Being thirteen has certain problems that only another thirteen-year-old would understand. The biggest, I think, is learning to get along well with adults. I have found that when dealing with grown-ups, it is wise to remember two things: Always use your head. Never use your head. For instance, one day just before supper, my mother sent me to the store for a loaf of whole-wheat bread. They didn't have any. When I told my mother, she said, "Well, what kind did you get?" I told her I didn't get any. She looked as if I had just announced that I was leaving home for good. "For goodness' sake!" Said, "if they didn't have whole-wheat, you should have got something else! Why don't you use your head?" Not long after that, she sent me to the store for red oilcloth. They didn't have any, so I bought seven yards of purple. I thought it was pretty. Mother didn't. She said, "who ever heard of purple oilcloth in a red kitchen?" I told her I was only trying to use my head. She said, "Well, don't! And in the future, if you can't get what I send you for, don't get anything." See what I mean? There are other things that seem a little strange, too. If my father goes out for the evening, he tells me to "look after" my mother and sister. But if the family goes out, and I want to stay home, my father won't let me. He doesn't feel comfortable if I am home alone. That means I am old enough to "look after" my mother and sister but not old enough to "look after" myself. Another problem is what to do when you trip over the cat and land with your head in the refrigerator, causing a large lump to appear just over the right eyebrow. In that case, your father could feel free to say with a few choice words. Your sister could shed enough tears to dampen the whole room. Your mother could, and probably would, do both. But you? You are thirteen and can't do anything! You are too young to curse , and "big boys" don't cry. So you just stand there looking more stupid than usual. But in spite of all this, I still think thirteen is a wonderful age! The author thinks that his father should allow him to _ . A) go shopping by himself B) stay at home alone C) look after the family D) use his head
B
(Question)
Glasgow Fireworks 25th July 2012 Location: Glasgow Green Tickets: This event is free, and no ticket is required Events:Celebrate Bonfire Night , with Glasgow's famous and splendid musical fireworks show. The night is not just about fireworks though; there will be pre-show music and fun with Clyde 1's Romeo and Knoxy, amusements and food and drink booths. Enough to make sure that everyone is entertained! The timetable: 5:30 pm amusements (ends 9:30pm) 6:30 pm Pre-show music and fun with Clyde 1's Romeo and Knoxy 7:30 pm Fireworks show begins Notice: * Entry is free, and it is usually very busy. Make sure you get there early for a good view (unless you're 7 feet tall). * You should enter Glasgow Green from the west end of the park. There is no other public entry. * If you're driving, please be concerned about road closing time. All roads to Glasgow Green will be closed to vehicles between 5:30 pm and 9:00 pm. * Join our mailing list to stay up to date with all the latest information on www. Glasgow Green. com. Should it be put off or called off, we will keep you informed as soon as possible! For Your Safety * Do not bring fireworks, sparklers, alcohol or pets to the Glasgow Green Fireworks. * Follow the directions of staff and police. * Dress properly - We live in Glasgow and there is always a good chance we will get rubbish weather! Which of the following isn't mentioned in the text? A) Pre-show music. B) Fireworks show. C) Amusements. D) Movies.
(Answer)
D
Scratchy throats, stuffy noses and body aches all spell misery, but being able to tell if the cause is a cold or flu may make a difference in how long the misery lasts. The American Lung Association (ALA) has issued new guidelines on combating colds and the flu , and one of the keys is being able to quickly tell the two apart. That's because the prescription drugs available for the flu need to be taken soon after the illness sets in. As for colds, the sooner a person starts taking over-the-counter remedy, the sooner relief will come. The common cold and the flu are both caused by viruses. More than 200 viruses can cause cold symptoms, while the flu is caused by three viruses - flu A, B and C. There is no cure for either illness , but the flu can be prevented by the flu vaccine, which is, for most people, the best way to fight the flu, according to the ALA. But if the flu does strike, quick action can help. Although the flu and common cold have many similarities , there are some obvious signs to look for. Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, runny nose and scratchy throat typically develop gradually, and adults and teens often do not get a fever. On the other hand, fever is one of the characteristic features of the flu for all ages. And in general, flu symptoms including fever and chills, sore throat and body aches come on suddenly and are more severe than cold symptoms. The ALA notes that it may be particularly difficult to tell when infants and preschool age children have the flu. It advises parents to call the doctor if their small children have flu-like symptoms. Both cold and flu symptoms can be eased with over-the-counter medications as well. However, children and teens with a cold or flu should not take aspirin for pain relief because of the risk of Reye syndrome ,a rare but serious condition of the liver and central nervous system. There is, of course, no vaccine for the common cold. But frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with people who have colds can reduce the likelihood of catching one. Which of the following symptoms will distinguish the flu from a cold? A) A stuffy nose. B) A high temperature. C) A sore throat. D) A dry cough.
B