*Question*
Read the article and select the best answer. Article: April sales figures show a disappointing month for Wal-Mart. The world's largest retailer reported a big drop in sales last month--its worst decline in nearly 30 years. As VOA's Mil Arcega reports, Wal-Mart is not alone. A three and a half percent drop in sales does not seem like much. But for a company that sells more than $300 billion worth of goods every year, analysts say it is significant. Alan Murray, the managing editor of the Wall Street Journal, says the drop represents Wal-Mart's biggest decline since 1979. "There are a number of things going on. Part of it is early Easter, so some of those sales got moved into March. Part of it is bad weather." But it may also signal a trend. Across the board, retailers from Target to JC Penny and the Gap, reported weaker sales in April. Analysts say the decline suggests high gasoline prices and the slowing prefix = st1 /U.S.housing market are finally catching up with consumers.Murraysays there may be other factors at play. "Wal-Mart is not doing what it used to do very well. It made an attempt last year to sell clothes to high scale retailers. That didn't work. It had to back off. It's remodeling its stores. That's not working very well," says Murray. To bring customers back, some say Wal-Mart needs to go back to its marketing basics. Retail analyst Dana Telsey says that means low priced goods in a friendly retail environment. "I think Wal-Mart is working to enhance its image. It could always be better. Going back to its roots is a way, that hopefully, customers will become familiar with it again." Wal-Mart is one of the biggest economic indicators in the retail industry. As the world's largest profit making enterprise, Wal-Mart's yearly revenues represents about 2.5 percent of total economic activity in the U.S. Question: According to the passage, the followings are all reasons for Wal - Mart's sales declined in April except _ . Options: A: cheaper goods B: unfriendly shopping environment C: early Easter and unpleasant weather D: high gasoline prices and the slowing housing market
**Answer**
A

*Question*
Read the article and select the best answer. Article: As Rosalie Warren stood at the mailbox in the lobby of her apartment building in May 1980, she shared the anxiety of many other college seniors. In her hand was an envelope containing her final grades. As she nervously opened it, Warren wondered whether her hundreds of hours of studying had paid off. They had. "I got five 'A's," she still recalls with elation. "I almost fell on the floor!" Warren would graduate from Suffolk University with a bachelor of science degree in philosophy and history at age 80.Three years later, at age 83, she would receive her second degree from Suffolk, a master's in education. Now, with both diplomas proudly displayed in her apartment, Warren is not finished with learning. "That's what I love." Warren was born Rosalie Levey on Aug.29, 1900. Two years after she entered high school, her father died. Warren had to leave school for factory work to help support her family's 10 children. Warren describes herself as a "person who always liked school," and she says the move "broke my heart completely because I couldn't finish high school." In the end, however, "I went to school nights," she recalls. "Any place I could find an outlet of learning and teaching, I was there." A short time later, her mother became ill, and Warren had to care for her, once again putting her education on hold. Finally, in 1921, her mother, now recovered, drew from her saving to send Warren to Boston University for two years to study typing, stenography, and office procedures. Those courses helped Warren gain several long-term office positions over the next 60 years, but her great desire "to be in the academic field" continued. In 1924, she married Eugene Warren, and seven years later, her daughter, Corinne, was born. In 1955, by then a widow and a grandmother, Warren took a bus tour across the United States that was to last nine months. She said she wanted to see "things you never see in the West End." When she returned home, she took a bookkeeping position and also enrolled in courses in philosophy,... Question: It can be inferred from this passage that Rosalie Warren _ . Options: A: came from a wealthy family B: didn't like working in an office C: put her family before her education D: didn't like her family very much
**Answer**
C

*Question*
Read the article and select the best answer. Article: My father had always been an alert observer of human character. Within seconds of meeting someone, he could sum up their strengths and weaknesses. It was always a challenge to see if any of my boyfriends could pass Dad's test. None did. Dad was always right -- they didn't pass my test either. After Dad died, I wondered how I'd figure it out on my own. That's when Jack arrived on the scene. He was different from any other guy I'd dated. He could sit for hours on the piano bench with my mother, discussing some composers. My brother Rick loudly announced that Jack wasn't a turkey like the other guys I'd brought home. Jack passed my family's test. But what about Dad's? Then came my mother's birthday. The day he was supposed to drive, I got a call. "Don't worry," he said, "but I've been in an accident. I'm fine, but I need you to pick me up." When I got there, we rushed to a flower shop for something for Mom. "How about gardenias?" Jack said, pointing at a beautiful white corsage . The florist put the corsage in a box. The entire ride, Jack was unusually quiet. "Are you all right?" I asked. "I've been doing a lot of thinking," he said. "I might be moving." Moving? Then he added, "Moving in with you." I nearly put the car on the sidewalk. "What?" I asked. "I think we should get married," he said. He told me he'd planned his proposal in a fancy restaurant, but after the accident, he decided to do it right away. "Yes," I whispered. We both sat dumbfounded , tears running down our cheeks. I'd never known such a tender moment. If only Dad were here to give his final approval. "Oh, let's just go inside." Jack laughed. My mother opened the door. "Happy Birthday!" we shouted. Jack handed the box to her. She opened it up. Suddenly, her eyes were filled with tears. "Mom, what's wrong?" I asked. "I'm sorry," she said, wiping her eyes. "This is only the second gardenia corsage I've ever received. I was given one years ago, long before you kids were born." "From who?" I asked. "Your father," Mom said. "He gave me one right... Question: According to the text, we know the writer's father was _ . Options: A: interested in observing things around B: good at judging one's character C: strict with her boyfriend D: fond of challenges
**Answer**
B