The economy has developed a lot while the Internet is still not fully used in China. A study shows that about two-thirds of typical Chinese Internet users use the computer for news, often entertainment-related, or for online games, music or movies, all can be downloaded for free. Most prefers messages to e-mail, seldom makes online shopping at all. Although they are now depending on the Internet more often than before to communicate with others who have the same professions, hobbies and political interests, online shopping still remains unpopular in China. Three-quarters of users surveyed have never bought anything over the Internet, and only 10 percent do shopping even once a month. Among those who do buy online, most pay for entertainment while others buy phone cards, or computer hardware or software. "Many people don't trust the quality of goods bought online," the researcher said, "If they buy it in a store and don't like it, they can easily bring it back." The survey was done in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Changsha. Results do not necessarily project countrywide because Internet use in the countryside is lower than in cities. The study showed that the typical netizens in the five cities are richer and more highly educated. Males make up two-thirds of the group, and more than 80 percent of users are under 24.Surprisingly, with the ages increase, the percentage decreases. China has more than 200 million people online, however, forty-two percent say they do not use search engines. Others seek entertainment news, as well as information useful for work or study on line. Baidu. com was used by half of those surveyed, compared with a quarter for Google, the leading search engine in the United States. Online purchases still remain unpopular in China mainly because _ . A) many people don't trust the quality of online goods because it is more difficult for sales returns B) most people haven't got computers C) people can't have a look at the goods D) goods bought online are of low quality
A
With the popularity ofHarry Potter novels, the number of children applying to boarding schools has risen, many of them hoping to find their own version of Hogwarts. However, others have interpreted this trend as a reaction to longer working hours and the break up of more marriages. The boarding schools of fiction are presented as one long midnight feast with pillow fights making firm friendships. However, some people say the reality is children having more homesickness and a lack of individual attention. Modern boarding schools have done much to get rid of the image of the mass dormitories with 40 or more beds in one room, some going as far as providing private rooms with bathrooms. Similarly, they make great announcements for their academic advantage, particularly in light of the increase in exams, homework and university entrance requirements facing children wishing to succeed in the modern world. Alongside these more conventional schools, two types of boarding schools have also become more popular recently. Sports academies and stage schools seek to cater for children with particular interests and talents, while so-called troubled-teens have been able to turn to a range of religious or wilderness schools to solve their problematic behavior. Boarding schools allow children a safe space in which to accomplish greater control and independence over their daily lives. Teachers and staff can look after and support but they are unlikely to be over-protective. This can be a great preparation for university or for working away from home in later life as it provides an intermediate step between childhood and full independence. However, parents are a child's most natural support and best role models to learn from. If they are separated from them for long periods of time, this may damage their relationship and leave the child feeling anxious or alone. Schools are unlikely to be able to copy the detailed knowledge of each individual child that a parent has and therefore cannot be as effective in supporting the... What is the author's opinion of boarding schools? A) Neutral B) Negative C) Positive D) Critical
A
Q: About a year ago, if you had asked who Dinara Safina was the answer would have been: "She is Marat. Safin's younger sister." Back then she was overshadowed by her wonder brother. But now she has made a name for herself: the world No. 1 player in women's tennis. The 22-year-old Russian. will overtake Serena Williams of the prefix = st1 /USfor top ranking on April 20. "Before, every place I go, I am Marat's sister. Nothing else," she told New York Times. "I always wanted to be myself, and now finally the results are coming, and people can know me as Dinara Satina." Safina has made it to two great event finals, in the 2008 French and in this year's Australian Open, and won a silver medal in the Beijing Olympic Games. Clearly; family isn't the only connection Safina's and her brother share. Both of their DNA burns with competitive fire. Satin has held the distinction for years of being a hot tempered player on Court. When he lost his temper, he would break a racket . Safina is as emotionally explosive as her brother. A headline in the newspaper The Australian once described her as "mad as a snake". The Sydney Morning Herald, during the Australian Open, summed up Safina's volatile emotional state with the headline: "Satina goes from basket case to top of the world." It's not rare for a family to have two top tennis players. Safina's father owns a tennis academy and her mother worked as a coach. "I had no choice but to become a tennis player, but I don't mind being a tennis player," Safina said. From this talented family she is also given one of her best weapons on court, her size. She is 1.82 meters tall and Weighs 70 kg. But it is hard work that led her to her recent Success. "I hope to prove to everyone over the coming months that I deserve the honor of being world No. 1," she said. What is the passage mainly about? A) How Safina came first in world women's tennis. B) How the parents taught Safina to play tennis. C) How her brother helped Safina play tennis. D) How Safina beat her brother in playing tennis.
A: A
Welcome to Australia The Great Outdoors Australia is the world's oldest continent and indigenous Australians have one of the world's oldest culture. In Australia you will see unique plants and animals and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.Many parks have information centres offering advice on where to go, what to see and how to see it--for both your personal safety and to protect our sensitive, natural environment. Banks and Money Matters Banks are generally open between 9:30am and 4pm on Monday to Thursday and 9:30am and 5pm on Friday. Foreign currency or traveller's cheques can be changed at all banks and some of the larger hotels.There are currency exchange facilities at all international airports. _ Take care! Our sunlight is very strong and you can get sunburnt. For best sun protection, it is advisable to wear: l A broad-brimmed hat l A shirt with a collar and sleeves l Sunscreen with high protection factor. Swimming We have so many beautiful places to swim--beaches, lakes, rivers and creeks. l Many of our waters are safe for swimming, but if you have any doubts, ask before entering the water. l Most of our popular ocean beaches have patrols with life-saving service.Red and yellow flags mark the area that you are advised to swim within. l If there are no flags and no life guards on the beach, talk to local people about the best areas to swim. Staying Safe on the Roads l Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road. l For safety, everyone in the car, including children, must wear a seat belt. l Motor cyclists and bicyclists are required to wear a helmet. l Watch out for native animals crossing the roads, especially at night.Road signs are erected in places where animals are commonly seen. How can you ensure your safety when swimming? A) You can swim in whichever lake you like B) You should swim with the life guard. C) You can swim where there are red flags. D) Always find a local person to ask about how to swim.
C