Read the article and select the best answer. Article: A study by St. Louis University has found that a lovable dog named Sparky and a robotic dog AIBO, were about equally effective at reducing the loneliness of nursing home residents. The study confirmed previous findings that dogs have a good effect on nursing home residents . Dr. Andrew Smith led the Stanford University teamat built a home-assistance robot. "If humans can feel an emotional tie with robots, some day they could be not just our assistants, but also our companions," he said. To test whether residents responded better to Sparky, a trained dog, or the Sony-made robotic dog, researchers divided 38 nursing home residents into three groups at three long-term care centers in St, Louis. One group had weekly 30-minute one-on-one visits with Sparky; another group had similar visits with AIBO; a control group had no contact with either dog.The groups' respective levels of loneliness were tested by having them answer a number of questions at the beginning and near the end of the visits. After two months, both groups that had contact with the dogs were less lonely and more attached. Most of the elderly regarded Sparky, a 9-year-old dog, as an audience for their life stories, said investigator Marian Banks. "He listened attentively, wagged his tail, and allowed them to pet him," said Banks, who adopted and trained Sparky after finding him in a street behind her home seven years ago. Those who were together with AIBO took a little longer to warm to the robotic creature.Over time, however, they grew comfortable with him, and petted and talked to him. He would respond by wagging his tail, vocalizing , and blinking his lights. "AIBO is charming once you start to interact with him," said the study's author, Dr. William Banks, " He's an attractive sort of guy. He gives a feeling: of being personal, not just a robot. " Question: Before the new study, it was known that _ . Options: A: dogs could help get rid of old people's loneliness B: robots could build close connection with humans C: robots were more effective at reducing people's loneliness D: dogs and robots were equally effective at reducing loneliness
C

Read the article and select the best answer. Article: Deaf teenagers Orlando Chavez and German Resendiz have been friends since kindergarten. Together the two boys, who go to Escondido High School in California, have had the difficult job of learning in schools where the majority of the students can speak and hear. Orlando lost his hearing at the age of one. German was born deaf, and his parents moved from Mexico to find a school where he could learn sign language. He met Orlando on their first day of kindergarten. "We were in a special class with about 25 other deaf kids," German remembers. "Before then, I didn't know I was deaf and that I was different." "Being young and deaf in regular classes was very hard," signs Orlando. "The other kids didn't understand us and we didn't understand them. But we've all grown up together, and today, I'm popular because I'm deaf. Kids try hard to communicate with me." Some things are very difficult for the two boys."We can't talk on the phone, so if we need help, we can't call an emergency service," German signs. "And we can't order food in a drive-thru." Despite their difficulties, the two boys have found work putting food in bags at a local supermarket. They got their jobs through a "workability" program, designed for teenagers from local schools with different types of learning disabilities. German has worked in the supermarket since August, and Orlando started in November. "The other people who work here have been very nice to us," Orlando signs."They even sign sometimes. At first, we were nervous, but we've learned a lot and we're getting better." The opportunity to earn money has been exciting, both boys said. After high school, they hope to attend the National Technical Institute for the Deaf in New York. Question: Orlando and German have been _ . Options: A: to Mexico together. B: deaf since they were born. C: friends since they were very young. D: to different high schools.
C

Read the article and select the best answer. Article: Friendship is very pleasant and also essential to people's life . A man without friends is an angel without wings, whose life will suffer in the long loneliness and depression, Friendship is the mother of our spirit, who'll warm her kid when hurt occures , We have much to share with our friends in life , confusion, excitement ,bitterness etc, It's great to keep up a sincere friendship. It takes many special qualities to make friends, Understanding should come first . Only when we get a better understanding of each other can we gain a believable and meaningful friendship. We may find our hobbies of common interest. This feeling of natural attraction gets us closer and closer. It also takes a special kind of love that seems to know no end, Never hesitate to show your heartfelt care and kindness to your friend when she /he is in trouble . Love is not selfish , Love is a feeling that we should treasure all our lives, Tolerance is the third necessary part in friendship ,. We are absolutely different persons , This individual difference may cause conflict between us in every aspect of our life. Don't care yourself too much . Try to tolerate him /her in an easy mood , Saints are not perfect , let alone those ordinary people like us. Afterwards, we should get a good communication. Understanding , love and tolerance are the first three essences that come to a true friendship. Other qualities are also concerned such a s thoughtfulness, trust and patience, Remember, friendship is your spirit's guard and everyone should treasure it. Question: What is the main idea of the passage? Options: A: The meaning of a true friendship. B: The happiness of having a good friend. C: Special qualities to make friends. D: The importance of friendship.
C

Read the article and select the best answer. Article: Several animal species including gorillas in Rwanda and tigers in Bangladesh could risk extinction if the impact of climate change and extreme weather on their habitats is not addressed, a UN report showed on Sunday. Launched on the sidelines of global climate negotiations in Durban, the report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization shows how higher temperatures, the rise in sea levels, deforestation and excessive land use have damaged the habitats of certain species, especially in Africa. "Many ecosystems have already been stressed by increasing population, historical and recent deforestation, unsustainable management practices and even invasive species," Eduardo Rojas-Briales, assistant director general at the FAO's forestry department, said at the launch of the report. The most affected areas include mountains, isolated islands and coastal areas, which limit the possibilities for animals to migrate elsewhere and create new habitats. "The remaining populations become surrounded in very small ecosystems, they have inbreeding problems ... and at the end these species may disappear," he added. Other examples of affected animals included elephants in Mali, lions in the Serengeti and crocodiles in Malawi. The report said an estimated 20-30 percent of plant and animal species will be at higher risk of extinction due to global warming and a significant proportion of native species may become extinct by 2050 as a consequence. Other consequences could include the spread of invasive species and infectious diseases, it said. The report urges more focus on restoration of damaged ecosystems, especially those key to dealing with climate change such as mangroves , inland waters, forests, savannahs and grasslands. The FAO also called for the creation of migration corridors for animals in areas where their movement was limited. The organization said while more resources were flowing to biodiversity conservation, more action at the government and policy level was needed. It also urged local communities... Question: To avoid extinction of some animal species, the UNFAO suggested all the following ways EXCEPT _ . Options: A: restoring damaged ecosystems B: limiting world population growth C: creating movement channels for animals D: urging governments and local communities to take action
B