Early that day the weather turned and the snow was melting into dirty water. Streaks of it ran down from the little shoulder-high window that faced the backyard. Cars slushed by on the street outside, where it was getting dark. But it was getting dark on the inside too. He was in the bedroom pushing clothes into a suitcase when she came to the door. I'm glad you're leaving! I'm glad you're leaving! She said. Do you hear? He kept on putting his things into the suitcase. Son of a bitch! I'm so glad you're leaving! She began to cry. You can't even look me in the face, can you? When she noticed the baby's picture on the bed and picked it up. He looked at her and she wiped her eyes and stared at him before turning an d going back to the living room. Bring that back, he said. Just get your things and get out, she said. He did not answer. He fastened the suitcase, put on his coat, looked around the bedroom before turning off the light. Then he went out to the living room. She stood in the doorway of the little kitchen, holding the baby. I want the baby, he said. Are you crazy? No, but I want the baby. I'll get someone to come by for his things. You're not touching this baby, she said. The baby had begun to cry and she uncovered the blanket from around his head. Oh, oh, she said, looking at the baby. He moved toward her. For god's sake! She said. She took a step back into the kitchen. I want the baby. Get out of here! She turned and tried to hold the baby over in a corner behind the stove. But he came up. He reached across the stove and tightened his hands on the baby. Let go of him, he said. Get away, get away! She cried. The baby was red-faced and screaming. In the scuffle they knocked down a flowerpot that hung behind the stove. He crowded her into the wall then, trying to break her grip. He held on to the baby and pushed with all his weight. Let go of him, he said. Don't, she said. You're hurting the baby, she said. I'm not hurting the baby, he said. The kitchen window gave no light. In the near-dark he worked on... Is the baby a boy or a girl? A) A boy B) A girl C) We don't know. D) There isn't a baby.
A
Homestay UK/Great Britain Here you will find a selection of homestay hosts and host families in the UK. If you want to learn more about the British host family of your choice, please click on information at www. Homestaybooking. Com. You will then see a personal introduction of the UK homestay host. If you don't want to search yourself, just register for free and receive our matching recommendations. Chika and Tara from London, the United Kingdom Information about the homestay host Chika is 28 years old. She is away from home most of the time. Tara is 18 years old. She is at home every day. They both speak English. Chika and Tara's guests can stay for at least 5 nights and up to a maximum of 365 nights. Chika and Tara have no children living at home. It is a non-smoking residence . No pets live in this household. Information about the homestay accommodation The accommodation is in London. The name of the neighborhood is Greenwich. The distance to the city center is 1.6km. The next access point to public transport is at 15 m distance. Three guests can stay in Tara and Chika's house at the same time. The following accommodation is generally available: Single room with shared use of the family bathroom *Size: 12.0 m2 *Facilities: desk, Internet access, mirror, hairdryer and wardrobe *Price per night per person: PS20.00 per night(one single) Twin room with shared use of the family bathroom *Size: 15.0 m2 *Facilities: TV, desk, Internet access, mirror, hairdryer and wordrobe *Price per night per person: PS20.00 per night(one guest) PS17.00 per night(two guests) The room charge includes the following services: Internet access, regular room cleaning, breakfast, free use of the washing machine. Additional available service at an extra charge: Pick-up service(PS60.00 one-way); Lunch(PS6.00 per person per day); Dinner(PS6.00 per person per night) Vegetarian meals are available. If Mary chooses a twin room and pick-up service(two-way), how much should she pay per day? A) PS140. B) PS137. C) PS80. D) PS77
A
Clive Roberts,a director at ELS Educational Services,says English tests are changing greatly in response to the global growth in the use of English as _ -- the common language used among people with different native languages.For that reason,a lot of new tests are being developed while old tests are being improved to meet the needs of universities and employers worldwide. Changes in language testing "A lot of tests are now delivered online,all four skills are being tested,in some cases,by computer,in particular speaking and writing skills,which are the most difficult to assess on a computer environment,"says Mr.Roberts. Computer testing will reduce the length of time required for testing,because the tests adjust to the test-taker's ability.These computer-adaptive tests also increase accuracy in scoring.Computer-adaptive tests change depending on the test-taker's responses.They can become more or less difficult during the testing session.For this reason,the set of correct answers will be different for each test-taker. Cultural sensitivity Another change to language testing relates to cultural sensitivity.The term refers to material on a test that is based on a certain culture or is hard for test-takers from different cultures to understand. Mr.Roberts says test development companies are now hiring people with intercultural communication backgrounds to review test items.The companies want to make sure the test does not upset test-takers. Proficiency in language Changes to English proficiency tests make them better at measuring the learners' ability.However,Mr.Roberts says the changes may mean the tests are more difficult for some students. "The tests have become more proficiency-oriented.The items are being designed in such a way that they test real-world proficiency and not simply sort of an artificial environment or a specific set of skills that are taught in a classroom.So a lot of authentic texts,a lot of authentic listening passages are being used." The changes mean students have to be able to understand... Which words can best describe the new English tests? A) More accurate but easier. B) Less practical but harder. C) Better but harder. D) Less popular but easier.
C