Linking the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean, the blue waters of the Gulf of Aden near Somalia are one of the most important trading routes in the world. But they are also the most feared. Pirates whose targets are ships and their crew often show up there. On September 25, a Ukrainian ship carrying 30 tanks became another victim. The pirates have reportedly killed one of the crewmen and are now surrounded by the US Navy. But they are still demanding $ 20 million for the release of the ship. This year alone, more than 50 ships have been attacked, 25 hijacked , and 14 are currently being held. Of course this is nothing new either. Ever since there has been water and ships there have been pirates. The earliest documented history of pirates dates back to the 13th century in the Mediterranean Sea. Even the famous Roman emperor Julius Caesar was kidnapped by pirates at one time. Piracy reached its peak in the early l700s, especially in the Caribbean and off the coast of Africa. In the mid-20th-century, most pirates we're common thieves. They used hooks to steal on board commercial ships, and took all that they could find. These pirates were more likely to flee than fight if met by the crew. However, nowadays piracy has become a multi-million dollar business attracting many in poor countries such as Somalia. "The pirates are well funded and have all the latest equipment, including satellite phones," said a top UN representative in Somalia. In Asia, however, a trend started where pirates didn't just want to kidnap the stuff, they also wanted to control the ship. They would kill the crewmembers or kidnap them for ransom . After the recent kidnapping of Ukrainian ship, people are also worrying that tanks and arms on board would fall into hands of terrorists. Last week the UN called a meeting from all affected countries to fight piracy. "The international community is determined to stop these pirates who are weakening efforts to bring peace to Somalia. This cannot and will not... Which of the following is TRUE about piracy? A) It was recorded that pirates started to attack ships in Somalia in the 13th century. B) Back in the mid-20th century pirates did not appear so harmful as today's. C) Once a ship is attacked, it will be hijacked by pirates. D) In the 13th century, pirates only targeted famous or important persons.
B
The sun had gone behind a cloud. I was very tired and wanted nothing in the world so much as to be at home. At last I got to the gate of Hide Park. But this was worse than ever; there were buses there--high and terribly red cars, taxis and still more buses in an endless line. Everywhere there were people hurrying past or waiting to get into the buses, while I stood lost in the middle of them. I was ready to cry. In despair, I crossed the street on to an "island", where I found a policeman. I took my last bit of courage in both hands and said, "Please, sir, where is Addison Road?" He began to explain, but when he saw that I couldn't understand he became helpless, too. "Are you French at school?" A few minutes later, he smiled and raised his hand. How wonderful! The traffic stopped. Even the red buses stood still and waited until I had crossed the road. Because the writer was made so worn out, _ . A) she wanted nothing on earth but her home B) she thought it perfect to stay at home C) she would never leave her home at all D) she didn't get to the park on time.
B
Q: Corned Beef & Cabbage. From Quick Cooking "I've been making this meal for more than 40 years," remarks Ruth Warner of Wheat Ridge, Colorado. "It is so easy and so delicious. It's especially good served with a salad of peaches and cottage cheese." INGREDIENTS 4 cups water 1 corned beef brisket with spice packet (2 pounds) 1 medium head cabbage , cut into 8 wedges 2 large red potatoes , cut into 2-inch chunks 1 can (14--1/2 ounces ) chicken broth 4 large carrots , cut into 2--inch chunks 1 medium onion , cut into 2--inch pieces SERVINGS, 4--6 CATEGORY , Main Dish PREP , 10 min. METHOD, Pressure Cooker COOK, 45 min. TOTAL, 55 min.DIRECTIONS In a 6-qt. pressure cooker ,combine water and contents of corned beef seasoning packet; add beef. Close cover securely ;place pressure regulator on vent pipe .Bring cooker to full pressure over high heat .Reduce heat to medium-high and cook for 45 minutes .(Pressure regulator should maintain a slow steady rocking motion; adjust heat if needed.) Meanwhile ,in a large saucepan ,combine the cabbage ,potatoes and broth .Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes .Add carrots and onion. Cover and simmer 20--25 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender ;drain. Remove pressure cooker from the heat; allow pressure to drop on its own. Remove beef to a serving platter. Discard cooking liquid .Serve beef with cabbage ,potatoes ,carrots and onion. Yield: 4--6 servings. For more recipes ,click here. When cooking corned beef ,one thing you should pay attention to is_. A) to use the seasoning packet B) to bring cooker to full pressure C) to adjust heat from time to time D) to place it on vent pipe
A: C
The "Neighborhood Watch" scheme all started a few years ago in the quiet village of Mollington after a number of burglaries in the village and the surrounding area. The villagers came up with the idea that they themselves could keep an eye on their neighbors' possessions while they were away on holiday. Since then, and with the support of the government and police, more than 50,000 "Neighborhood Watch" schemes have been set up all over the country. The object of each "Watch" group is to reduce the opportunities that criminals have in any particular street or area. Each villager who is a member of the scheme will call the police whenever they see something suspicious. It is the police who actually check out each report and look into what is happening. Villagers who are part of the "Watch" are not supposed to act as police or put themselves in danger. When a new "Neighborhood Watch" scheme is set up in an area, one benefit is that most burglars dare not take a chance on breaking into someone's house because they know that there is a high risk of being seen by neighbors keeping a lookout. Burglars also know that people are more likely to have fitted good locks to their doors and windows. Another benefit is that, since the "Neighborhood Watch" schemes came into existence, there is growing evidence of a new community spirit. It is bringing people together as never before, and encouraging people to care for each other. New friendships are being made, and contact is often established with old people living on their own, who are often the most frightened and the most at risk. In general, the author seems to think that _ . A) the police should do more to protect people B) "Watch" schemes are not very useful in reducing crime C) the "Neighborhood Watch" schemes have been successful D) it is hard to have any privacy in a "Neighborhood Watch" area
C