One day in Australia I decided to try hang gliding . I went up with an instructor, floated and flew above the waves for about 20 minutes, then landed on the sand. His wife was there to meet us so she could drive us back. Their son, about 8 years old, was with her. As the four of us were standing there a woman named Sue came up with a big smile. She gave a warm hello to the couple, and then asked the boy, "How's school, mate ?"With a troubled look on his young face, the boy quietly said, "Not good." In response Sue exclaimed ,sounding surprised , "Not good ?I bet it is fun." Then she turned her attention back to the boy's parents. They started talking about some of their friends, smiling and laughing . Meanwhile, all three of them completely ignored the boy . But I watched his head drop.I watched him turn away from the group, take a few steps ,and just stand there ,alone. I still find it hard to believe that anyone could miss a child's reaction that completely. I wondered how the three adults could stand there and laugh while that boy stood there alone, troubled not only about school but also that no one was interested in his troubles. Maybe his father tried to distract his son with risky sports. As long as you are active, you can't feel your emotional pain. But what if his son is not interested in sports? These were what most people would say are "good parents" . But I say that what they did was child abuse. It was total emotional neglect at that moment . And that is why I am writing this story. To remind everyone that it is little interactions with children that make a difference in their lives and in society. How did the boy probably feel after the woman talked to him? A) Lonely and sad . B) Sad and angry. C) Surprised and angry . D) . Comfortable and peaceful.
A
BEIJING--As China scrambles to respond to the choking smog that has _ Beijing in recent weeks, authorities in several major cities are experimenting with carbon trading platforms. The schemes are one effort to get control over greenhouse gases in an economy still hungry for cheap energy. It has been a persistent concern in recent years, but the spiking pollution levels in January are sparking a public outcry. Emissions from coal-fired electricity plants and busy factories are part of the problem that officials hope to get control over through carbon trading platforms. Seven cities are expected to open carbon markets later this year, including Tianjin. "The government has decided to start with programs because the carbon trading is something new to China," said David Tang, secretary of the board of the Tianjin Carbon Exchange. "So we want to have a number of programs to explore the use of the market." said Tang. China wants to launch a national carbon trading program by 2016. If it is successful, analysts say, the program would be one of the largest in the world and would help the country meet its target of cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 45 percent within seven years. The platforms allow companies to earn credits for lowering greenhouse gas emissions, which can then be traded. If it works, it would encourage for-profit businesses to invest in green technology. As public concern builds pressure for the government to find a solution, Wu Changhua, greater China director of the Climate Group, says there is a broad shift under way in how Chinese weigh their quality of life. China has long put economic growth ahead of environmental concerns, making it the world's biggest polluter. Carbon trading supporters hope that the markets could be one way to curb pollution and keep the economy growing. What's the main idea of this passage? A) The choking smoke in China. B) The urge for carbon trading platforms. C) Greenhouse gases. D) The world's biggest polluter.
B
*Question*
In the past few decades, Japanese cuisine has acquired global appeal. Japanese restaurants have sprung up almost all over the world. In Kyoto, the Heihachi Tea House boasts a 430-year-old tradition that the owners have kept all in the family. The tea house has been operated by twenty generations of the Sonobe family. The Heihachi Tea House, in the northern part of Kyoto, is one of the city's oldest business establishments. It is said to have opened in 1576. The present owner, Sonobe Heihachi, who is also the chef, represents the 20th generation of the Sonobe family to oversee the tea house. Sonobe Heihachi, restaurant owner, said, "During the middle of the Edo era, from 1603 to 1868, it became customary for commoners to dine in mat rooms. The Heihachi Tea House specialized in a dish comprised of rice with barley . It then became an inn and a little later, a restaurant." Like every other chef, Sonobe Heihachi's day often begins at the market where he personally selects ingredients that will be served to his customers. The restaurant specializes in a style of cuisine known as Kaiseki Ryori--possibly the ultimate in Japanese cooking. It offers both fresh and ocean fishes on its menu, including bream and eels. The owner's son Sonobe Shingo is also an accomplished chef. His skills include the elaborate cutting of a "daikon" radish into strips. Later they will be shredded into thin strands to form part of the garnish for sashimi. Sonobe Shingo admits that when it comes to the small details of running the business, father and son have different ways of thinking. Sometimes they clash. But they share a passion for what they do and continue to preserve an innovative and deeply rooted culinary tradition. During the middle of the Edo era, from 1603 to 1868, Japanese commoners were used to having all of the following EXCEPT _ . A) Chinese tea B) a dish comprised of rice with barley C) both fresh and ocean fishes D) a style of cuisine known as Kaiseki Ryori
**Answer**
A