Problem: Some definitions of southern Europe, also known as Mediterranean Europe, include the countries of the Iberian peninsula (Spain and Portugal), the Italian peninsula, southern France and Greece. Other definitions sometimes include the Balkan countries of southeast Europe, which are geographically in the southern part of Europe, but which have different historical, political, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

Different methods can be used to define southern Europe, including its political, economic, and cultural attributes. Southern Europe can also be defined by its natural features its geography, climate, and flora.

Southern Europe's most emblematic climate is that of the Mediterranean climate, which has become a typically known characteristic of the area. The Mediterranean climate covers much of Portugal, Spain, Southeast France, Italy, Croatia, Albania, Montenegro, Greece, the Western and Southern coastal regions of Turkey as well as the Mediterranean islands. Those areas of Mediterranean climate present similar vegetations and landscapes throughout, including dry hills, small plains, pine forests and olive trees.
1. Describe vegetation of the Mediterranean
2. What type of forests?
3. What does the Iberian peninsula consist of?
4. What other peninsula is part of the region?
5. Where are the Balkans located?
6. Which lands have the Mediterranean climate?
7. And?
8. And?
9. Does Turkey have the same climate?
10. What parts?
Answer: 1. dry hills
2. pine
3. Spain and Portugal
4. the Italian peninsula
5. in the southern part of Europe
6. Greece
7. Italy
8. much of Portugal
9. Yes
10. the Western and Southern coastal regions

Problem: Mali (i/mli/; French: [mali]), officially the Republic of Mali (French: Republique du Mali), is a landlocked country in West Africa. Mali is the eighth-largest country in Africa, with an area of just over 1,240,000 square kilometres (480,000 sq mi). The population of Mali is 14.5 million. Its capital is Bamako. Mali consists of eight regions and its borders on the north reach deep into the middle of the Sahara Desert, while the country's southern part, where the majority of inhabitants live, features the Niger and Senegal rivers. The country's economy centers on agriculture and fishing. Some of Mali's prominent natural resources include gold, being the third largest producer of gold in the African continent, and salt. About half the population lives below the international poverty line of $1.25 (U.S.) a day. A majority of the population (55%) are non-denominational Muslims.

Present-day Mali was once part of three West African empires that controlled trans-Saharan trade: the Ghana Empire, the Mali Empire (for which Mali is named), and the Songhai Empire. During its golden age, there was a flourishing of mathematics, astronomy, literature, and art. At its peak in 1300, the Mali Empire covered an area about twice the size of modern-day France and stretched to the west coast of Africa. In the late 19th century, during the Scramble for Africa, France seized control of Mali, making it a part of French Sudan. French Sudan (then known as the Sudanese Republic) joined with Senegal in 1959, achieving independence in 1960 as the Mali Federation. Shortly thereafter, following Senegal's withdrawal from the federation, the Sudanese Republic declared itself the independent Republic of Mali. After a long period of one-party rule, a coup in 1991 led to the writing of a new constitution and the establishment of Mali as a democratic, multi-party state.
1. what country is the article about?
2. when was the new constitution written?
3. which countries joined in 1959
4. is Mali a 1 party state?
5. how many natural resources of Mali are named?
6. what religion are most people?
7. what percent are non-denominational muslim?
8. what is the official name of Mali?
9. where is Mali located?
10. what is the population?
11. does anyone live in poverty?
12. is there fishing there?
Answer: 1. Republic of Mali
2. 1991
3. French Sudan and Senegal
4. No
5. Two
6. Non-denominational Muslims.
7. 55%
8. The Republic of Mali
9. West Africa
10. 14.5 million
11. Yes
12. Yes

Problem: PERUGIA, Italy (CNN) -- A judge Tuesday convicted Rudy Guede, a native of the Ivory Coast, in last year's murder of a British woman in Italy and sentenced him to 30 years in prison.

Briton Meredith Kercher was found dead in her Perugia apartment last November.

Judge Paolo Micheli also ruled that adequate evidence exists to try an American woman, Amanda Knox, and her former Italian boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, in the killing of Meredith Kercher, said defense attorneys and Francisco Maresca, the lawyer for the victim's family.

Their trial will begin December 4. Guede, Knox and Sollecito have all denied wrongdoing. Guede's attorney said he will appeal the conviction and sentence.

Kercher, a 21-year-old exchange student at the University of Perugia, was found nearly a year ago, dead in her bed, with a knife wound to her neck. Official reports said Kercher may have been sexually assaulted before she died and that she bled to death.

Members of Kercher's family spoke to reporters following the court proceeding. John Kercher Jr., one of the woman's brothers, said it was "overwhelming" to be in the same room as Guede when the judge convicted and sentenced him.

But Lyle Kercher, a second brother, said that "pleased" wasn't the right word for the family's feelings, noting that his sister was murdered. "Satisfied" was more appropriate given the circumstances, he said.

At his lawyers' request, Guede, hoping for a lesser sentence, received a separate fast-track trial from Knox and Sollecito.

Lawyers for Sollecito, 24, and Knox, 21, asked that their clients -- who have been in jail since shortly after the murder -- be allowed to stay under house arrest if indicted.
1. Who was murdered?
2. Where?
3. When?
4. How old was she?
5. How long ago was the murder?
6. What school did she attend?
7. What was used to kill her?
8. Who was convicted?
9. Who was given 30 years?
10. Who was from the Ivory Coast?
Answer: 1. Briton Meredith Kerche
2. Perugia apartment
3. last November.
4. a 21-year-old
5. a year ago
6. University of Perugia
7. a knife
8. Guede, Knox and Sollecito
9. a British woman in Italy
10. unknown

Problem: Dear Jenny, Gary is having a _ party after Month Exam! He invites all of us to come! Since it is a potluck party, I think I will bring some beef noodles. As I know, Lily will take care of the drinks and Gina will bring a big homemade chocolate cake. Can you ask your mom to buy us some KFC fried chicken? You know it is too far for all of us to ride a bike there, but your mom often drives there. We can pay the bill together. Just think about how surprised our classmates will feel when they see what we prepare! Isn't it great? The party will start at noon on March 25, so be sure to be at Gary's place around 11:30 to prepare for the party. By the way, don't forget to invite Amy, who is good at music. If you have any other questions, just call me or write me back. Take care! Leo
1. Who is this letter addressed to?
2. Who signs it at the end?
3. He says that someone is giving a party. Who?
4. When?
5. Who is he inviting?
6. Who will be doing the drinks?
7. What is Leo bringing?
8. What time will the party begin?
9. What is Jenny's mom supposed to buy?
10. Who is talented at music?
11. Who is going to pay?
12. Is it a potluck?
13. Does Jenny need to get to the party early?
14. Why?
15. What time should she get there?
16. What is Gina bringing?
17. Will it be a small one?
18. What should Jenny do if she has questions?
19. What is too far to ride a bike to?
20. Does Jenny's mom drive there a lot?
Answer:
1. Jenny
2. Leo
3. Gary
4. March 25
5. all of them
6. Lily
7. beef noodles
8. around 11:30
9. fried chicken from KFC
10. Amy
11. Leo and Jenny
12. yes
13. yes
14. to prepare
15. around 11:30
16. a homemade chocolate cake
17. no
18. call or write Leo
19. KFC
20. yes