Question: A degree (in full, a degree of arc, arc degree, or arcdegree), usually denoted by (the degree symbol), is a measurement of a plane angle, defined so that a full rotation is 360 degrees.

It is not an SI unit, as the SI unit of angular measure is the radian, but it is mentioned in the SI brochure as an accepted unit. Because a full rotation equals 2 radians, one degree is equivalent to radians.

The original motivation for choosing the degree as a unit of rotations and angles is unknown. One theory states that it is related to the fact that 360 is approximately the number of days in a year. Ancient astronomers noticed that the sun, which follows through the ecliptic path over the course of the year, seems to advance in its path by approximately one degree each day. Some ancient calendars, such as the Persian calendar, used 360 days for a year. The use of a calendar with 360 days may be related to the use of sexagesimal numbers.

Another theory is that the Babylonians subdivided the circle using the angle of an equilateral triangle as the basic unit and further subdivided the latter into 60 parts following their sexagesimal numeric system. The earliest trigonometry, used by the Babylonian astronomers and their Greek successors, was based on chords of a circle. A chord of length equal to the radius made a natural base quantity. One sixtieth of this, using their standard sexagesimal divisions, was a degree. 1. What is degree short for?
2. What is is used for?
3. What is its maximum value?
4. Are there any other units for measuring angles?
5. WHat?
6. And what unit is defined in that system?
7. Are degrees a recent concept, or older?
8. What was an early civilization that used them?
9. What shapmes were important to their math?
10. What number pops up a lot in their math system? Provide a numbered list of answers.
****
A numbered of answers: 1. unknown
2. measurement of a plane angle
3. 360
4. Yes
5. the SI unit
6. the radian
7. older
8. the Babylonians
9. unknown
10. 60

Question: Passage 1

The information Highway is the road that links computer users to a large number of on-line services; the Web, e-mail, and software, to mention just a few. Not long ago, the information Highway was a new road, with not many users. Now, everyone seems to want to take a drive, with over 30 million families connected worldwide. Not surprisingly, this well-traveled highway is starting to look like a well-traveled highway. Traffic jams can cause many serious problems, forcing the system to close down for repair. Naturally, accidents will happen on such a crowed road, and usually victims are some files, gone forever. Then, of course, there's Mr. Cool, with his new broad-band connection, who speeds down the highway faster than most of us can go. But don't trick yourself; he pays for that speeding.

Passage 2

Want to know more about global warming and how you can help prevent it? Doctor Herman Friedman, who is considered a leading expert on the subject, will speak at Grayson Hall next Friday. Friedman studied environmental science at three well-known universities around the world before becoming a professor in the subject. He has also traveled around the world observing environmental concerns. The gradual bleaching of the Grate Barrier Reef, which came into the public eye in 2002, in his latest interest. Signed copies of his colorful book, which was published just last month, will be on sale after his talk. 1. Who is Doctor Friedman?
2. What is his first name?
3. Where is he speaking?
4. When?
5. Where has he studied? Provide a numbered list of answers.
****
A numbered of answers: 1. a leading expert on global warming
2. Herman
3. Grayson Hall
4. next Friday
5. three universities

Question: (CNN) -- South African pair Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel put their Augusta disappointments behind them to impress in the opening round of the Malaysian Open Thursday.

Schwartzel finished 18 shots off the pace in his defense of the U.S. Masters crown, handing over the Green Jacket to Bubba Watson, who beat Oosthuizen in a dramatic playoff Sunday.

Shrugging off jet lag after a 30-hour journey from Georgia to Kuala Lumpur, Schwartzel powered to an eight-under 64 to claim the first day lead.

Oosthuizen, so close to winning a second major title until denied by Watson's brilliance, produced an excellent 66 to be tied for third.

"Louis and I got off to a good fast start at the beginning and it is always nice when there are a couple of you in the group playing well and pulling each other a long a bit," Schwartzel told the official European Tour website.

"Louis is playing so well right that it is impressive to watch and helped me on," he added.

Oosthuizen conjured up six birdies and an eagle to continue the fine form he displayed in the first major of the season.

"It was a long haul getting here," he said.

"I think me and Charl knew the first round, concentration levels won't be great, but we did well.

"I knew the swing was still good. It was just adapting to the weather and the green speed, but I putted beautifully again today and hope to keep it going for the week." 1. Who played in the Malaysian Open?
2. Who do they play for?
3. How did they do?
4. When did they play?
5. Did one of them recently win the U.S. Masters?
6. Who won Masters this year?
7. Who beat Schwartzel to win the Masters this year?
8. Did Schwartzel have a long flight?
9. From where?
10. How long was it?
11. Did he get off to a good start at the Malaysian Open?
12. Who said that?
13. To who?
14. What else did he say was impressive?
15. How many birdies did Louis get?
16. Did he get any eagles?
17. How many? Provide a numbered list of answers.
****
A numbered of answers:
1. Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel
2. South Africa
3. they impressed
4. Thursday
5. yes
6. Charl Schwartzel
7. Bubba Watson
8. yes
9. Georgia
10. 30 hours
11. yes
12. Schwartzel
13. the official European Tour website
14. "Louis is playing so well right that it is impressive to watch and helped me on,"
15. Six
16. yes
17. one