The car was invented just a century ago. You may know all kinds of cars' names, but many people don't know who was the inventor of the first car. The first car was invented not by an Englishman, but by an American. His name was Henry Ford. Henry was born in a poor family, He was the eldest of the six children. When he was a boy, he became interested in watches and machines. When he was twelve years old, his mother died. Soon he had to work in a machine shop for two dollars and fifty cents a week. In the evenings, he repaired watches for another hour for another dollar a week. The hard life made him strong and able. At that time, there was another interest in the life of the young boy. He hoped to make a machine. It could run without horses. He overcame a lot of difficulties and in April, 1893, the "horseless carriage" was invented at last. It was the first car. Later, Henry Ford set up the Ford Motor Company. He was the really first inventor of car in the world. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in this text? A) Henry's family. B) Henry's brothers and sisters. C) Henry's father. D) Henry's mother.
C
(Question)
Reading to dogs is an unusual way to help children improve their literacy skills With their shining brown eyes, wagging tails, and unconditional love, dogs can provide the nonjudgmental listeners needed for a beginning reader to gain confidence , according to Intermountain Therapy Animals (ITA) in Salt Lake City. The group says it is the first program in the country to use dogs to help develop literacy in children, with the introduction of Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ). The Salt Lake City Public Library is sold on the idea. "Literacy specialists admit that children who read below the level of their fellow pupils are often afraid of reading aloud in a group, often have lower self-respect, and regard reading as a headache," said Lisa Myron, manager of the children's department. Last November the two groups started "Dog Day Afternoon" in the children's department of the main library. About 25 children attended each of the four Saturday-afternoon classes, reading for half an hour. Those who attended three of the four classes received a "pawgraphed" book at the last class. The program was so successful that the library plans to repeat it in April, according to Dana Thumpowsky, public relations manager. Specialists use dogs to listen to children reading because they think _ . A) dogs are young children's best friends B) children can play with dogs while reading C) dogs can provide encouragement for shy children D) children and dogs understand each other
(Answer)
C
Ques: Due to the increasing number of violence acts produced in schools all over the world, more and more parents prefer to have their children educated at home rather than at school. This way they can ensure their safety and well-being, although teachers and school representatives are trying to improve the situation in schools by increasing the number of the persons in charge of the safety of the students. The main reason for violence acts are the films and cartoons that fill the children's time. They want to do everything they watch on TV and never think of the consequences, and they may hurt a classmate or a teacher. On the other hand, parents are not fully satisfied with the children's results obtained in classes and they consider private classes would have better results. When a teacher has to watch 30 students in class he can't probably see what each of them is doing, how he is writing, or if he understands the explanations. At home the teacher can explain in details everything the child doesn't understand as many times as he considers proper. And many times the child grows fond of the teacher at home, who becomes his best friend, and who helps him whenever he needs someone to talk to. However, the best solution would be a mixture between the education received at school and that at home, because school makes children communicate and socialize. Keeping a child at home for fear there might happen something bad to him only makes the child's character weak and prevents him from knowing what real life is. Staying in _ only does harm to the child. All in all, schools have been created to help children, not to harm them, so it's best to keep children in these special places, where they learn, laugh, have fun and make new friends What does "a crystal ball" in the passage refer to? A) A toy that can be used for entertainment B) A safe and comfortable environment C) A round object that is made of crystal D) An obstacle that is hard to overcome
Ans: B
(Q).
As is known to us, Washington University in St. Louis became the first college in the United States to ban selling bottled water in 2009. Since then, more than a dozen small colleges and schools have done the same. The ban isn't because the schools don't want students to have easy access to water. Instead, the goal is to encourage students to bring reusable bottles to save money and, more importantly, to save the environment. Many people believe that producing and using bottled water not only wastes money but also harms the environment. They say that bottled water is unnecessary because public water supplies in the U.S. are among the best in the world. These people believe that water fountains and reusable bottles with easy access to filling stations are a better choice. But the makers of bottled water argue that plastic bottles make up a small part of the nation's total waste. They say it's unfair to single out their product when so many other items are packaged in plastic containers, and what's more, water is a healthy choice compared to some sodas and juices that are also sold at school. What do you think: Should sales of bottled water be banned from schools? We want to hear your opinion. Write a 200-word response. Send it to tfkasks4you@timeforkids.com . Your response may be published in a future issue of Time For Kids. Please include your grade level and contact information for your parent or teacher if you want your response to be published. The deadline for responding is August 31, 2012. The main disadvantage of bottled water is probably that _ . A) it is too expensive B) it is not fresh C) it's not convenient to carry D) Its bottle can't be reused
(A).
D
Question: It's always great to hear news about wildlife returning to where they once lived. For the first time in 8 years the small blue --- British's smallest butterfly--- has been seen back at a nature reserve in Hertfordshire. This nature reserve has had a lot of work done recently in order to help butterflies. Management of the land has included bringing in sheep to keep the grass under control in a more natural way and planting wild flowers for butterfly species. The nature reserve is home to a number of butterfly species. In fact the way that this reserve has been managed means that it is probably the best reserve in Hertfordshire to see butterflies with at least 25 species now living in the area. There are a number of threats to British butterflies and the greatest threat is the loss of their habitat. Changing farming practice has affected British native butterfly species greatly with many more now being at risk. _ A wide species of butterflies will generally mean a healthy environment. The type of land management at the nature reserve in Hertfordshire offers a hope for many species of butterfly to live as usual. Butterflies need all the help they can get at the moment. Although the number of butterflies is beginning to increase, many are still at risk. What can we infer from the passage? A) The environment has changed healthier a lot than before. B) All the butterflies have returned to the reserve. C) There is no threat to the British butterflies. D) Over 25 species is living in the reserve now.
Answer:
A