It is widely known that any English conversation begins with The Weather.Such a fixation with the weather finds expression in Dr.Johnson's famous comment that"When two English meet,their first talk is of weather."Though Johnson's observation is as accurate now as it was over two hundred years ago,most commentators fail to come up with a convincing explanation for this English weatherspeak. Bill Bryson,for example,concludes that,as the English weather is not at all exciting,the _ with it can hardly be understood.He argues that"To an outsider,the most striking thing about the English weather is that there is not very much of it." Simply,the reason is that the unusual and unpredictable weather is almost unknown in the British Isles. Jeremy Paxman,however,disagrees with Bryson,arguing that the English weather is by nature attractive.Bryson is wrong,he says,because the English preference for the weather has nothing to do with the natural phenomena."The interest is less in the phenomena themselves,but in uncertainty."According to him,the weather in England is very changeable and uncertain and it attracts the English as well as the outsider. Bryson and Paxman stand for common misconceptions about the weatherspeak among the English.Both commentators,somehow,are missing the point.The English weather conversation is not really about the weather at all.English weatherspeak is a system of signs,which is developed to help the speakers overcome the natural reserve and actually talk to each other.Everyone knows conversations starting with weatherspeak are not requests for weather data.Rather,they are routine greetings,conversation starters or the blank "fillers".In other words,English weatherspeak is a means of social bonding. The author mentions Dr.Johnson's comment to show that _ . A) most commentators agree with Dr.Johnson B) Dr.Johnson is famous for his weather observation C) the comment was accurate two hundred years ago D) English conversations usually start with the weather
D
A good brand agency can create for you a brand identity of your products. Having the best agency to help with your business, no matter how small, can be one of the biggest steps you can take in letting the world know and get familiar with your products and brands. Brand agencies work hand in hand with the company in advertising the brand and its products. The company has to tell the agency how they would like the public to see their products. The agency then talks with the company about the progress of the brand in the market. Working with brand agencies is a two-way street. When the company is happy and satisfied with how the agency has advertised the brand, the trust the company has in the agency grows. Similarly, when the agency does well in its work, the company's brand and products get good ideas from buyers and the market. Regarding the identity of the brand, agencies can help a lot in this aspect. For a brand to have a lasting influence on the buyers, an identity of the brand needs to be formed. If the brand is good, then buyers will feel at ease buying the products of this brand. The text is mainly written for _ . A) customers B) salesmen C) researchers D) managers
D
Q: Many experts say that Billy Wilder changed the history of American movies. He is often called the best movie maker Hollywood has ever had. He was known for making movies that offered sharp social comment.Wilder was one of the first directors to do this.Between the middle l930s and the l980s,Billy Wilder made almost fifty movies.During that time he received more than twenty nominations from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.He won six of the Oscar awards.His movies have been seen by people around the world. In l944,Billy Wilder made the film Double Indemnity.Some critics said this movie established him as one of the greatest Hollywood directors.Wilder directed The Lost Weekend in 1945.Ray Milland plays the part of an alcoholic writer in the movie.It shows that alcohol rules his life,yet he does not admit it.He hides alcohol in his home and says he is not drinking. In l950, Wilder made Sunset Boulevard.This movie told of an aging actress in silent movies.She plans to return to movies though facing many problems.In l954,Billy Wilder became an independent producer.The next year,Wilder's first movie as an independent filmmaker was a huge success.It was The Seven Year Ihch.In this movie,a married man wants to cheat on his wife with some of his friends.In l959,Wilder made a funny movie that was very popular.It was Some Like It Hot.It tells about two jazz musicians being chased by criminals.They decide to wear women's clothes and join a band in which all the musicians were women. Wilder died in March,2002.He was ninety--five.A current Hollywood producer said:"Billy Wilder made movies that people will never forget." The text is mainly about _ A) the background of American movies B) Wilder's achievements in American movies C) Wilder's attitude to American movies D) the development of American movies
A: B
(Question)
The Boston Opera House In Person * The Boston Opera House Box Office is open Monday - Friday from 10 am - pm. We provide a direct and customer-friendly service that allows our customers to choose their seats and purchase their tickets at face value without service charges or delivery fees. The savings and confidence associated with an in-person purchase at our box office can make the trip very worthwhile. While you're in the neighborhood, check out our dining and parking choices when you attend your favorite shows. * The Boston Ballet Box Office operates year-round at their 19 Clarendon Street headquarters in Boston's South End. Boston Ballet sells tickets at the Boston Opera House box office during Boston Ballet performance weeks. Online * Tickets for all Broadway in Boston shows and other concerts and cultural presentations are sold online at www.ticketmaster.com. * Tickets for all Boston Ballet performances are sold online at www.bostoneballet.org. By Phone * Tickets for all Broadway in Boston shows and other concerts and cultural presentations can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1. 800. 982. 2787. * Tickets for all Boston Ballet performances can be purchased by calling 617. 695. 6955. Refund Policy No refunds or exchanges. The Boston Opera House Policies * Some shows may not be appropriate for children of all ages. Please enquire at 617. 259. 3400. * Regardless of age, everyone must have a ticket. No "babies in arms" will be allowed. * Parents may be asked to remove restless children from the auditorium . The parent and child will be able to wait in a comfortable lounge while the rest of the family enjoys the show. We appreciate your cooperation. Tips for Theatergoers: * Leave yourself enough time for traffic. * Check the date and time of the performance on tickets purchased. * If you arrive late to your performance you may have to wait to be seated at appropriate breaks in the performance. Please arrive on time, no less than 15 minutes before curtain. What is one advantage of purchasing tickets in person? A) You don't need to pay extra fees. B) You can get free parking and dining. C) You are sure to get the best seats D) You can exchange tickets if you wish.
(Answer)
A