"Beating is a sign of affection,cursing is a sign of love." Many may not expect to hear the words of the old Chinese saying in these modern times--with parents wealthier and better educated than they have ever been--but experts say they still ring true. Today,it seems,Chinese parents are more likely to send their children to precollege military academies in the United States in the hope that some tough love will pave the way to success. "Good education doesn't mean letting your children enjoy privileges,especially our boys." said Song Wenming,an entrepreneur in Jinhua,East China's Zhejiang province. "They should be raised in tough conditions to know what to fight for in the future." In August,Song sent his 17yearold son to Valley Forge Military Academy (VFMA) in Pennsylvania. And _ ,even though it takes a lot of money--around $48,000 per year--to send a child to a strict military school. Statistics show that an increasing number of Chinese students have been registering with such academies. A few years ago,there were no Chinese students at Valley Forge. Today,there are 28. "All of the Chinese students at Valley Forge came from wealthy families;some of them were spoiled." said Jennifer Myers,director of marketing and communications at the school. Song's only son,Song Siyu,had a rocky start during his first six weeks at the school. The teenager said he went to the school voluntarily but did not expect it to be as difficult. Now,three months later,he has perfected the art of taking a bath in 35 seconds,finishing a meal without looking at his food,and making his bed with precision. He can even take criticism,no matter how unreasonable. "The training is hard but I know it is good for selfdevelopment of individuals." said Song Siyu. "The endless training and scolding are just ways to build up our character;they are not personal." But his enthusiasm is not universal. Ten of the 13 Chinese students who joined the academy this year have transferred to other schools. But for those who stick with it,there is a... Song Siyu got some achievements in the military school except _ . A) taking a bath in a short time B) improving his character C) taking unreasonable criticism D) having his meal with his eyes closed
B
In 1987, while serving as the public affairs officer at Fort Bragg, I would frequently visit the local high schools to speak to the students about the Army. As alieutenant colonel , I found it particularly rewarding to talk with the teenagers about the benefits of military service, if only for a few years of their lives. During one of these visits, I reported to the secretary in the principal's office to let her know that I was here for the third-period class. I was a little surprised when she told me. "The principal would like to see you before you go to the class." As I entered his office, I was greeted by a gentleman who appeared to be in his late thirties, and he welcomed me with a smile and a handshake. "You don't remember me, do you?" he said. I looked closely at the face again and could not recall where we may have met before. "You were my company commander in basic training at Fort Jackson in 1970," the principal said. "Let me help you out," he suggested. "You gave me a three-day pass to go home and see my newborn baby." I immediately remembered the incident! "Yes," I said. "I remember now." It was the only three-day pass I had issued because the soldiers were on their way to Vietnam immediately after they finished training. But I knew if I did not let him go home to see his son and _ , I would regret denying the opportunity he had to be with his family. "Come on, Colonel. I'd like to introduce you to 'the baby'. He's in your third-period class. By letting me go see him, you gave me a reason to stay focused and to come home safe from that war. Thank you , sir." It was the most rewarding class I had ever given, and I had no problem in telling the students about the bonds of friendship and the values that Army life can provide...and that can last a lifetime. In the writer's opinion, talking to teens about the Army is _ . A) a forced task B) a pleasant thing C) an unavoidable duty D) an embarrassing experience
B
*Question*
Marriages improve after children grow up and move out,according to an academic study, which suggests an "empty nest" is not always a bad thing. Popular wisdom has it that parents' relationships may suffer once their young fly the coop, because they feel they have lost their purpose in life.However, a new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, has found that many couples actually feel happier when their children leave home because they are able to enjoy spending time together. In total,123 American mothers born in the 1930s were tracked for 18 years and asked to rate their satisfaction levels shortly after marrying, when they were bringing up babies, once their children reached their teenage years and finally at age 61, when almost all had "empty nests". Although not all said they were happier in general, most claimed their marriages had improved since their children had left home. Researchers believe this is not just because the spouses were spending more time together, but because they were able to enjoy each other's company more. One of the participants in the study,which is published in the journal Psychological Science,said:"Once the kids grow up...there's some of that stress removed...that responsibility removed,so things are a little more relaxed." Psychologist Sara Gorchoff,who carried out the investigation,said: "The takehome message for couples with young children is 'hang in there'." Her coauthor Oliver John added:"Don't wait until your kids leave home to schedule quality time with your partner." However, Dr Dorothy Rowe,from the British Psychological Society,said the effects of living in an "empty nest" will depend on the parents' relationship with their children."If you're just waiting for them to leave home so you can get on with your life,then of course you'll be pleased to see them go," she said, "But if you've built your life around your children you'll be terribly lonely.For some parents,their world falls apart when their children leave." Marriages improve after children fly the coop not because _ . A) many couples are able to spend time together B) many couples are able to enjoy each other's company C) things are a little more relaxed D) many couples needn't work at all
**Answer**
D