Problem: In the office of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, there is a picture of Catherine the Great, the legendary Russian Empress. When asked why she has the picture, Merkel says, "She was a strong woman". Many say the same of Merkel.

The most powerful woman in the world, according to US Forbes magazine, was in China last week. She came to discuss trade and environmental issues with China's top leaders. Germany's first woman leader is known as a brave and practical statesman . Even since her time at school, she had the habit of getting everything in order. Every day before doing her homework she would clean the desk and think about what to do next. "I prefer a long time for full preparations to make my decision. But once I decide, I will stand up for what I believe," Merkel said.

Perhaps it was good habits that helped her do well in her studies. At 32, she got a doctorate in physics and then she worked as a researcher.

However, the life of a scholar couldn't put off her love of politics. While working in labs, Merkel took time off to read political books and at last joined a political party. "Her calmness helped her stand out in the party. She could always find a way out while others felt hopeless," said one of her old friends.

In her first big political job as Minister for the Environment in 1994, her scientific background proved very useful. In 2005 she became Germany's youngest chancellor since the second World War.

Now half way through her four-year term, the 53-year-old woman has made a name for herself both in Germany and abroad. At the EU summit in 2005 when France quarreled with Britain over the EU budget , some people believed the EU was close to breaking down. But Merkel didn't give up. She shuttled between the heads of the two powers and had them reached an agreement.

"Strength comes from composure and courage. Many people say I am a strong woman. But I would rather say I have perseverance," said Merkel.
1. Who is the Chancellor?
2. From what country?
3. Who was in China last week?
4. What was she there to do?
5. What would she do right before her homework?
6. When did she receive her PHD in physics?
7. What did she do then?
8. As what?
9. What did she have a love for?
10. What position did she attain in 1994?
11. What proved useful to her then?
12. How many terms at 53?
Answer: 1. Angela Merkel,
2. Germany
3. The most powerful woman in the world
4. discuss trade and environmental issues
5. clean the desk and think
6. At 32
7. worked
8. a researcher.
9. politics.
10. Minister for the Environment
11. her scientific background
12. half way through her four-year term

Problem: CHAPTER II

MABEL'S PEARLS

Four months after Marston reached England, Wyndham came home. He had got thin and, when he was quiet, looked worn, but he had returned in triumph and soon persuaded Marston that his efforts had earned a rich reward. Things had gone better than his letters indicated.

On the evening of his arrival, he waited in Flora's drawing-room for Chisholm, who had not yet got back from his office at the port. Electric lights burned above the mantel and Wyndham sat by the cheerful fire, with Flora in a low chair opposite. For a time she had listened while he talked, and now her eyes rested on him with keen but tranquil satisfaction. Harry had come back, as she had known he would come, like a conqueror. She was proud that he had justified her trust, and although it had been hard to let him go, this did not matter.

She was ashamed of her hesitation when he first declared himself her lover, but the suspicion that she was rash had not lasted long. Flora was loyal and when she had accepted him looked steadily forward. It was not her habit to doubt and look back. One thing rather disturbed her; Harry was obviously tired. Before he went away his talk and laugh were marked by a curious sparkle that Flora thought like the sparkle of wine. This had gone, but, in a way, she liked him better, although his sober mood was new.

By-and-by he glanced about the room, which was rather plainly furnished, but with a hint of artistic taste. Chisholm was not rich and the taste was Flora's. Then he moved his chair and leaned forward to the fire with a languid smile.
1. Does Wyndham look fat?
2. Where did he arrive?
3. Did Marston reach England at the same time?
4. Then when he did?
5. Have Marston become successful in his efforts?
6. Did his correspondence imply otherwise?
7. On arrival where he waited?
8. For whom?
9. Where Chisholm was at that time?
10. Where he works?
Answer: 1. No
2. home
3. No
4. Four months earlier?
5. Yes
6. Yes
7. in Flora's drawing-room
8. Chisholm,
9. He had not yet got back from his office
10. at the port.

Problem: No one knows exactly when jazz was invented, or by whom. But it is said that it began in the early 1900s. Jazz was a new kind of music, for America and the world, and New Orleans was its birthplace.

Who were the jazz pioneers? Most were blacks. This music was not written down, and at first only blacks played it. It was hard for white musicians to learn the new style. But soon they, too, were playing jazz.

The popularity of this music spread. From New Orleans, it traveled up the Mississippi to Chicago, then to Kansas City and New York. By the 1920s, there were many jazz musicians, both black and white. Many of them were famous. One man was better than the rest. His name was Louis Armstrong.

Louis Armstrong was a born musician. He was not only talented but also hard-working. He also had a good sense of humor and a big, good-natured smile. These personal qualities were valuable in his rise to fame. After he became famous, he traveled around the world. It seemed that everyone wanted to hear Louis play. But life was not always easy, especially at the beginning.

Louis Armstrong was born in 1900 in New Orleans. His father never went to school and his mother could hardly read. When Louis was still a kid, his parents separated, and Louis lived with his mother. How hard their life was can readily be imagined. And yet Louis smiled through everything. He later wrote, "My whole life has been happiness. Life was there for me and I accepted it. Whatever happened has been beautiful to me. I love everybody."
1. around what time did Jazz begin?
2. where?
3. where did it spread to first?
4. then where?
5. who started playing it first?
6. Can you one of the well known musicians?
7. where was he born?
8. when?
9. Were his folks happily married?
10. were they educated?
11. what was he able to do after becoming well known?
12. was he depressed?
13. who did he live with growing up?
14. was he lazy?
15. what attributes helped him in his career?
16. was Jazz music usually writen down?
Answer:
1. the early 1900's
2. New Orleans
3. Mississippi
4. Chicago
5. black people
6. Louis Armstrong
7. New Orleans.
8. in 1900
9. no
10. no
11. travel around the world
12. no
13. his mother
14. no
15. He was talented, hard-working and had a good sense of humor and a big, good-natured smile
16. no