Although I started learning English during my college years, when I entered the States, I only understood two English words "Yes" and "No". We learned many grammar rules but we could not make the language connections to the real English world. Language _ worries almost all first generation immigrants. For example, I got a letter from a Chinese-American who has lived in the States for a long time and has a good IT job saying "My 11-year-old girl writes quite well, but as her parents, we could not even read her article."In addition, my Chinese-American professor friend has difficulty reading a novel. Improving our English skills has become a long journey for all of us. Honestly, if I have a chance, I really want to reach out to everyone in the world who has had a similar experience: learning a second language in adulthood. I wish I could encourage them to speak out about the culture shock, frustration they felt about the differences between West and East. I have mainly focused on my English writing since 2008 after I found "Literacy Volunteers", an organization that specially focuses on helping immigrants improve their English. I decided to challenge myself, writing a story like an American. I saw many wonderful Americans there. As soon as I met my teacher Alice, I asked her to be my private language tutor and have taken Tims English class. Every week Alice and I have worked on my English essays sentence by sentence. To observe the culture differences between West and East, occasionally, I posted a few of my English essays online. I mentioned previously about American culture; when people read the same article or even face the same situation, American and Chinese act very differently. In my viewpoint, these differences make America the strongest country in the world. I know you have the right to express your own opinions, but accusing others without proof is not acceptable. In the passage, "Literacy Volunteers" is _ . A) only intended to help the Chinese-Americans B) an organization which is set up to make a profit C) of great use to people like the author D) a school showing how to enjoy literature
C
DEAR Daughter, We have not seen you for a while now, so I thought we might check in. Did you fall off the edge of the Earth? Your mother worries, you know, and I am just curious. Well, I am more than curious. I feel abandoned. Apparently you've dumped us for your career. I can understand that, because you've always had a wonderful work ethic . Look, obviously your long absence has confused us. As we go about our daily routines, your mother and I are distracted - both by your absence and our pride in your career. The other day, I entered my work password into the microwave, then stood there cursing it for not working. And I was so off my game that I actually used that cholesterol-free mayo your mother insisted on buying in an effort to drive me from the house. Listen, a lot has happened since you've been away. Abraham Lincoln was shot. We had two more children - a princess, now 23; a boy, now 12. Yesterday I bought a very clean 2001 Camaro car from an older woman. Your mother is not happy about this. She says it is the kind of muscle car driven by ex-convicts when they examine your house at 2 am. In response, I tell her it was the car of my dreams (when I was 18). So that's where your long absence has left us. Your long absence is not so bad, though we miss your roaring laughter ... the way your cheeks flush when you eat Thai food. How you always march too hard into the house, like a Scotsman stepping on snakes. Each evening, your mother now waits by the window the way she did when you used to step off the bus in first grade, your hair full of rubber bands. Bet that drove you crazy even then, her running out on the porch like you'd just returned from a month-long journey to the moon. Look, parents are not easy people. But should the urge ever hit you, feel free to stop by some time. Our house is your house. Our hearts are yours too. And your mother is still waiting by the window. Love, Dad The author entered his work password into the microwave because _ . A) all kinds of passwords made him confused B) he was thinking too much about his work C) he was affected by his daughter's long absence D) he was getting old and he had forgotten how to use the microwave
C
*Question*
On April 18,the 100-day countdown to the 2012 Olympic Games in London began. For this year's Games' slogan,the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games has chosen the phrase "Inspire a Generation" .It is expected to inspire athletes to do their best,and common people to do better in their daily lives. The Games are also inspiring lots of tourists to come to London.But if you go there,you'd better try your best to follow British manners and customs.Otherwise,you'll end up in a right mess! Expert William Hanson has given the Associate Press a few tips for tourists on how to act while in the UK.Let's have a look: Don't talk about money.According to Hanson,British people hate talking about money and it is considered rude to do so.In particular,never ask anyone about their salary. Afternoon tea.The traditional view of the British sitting down for an afternoon tea is not exact.Few people keep the tradition nowadays. Give tips--but not in an obvious way.The British favor a quiet "thank you" gift for good service rather than the rigid 16-20%tip Americans always give.In fact,many British waiters will not feel anxious and nervous if you decide not to tip at all. Greeting with a kiss.The British are not like their _ neighbors in France. Many prefer a handshake or a pat on the back to say "hello". Conversation tip.If you want to be friendly,end a sentence with the word "mate"* When will the London Olympics be held? A) On August 18. B) At the end of July. C) At the beginning of August. D) In the middle of July.
**Answer**
B