 different kinds of sharks, but fewer than 30 of them are dangerous to humans. Certain sharks are very aggressive and we should fear them, but the danger of shark attacks is much lower than most people think. So which sharks are dangerous? The Great White shark is the most dangerous. Then there is the Tiger shark, which other sharks are afraid of, and the Blue shark. Both of them are very fast and dangerous. Which are the biggest and smallest sharks? The Whale shark is the biggest shark in the world. It grows up to 15 m in length and weighs as much as six large cars. The smallest shark, which is found near prefix = st1 /Japan, could fit into the palm of your hand because it is only 15-20 cm long. Do all sharks have teeth ? Yes, they do. Most sharks have hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of sharp teeth. These are arranged in rows of four or more. They fit quite loosely in the jaw. When the front ones break off or fall out, spare teeth move forwards from the rows behind: Sharks get a new set of teeth every two weeks. In 10 years, a Tiger may lose as many as 24,000 teeth! That's lots of teeth! What kind of food do sharks eat? Most sharks feed on small fish, and they keep the oceans healthy by eating sick and injured fish. However, hungry sharks will eat almost anything, including smaller sharks and even rubbish. Inside one Tiger shark which was found, there was a tin can, a bicycle tyre , a leather wallet and an alarm clock! And how do sharks find their food, doctor? A shark's sense of smell is excellent. It will follow the smell of blood across thousands of metres of ocean. They also see well, and they have good hearing. Sharks can feel movement in water very easily too, and it is possible for them to feel a fish moving as far as 30 m away. A shark's best sense which helps it most in finding food is its sense of _ .
<extra_id_0>taste
<extra_id_1>sight
<extra_id_2>smell
<extra_id_3>hearing
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>Archaeology, like many academic words, comes from Greek and means, more or less, "the study of old things". So, it is really a part of the study of history. However, most historians use paper evidence, such as letters, paintings and photographs, but archaeologists learn from the objects left behind by the humans of long ago. Normally, _ are the hard materials that don't break down or disappear very quickly--things like human bones and objects made from stone and metal. It is very unusual to find anything more than the hard evidence of history--normally, the bacteria in the air eat away at soft materials, like bodies, clothes and things made of wood. Occasionally, things are different. In 1984, two men made an amazing discovery while working in a bog called Lindow Moss, in the north of England. A bog is a very wet area of earth, with a lot of plants growing in it. It can be like a very big and very thick vegetable soup--walk in the wrong place and you can sink and disappear forever. The men were working when one of them saw something sticking out--a human foot! Naturally, the men called the police, who then found the rest of the body. Was it a case of murder? Possibly--but it was a death nearly two thousand years old. The two men had found a body from the time of the Roman invasion of Britain. Despite being so old, this body had skin, muscles, hair and internal organs--the scientists who examined him were able to look inside the man's stomach and find the food that he had eaten for his last meal! Why was this man so well preserved? It was because he was in a very watery environment, safe from the bacteria that need oxygen to live. Also, the water in the bog was very acidic. The acid preserved the man's skin in the way that animal skin is preserved for leather coats and shoes. How did he die? Understandably, archaeologists and other scientists wanted to know more about the person that they called "Lindow Man". His hands and fingernails suggested that he hadn't done heavy manual work in his life--he could have been a rich man. They found that he hadn't died by accident. The archaeologists believe that he was sacrificed to three different gods. According to the passage, which of the following statements is right?
<extra_id_0>"Lindow Man" was named after the person who first found him.
<extra_id_1>Historians usually use paper evidence, while archaeologists use hard evidence.
<extra_id_2>"Lindow Man" was found by two archaeologists in the south of England.
<extra_id_3>"Lindow Man" was good at work by hand.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_1> |
<extra_id_5>The Beijing Hutong (old lane) areas have a very special and important position in the rich history and culture of Beijing. While visiting the Beijing Hutong, you can appreciate the dramatic changes that the rest of Beijing has undergone. You can see evidence of the history of Beijing, experience the old way of life and experience traditional Beijing culture. The Beijing Hutong is made up of lanes or alleys formed by lines of pre-modern quadrangles (siheyuan), four-sided dwelling compounds or quadrangles consist of one-story courtyard houses, which make up old Beijing, and feature typical Chinese residential architecture. Beijing road classification was once s follow: A 36-foot-wide road was called a standard, street, an 18-foot-wide one was a small street and a 9-foot-wide lane was named a hutong. In fact, the Beijing Hutongs are unclassifiable by the traditional standard, ranging from 40 centimeters to 10 feet in width. The longest hutong has more than 20 turns. It is easy to get lost in the maze of winding lanes hat is the hutong, with the gray-tiled houses and deep alleys crossing each other, all identical in appearance, with many blind hutongs or culdesacs. Hutongs were first named as such in the Yuan Dynasty(1271-1368), with its Mongolian rulers having an influence on the Chinese language. However, siheyuan or quadrangles have probably been around much longer. The name of a hutong represents its origin, location or history. It is in the gray-tiled deep lanes that families play, travel, buy goods, gossip and connect. In beijingers'eyes, hutong means a period of history, a cordial lifestyle and even an "encyclopedia of Beijing". When urban construction threatens the existence of these hutongs, Beijingers become worried. Beijing still has about 400 000 residential quadrangles now, mainly distribute over the East, West, Xuanwu and Chongwen districts. The municipal government has marked a number of these compounds for protection. If you would like to have a glimpse into Beijing' Yesterday, you are highly recommended to have a short adventure trip to the Hutongs. Beijing Hutong Tour (Rickshaw Hutong, Bike Hutong and Walk Hutong) is organized by Beijing Xinhua International Tours. Where can this passage be found?
<extra_id_0>In tourist handbooks.
<extra_id_1>In geographic magazines.
<extra_id_2>In history books.
<extra_id_3>In books about Chinese culture.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>John Denver has got international fame as a pop star, songwriter, actor and environmental activist ( ). Songs like Take Me Home, Country Road, Rocky Mountain High and Annie's Song have become very popular. But less than thirty years ago, John Denver was a young man with little more than a fine voice, a guitar, and a dream. Growing up in conservative family, he was not believed to drop out of college and head to Los Angeles, where the music scene was flowering. Nor was he believed to succeed. In Take Me Home, John Denver talked about the story that shaped his life, with the story of the rich inner journey of a shy Midwestern boy. With honesty and cleverness, he wrote about his childhood, the feeling of moving to Los Angeles as the 60s came, his first lucky breaks, his first songwriting success with leaving on a Jet Plane and finally got a world fame. He also wrote about his relationship with his first and second wife, as well as his parents, his children, his partners through his life and his friends. Honest and rich in the book that only a natural-born storyteller could write so well, Take Me Home is very good from the beginning to the end. It's like spending a few days with a good friend. From this passage, we can conclude that _ .
<extra_id_0>John Denver's family didn't want him to leave college
<extra_id_1>he often had trips when he was a shy boy
<extra_id_2>he moved to Los Angeles with his parents
<extra_id_3>his family believed he would succeed
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>Enough "meaningless drivel". That's the message from a group of members of the UK government who have been examining how social media firms like LinkedIn gather and use social media data. The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee's report, released last week, has blamed firms for making people sign up to long incomprehensible legal contracts and calls for an international standard or kitemark to identify sites that have clear terms and conditions. "The term and conditions statement that we all carelessly agree to is meaningless drivel to anyone," says Andrew Miller, the chair of the committee. Instead, he says, firms should provide a plain-English version of their terms. The simplified version would be checked by a third party and awarded a kitemark if it is an accurate reflection of the original. It is not yet clear who would administer the scheme, but the UK government is looking at introducing it on a voluntary basis. "we need to think through how we make that work in practice," says Miller. Would we pay any more attention to a kitemark? "I think if you went and did the survey, people would like to think they would," says Nigel Shadbolt at the University of Southampton, UK, who studies open data. "We do know people worry a lot about the inappropriate use of their information." But what would happen in practice is another matter, he says. Other organisations such as banks ask customers to sign long contracts they may not read or understand, but Miller believes social media requires special attention because it is so new. "We still don't know how significant the long-term impact is going to be of unwise things that kids put on social media that come back and bite them in 20 years' time," he says. Shadbolt, who gave evidence to the committee, says the problem is that we don't know how companies will use our data because their business models and uses of data are still evolving. Large collections of personal information have become valuable only recently, he says. The shock and anger when a social media firm does something with data that people don't expect, even if users have apparently permission, show that the current situation isn't working. If properly administered, a kitemark on terms and conditions could help people know what exactly they are signing up to. Although they would still have to actually read them. The writer advises users of social media to _ .
<extra_id_0>think carefully before posting anything onto such websites
<extra_id_1>read the terms and conditions even if there is a kitemark
<extra_id_2>take no further action if they can find a kitemark
<extra_id_3>avoid providing too much personal information
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_1> |
<extra_id_5>Your kids learn a lot from their friends--things you can't teach them, no matter how much you want to. Probably the most important thing kids learn is how to have peer relationships. As a parent, you can't do this, because you and your child aren't equals. For example, when you're sitting on your family room floor and your very young child asks you to pass him the blocks, you probably hand them right over. If your child is sitting with a peer and asks the same thing, though, he might not get what he wants. To succeed, your child will need to learn strategies for getting what he wants. For example, he might simply yank the toy out of his friend's hand. If he does that, he may learn that it's not the best way of getting what he wants because it leads to fighting and time-outs. The successful child will learn that he needs to negotiate a trade, to wait patiently, or to find something else equally fun to play with. Friends also provide emotional support, something that is part of the foundation of healthy adulthood. You can't be with your child on the elementary school playground or at the high school dance. Your child's friends will be the ones to _ her, to include her in games, and later, to tell her she looks great even if her lousy prom date wanders off instead of dancing with her. Friends also help your children learn. Friends solve problems together, imitate each other, and pass on knowledge . Some experts believe that the single biggest predictor of your child's success later in life is her ability to make friends. In fact, they claim it's even more important than IQ and grades. This doesn't mean that the kids who are most popular in school do the best later on in life. What matters is not the number of friends a child has but rather the quality of the relationships. This is good news for those of us who hate to think that popularity really is the Holy Grail of childhood and adolescence. While it's true that popularity has many advantages, and that many popular kids really are nice people--and not just the best dressed or best looking--it's better to have a few good friends than to have the admiration of the masses. In the author's opinion, _ is more important than being popular for kids.
<extra_id_0>getting high grades
<extra_id_1>having some real friends
<extra_id_2>developing a good habit
<extra_id_3>knowing how to dress themselves up
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_1> |
<extra_id_5>Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida and has a large number of shopping malls to suit different tastes for tourists and guests to shop. Here are some great places where you can shop in Jacksonville. Gateway Town Center The venerable Gateway Town Center is one of Jacksonville's oldest shopping malls, providing an eclectic mix of exciting stores and fun amusements! Gateway Town Center is located at 5184 Norwood Avenue and owns a mixture of retail boutiques , like Footlocker and Ashley Stewart. You can visit Gateway Town Center Mondays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6:00. St. Johns Town Center The newest and trendiest shopping destination in the city is St. Johns Town Center. This center has all your national favorites like Dillard's, Barnes & Noble and Target as well as a great restaurant selection. St. Johns Towns Center is open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. Regency Square Shopping Center On 9501 Arlington Expressway stands the Regency Square Mall. Children like riding on the mall's mini train while adults like to shop and socialize. Movie fans will like knowing that the Regency Square Mall has a 24 screen AMC theater. You can visit this mall from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and Sundays from noon to 6:00 p.m. River City Marketplace River City Marketplace located in Jacksonville is the largest shopping mall in the city with 70 shops including such stores as Lowes, Wal-Mart Super Center, Pet Smart and Old Navy. All these shops can be found at the open-air plaza. The mall's 14 screen Hollywood theaters are a great attraction for movie buffs. River City Marketplace's hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sundays. Children would like to visit Regency Square Shopping Center probably because _ .
<extra_id_0>they can buy a lot of wonderful toys
<extra_id_1>they can take the mini train there
<extra_id_2>they can play their favorite computer games
<extra_id_3>they can make many friends
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_1> |
<extra_id_5>When Mencius was a little boy, his father died. Mencius and his mother were quite poor. One day Mencius returned home from school and found his mother making some cloth. It was very beautiful and expensive. "How much of the book have you read today?" Mencius' mother asked him. "I haven't read any of it yet." Mencius replied, "I played with some friends of mine in the fields." When his mother heard this, she picked up a pair of scissors and cut the cloth. "Why did you cut your cloth?" Mencius asked, "It was beautiful but now you've wasted it." "You have wasted your time," his mother said, "now I have wasted mine. Look what terrible things we have done." Mencius learnt a lot from this lesson. After that, he always studied hard. ,. Why Mencius and his mother were quite poor?
<extra_id_0>Because his father died when Mencius was a child.
<extra_id_1>Because his father was ill in bed.
<extra_id_2>Because his mother cut the cloth.
<extra_id_3>Because the cloth his mother made was very cheap.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>The publication of "Harry Potterandthe Half-Blood Prince" gladdens booksellers across China. The British and American editions were No. 1 and No. 3 respectively on the sales chart of the Beijing Xidan Book Building last week. The book's poster is highlighted and news about the book can often be heard on the radio. Why is the book so attractive to children? With curious mood, the author got a copy of "Harry Potter". Originally, I wanted to glance over it and made some criticisms. But, out of expectation, the author has been deeply attracted by the magic world. On the other hand, one cannot help asking: _ Harry Potter"? The Chinese nation has a history of 5, 000 years, which cannot be regarded as short and its culture as not profound. With a vast market of youngsters, China did publish many books popular among children. However, why are the present works not as good as those imported? There come two major reasons: Firstly, quite a number of children's books are of strong sense of teaching, and lack interest and entertainment. Children often have a feeling of being "educated". No wonder they don't like them. Secondly, children's reading materials involving "idiom stories" and "Chinese talents' stories", though always in different covers, are usually much the same or plagiarized . One knows the ending as early as in the beginning. In final analysis, the authors of the books seldom take children's requirements into consideration. As a matter of fact, each child has his own wonderful imagination. They long to understand the world and nature. Similarly they have their own choices. They dislike similar stories, even if the stories are excellent. First-class reading for children should be very interesting, which contains knowledge and the essence of national culture, which are presented in children's language. Market is a touchstone for products. The theory also holds true for cultural products. It is hoped that the authors of children's books can learn something from the good market of "Harry Potter" and write out more and better books loved by children. The disadvantages of our books are the following except _ .
<extra_id_0>they have little sense of interest and entertainment
<extra_id_1>many of our books are of the same
<extra_id_2>the authors didn't pay much attention to the children's tastes.
<extra_id_3>Our authors never know what our children need.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>Almost no young people today know who the cartoon character Oswald the Rabbit is, but they certainly recognize his successor, Bugs Bunny. Oswald, Bugs, and hundreds of other characters were created by Walt Disney, perhaps the most famous cartoonist in history. Born in prefix = st1 /Chicagoin 1901, Walt Disney always wanted to be an artist. After returning from World War I, in which he drove an ambulance, Disney worked as a commercial artist. He enjoyed drawing cartoons more than anything else, and decided to try his hand at a technology that was new at the time, moving pictures. In the 1920's, he produced several films where he made cartoon characters move as if by magic. The technique Disney used was painstaking. He made hundreds or even thousands of repeated drawings of the same character. In each drawing, the character was changed just a bit. A film was taken of the series of drawings, and when it was shown, the characters appeared to move. The process, called animation, is still used today, although computers have made the process much easier. In 1928, Disney created his most famous character, Mortimer Mouse, who we know today as Mickey. The mouse starred in a cartoon called Steamboat Willie, which was unusual because it involved the use of a sound track. Within the next few years, Disney invented many of his other characters. The list of Disney's animation successes is long and memorable. It includes Pinocchio, Dumbo, Bambi, Cinderella, and Peter Pan. Perhaps his most remarkable animated film is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Created in 1937, it was an immediate success. Today, more than fifty years later, it is still one of the most popular films for children. What makes the film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfsso remarkable?
<extra_id_0>It was a little success when created.
<extra_id_1>It took more than a year to make it.
<extra_id_2>It was made at a time when there were no computers.
<extra_id_3>It has remained popular for more than fifty years.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>I have spent almost a third of my life in China, living and working in this beautiful country. In a sense, China has been and is still my second home But in those past years I had never been to Quzhou. Some days ago, for the first time in my Chinese life, I stepped into the beautiful city of Quzhou. My impressions of Quzhou city were as I always thought: green countryside, rainy sky, wet air. That was what I imagined for years the south of China would be. When we finally arrived, I was impressed by the elegant city. Next day we were taken to visit some places not far away from the city. I was not aware of the direction of our short trip, but when we arrived at Lanke Mountain and got out of the car, I thought that we had been taken to a fairyland : the light rain over the green and thick plants, the silvery sky like a heavy blanket and the mystery of this mountain made me feel like being part of a picture. Jiulong Lake was our next step. The mystic atmosphere of this place was so strong that I decided to watch the view standing at the top when I stepped into the small boat to sail upstream. Sometimes we were so close to the mountain that we could clearly see the red soil under the plants. _ The final leg of the day's journey was a primary school. We were welcomed by the smiles on the faces of many young pioneers. The energy of the hundreds of kids made me feel younger for a while, so educated, so polite and so warm that I had no doubt about the future generations of Quzhou people. The people seem to me the best of Quzhou and they will remain in my memories forever. The writer visited _ places the next day in Quzhou.
<extra_id_0>two
<extra_id_1>three
<extra_id_2>four
<extra_id_3>five
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_1> |
<extra_id_5>We say that a person has good manners if he or she is polite, kind and helpful to others. Everyone likes a person with good manners. But no one likes a person with bad or careless manners. Yes, but what are good manners? How do I know what to do and what not to do? Here are some examples of the things that a well-mannered person does or does not do. He never laughs at people when they are in trouble. Instead, he tries to help them. When people are waiting for a bus, he stands in line and takes his turn. He never pushes to the front of the line. On the bus, he offers his seat to an older person or a woman with a child in the arms. If he gets in someone's way, he says "excuse me". He says "please" when he makes a request , and he says "thank you" when he receives something. He doesn't stop other people when they are talking. He does not speak with his mouth full of food when he is eating. A person with good manners thinks of _ .
<extra_id_0>others before himself
<extra_id_1>himself before others
<extra_id_2>no one but himself
<extra_id_3>others as well as himself
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>A Letter from Steve Jobs August 24, 2011 To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community, I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come. So I resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board feels fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee. As far as my successor goes, I strongly suggest that we name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple. I believe Apple's brightest days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role. I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you. Steve More Information: Steve Jobs (February 24, 1955--October 5, 2011) was an American businessman, designer and inventor. He is best known as the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Apple Inc. Unluckily, in 2003, Jobs was diagnosed with a pancreas neuroendocrine tumor . Although the cancer was treated in the first place, he appeared thinner as his health fell. On medical leave for most of 2011, Jobs finally made a decision to resign as Apple CEO in August that year. Shortly after that, on October 5, he died. He continues to receive honors and public attention for his influence in the technology and music industries. Which of the following statement is NOT true?
<extra_id_0>After receiving the medical treatment, Jobs was in good health again.
<extra_id_1>Tim Cook was a friend and co-worker of Jobs.
<extra_id_2>People will remember and honor Jobs for his influence in the technology and music industries.
<extra_id_3>Jobs believed that Apple would have a bright future.
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>If you go to visit London, you'll see a lot of buses and cars on the road. You'll also see many bikes because more people travel by bike. Why? There are many reasons. First, it is very cheap to buy a bike, and it is quick, too. You often need to wait for a bus for half an hour. When the bus comes, there are so many other buses and cars on the roads, so the bus moves very slowly. I travel to work by bus for about four years. I often arrive at work late and feel tired. Then one day, a friend of mine says, "I go to work by bike. Why don't we travel together?" "Because my bike is old, and there are so many buses and cars on the roads. I'll feel frightened." I answer. "Don't be afraid, if you follow me and we ride slowly, you'll be fine." he says. Later, I buy a new bike. We go slowly, but we arrive at work quickly. I spend 40 minutes going by bus, but only half an hour by bike! Now I love riding a bike. And I feel healthy. Many people think my idea is good and maybe you'll see more bikes on the road in the future. Maybe you will see more _ on the roads in London.
<extra_id_0>cars
<extra_id_1>buses
<extra_id_2>trains
<extra_id_3>bicycles
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>Nearly eight hundred million people in this world cannot read or write,most of them in developing countries.Two-thirds are women and girls. John Wood who started the Room to Read campaign ,has opened1650 schools and 15000 libraries in some of the world's poorest communities .He said that from the beginning,Room to Read's goal was to reach 10 million children around the world in the poorest countries. In 1998,on a three-week vacation journey in Nepal,Wood met a local headmaster who invited him to visit his school in a far mountain village.The experience changed Wood's life. "This headmaster had 450 students at the school,but he didn't have any books," Wood said."He had a library that was empty." Wood promised to fill the library shelves and returned to the village one year later with some of his friends with 3000 books.And that was just the start.Later,Wood used some of his personal money to start Room to Read. He believes that world change begins with educated children.Today,the programme can be found in10 countries across Asia and Africa. Wood believes the key to the program's success is local support.While Room to Read gives away money and provides books,communities offer land and parents help build the school.Agnes,a Room to Read teacher in Zambia who also runs the library,is proud to say the literacy' at her school has improved. Room to Read's biggest challenge is the huge need. Hundreds of communities have asked for literacy prograrnmes.One way of Room to Read's success is that it will achieve Wood's goal of reaching 10 million kids by 2015,five years earlier than it is planned. When John Wood travelled in Nepal in 1998,he _ .
<extra_id_0>visited many local schools
<extra_id_1>sent many books to local children
<extra_id_2>started the Room to Read campaign
<extra_id_3>met a man who changed his life
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>Jim is a young farmer. He was once put into prison( ). One day, he got a letter from his mother. " I'm so worried about our farm,"she wrote."it's time to plant potatoes. I can't dig ( ) all the fields( ) by myself." Jim read the letter and became sad. " What can I do?" he thought. Then he had a good idea. He wrote to his mother," don't dig the fields. There is much money in the earth. Don't plant potatoes until I come home." Some days later, Jim got another letter from his mother. It said, " Two days ago, about ten men came to our farm and dug all the fields. I can't understand it. It seemed that they were looking for something. What should I do?" Jim smiled when he read his mother's letter. He wrote a letter to his mother at once. It was very short. Guess what it would say. In the letter to his mother, Jim told his mother not to _ .
<extra_id_0>dig the fields
<extra_id_1>dig for the money
<extra_id_2>ask others for help
<extra_id_3>go to the prison to see him
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |
<extra_id_5>Daniel Hillel developed drip irrigation techniques. The techniques make farming possible in places where there is not enough water. Because of this, he won this year's World Food Prize. Hillel is using the techniques in his orchards near his home in Israel. Irrigating drop by drop -- called drip irrigation -- has changed agriculture by greatly reducing the amount of water needed. Farmers now rely on it in places from Spain, to Africa, to America. "We in California grow about 50 percent of the fruits and vegetables of the continental United States," says Jan Hopmans from University of California at Davis. "And these drip irrigation techniques make it possible." Hillel got his start in dry land farming in Israel's Negev Desert in the 1950s. "The key was making good use of water," he says. "There's much land. Water is limited." These farmers did not have the advantage of running irrigation water through channels to their crops. So Hillel and others gave plants just what they needed and just where they needed it. "The idea is to use water little by little," Hillel says. It worked so well that Hillel was soon traveling around the world, showing others how to do it. Experts say drip irrigation's importance is growing, as climate change and rising population make water supplies become few in many parts of the world. "This is where water use, climate change and crop production all meet at one point," Hillel says. "And this has been really the essence of my career." A career whose importance can be measured drop by drop. The writer considers Daniel Hillel's career to be _ .
<extra_id_0>worthy of respect
<extra_id_1>worthy of understanding
<extra_id_2>brief
<extra_id_3>hard
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>Reading to oneself is modern activity which was almost unknown to the learned in the early days of the history, while during the fifteenth century the term "reading" undoubtedly meant reading aloud. Only during the nineteenth century did silent reading become popular. One should be careful, however, of supposing that silent reading came about simply because reading aloud is distraction to others. Examination of reasons connected with the historical development of silent reading shows that it became the usual mode of reading for most adult reading tasks mainly because the tasks themselves changed in character. The last century saw a gradual increase in literacy and thus in the number of readers. As readers increased, so the number of listeners dropped, and thus there was some reduction in the need to read aloud. As reading for the benefit of listeners grew less common, so came the popularity of reading as a private activity in such public places as libraries, trains and offices, where reading aloud would disturb other readers in a way. Towards the end of the century there was still heated argument over whether books should be used for information or treated respectfully, and over whether the reading of material such as newspapers was in some way mentally weakening. Indeed this argument remains with us still in education. However, whatever its advantages, the old shared literacy culture had gone and was replaced by the printed mass media on the one hand and by books and magazines for a specialized readership on the other. By the end of the century students were being advised to have some new ideas of books and to use skill in reading them which were not proper, if not impossible, for the oral reader. The social, cultural, and technological developments in the century had greatly changed what the term "reading" referred to. The development of silent reading during the nineteenth century showed _ .
<extra_id_0>a change in the nature of reading
<extra_id_1>a change in the position of literate people
<extra_id_2>an increase in the number of books
<extra_id_3>an increase in the average age of readers
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_0> |
<extra_id_5>I am in my father's house in Connecticut, sitting at a crowded table with my brother, my two sisiters and all our partners, talking about a tree. "He doesn't want it cut down." My sister says when my father has gone to bed and none of us speaks of the tree in his presence. "He says he usef to climb it when he was a boy." When I was last here, a year and a half ago, for my father's 90th birthday, Hurricane Irene drove seawater into the roads. The large tree that hangs over the houses swayed alarmingly, but it stayed up. Last October, Hurricane Sandy acused a great deal of damage. Six months on, many of the surrounding houses are on sale, but the tree that hangs over the house still stands. "That tree," my brother says, "has survived the two worst storms of the last 100 years." Though my brother thinks highly of the amazing staying power of the tree, my sister says that the tree should never have been planted: it stops light from reaching the house. My other sister's partner says that all trees fall down eventually. There is plenty of evidence for what he says: throughout the neighborhood, the ramains of similarly sized trees lie on their sides, with their roots in the air. During this discussion, I offer to pay a quarter of whatever is required to remove the tree. "A guy I talked to," my brother says, "told me it could cost us$10,000." As night wears on, the discussion becomes increaslingly meaningless. There is no point in reaching any kind of agreement, since the decision is not for us to make. It's my father's tree, and he has refused to cut down the only thing in the neighborhood older than him. What is the author's opinion about the tree?
<extra_id_0>He admires its amazing staying power
<extra_id_1>He thinks it should never have been planted
<extra_id_2>He would like to have it removed
<extra_id_3>He wants to sell it for some money
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_2> |
<extra_id_5>Some say everyday miracles are predestined ----the right time for the appointed meeting. And it can happen anywhere. In 2001, 11-year-old Kevin Stephan was a bat boy for his younger brother's Little League team in Lancaster, New York. It was an early evening in late July. Kevin was standing on the grass away from the plate, where another youngster was warming up for the next game. Swinging his bat back and forth, giving it all the power an elementary school kid could give. The boy brought the bat back hard and hit Kevin in the chest. His heart stopped. When Kevin fell to the ground, the mother of one of the players rushed out of the stands to his aid. Penny Brown hadn't planned to be there that day, but at the last minute, her shift at the hospital had been changed to see her son's performance. She was given the night off. Penny bent over the senseless boy, his face already starting to turn blue, and giving CPR, breathing into his mouth and giving chest compressions. And he _ in the end. After his recovery, he became a volunteer junior firefighter, learning some of the emergency first-aid techniques that had saved his life. He studied hard in school and was saving money for college by working as a dishwasher in a local restaurant in his spare time. Kevin, now 18, was working in the kitchen when he heard people screaming, customers in confusion, employees rushing toward a table. He hurried into the main room and saw a woman there, her face turning blue, her hands at her throat. She was choking. Quickly Kevin stepped behind her, wrapped his arms around her and clasped his hands. Then, using skills he'd first learned in Scouts. The food that was trapped in the woman's throat was freed. The color1 began to return to her face. "The food was stuck. I couldn't breathe," she said. She thought she was dying. "I was very frightened." Who was the woman? Penny Brown. Why did Penny Brown change her shift and was given the night off that night?
<extra_id_0>She was invited to give the players directions
<extra_id_1>She volunteered to give medical services
<extra_id_2>She was a little worried about his son's safety
<extra_id_3>She came to watch her son's game and cheered him
<extra_id_4> | <extra_id_3> |