Question: Read the article and select the best answer. Article: Anyone who ever wondered why a dying plant, say, a freshly-cut red rose may appeal to a lady friend, might take some comfort in science, which once again offers us a reasonable answer to one of the world' s great mysteries. Beyond a common preference in people for blue, "the long history of color preference studies has been described as 'confusing and contradictory '," write scientists Anya Hurlbert and Yazhu Ling of England' s Newcastle University, authors of a new study in the journal Current Biology. "This fact is perhaps surprising," they said, "though the popularity of the concept that little girls differ from boys in preferring pink." But the scientists believe they have an answer to this scientific mystery, discovering women's preference for red, hidden above the average liking for blue. In their study, the pair quickly flashed color cards, displaying many different aspects, at 208 volunteers, mostly Britishers but with a number of Han Chinese, who moved to the United Kingdom recently. Tested in three different experiments, the researchers found out a small but significant preference for reddish colors in the female volunteers. Puzzled, the authors realized that most of the difference between men and women came in the form of a preference for green VS red in the color cards, regardless of the other slight differences such as the slightly blue ones that everyone liked. Why might this be? Evolution might offer an answer, they reason. Human color perception , the assessment of three separate color types -- red -- green -- blue-- in our vision is a relatively recent addition to our line of mammals Adding weight to their argument, they found the women who are most typically feminine on a psychological survey also had the biggest preference for reddish colors. "My love is like a red, red rose," wrote the Scottish poet Rober Burns in 1794. Question: The word "pair" in Para.4 refers to _ . Options: A: boy and girl B: the two authors C: research and result D: pink and blue
Answer: B

Question: Read the article and select the best answer. Article: The French word renaissance means rebirth. It was first used in 1855 by the historian Jules Michelet in his History of France,then adopted by historians of culture,by art historians,and eventually by music historians,all of whom applied it to European culture during the 150 years spanning 1450-1600.The concept of rebirth was appropriate to this period of European history because of the renewed interest in ancient Greek and Roman culture that began in Italy and then spread throughout Europe. Scholars and artists of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries wanted to restore the learning and ideals of the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome. To these scholars this meant a return to human--as opposed to spiritual values. Fulfillment in life--as opposed to concern about an afterlife--became a desirable goal,and expressing the entire range of human emotions and enjoying the pleasures of the senses were no longer frowned on. Artists and writers _ turned to secular as well as religious subject matter and sought to make their works understandable and appealing. These changes in outlook deeply affected the musical culture of the Renaissance period--how people thought about music as well as the way music was composed,experienced,discussed,and circulated. They could see the architectural monuments,sculptures ,plays,and poems that were being rediscovered,but they could not actually hear ancient music--although they could read the writings of classical philosophers,poets,essayists,and music theorists that were becoming available in translation. They learned about the power of ancient music to move the listener and wondered why modern music did not have the same effect. For example,the influential religious leader Bernardino Cirillo expressed disappointment with the learned music of his time. He urged musicians to follow the example of the sculptors,painters,architects,and scholars who had rediscovered ancient art and literature. The musical Renaissance in Europe was more a general cultural movement and state of mind... Question: According to the passage,why was Bernardino Cirillo disappointed with the music of his time? Options: A: It did not contain enough religious themes. B: It had little emotional impact on audiences. C: It was not complex enough to appeal to musicians. D: It was too dependent on the art and literature of his time.
Answer: B

Question: Read the article and select the best answer. Article: Why do Chinese people love hot pot so much? As the winter months begin to settle in, I find myself wondering what it is about this traditional meal, which has existed for more than 1,000 years, that makes it a Chinese food favorite.But it seems that the answer lies beyond the dish itself. Hot pot isn't just designed to keep you warm during the cold months; it's also a social experience.It's a "theater" cuisine that turns a meal into an event.There is a lot of fun for everyone to have in adding ingredients to the hot pot. Hot pot is eaten over two to three hours.For this reason, it is often, considered an evening's entertainment, and time to spend with friends and family.However, many westerners would be _ by the idea of other people sticking chopsticks in their food.When we come to eat at the table in the UK, we tend to have our own individual portions , although the experience is still a social one. A similar experience to the hot pot one can be found in Korean barbecue restaurants, which let you cook your own meat.This allows people to have their meat done however they want. For most Westerners, the idea of going to a restaurant to cook their own food is bizarre .But having given hot pot a go, I find it's now one of my favorite meals in Beijing.The steam from the pot left my clothes smelling of food when I got home, but perhaps this is also part of the experience.When the chilly wind is blowing outside, just grab some chopsticks, some good friends, and dig in.For me it's like throwing a dinner party where my taste buds and my appetite are equally satisfied in the warm company of friends. Question: What is the tone of the article? Options: A: Appreciative B: Longing C: Humorous. D: Serious.
Answer:
A