Many years ago,a French naturalist,the Count de Buffon,wrote some books about natural history.The books were a great success even though some critics did not like them.Some critics said,"Count Buffon is more of a poet than a scientist." Thomas Jefferson did not like what the Count had said about the natural wonders of the New World.It seemed to Jefferson that the Count had spoken of natural wonders in America as if they were unimportant. This troubled Thomas Jefferson.He too was a naturalist,as well as a farmer,inventor,historian,writer and politician.He had seen the natural wonders of Europe.To him,they were no more important than those of the New World. In 1788,Thomas Jefferson wrote about his home state,Virginia.While writing,he thought of its natural beauty and then of the words of the Count de Buffon.At that moment.Jefferson created a new word--belittle.He said."The Count de Buffon believes that nature belittles her productions on this side of the Atlantic." Noah Webster,the American word expert,liked this word.He put it in this English language dictionary in 1806,"Belittle--to make small,unimportant." Americans had already accepted Jefferson's word and started to use it.In 1797,the Independent Chronicle newspaper used the word to describe a politician the paper supported."He is an honorable man,"the paper wrote,"so let the opposition try to belittle him as much as they please." In 1872,a famous American word expert decided that the time had come to kill this word.He said,"Belittle has no chance of becoming English.And as more critical writers of America,like those of Britain,feel no need of it,the sooner it is forgotten,the better." This expert failed to kill the word.Today.belittle is used where the English language is spoken. From the text we can know that . A) all critics thought little of the Count de Buffon B) Europe has better wonders than the New World C) the word"belittle"survived from disagreements D) word experts can change the future of a new word
C
(Question)
A group of kids at McIntyre Elementary School, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, have created a special bench to make sure their fellow classmates aren't left out on the playground. Called the "Buddy Bench", students can use the seat as a safe and supportive place to let others know they'd like to be included in playtime, but may be too shy to ask. The concept of the Buddy Bench is simple: Students who want to partake in playground games and activities, but may feel hesitant, can take a seat, which signifies to other children on the playground that they may need something extra to encourage them to participate. The idea for the bench came about last year, when Farrell, school counselor at McIntyre Elementary, was conducting a leadership group to help students overcome shyness and gain confidence. Four fourth-grade students came up with the idea for the Buddy Bench in this workshop, and worked with Farrell to draft a letter to present to the Parent Teacher Staff Organization to make the bench a reality. The PTSO approved the students' proposal, and installed a bright metal bench with a cheerful sign that reads "Buddy Bench" on the school's playground. Since it was installed on Nov. 16, the bench has been effective. The simple concept has resonated with the students, and already has created a better environment within the school community. "Each day, I go to see the buddy bench working," Farrell said. "The lessons _ are learning now will benefit them their entire lives. It is simply a beautiful example of kids wanting to be kind and continue to be kind every day." Who is Buddy Bench created for? A) Students who love games and activities. B) Students who want and continue to be kind. C) Students who are left out on the playground. D) Students who are in Farrell's leadership group.
(Answer)
C
Ques:Daniel stays home on workdays.He starts his personal computer in order to connect with the office which is about three hundred miles away in another city.After work, he puts on his headphones, watches a movie on his home video recorder, or plays baseball on the computer.On many days, Daniel doesn't talk to any other human beings, and he doesn't see any people except the ones on television.Daniel is imaginary, but his lifestyle is very possible.The inventions of modern technology seem to be cutting us off from contact with our fellow human beings. The world of business is one area in which technology is separating us.Experts say, for example, that many people will soon be able to work at home.With access to a large central computer, employees such as office clerks, insurance agents, and accountants could do their jobs at display terminals in their own homes.They would never have to actually see the people they're dealing with.In addition, the way employees are paid will change.Workers' salaries will be automatically paid into their bank accounts, making paper checks unnecessary.No workers will stand in line to receive their pay or cash their checks.Personal banking will change, too.Customers will deal with machines to put in or take out money from their accounts.Many companies and consumers have already changed the way they sell or buy products.E-commerce, or business done on the Internet, is becoming more and more popular.This, therefore, makes it possible for people to do shopping without going out of their homes. Another area that technology is changing is entertainment.Music, for example, was once a group experience.People listened to music at concert halls or in small social gatherings.For many people now, however, music is an individual experience.Walking along the street or sitting in their living-rooms, they wear headphones to build a wall of music around them.Movie entertainment is changing as well.Movies used to be social events.Now, fewer people are going out to see a movie.Many more are choosing... What is the main idea of the passage? A) We may no longer need to communicate wit other human beings. B) Modern technology seems to be separating human beings. C) We may no longer need to work in the office. D) Modern technology makes it possible for us to work and entertain ourselves at home.

Ans:
B