One of its worst ever mass shootings in America occurred on Friday when 20 children and six adults were shot dead by a gunman who opened fire at an elementary school in Connecticut. The gunshot at Sandy Hook elementary school in Newtown, about 65 miles north-east of New York, is understood to have been carried out by a gunman, who was later found dead at the scene. State policeman Paul Vance said 18 children died at the scene and two more died in hospital Six adults were found dead at the school, Vance said.The bodies of the victims remain inside the school. In an emotional press conference at the White House, Barack Obama suggested that he may take action.Fighting back tears, he said: "We've tolerate too many of these tragedies in the past few years.And each time ] learn the news I react not as a president, but as anybody else would as a parent.And that was especially true today.I know there's not a parent in America who isn't in the same overwhelming sorrow that I am." Referring to a number of major shootings this year alone, Obama continued: "Whether it's an elementary school in Newtown, or a shopping mall in Oregon, or a temple in Wisconsin, or a movie theater in Aurora, or a street comer in Chicago - these neighborhoods are our neighborhoods, and these children are our children.And we're going to have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics." How many people died on the spot ? A) 18 B) 20 C) 24 D) 26
C
When you're a junior in high school, three little letters quickly become larger than life: SAT. At the start of my junior year, I realized that the environment was packed with competition. Surprisingly, this pressure didn't come from adults. It came from the other students. Everyone in my grade had college on the brain. To get into the college of our choice, we all believed, we had to outcompete and outscore everyone else with less sleep, because time for sleeping was time you didn't spend studying for the SAT. I let myself get swept up in the pressure. My new motto was, if I wasn't in every single honor level class, I wasn't doing enough. I was bad-tempered and I couldn't focus. I stopped talking to my friends and my mom, and I couldn't figure out who I was. I didn't have the confidence to know that my own passions and unique skills were what would make me stand out to colleges. That's when I realized: I am not my SAT score. Trying to stick to what I thought colleges wanted masked who I really am. I decided to rely on my strengths and get away from the crazy pressure I was putting on myself. Instead of forcing myself into higher levels of math, I took on an extra history class. I learned how to love what I was doing and not what I thought I was supposed to do. I learned to shine as an individual, not a faceless member of the crowd. And I found that not only was this better for my happiness, but it also made me more effective and efficient when I studied. To me, individuality means having the confidence to decide who I am and who I want to be, and a number on a page is never going to change that. I am more sure of myself, and more ready to apply for college, than ever. Which statement best expresses the main idea of the passage? A) Pressure brings out the best in you. B) You will stand out by being your best self. C) Things will happen whether you like it or not. D) Life is just a matter of decisive times.
B
Q: Want to improve your writing skills? New Writing South is directing the way! *Towner Writer Squad for kids aged 13-17 Led by comedy and TV writer, Marian Kilpatrick, Towner Writer Squad will meet once a month at the contemporary art museum for 11 months, starting 12 October, 2014. The FREE squad sessions will include introductions to a wide range of writing styles, from poetry to play writing and lyrics to flash fiction, to support the development of young writers. Application & Selection If you would like to apply to be part of the Towner Writer Squad, please send a sample piece of your writing (about 500 words), responding to the title'LUNCH,'with your name, age, address and e-mail address to: debo@newwritingsouth.com. Once all applications are in, you will be invited to an open selection event on 17 September,4-5pm, at the gallery of Towner. This will be an informal opportunity to meet the Squad Leader, Squad Associate and other young people. You will also have a chance to get to know the fantastic gallery space and get a taste of what's to come. Deadline for applications: 8 September, 2014 For further information go to: facebook.com/towner or towner.org.uk or newwritingsouth.com Any questions feel free to send your e-mail to Towner Writer Squad Associate: whame@towner.gov.uk * * * * * * * * * *Beginner Writing Project for kids aged 10-13 Due to popular demand, a writing project will be started for eager beginners. Start time: 6 September, 2014 Meet every other Saturday,2-4pm, at the Towner Study Centre. Study and write at your own pace you do not have to rush as you have a year to go through the project. Practise under the guidance of some experienced writers and teachers who can help you with basic writing skills. Most importantly, build confidence and have fun while writing! No previous experience or special background is required. Many others have been successful this way. If they can do it, why can't you? Fee: PS179 For more information go to: newtowner.org.uk or generate.org.uk To join the Writer Squad,each applicant should first _ . A) provide a piece of their writing B) meet the Writer Squad Leader C) offer their family information D) complete an application form
A: A
*Question*
As any homemaker who has tried to keep order at the dinner table knows, there is far more to a family meal than food. Sociologist Michael Lewis has been studying 50 families to find out just how much more. Lewis and his co-worker carried out their study by videotaping the families while they are having ordinary meals in their own homes. They found that parents with small families talk actively with each other and their children. But as the number of children gets larger,conversation gives way to the parents' efforts to control the loud noise they make. That can have an important effect on the children. "In general the more question-asking the parents do, the higher the children's IQ scores,"Lewis says. " And the more children there are, the less question-asking there is. " The study also provides an explanation for why middle children often seem to have a harder time in life than their siblings . Lewis found that in families with three or four children, dinner conversation is likely to center on the oldest child, who has the most to talk about, and the youngest, who needs the most attention. " _ "says Lewis. When you see someone get up from the table and walk around during dinner,chances are for the middle child. "There is, however,one thing that stops all conversation and prevents anyone from having attention: "When the TV is on,"Lewis says, "dinner is a non-event ". Parents with large families ask fewer questions at dinner because _ . A) they are busy serving food to their children B) they are busy keeping order at the dinner table C) they have to pay more attention to younger children D) they are tired out having prepared food for the whole family
**Answer**
B