Relax. He is the same little boy you loved yesterday. I smiled trying to hold back the tears. "No, he isn't. Yesterday I dreamed he would be an astronaut. Today I am hoping he will learn to talk." It was like some sort of cosmic joke. I could still recall the day that determined my fate. It was October in Ottawa and the summer breezes had given way to the autumn rainfall of leaves. The snow would begin soon. The crispness of coming frost was in the air. My casually mentioning Wyatt's behavior to Dr. Martin aroused his worries. He started asking me questions about Wyatt's activities speech pattern and emotions. I still see clearly in my mind the cleanness of the room and all its belongings when the doctor turned to me and said, "He almost sounds autistic ." I couldn't face that picture in my mind. I had to run to get away from this all too painful place that was reminding me of what was to be my child's life-being strange. I could not remember how many times I told myself, "This is normal. He is a little boy who is not talking yet," when my asking questions met with his blank-eyed response in a restaurant; how many times I would tell myself, "He loves to play on his own for hours at a time and he never gets into trouble," when Wyatt was playing games that no one else could imagine, let alone join in while other boys in the park were playing together or in small groups played around a sand pail or toy truck. My life was changing direction. So was Wyatt's. I started to hide Wyatt from my friends and neighbor especially from a good friend. It was too painful to let others know about my boy acting strange. It was a Thursday afternoon and I found one half of a great pair of kitchen scissors was missing. They were unbelievably sharp and could be taken apart so they could be washed or the blades sharpened. I knew Wyatt had taken the missing blade. "Wyatt," I began as patiently as I could, "Do you see this?" I held up the blade. "Do you know what this is?" Wyatt put a bunch of Fruit Loops in his mouth. No... What seems to be the solution at the end of the passage? A) Never hiding Wyatt from normal kids. B) Turning to violence in disappointment occasionally. C) Making Wyatt a kind and joyful boy with great care. D) Helping Wyatt learn to talk and become an astronaut.
C
My husband can plan wonderful surprise celebrations for me.Recently,however,I told him I didn't want him to plan one for my upcoming birthday. "Why?" he asked. "I am embarrassed being the center of attention," I quickly explained. Later,I began to think more deeply about this reason. Then I remembered the surprise celebration I had planned for my friend Nancy on her 60th birthday. We were roommates on a threeweek tour following the Silk Road on those famous steppes --and through the mountains--of central Asia. That afternoon we had arrived at our hotel in Samarkand,Uzbekistan. The young man at the hotel desk told me about a bakery about 10 minutes away. After giving me detailed directions,he added,"Your nose will let you know when you arrive there." The temperature was 40 degC.Soon, _ proved to be an unfailing guide. Outside the bakery,a delicious smell greeted me. There were several kinds of breads,cookies,and cakes on display. There were also beautiful iced cakes. I chose a cake topped with powdered sugar. Later at the Karim Bek Restaurant,Nancy didn't see the young waiter walk up the steps with the cake.When I began singing"Happy Birthday,"everyone at our table--except Nancy--joined in. It took her a moment to realize what was happening. Then the grinning guest of honor thanked me,blew out the candles on the cake,and ate three pieces of it. Today,after reliving this experience in my mind,I told my husband to ignore my request.I now understand what a surprise party is about:It is not about having a surprise party but rather the delight in giving it. That is what brings the satisfying joy. Why did the author go to the bakery? A) To get some bread for her journey. B) To experience the local taste in Samarkand. C) To buy a birthday cake for her friend. D) To eat some iced cakes to cool herself down.
C
(Question)
Christmas is long gone. and Valentine's Day is a distant memory. That means it's a slow time for jewelers, and a good time for you to make a purchase. Whether you're out shopping for gold, or silver, here fife a few things you need to know: What determines price? The purity of the metal is one of the elements that determines the price. Gold purity is indicated with a stamp of 10K, 14K, 18K, or 24K. And different countries have their own standards. For example, for a piece to be considered gold in the US, it must be at least 10K. In Britain and Canada: 9K. In Italy and France: l 8K. Anything over l 8K is really too soft for everyday wear. That's why jewelry stores in the US sell mostly 14K. How much can you expect to pay? That depends on the weight of the metal and the gemstone . So keep that in mind, especially when buying online. To keep yourself from _ , ask yourself the following: *How long has the company been around? *What is its return policy? * Is the jewelry featured on the website visible from all directions? * Is the company transparent with the gram weights and the size of the gemstones? Yellow gold? White? Rose? Yes, it's confusing, and while this is largely a personal decision, there fife a few things to keep in mind. For starters. white or rose gold costs about l 0% more than yellow gold. If you want the "look for less", consider gold. plated jewelry. "Gold plated" and "gold overlay" mean the same thing and guarantee a thicker layer of finish than "vermeil" which is a flash finish that is thinner and less consistent, but more affordable. Buy vermeil finished pieces you want for a season or two just to follow the fashion. For pieces you want to wear for a lifetime, solid gold is best. What about sterling silver ? Sterling silver has been. an alternative for white gold during the difficult economy, and while it used to be more popular with just the younger these days it has much more mass appeal. So much so that retailers are now offering fine gemstones with silver--something you used to see only... Which of the following is relatively good for only wearing a short time? A) A 14K necklace. B) A gold-plated ring. C) A vermeil ear ring. D) A gemstone necklace.
(Answer)
C