Christmas came in extravagant fashion to the Muslim desert emirate of Abu Dhabi as a shining hotel uncovered a bejeweled Christmas tree valued at more than 11 million dollars on Wednesday. It is "the most expensive Christmas tree ever" with "a value of over 11 million dollars", said Hans Olbertz, general of Emirates Palace Hotel, at its inauguratuion . The 13-metre (40-foot) evergreen, located in the gold hall of the hotel, is decorated with silver and gold bows, ball-shaped decorations and small white lights. But the necklaces, earrings and other jewellery hung around the tree's branches are what give it a record value. "It holds a total of 181 diamonds, pearls, sapphires and other precious stones," said Khalifa Khouri, owner of Style Gallery, which provided the jewellery. "The tree itself is about 10,000 dollars," Olbertz said. "The jewellery has a value of over 11 million dollars--I think $1,141,150." "This will probably be an entry into the Guinness book of world records," Olbertz said, adding that Emirates Palace planned to contact the organization about the tree which is to stay until the end of the year. Asked whether the tree might be against religious sensibilities in the United Arab Emirates, where the vast majority of the local population are Muslim, Olbertz said he did not think it would. "It is a liberal country," he said. The hotel has had a Christmas tree up in previous years, but this year "we have to do something different", and the hotel's marketing team _ the plan, said Olbertz. Which of the following can be the best title of the passage? A) Christmas coming in extravagant fashion B) The precious jewellery hung around a tree C) The most expensive Christmas tree ever D) the United Arab Emirates, a liberal country
C
The following five destination shall never be missed *Blue Lagoon : Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. The warm waters are rich in minerals and bathing in the Blue Lagoon is reputed to help some people suffering from skin diseases. The water temperature in the bathing and swimming area of the Lagoon averages 37degC - 39degC(99F -102F). The Blue Lagoon also operates a research and development facility to help find cures for skin diseases using the mineral-rich water. *Budapest: Budapest holds the title "City of Spas" since the year 1934, as it has more hot and medicinal water springs than any other capital city in the world. There are 118 springs in Budapest, providing over 70 million liters of hot water a day. The temperature of the waters is between 22degC and 40degC. *El Tatio: El Tatio is a geyser field located within the Andes Mountains of northern Chile at 4,320 meters above sea level. With over 80 active geysers, the site is the largest geyser field in the southern hemisphere and the third largest in the world. It is a major tourist attraction in Chile and is among the highest-elevation geyser fields in the world. The temperature of the waters goes between 70degC and 85degC. *Hokkaido: Visitors to the Japanese island of Hokkaido have plenty of options. These range from top resorts with thermal baths like the Spa Resort Hawaiians to small traditional inns that have their own small hot pools with water temperature comfortable to skin. Some bathing spots are outdoors and are not associated with any spa or inn. The classic forest and mountain landscapes of this nature-rich island make it a great choice for those seeking a science setting for their baths. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage? A) The word "spa" in the passage refers to a kind of treatment with water. B) El Tatio ranks third in the coverage of springs with highest altitude in the world. C) Visitors to the Japanese island of Hokkaido come merely to enjoy hot baths. D) Budapest gets its nickname of City of Spas because it has more springs than any other place.
A
Q: Dog owners now have a little help understanding their furry friends . A new device called Bow-Lingual "translates" dog barks into English , Korea or Japanese. Bow-Lingual's Japanese inventors spent much time and money analyzing dog barks . They found that dog noises can be broken down into six different emotions : happiness , sadness , frustration , anger , assertion and desire . Part of the Bow-Lingual device hangs on the dog's collar . The other part is a handle-held unit for the owner . When the dogs barks , the unit displays translated phrases . Some people have scoffed at Bow-Lingual. "Who would pay US$ 120 to read a dog's mind?" they ask . But those who have purchased Bow-Lingual praise the device . Pet owner Keiko Egawa , of Japan , says it helps her empathize with her dog , Harry . "Before we go to the park , he always says he wants to play," says Egawa , "and after a walk , he always says he is hungry." Bow -Lingual is not yet available in Chinese . So you'd better keep studying Studio Classroom , or soon your dog may know more English than you do ! This passage is mainly talking about _ . A) Bow-Lingual's inventors B) dog barks and their different emotions C) talking dogs D) a little help for dog owners
A: D
(Question)
Mr. Harris used to work in Dover, but then he changed his work, and he and his wife moved to another town. They did not have many friends there, but they soon met a lot of interesting people, and after a few weeks, they often went to dinner or to parties at other people's houses. Then Mrs. Harris said to her husband, "We've been to a lot of other people's houses, and now we must invite them to our house, mustn't we?" "Yes, certainly," answered her husband, "A big party will be the easiest thing, won't it? Then we can start to invite people to dinner in small numbers next month." So Mrs. Harris said, "Yes, I'll invite all our friends here to a big party on 5th December." "How many will that be?" Mr. Harris asked. "Don't invite too many." Mrs. Harris was beginning to write the invitations when her husband saw that she was writing, "Party. 6.30 to 8.30 p.m." "That isn't very nice, is it?" he said. "You're telling our guests that they must go at 8.30." So Mrs. Harris just wrote "Party. 6.30 p.m." A lot of guests came, and they all had a good time, so they did not go home at 8.30. In fact they were still there at mid-night when the door bell rang and a policeman arrived. He said, "You must stop making a noise, because someone has complained." Mr. Harris said he did not want to quarrel with the policeman, so everyone went home. They were sorry to have to go. When Mr. and Mrs. Harris were alone again, she said to him. "That was a surprise, wasn't it? Who complained about the noise?" "I did," Mr Harris answered in a tired voice. How long would Mrs. Harris like the party to last? A) From the morning till night. B) About fourteen hours. C) About two hours. D) Till midnight
(Answer)
C