Scrooge looked around him angrily. It was Christmas and his only friend Jacob Marley, had been dead for seven years. What was there for him to celebrate? He listened with growing anger to the people calling out greetings in the street and _ his nephew Bob Cratchit, who was just ready to go home. "Merry Christmas, uncle," called Bob as he hurried out of the door. Scrooge sighed. He might just as well go to bed. Aware that he should not waste his candle, he quickly undressed and climbed into bed. But no sooner had he done so than the ghost of Marley, covered in chains, appeared. "What's the matter, Jacob?" he asked. "There are the chains I made in my life," answered the ghost. "I'm forced to wander around with no rest and no peace. I have come here to warn you that if you do not change, this too will be your fate. You will be visited by three spirits. Expect the first one tomorrow when the clock strikes one. Expect the second and the third on the following nights at the same hour." With that Marley vanished. "Nonsense!" he said and going back to bed, fell fast asleep. When Scrooge awoke it was dark. The clock struck one. At the sound, light flashed into the room and there stood a young boy. "Who are you?" asked Scrooge in an unsteady voice. "I'm the spirit of Christmas past," replied the spirit. "Come with me." "Do you remember this?" he asked. Scrooge did. He heard the happy cries of people, and looking around he found himself, as he used to be, sitting on a chair and reading. It was a Christmas. Suddenly Scrooge watched his younger self joined in a band, dancing and laughing. "Strange," said the spirit, "that such little things should make people so happy." The ghost let him go and Scrooge sank down into a deep sleep. When he awoke again the second night, the clock sounded one again. Before he doubted the second spirit already turned up. The fat and jolly spirit was smiling,"I'm the spirit of Christmas present."Again Scrooge grasped the spirit's hand and was transported to a small house filled with a number... Which of the following saying best describes the passage? A) No pains, no gains. B) Actions speak louder than words. C) A friend in need is a friend indeed. D) It will pay to be kind to others.
D
I had about 10 minutes to exercise before I had to pick up my two older daughters from school yesterday. It was a busier day than usual for me with a couple of meetings besides my regular work. Years ago, I would have put off my workout and would have left things for the next day. But since it was a busy day as well, I knew that I may not have all that much time either. So, I picked up my kettle-bell and _ for 4 minutes. See, 4 minutes, if that's all you've got, is enough to give your body a great fat-burning exercise. How did I get a killer workout in 4 minutes? I used a training workout discovered 10 years ago by a Japanese Sports Scientist called a TABATA. It includes 20-second periods of warm-up, followed by 10-second periods of rest and 4-minute straight exercise. How is a 4-minute exercise able to burn fat? It all depends on the quality of work you do. Not on the quantity. Here's how I did it yesterday. You should never forget your warm-up. A TABATA workout is 20 seconds of 2-arm Kettle-bell swings, 10 seconds rest, 20 seconds push-ups, and 10 seconds rest. You should do those 4 rounds. That's it. I was done in a total time of 8 minutes by the time and when I got to school my heart was still pumping pretty hard. A healthy body is needed for studying and working, and efficiency is the key to building a great body in the least amount of time possible and you can't get more efficient than a 4-minute workout. We can learn from the passage that the author _ . A) is busy with his work B) has a weak body now C) has two children in all D) is a manager in a film
A
TOURNAMENT OF ROSES ----5 Days Los Angeles Day 1 Los Angeles.( Sun.Dec.30) Welcome to Los Angeles! This evening mixes with your traveling friends at the welcome reception. Day 2 Los Angeles.( Mon.Dec.31) Head to Pasadena for the always colorful ROSE BOWL FAMILY FESTIVAL and watch the floats decorated with tens of thousands of flowers.This afternoon, you can take the included visit to the GETTY MUSEUM.This evening, join your travelling friends at a special New Year's Eve DINNER AND DANCE GALA , complete with hats, party favors and live music.You'll toast the New Year a little early tonight to consider an early morning departure to the Rose Parade. Day 3 Los Angeles.Tournament of Roses Parade ( Tue.Jan.1) Happy New Year! Get ready for one of the world's most popular parades, and you'll see it live! Globus has booked the GRANDSTAND SEATS at the beginning of the parade route for a good view.See the wonderful colorful floats, marching bands from around the world, and the famous people. Day 4 Los Angeles.( Wed.Jan.2) This morning view the individual floats in the POST PARADE VIEWING AREA.For many this is the most exciting part of the entire event.Be sure to bring your camera and plenty of film! Another special dinner tonight--a special GLOBUS FAREWELL CELEBRATION DINNER. Day 5 Los Angeles.( Thu.Jan.3) The tour ends today, with tour guests departing on individual schedules. What activity can visitors enjoy on Dec.31? A) Tournament of Rose Parade. B) A farewell celebration dinner. C) Post parade viewing area. D) A dinner and dance gala.
D