One-hundred-and seventh birthdays aren't usually celebrated for authors who aren't alive anymore. But Theodor Seuss Geisel---better known as the children's books author Dr. Seuss ---who came into the world on 2 March, 1904, was an unusual man. Like generations of children I was raised on his wonderful stories. But when I now read them to my children it's not just the childhood memories I enjoy. His writing is brilliant and imaginative and flows with a self-confidence as sure as the words of a Shakespeare poem. Readers ride his characteristic rhythm with an effortless joy that cannot be matched by any other modern writer: You have brains in your head You have feet in your shoes You can steer yourself any direction you choose And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed. Seuss's brilliant cartoons and clever words make his books a delight for adults but they attract mostly children of course. His stories teach kids moral lessons but in indirect and entertaining ways. The first Seuss book I was given was The Lorax, written just as the 60s were becoming the 70s. Seuss was ahead of his time, and in this book the dawn of concern for environmental problems are shown as the Lorax "who speaks for the trees" battles against an evil businessman who wants to destroy the forest and make goods "which everyone needs". It's not only a warning of the heavy price of environmental destruction, written well before most people had thought to worry, but it's also a smart analysis of consumer societies: "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." This is of course a moral message, but not of the kind designed to persuade the youngsters into behavior that adults want. I could go on, but hey, it's a birthday, and I'm sure you folks have some good toasts to raise for the party... Why do adults also enjoy Seuss's books? A) His words and pictures are imaginative enough to be enjoyed by all. B) His books give children obvious moral messages to learn from. C) He writes about adult topics in a way that is understandable to children. D) He was the first person to write about the environment.
A
(Question)
If boy wizard Harry Potter uses his magic to capture the hearts of millions of teenagers, high school students Gabriella and Troy have charmed American boys and girls with their stories of campus life. They are the leading characters in High School Musical, a series of hugely successful films in the US. The sequel , High School Musical 3, came out on October 24 and has topped the American box office for two straight weeks. The show has everything attractive to teenagers -- dancing, catchy music, puppy love and good looks. The story starts when high school basketball star Troy and brainy Gabriella -- _ -- meet during the winter break. At a karaoke contest they discover their love for singing and an interest in each other. When school starts, Troy finds out that Gabriella is the new girl at his school. Eager to find the magic they had during karaoke, Troy and Gabriella decide to audition for the school's upcoming musical. This angers the school's drama queen Sharpay. However, they overcome difficulties and become the leading actors. But the story doesn't end there. High School Musical 2 follows their adventures over summer vacation when Sharpay tires to break up Troy and Gabriella. In the latest sequel, high-school seniors are facing the possibilities of being separated from each other as they go off in different directions when graduating from high school. Joined by the rest of their friends, Troy and Gabriella stage a musical reflecting their experiences, hopes and fears about the future. "The success of the High School Musical films shows Disney's long-term efforts to attract youngsters for whom Mickey Mouse seems to babyish," wrote New York Times reporter Dave Itzkoff. "For the time being, the movie has made fictional high school students as recognizable as that 79-year-old mouse." What does New York Times reporter Dave Itzkoff mean? A) High School Musical is possibly more attractive to youngsters. B) The high school students don't like Mickey Mouse. C) Mickey Mouse is more attractive to youngsters. D) Mickey Mouse is too old to be recognized by youngsters.
(Answer)
A
Ques: My 9-year-old daughter, Susan and 5-year-old son, Robbie went to the shopping centre with me. As we got there, we saw a big sign. It said, "Petting Zoo". The kids jumped up and asked, "Daddy, can we go?" Both my wife and I were out of work. However, I said, "Sure", giving them a quarter each. They went away, leaving only fifty cents left in my pocket. A petting zoo is an enclosure for kids to play with little animals while parents shop. A few minutes later, I saw Susan walking along behind me. I was surprised and asked why. She said sadly, "Well, Daddy, a ticket for Petting Zoo costs fifty cents. So I gave Robbie my quarter." Then she said my family motto , "Love is Action!" I knew no one loves little animals more than Susan. She often watched my wife and me do and say "Love is Action!", and now she had put _ it _ into her lifestyle. It had become part of her. She knew not only "Love is Action!", but also "Love is Sacrificial Action!" I was moved. We went back to the Petting Zoo. Susan stood with her hands and chin resting on the fence and just watched Robbie feeding the animals. I had fifty cents burning a hole in my pocket. I put my hand into my pocket and took out the money. Sure, I must do that! From the passage we can infer that _ . A) the writer was not generous to the children B) Susan didn't like playing with animals C) the family lived a hard life D) Robbie didn't want to play with Susan
Ans: C
Ques: Technology and the present generation of kids go hand in hand. Taking advantage of this factor, Lim Hojoon, the designer from South Korea, has come up with an educational gadget especially for children. Kidget, as the name suggests, is a combination of two words - kid and gadget. This kid-friendly gadget has various uses. When your child is in a mood to read, it takes the form of a storybook. When the mood is to draw and color this wonder gadget turns into a perfect canvas . Your child can freely give color to all his/her imaginations. Should he or she wish to have some fun, see this device change into a musical instrument. You too would enjoy doing activities with your loved one using this gadget. This touch screen device will definitely prove to be an ideal friend. As many parents agree, in this age of technological advancements it is much easier to introduce children to new gadgets than adults. While many adults refrain from trying out something new, kids are more than prepared to take the leap. Keeping this fact in mind, Kidget is the perfect gift for the child of the 21st century. You will be surprised to see how fast your little one gets acquainted with the device. You might even find yourself lagging behind at times. Kidget has another hidden advantage. It helps take the load off young shoulders. With three things rolled into one, a child has much less books, stationary items and related goods to carry. It comes with a promise to make life simpler for kids. Not only is it simple to use but also easy to carry along. The stylish protective case comes with a belt attached to it. Children up to 14 years of age, the targeted audience, enjoy the freedom that comes with it. We can infer from the text that Kidget _ . A) has both advantages and disadvantages B) hasn't been put into use C) needs to be further improved D) is a perfect gift for kids
Ans:
D