*Question*
An interesting experiment is being done at the Children's Hospital I in London. Animals, such as dogs, cats, and even horses help sick children to get better. There are many reasons why this treatment is important. Dr. Marcus Finch of the Children's Hospital said, "Children and teenagers have many changes as they are growing up. When they have problems, it is not easy for them to open up any talk. However, when they are with a pet animal, they calm down, relax, and smile. Animals do not speak and so they do not criticize . They listen and they do not stop the children. Children can talk to animals because they can trust them. Animals know how to keep a secret! Also, the children feel needed because they help to feed the animals and look after them." At the Children's Hospital, you can find children playing with cats, dogs, goats, and riding horses. The doctors just watch and take notes and wonder at the power of pets! Pet animals are good with children at the Children's Hospital because _ . A) they look after the children B) they make doctors relax C) they are good listeners D) they are easy to feel
**Answer**
C

*Question*
Paul had just left college and was offered an interview for a position in a company in New York. As he needed to move from Texas to New York if he got the job, he wanted to talk about the decision with someone before accepting it. But his parents had died. He remembered that his father had suggested he should turn to an old friend of his family if he needed advice. The older man said, "Go to New York and have the interview. But I want you to go on a train and I want you to get a private compartment . Don't take anything to write with, anything to listen to or anything to read, and don't talk to anybody except when you order the meal. Call me when you get to New York and I will tell you what to do next." At first, Paul followed the advice closely. The trip took two days. As he had brought along nothing to do, he quickly became bored. He realized he was being forced into quite time - he could do nothing but think. About three hours outside New York City he broke the rules, asked for a pencil and paper and kept writing down the thoughts until the train arrived in New York. Paul called the family friend from the train station. "Thank you, Uncle I know what you wanted. You wanted me to think. And now I know what to do.""I guessed you could understand my idea, Paul," came the reply, "Good luck." Now, years later, Paul runs a company in New York. And he always spends a couple of days being alone with no phone, no television and no people to think quietly. What would be the best title for the passage? A) Time to be quiet B) You're not alone C) Studying in the Journey D) Friends are useful
**Answer**
A

*Question*
One morning, Wu Li discovered that her classroom had changed. She found that the desks were no longer in rows , but pushed together to make eight bigger desks. She was too excited about it for the first two days and she couldn't listen to the teachers carefully. But soon she and her classmates got used to this new classroom arrangement . "Now our class is quieter," said Wu. "What's more, we can come up with our own ideas and learn more through discussion. It's a better way to study." Li Yu liked it, too. He said, "Group members first discuss, and then show ourselves in front of the whole class. It makes us believe in ourselves." It was part of a reform at Li's school--Baita Secondary School. The school made this reform because they wanted to provide students with easier ways to study and more chances to discuss. "Our school hopes it can improve students' abilities to study by themselves and work in groups," said Zhang Yong, the principal of the school. However, the reform has demanded more from teachers. Now they have only about 15 minutes to give the lesson which should be taught in 45 minutes before. It is difficult to teach in such a short time. The teachers have to find better ways to teach more _ . "The reform demands more, but I'm sure it is helpful," added Mr Zhang. After the new classroom arrangement it was easier for Wu Li and her classmates to _ in class. A) discuss with each other B) sit in the classroom C) push desks together D) teach a lesson
**Answer**
A

*Question*
We are all called upon to make a speech at some point in life, but most of us don't do a very good job. This article gives some suggestions on how to give an effective speech. So, you have to give a speech and you're fearful. You get nervous, you forget what you want to say, you stumble over words, you talk too long and you bore your audience. Later you think," Thank goodness, it's over. I'm just no good at public speaking. I hope I never have to do that again." Cheer up! It doesn't have to be that bad. Here are some simple steps to take the pain out of speech making. Ask yourself the purpose of your speech. What is the occasion ? Why are you speaking? Then, gather as many facts as you can on your subject. Spend plenty of time doing your research. Then spend plenty of time organizing your material so that your speech is clear and easy to follow. Use as many examples as possible and use pictures, charts and graphs if they will help you make your points more clearly. Never forget your audience. Don't talk over their heads so that they can understand what you say. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Just remember: Be prepared. Know your subject, your audience and the occasion. Be brief. Say what you have to say and then stop. And be yourself. Let your personality come through so that you make person-to-person contact with your audience. If you follow these simple steps, you'll see that you don't have to be afraid of public speaking. In fact, you may find the experience so enjoyable that you volunteer to make more speeches! You're not sure yet. Give it a try and see what happens. The main idea of the passage is that _ . A) a poor speaker can never change B) it's easy to make a short speech C) you need to respect your audience D) how you can improve your speaking ability
**Answer**
D