Question: Read the following article and select the best answer. Article: You hear the comment all the time: the U.S. economy looks good by figures, but it doesn't feel good. Why doesn't ever-greater wealth promote ever-greater happiness? It is a question that dates at least to the appearance in 1958 ofThe Wealthy Society by John Kenneth Galbraith, who died recently at 97. The Wealthy Societyis a modern classic because it helped describe a new moment in the human condition. For most of history, "hunger, sickness, and cold" threatened nearly everyone, Galbraith wrote. "Poverty was found everywhere in that world. Obviously it is not of ours." After World War II, the fear of another Great Depression gave way to an economic growth. In the 1930s unemployment had averaged 18.2 percent; in the 1950s it was 4.5 percent. To Galbraith, materialism had gone mad and would cause discontent. Through advertising, companies conditioned consumers to buy things they didn't really want or need. Because so much spending was artificial, it would be unsatisfying. Meanwhile, government spending that would make everyone better off was being cut down because people wrongly considered government only as "a necessary bad." It's often said that only the rich are getting ahead; everyone else is standing still or falling behind. Well, there are many undeserving rich -- overpaid chief managers, for instance. But over any meaningful period, most people's incomes are increasing. From 1995 to 2004, people feel "squeezed" because their rising incomes often don't satisfy their rising wants -- for bigger homes, more health care, more education, and faster Internet connections. The other great disappointment is that it has not got rid of insecurity. People regard job stability as part of their standard of living. As company unemployment increased, that part has gradually become weaker. More workers fear they've become " _ ," as Louis Uchitelle puts it in his book by the same name. Because so much previous suffering and social conflict resulted from poverty, the arrival of widespread wealth suggestedutopian ... Question: Why do people feel"squeezed"when their average income rises considerably? - They think there are too many overpaid rich. - There is more unemployment in modern society. - Their material demands go faster than their earnings. - Health care and educational cost have somehow gone out of control.
Answer: Their material demands go faster than their earnings.

Question: Read the following article and select the best answer. Article: Thomas James Hanson will remember for a long time the snowstorm that hit the state of New York on November 22. The 47-year-old man from Niagara Falls was stuck in his car on the highway for almost eight days after his vehicle was accidentally pushed to the side of the road and covered with snow by workers employed to remove the snow from the streets. Driving on the Interstate Highway 190 during the worst of the snowstorm, Mr. Hanson decided to pull over his old 1993 Volkswagen Passat to the side of the road and wait for the weather conditions to improve. He remained motionless for approximately five hours before a snow plow arrived to clear the way. Unfortunately for the poor man, the driver of the gigantic snow removal vehicle did not see the small car, pushing it into the ditch and covering it with more than 2 meters of snow. Fortunately for the father of two children, the snow that was stacked over his vehicle was not very dense and allowed for enough fresh air to get through to enable him to survive. He was able to drink Thomas Hans water that he obtained by melting snow with his lighter in an aluminum coffee cup, and he ate the few items of groceries he had bought before going home. "If I had known I would be stuck for eight days, I would have bought more than a jar of dill pickles , a bottle of ketchup and two sticks of beef jerky ," said the survivor with a smile.on had almost lost all hope of being rescued when his car was hit once again this morning by another snow plow, which revealed the poor man's location. Question: It can be learned from the passage that _ . - Mr. Hanson had bought some food before the accident. - Mr. Hanson got rescued on November 22 eventually - Mr. Hanson had enough bottled water to drink in the car - Mr. Hanson was stuck in the car with his children.
Answer: Mr. Hanson had bought some food before the accident.

Question: Read the following article and select the best answer. Article: Nothing evokes Alaska like a whale exploding out of the water or an eagle pulling a silver fish from the river .Combine these images with high mountains,brilliant icebergs and wonderful meals and you really do have the Best of Alaska! Join us for an unforgettable 7-day excursion to the last frontier! Highlights: JUNEAU:Juneau, the state capital,is rich in culture and scenic beauty.It is here that we start and end our trip. HAINES:Haines is a small community located along the fjords .The natural beauty and expansive wilderness found here have made Haines a premier center for adventure in Alaska. ALASKA INDIAN ARTS:Alaska Indian Arts is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the preservation and continuation of traditional native craft and culture of the Northwest Native Tribes.We spend a few hours learning carving, native beading and culture from these master artists. SKAGWAY:Skagway is a lively town,which still reflects its gold rush roots and contains colorful shops.In Skagway, we stop by the Klondike Gold Rush National Park Visitor's Center and ride the White Pass Yukon Route Railway. GUSTAVUS:Gustavus is the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park.We'II stay at a comfortable lodge here for two nights.This will be the base for both the whale-watching excursion and a full day cruise in Glacier Bay. DATES/PRICES: May 15,June 17,July 16,August 14. 7 days--$3500,including lodging,all meals,excursions,guides,park fees,sales taxes,and transportation between Juneau,Skagway, Haines,and Gustavus.Not included:Alcohol,personal items,airfare to and from Juneau. Contact: E-mail:info@alaskamountainguides.com Call:800--766--3396 Write:Alaska Mountain Guides &Climbing School P.O.Box 1081,Haines AK 99827 Question: Which of the following is a participant required to pay additional fees? - Going from Gustavus to Juneau by train. - A full day cruise in Glacier Bay. - Having the last supper at Juneau. - Flying from Juneau to his hometown.
Answer:
Flying from Juneau to his hometown.