When officials in Richmond, B. C., Canada, told Stephen Covey about plans to participate in local citizens in their fight against youth crime, the leadership consultant was doubtful. He was sure the city's problems would prove "too complex" for ordinary people to make a difference. But Covey forgot about the trim-tabbers-people who solve scaring problems through small acts. By arranging safe and fun places for youths to go, residents have lowered Richmond's under-18 crime rate 32% in the last year. Police in 53 countries are now studying the Richmond model. What impresses Covey is that the people in Richmond chose to do something rather than sit back and complain. And that, he says, is how everyday people can exhibit "everyday greatness". A man going through a painful divorce chose to look outside himself and found a meaningful project where he could make a difference. Working with local businesses, he launched a program that helps disabled soldiers. Muriel Thomas Summers, the principal of A. B. Combs Elementary School in Raleigh, North Carolina, told parents and teachers on the concept of "character" education, stressing that academic achievement can't be separated from principles of responsibility and purpose. In recent tests, 94% of her students performed at or above grade level, compared to 67% eight years ago. To Covey, these everyday people are models because they weren't afraid to take on scaring challenges. No matter how difficult it was, they chose to act. In covey's first opinion, people in Richmond, B. C. _ . A) had no ability to make great difference B) solved scaring problems through small acts C) chose to do something rather than sit back and complain D) weren't afraid to take on scaring challenges
A
My heart sank when the man at the immigration counter gestured to the back room. I was born and raised in America, and this was Miami, where I live, but they weren't quite ready to let me in yet. "Please wait in here, Ms. Abujaber," the immigration officer said. My husband, with his very American last name, accompanied me. He was getting used to this. The same thing had happened recently in Canada when I'd flown to Montreal to speak at a book event. That time they held me for 45 minutes. Today we were returning from a literary festival in Jamaica, and I was shocked that I was being sent "in back" once again. The officer behind the counter called me up and said, "Miss, your name looks like the name of someone who's on our wanted list. We're going to have to check you out with Washington." "How long will it take?" "Hard to say...a few minutes," he said, "We'll call you when we're ready for you." After an hour, Washington still hadn't decided anything about me. "Isn't this computerized?" I asked at the counter, "Can't you just look me up?" "Just a few more minutes," they assured me. After an hour and a half, I pulled my cell phone out to call the friends I was supposed to meet that evening. An officer rushed over. "No phones!" he said, "For all we know you could be calling a terrorist cell and giving them information." "I'm just a university professor," I said. My voice came out in a squeak. "Of course you are. And we take people like you out of here in leg irons every day." I put my phone away. My husband and I were getting hungry and tired. Whole families had been brought into the waiting room, and the place was packed with excitable children, exhausted parents, and even a flight attendant. I wanted to scream, to jump on a chair and shout: "I'm an American citizen; a novelist; I probably teach English literature to your children." After two hours in detention , I was approached by one of the officers. "You're free to go," he said. No explanation or apologies. For a moment, neither of us moved. We were still... The author was held at the airport because _ . A) she and her husband returned from Jamaica B) her name was similar to a terrorist's C) she had been held in Montreal D) she had spoken at a book event
B
Q: Dear Mr. Perkins, We would like to introduce ourselves. Our company was organized only two years ago, but we are one of the largest boat companies inprefix = st1 /California. As you know, your son has bought a boat from us recently, and I think you know how pleased be is with our product. Also, John Webb, one of your son's friends, has bought a boat from us and, we understand, is very happy with his boat. We are always happy to know that our customers are satisfied. We are writing to you now because, as you know, your son has decided to buy a larger boat, and we need your signature on the loan papers. The loan application has already been signed by Danny. As you will see, there is one form to fill out, and there are three _ to sign. Danny's 26-foot boat was returned to our San Pedro Dock yesterday, and we are pleased to say that the new 36-foot "Challenger" will be delivered in two weeks from today. It is being inspected by our manager right now. The auto-pilot has already been installed by our mechanic. It looks as though everything will be ready in time for delivery. All we need are the signed contracts from you. Thank you. Tony Valention From the passage we can see that the boat company _ . A) isn't an old one B) is a world-famous one C) is developing slowly D) has to advise customers to buy its boats
A: A
(Q).
Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms, which can cause deaths and destroy a neighborhood in seconds. A tornado appears as a funnel-shaped cloud from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. Damage paths can be over one mile wide and 50 miles long. Every state is at some risk from this disaster. Some tornadoes can be seen clearly, while rain or nearby low-hanging clouds _ others. At many times, tornadoes develop so rapidly that little, if any, advance warning is possible. Before a tornado hits, the air may become very still. A cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel can not be seen. Tornadoes generally occur near the edge of a thunderstorm, when the strong wind may die down. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado. The following are facts about tornadoes: The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 MPH, but may also vary from still to 70 MPH. Debris is picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel. The average tornado moves from southwest to northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction. Tornadoes are most often reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months. Tornadoes can happen together with tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land. Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water. The tornado season in the southern states of America is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer. Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can occur at any time. When a tornado happens, _ . A) it often reaches the speed of 70 MPH B) it can only be seen in the late of the day C) it may form on the surface of sea water D) it only moves from southwest to northeast
(A).
C