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Read the article and select the best answer. Article: A team of researchers in the UK has shown that children who were taken to the library more often and owned more books at two years old achieved higher scores in school tests when they began primary school. The research also showed that although social background has a noticeable effect on a child's readiness for school, attending pre-school and having their parents teach them a wide range of activities have a positive effect---while extended exposure to television lowers their scores. "One message coming through loud and clear is that how a child learns in his very early years is critical for a smooth transition into the educational system," said Professor James Law. "This is a very positive message, as it gets us away from the belief that a child's educational future is pre-determined by standard measures of socio-economic disadvantage, such as income, housing, or the mother's education." Data from the study shows that children from a positive communication environment had a better expressive vocabulary by their second birthday. These children went on to achieve higher scores in language, reading and maths tests when they entered school. In the early years, the communication environment was a better predictor of children's success with language than their general social background. Most children develop speech and language effortlessly, but some are slow to acquire these skills and go on to struggle with literacy and academic skills throughout their schooling. This project set out to uncover what factors contributed to these problems. Professor Sue Roulstone said, "These findings are an encouragement to all parents to provide a positive communication environment for their children from the very start of their lives. The project did identify particular aspects of the communication environment, such as having children's books around and not having the television on too much. But the main message is that, as parents, we can have an impact on how our children learn to talk by providing a range of... Question: According to the passage, what is the most important factor contributing to children's success at school? _ . Options: A: Their general social background. B: Being taken to a library as early as possible. C: Being involved in various activities. D: Their communication environment.
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D

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Read the article and select the best answer. Article: There are a lot of public libraries in Britain. These libraries have more than one hundred and fifteen million books, not including those libraries of public schools. Public libraries not only lend books, music records but also help children, patients in hospitals and others to get special play readings, film shows and so on. The first public libraries were founded in about the year 1850. Today's public libraries usually have a reading-room, a lending room and a reference room. The greatest and most famous library in Britain is that of the British Library in London. It was founded in 1973 and has over 10, 000, 000 books. It has nearly every magazine, newspaper and book published in Britain and other parts across the world. Question: The British Library _ . Options: A: was founded in the seventeenth century B: was famous only for its rich collection of books and magazines C: is famous only for its long history D: was founded in the later 20th century
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A

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Read the article and select the best answer. Article: Have you heard of the following places on Earth that look completely alien? Waiotapu, New Zealand Steam and gases rising through the pool create bubbles of mud, at the site of what was once a volcano. While Waiotapu is a popular tourist spot, visitors are warned to stay on walkways built by the government for fear that they fall through thin crust surfaces and risk being burned by hot geothermal gases or fluids. Rio Tinto, Spain Rio Tinto is a river in southwestern Spain that originates in the Sierra Morena mountains of Andalusia. It flows generally south - southwest, reaching the Gulf of Cadiz at Huelva. As a possible result of the mining, Rio Tinto is notable for being very acidic (pH 2) and its deep red color1 is due to iron dissolved in the water. The Pinnacles, Australia This stretch of desert landscape in Australia's Nambung National Park boasts thousands of weathered rock projections that rise out of yellow sand hills -- some topped by round roofs, while others form sharp-edged columns. The spires , some of which reach 11 feet in height, are limestone formations sculpted by wind, vegetation, rain, sun and time over millions of years. Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii The closest thing on Earth to a Venusian environment may be the smooth, black basalt formations on Hawaii's Big Island. One of the best examples of a Venus-like volcano is Kilauea Volcano, the youngest and southernmost volcano on the island, and one of the world's most active. Since 1952, there have been more than 34 eruptions at Kilauea, which in Hawaiian tradition is the home of Pele, the volcano goddess. Question: Why are people supposed to stay on walkways in Waiotapu? Options: A: Because the fluids below run fast. B: Because you may be burned if not. C: Because walkways' surface is cool. D: Because you may get a good view.
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B