What is an idiom? An idiom is a group of words which, when used together, has a different meaning from the one which the individual words have. For example, "---How do you know that Sid and Nancy have separated ?" "---I heard it on the grapevine ". Of course, the second speaker does not mean he heard the news about John by putting his ear to a grapevine! He is conveying the idea visually of information spreading around a widespread network, similar to a grapevine. We use idioms to express something that other words do not express as clearly or as cleverly. We often use an image or symbol to describe something as clearly as possible and thus make our point as effectively as possible. For example, "in a nutshell" suggests the idea of having all the information contained within very few words. Idioms tend to be informal and are best used in spoken rather than written English. One of the best ways to learn an idiom is by looking at the context in which it is used. This can be done by concentrating on the rest of the sentence and try to guess the meaning. Many idioms are not that difficult to understand when considered in their context. For example: We are going to have a surprise party for Tom tomorrow. It's a secret so please don't let the cat out of the bag. 'Let the cat out of the bag' is an idiom. Imagine you don't know what this idiom means; by looking at the words preceding, it should be easy to guess that the speaker does not want you to tell Tom about the surprise party. Therefore, 'let the cat out of the bag' must mean something like' reveal a secret' or 'tell a secret'. Which of the following statements is true according to the passage? A) Other words can express something as vividly as idioms. B) Written English with spoken English does not use idioms at all. C) There are plant, food, animal idioms used to express something. D) Contexts play not a bit important part in guessing the meaning of idioms.
C
(Question)
Are you a problem shopper? The answer is "Yes", if you or someone else thinks that you sometimes get carried away with shopping. In other words, do you or does someone else think you are occupied in extreme shopping? If people have regrets later about their shopping, or have an "out-of-control" feeling about the quantities of what they buy or the amount of credit they use, they may be considered to be problem shoppers. Extreme shopping can lead to a more serious problem - addictive shopping. Addictive shoppers feel driven by the desire to shop and spend money. They experience great tension which drives them to shop and spend money and they feel a "rush" during the time they are occupied with the shopping activity. Extreme or addictive shopping may result from long-time unpleasant feelings, of which anxiety, pain and shame are common ones. When we feel bad inside, we often do something to make ourselves feel better. In this case, we often go shopping. A few people shop to relieve their boredom or emptiness. For some people, the motivation is a desire for status, power, beauty or success. Some love to shop as it makes them feel valued in the eyes of the shop assistants. Others shop simply because it makes them forget, at least temporarily, tension, fear or unhappiness in their life. Besides, shopping malls are designed to encourage continual shopping. For instance, there are some malls where you can't see clocks displaying the time because they don't want you to become too aware of the time you spend there. What's more, food courts, coffee shops and restrooms are provided, so you don't have to leave the mall because of your physical needs. Therefore, once you become aware of how market forces work, you will certainly come to control your shopping behavior. For example, how much time you will spend and what areas you will visit can be decided before you enter the mall. Keep a written account of what items you will buy and how much money you will spend. Make a plan for what you are going to buy before you feel... The author writes this passage to _ . A) inform the shopping malls how to attract more shoppers B) tell a shopping story C) scold the problem shoppers D) provide solutions to the problem shopping.
(Answer)
D
Ques:Most people who move to a foreign country or culture may go through some form of culture shock,and its degree is determined by the differences between cultures,the anxiety to adapt to a new culture and the familiarity with a new culture,etc.If you go,for example,to a culture that is far different from your own,you're likely to experience culture shock more sharply than those who move to a new culture knowing the language and the custom of it. It is important to understand and learn how to deal with culture shock if you are to adapt successfully to your new home's cultures.There are four general stages of cultural adjustment,and being aware of them helps you understand that culture shock won't last long.It's just a process you are going through rather than a constant situation. The first stage is usually referred to as "the honeymoon stage".Upon arriving in a new environment,you'll be interested in the new culture.Everything will seem thrilling and everyone will seem friendly and helpful.During this stage you are merely taking in these impressions passively. But it isn't long before the honeymoon stage gives way to the second stage--"the withdrawal stage".The excitement you felt before is gone and problems arise.The language is hard to learn,people are unusual and unpredictable,friends,are hard to make,and simple things like shopping and going to the bank are challenges.It is at this stage that you are likely to feel anxious and homesick,and you will probably find yourself complaining about the new culture or country.This is the stage called "culture shock". At some point,if you can manage it well,you'll begin the transition into the next stage,"the recovery stage",in which you'll feel more confident functioning in the new culture.Customs and traditions are clearer and easier to understand.At this stage,you'll deal with new challenges with humor rather than anxiety. According to the passage,culture shock can be _ . A) dealt with more easily for some people B) reduced by learning the language alone C) avoided by knowing adjustment stages D) got rid of by learning just the custom

Ans:
A