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Question: One of the keys to being successful is persistence .Once you have determined exactly what you want to achieve, you must take active action in order to succeed. One of the things you'll notice on your journey towards your goal are roadblocks. That is, you will come across obstacles to discourage your progress. Actually, they are a part of life. Everyone would have every success they ever wanted if there were no obstacles. Your job is to be persistent and work through those obstacles. If you find little or no obstacles along the way, chances are that you are not really challenging yourself. And when you do reach your goal, you won't experience the feeling of "sweet success". Make your goal a challenging one! If you take the time to study any successful person, you will learn that the vast majority of them have had more "failures" than they have had "successes". This is because successful people are persistent; the more they stumble and fall, the more they get right back up and get going again. On the other hand, people that don't get back up and try again, never reach success. For example, Walt Disney was turned down 302 times before he got financing for his dream of creating the "Happiest Place on Earth". Today, due to his persistence, millions of people have shared "the joy of Disney". Having known these facts, keep in mind that you must constantly reevaluate your circumstances and the approach you are using to reach your goal. There is no sense in being persistent at something that you are doing incorrectly! Sometimes you have to modify your approach along the way. Every time you do something you learn from it, and therefore find a better way to do it the next time. Today is the day to begin your journey, using consistency and persistency, towards tomorrow's successes! What must you reevaluate constantly? Options: A. Attitudes and skills. B. Circumstances and ways. C. Roadblocks and challenges. D. Failures and successes. Answer:

B

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Question: BEIJING--- A series of earthquakes shook two rural provinces in southwest China on Friday, killing at least 80 people and damaging 20,000 homes, a provincial official said. The _ hit Yunnan and adjoining Guizhou provinces, both rice-growing areas. The magnitude of the earthquakes ranged from 4.8 to 5.8 , according to Qiu Yu, an official at the Yunnan Provincial Civil Affair Bureau. The web site of the provincial Yunnan government said more than 100,000 people had been evacuated from their homes in Yunnan, a province known for its scenic beauty and ethnic diversity. In the town of Luozehe, a rice-and tobacco-growing area in northeastern Yunnan, 31 people were killed, Mr. Qiu said. The earthquake was so violent that rocks from landslides crushed cars in Luozehe,. A water company worker, Tan Xuewen, said in an interview. "Suddenly we felt the strong earthquake," Mr. Tan said. "Huge rocks fell off the mountain. I immediately took an old person and began to run." The local government authorities ordered people out of their homes that are spread across the hills of a mountain valley, and told them to gather in public square. At the tiny primary school in Luozehe, the teacher, Ma Decai, said his 11 students aged 9 to 12 were eating lunch in the dining room when the earthquake hit. "Dirt dropped from the ceiling into our bowls and cooking pots," Mr. Ma said. "The students abandoned their meal and ran out of the room." As he tried to prepare a new lunch for the students, aftershocks struck the building. Large cracks appeared in the mud and stone schoolhouse, and the toilet collapsed. In neighboring Guizhou Province, authorities said they knew of no casualties. But homes in rural Guizhou often built of wood and mud are usually constructed on hillsides, and provincial authorities there said some homes had been damaged or destroyed. Tents, blankets and coats were being sent to the region, the official Xinhua news agency said. From the passage, we can know after the disaster people in Luozehe _ . Options: A. found at least 50 people killed and 20,000 homes damaged B. were asked to stay in their homes or climb high mountains C. found that huge rocks fell off the high mountain and some people died D. were not able to get enough food to eat and had to starve Answer:

C

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Question: The Time Machine This move is based on a science fiction story. A scientist and inventor decides to prove that time travel is possible. He wants to change the past. To test his idea, he travels 800000 years into the future with the help of his own invention -- a time machine... It will be put on in the National Theatre on Aug. 25thto 29th. E.T A group of aliens visit the earth and one of them, E.T.. gets lost and is left on this planet. He is found by a 10--year--old boy, Elliot. Soon the two begin to communicate and start a different kind of friendship .E.T. want to go home, but if Elliot helps him, he'll lose a friend...It'll be shown in the National Theatre on Aug. 26thto 30th. Mission to Mars In the year 2020A.D., a mysterious storm kills all but one crew member of the first manned mission to Mars. A rescue mission is Iaunched... It will be on in the National Theatre on Sep. 1st TO Sth. ,A, B, C, D,. We can see them on _ Options: A. a poster of movie B. a guide book C. a story book D. a science book Answer:

A

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Question: If you want a little extra security against thieves stealing your bicycle, designer Dennis Siegel has designed a solution. The RFID Bikealarm is attached to the seat on a bicycle and gives off an alarm when it senses movement. "The RFID Bikealarm is meant to be a useful add-on to mechanical bicycle locks because it greatly extends the range of protection with only a few components," Siegel explains on his website. "It is low-cost, durable and easy to use." The Bikealarm was designed as part of Siegel's Bachelor's degree thesis at the University of the Arts Bremen in Germany. The device will scare off any would-be thieves the moment they begin to steal the bicycle to which it is attached. It is able to continuously sense the environment to distinguish between specific events, for instance a passing tram / car and a serious theft. Siegel created a working model of an alarm that would sound when it sensed movement, but wasn't initially sure how it would be best attached to a bicycle. "I decided to mount it to the rails of the seat because it allows for comfortable interaction and the position is less obvious as it looks like a small repair kit," he says. Siegel chose to use RFID technology rather than Bluetooth to keep the costs down. Siegel explains that the most difficult aspect of creating the alarm was to get the electronic circuit down to a small enough size. The device runs off a kind of battery that can be charged by USB within 2 hours and lasts for a few days with normal use. As the Bikealarm is only at development stage, Siegel hasn't signed any agreements to put it on the market. What do we know about the RFID Bikealarm? Options: A. It can't tell between specific events. B. It is very difficult to use. C. It uses a kind of battery for power. D. It depends on Bluetooth technology. Answer:

C

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Question: When newspapers and radio describe the damage caused by a hurricane named Hazel,girls named Hazel are probably teased by their friends.To keep out of trouble,the Weather Bureau says, "Any _ between hurricane names and the names of particular girls is purely accidental. " Some women became angry because hurricanes are given their names,but many other women are proud to see their names make headlines.They don't even care that they are the names of destructive storms. Because more women seem to like it than dislike it,the Weather Bureau has decided to continue using girls' names for hurricanes. In some ways a hurricane is like a person.After it is born,it grows and develops, then becomes old and dies.Each hurricane has a character of its own.Each follows its own path through the world,and people remember it long after it has gone.So it is natural to give hurricanes names,and to talk about them almost as if they were alive. According to passage, which is more reasonable? Options: A. Some women feel unhappy because hurricanes are given their names. B. A lot of women complain of the Weather Bureau. C. Many women want to be known. D. All the hurricanes are caused by women. Answer:

A

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Question: Laughter Yoga is a unique technique invented by Dr Kataria, a doctor from India, by which you can learn to "Laugh for No Reason". You don't even need a sense of humor, no funny jokes or comedy programs -- just a willingness to laugh -- and in the present climate everyone needs to laugh more. Laughter Yoga is a combination of Laughter Exercises and Yogic Breathing, so that you increase the amount of oxygen in your body while being playful, resulting in you feeling healthier, energetic and alive. This actually changes the physical conditions of your body so that you start to feel happier. Laughter Yoga is generally done in groups although it can be practiced alone. When you make eye contact with someone and you're both willing to laugh, the laughter is increased. However, we do say that you can "Fake it, fake it till you make it" because the body doesn't know the difference between fake and true laughter; as long as you're willing to laugh you'll experience the same health benefits. Laughter Yoga started in a park in Mumbai in 1995 with just 5 participants, and now there're over 6,000 laughter clubs in 60 different countries -- showing the willingness of the world to laugh together. In the UK, Julie was one of the first people to train as a Laughter Leader with Dr Kataria in June 2002. In 2006 she was awarded Laughter Ambassador for her selfless service to promote Laughter Yoga. "Yoga has been part of my life for 30 years but 7 years ago my life changed when I discovered Laughter Yoga. I believe laughter and yoga are both good for your health," says Julie. Why do people practicing Laughter Yoga laugh a lot? Options: A. They have a sense of humor. B. They are amused by jokes. C. They are willing to laugh. D. They can't help laughing a lot. Answer:

C

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Question: Urban citizens can enjoy a more colorful life than rural citizens.Townspeople are wellinformed because they have the easier access to news,while country people are uniformed because these districts are hard to get to.Urban traffic is so welldeveloped that the residents there often visit exhibitions and parks which are only a short bus ride away. For country people this is a major operation which involves considerable planning.Shopping,a necessary activity in everyday life is more convenient in the city than in the countryside. Townspeople can buy what they want at any time of a day.But rural residents go to town at most once a week.So after shopping they always stagger home loaded with heavy purchases. As for as meals and clothes concerned,townspeople are wellfed and welldressed as there is an adequate supply of goods.But rural residents are too busy to pay particular attention to them.It is for these reasons that more and more people are moving into the city and looking for a rest there. On the contrary,some people are attracted by the rural area.Air pollution,noise and overcrowding which are the biggest problems confronting townspeople seem strange for rural residents.Medical studies have proved that rural residents can live longer than urban residents, because they are free from a polluted environment. In addition,the crime rate in the city is several times higher than in the countryside.As is known to all,the life in any city is much more expensive than in the countryside.So the safe, quiet and cheap life in the country appeals to(......)many city residents. Either an urban or a rural area gives pleasure and trouble.But,I believe,the suburban area has the excellencies of both and is superior to both.As the automobile industry develops,more and more people will make their homes in suburban areas. For rural residents,the problems the urban citizens facing are _ . Options: A. common B. unfamiliar C. wellknown D. unimportant Answer:

B

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Question: People think being an artist must be a wonderful way to earn one's living. And of course, there are lots of great things about working for oneself, at home alone, even in a cold studio like mine. What I really like is that nobody tells me what time to start in the morning. I like to paint as soon as I wake up, which is always early, but isn't the same time every day. And nobody tells me what to wear or whether I can take the afternoon off and go to a football match. But then, I have no one to chat with when I'm bored, no one to discuss last night's match with during the office lunch hour. Sure, I can spend the afternoon doing something I enjoy like cycling or gardening if I choose. But the work will still be there when I do finally get back home. Unfortunately, working at home means that people can always find me, whether I'm bored or not, and once I've answered the doorbell, it's too late -- my thoughts have been interrupted. No one would dream of calling in if I worked in an office, but I find myself listening to friends' troubles. As they talk, my ideas disappear and I feel increasingly stressed thinking of my work waiting to be done. However, when I hear the traffic news on the radio, and imagine my friends sitting miserably in their cars in a jam, feeling bored, or waiting unhappily for an overcrowded train in the rain, I realize that I really haven't got much to complain about. I find a CD which will start me thinking, turn it up really loudly and begin another picture. Which of these notices would be the most useful for the writer to put on his door? Options: A. I'm working -- please don't disturb. B. Please knock before entering. C. I'm listening to music -- join me. D. Come in and have a chat. Answer:

A

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Question: "I was only thirteen when four of my team members and I were chosen by my swim coach to train with the Chinese National Team. The following piece shows how that experience has influenced me." The night before I left for China, my mother called me into her room. I entered not knowing what to expect. I sat down at the end of her very neatly-made bed, opposite the bedroom table on which she kept a Ming-style vase illustrated in great detail. She told me that my great-grandmother was still living in the surroundings of Beijing. Her name was Ren Li Ling and she was 97 years old. This was the first time I had ever heard of her. The dragon on the vase snaked through the flowers and vines as my mother said, "Pu Pu, look at me. You need to hear this so that when you go to China you will understand. You must keep this knowledge in your heart." She told me a story about my grandfather, Ren Li Ling's son, who left Beijing to go to college in Taiwan. She told me how the Chinese civil war kept him away from his mother for fifty years, so neither of them even knew that the other was alive. No one from Taiwan could visit, write, or call anyone in mainland. All lines of communication were cut off. She told me of my grandfather's devotion to his own children, and how difficult it was for him to send his daughter to America for her education, fearing that same separation. He gave my mother all that he could give -- nineteen years of love and fifty years of savings. I learned how my mother, through means only available in this country, would finally be able to unite my great-grandmother with my grandfather again. The dragon curled around the vase, connecting the separate vines. For a fleeting second, I felt it was present in my mother's room. It was all very strange, yet very clear. I began to understand that this trip to China was not just for me; it was for my mother, and her father, and his mother. Now, I had not only a future, but more significantly, a past. I saw the world with new eyes. And so I went to China and met my great-grandmother. My great-aunt picked me up at the training center, and we rode in a taxi through the crowded city. The noise of the taxi and the city united into a deep roar. We finally stopped in front of a narrow street lined on either side with small one-level houses. As we made our way to a house like all the others, I drew the stares of many people in the street. My great-aunt led me through a rotting doorway into a room with a furnace , table, and a rocking chair where an old woman wearing gloves sat facing the doorway, covered with a worn brown blanket. I walked over and immediately embraced this frail woman as if I had known her all my life. My limited, broken Chinese wasn't up to expressing my complicated feelings. And even though I couldn't completely understand what she was saying in her thick Beijing accent, I knew -- the same way I knew what my mother had been trying to tell me before I left. Her joy shone through her toothless smile. She wouldn't let go of my hand. I haltingly asked her how she had managed to live such a long life. She answered in words I will never forget, "Hope has kept me alive. I have lived this long because I wanted to see my son before I died." My fellow team members must have wondered how two people separated by three generations could be so close. Before this trip, I would have wondered the same thing. And even now, I can't quite explain it. We were as different as two people can be; some 85 years and 8,000 miles apart. We came from two entirely different cultures; yet we were connected by a common heritage . I stayed for dinner which was cooked in a black iron wok over the furnace. The meal was lavish , prepared in my honor. As I began to eat, with my great-grandmother beside me, I felt the dragon was present. But this time, the feeling didn't pass; the dragon had become a part of me. My great-grandmother passed away last year at the age of 100. With her highest hopes and wildest dreams fulfilled, I know she died happy. The writer's mother called him into her room to _ . Options: A. prepare him for the trip and warn him against possible problems B. remind him of his origin C. ask him to look for his great-grandmother D. share with him the story of her childhood Answer:

B

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Question: You've probably known the crazy traffic in Beijing. Sometimes the cars could hardly move for a long time. The terrible traffic is caused by the poor road and China's ability to cope with so many cars on the road at the same time. With more Chinese people buying cars every day, the problem seems to only get worse. But a design company called Shenzhen Hashi Future Parking Equipment has a possible solution: the super bus. The super bus would carry up to 1,400 people in its passenger compartment . It would travel on a rail system that would be elevated above the roads, so cars could drive under it. The bus will run on electricity and solar power, creating far less pollution than that from the cars it would be replacing . Beijing authorities haven't decided whether to create railways for the super bus throughout the city. But they are willing to give it a test drive. Later 2010, the company will test for the first time and in 2011 and 2012, the company will test the super bus with passengers. According to the government, Beijing is probably to have five million cars on the road by the end of 2010. So it seems to be necessary to start taking the bus instead soon. Which is TRUE about the super bus according to the passage? Options: A. The super bus will travel above the roads. B. The super bus will produce more pollution. C. The super bus will only hold several people. D. The super bus is very small. Answer:

A

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Question: Russian dances: The famous "Little White Birth" Dance Troupe will travel from prefix = st1 /Russiato present performances inBeijing. The troupe, founded in 1948, is famous for their combination of Russian folk dances and classical dancing art. It has been invited by the Beijing Foreign Culture Exchange Co to give four performances in Beijing. Tickets are available through ticket hotlines and website such as www. paio. com. cn, www. chinaticket, com and www. ticket, elong. com. Time: 7: 30 pm, January 18 - 21 Place: Beizhan Theatre, 135, Xiwai Dajie, Xicbeng District Tel: 6606-4258 EXHIBITIONS Kite show: All together 81 kites collected by the ChinaNational Art Museum is on show in theYanhuangArt Museum. Kong Xiangze, an expert on Chinese kites, published a book on kites, explaining the origins of the Kite-making process. The exhibited kites arc made in a traditional Chinese style. Time: 9 am-5 pm until February 11 Place: 9 Huizhong Lu Tel: 6491-2902 CONCERTS Folk music: A concert of classics of Chinese folk music will greet audiences on the first day of the Year of Snake at the Beijing Concert Hall. The China Song and Dance Ensemble will perform dozens of traditional instrumental pieces, such as "Full of Joy", "Colourful Cloud Chasing the Moon." and "Spring Festival Suite." Time: 7: 30 pm, January 24 Place: 1, Beixinhuajie, Xicheng District Tel: 6559-8285 EVENTS Flower festival: The Beijing Botanical Garden is bringing people a blooming festival with the beautiful flowers in its tropical plants greenhouse. The garden has introduced nearly 80 kinds of flowers abroad for the exhibition. There is also an exhibition of potted narcissus landscapes. More than 300 mini landscapes involving imported narcissus will be displayed, people can get a preview of the show by visiting www. beijingbd, com, the garden's website. Time: 8:30 am-5 pm until January 28 Place: Wofosi Lu near the Fragant Hills Tel: 8259-5547 Suppose you are too far away from Beijingor you can't spare time to go there in person, which of the following show can you enjoy all the same? Options: A. Russian dances B. Kite show C. Folk music D. Flower festival Answer:

D

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Question: Edward Sims was born in 1892. He was the fifth child and only son of Herbert and Dora Sims. Herbert was a blacksmith , and had a thriving trade making horseshoes. He was determined that his first-born son would follow him into the blacksmith. For this reason, Edward had to leave school at the age of 12,and worked with his father. However, Edward was _ a blacksmith. Although he has an athletic body, he didn't have strong arms like his father, and he felt dizzy in the heat of the smithy. When he tried to find alternative employment, he found it difficult because he had never learnt to read or write. One day, he went for an interview at a solictior's office. The job was a runner, taking documents from the office to other offices in the city. The solicitor was pleased to see that Edward was physically fit, but when he discovered that the young man couldn't read or write, he decided against employing him. "How can you deliver documents to other offices," he asked, "if you can't read the addresses on them?" Bitterly disappointed, Edward left the building and went to wait for a tram to take him back to the suburb where his father's smithy was. Next to the bus stop, a man was selling newspapers from a stand . "Excuse me, son?" he said. "Would you look after my stand for a moment?" For the next 20 minutes, Edward sold newspapers, lots of them. When the man came back, he was so delighted with his new assistant's honesty, that he offered him a job. Edward took it immediately. In the next few months, the two men progressed from working on newspaper stands to selling newspapers, tobacco,confectionery and other goods in a shop. Then they opened a second shop, and a third. Eventually, they had a chain of 25 shops in three cities. Edward became very rich, so he employed a tutor to teach him to read and write. The tutor was amazed at what Edward had achieved. "Imagine what you could do if you'd been able to read and write when you were younger!" he said. "Yes!" said Edward. "I could have run myself to exhaustion delivering documents for a solicitor!" What would be the best title for the text? Options: A. Success of illiterate newsboy B. Local blacksmith becomes famous C. The thriving trade of the blacksmith D. Reading and writing-the road to success Answer:

A

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Question: Do you love holidays but hate the increase weight that follows? You are not alone. Holidays are happy days with pleasure and delicious foods . Many people , however , are worried about the weight that comes along with the delicious foods . With proper planning , though , it is possible to control your weight . The idea is to enjoy the holidays but not to eat too much . You don't have to turn away from the foods that you enjoy . The following suggestions may be of some help to you . Do not miss meals . Before you leave home for a feast ,have a small , low-fat snack . This may help to keep you from getting too excited before delicious foods . Begin with clear soup and fruit or vegetables . A large glass of water before you eat may help you feel full . Use a small plate ; a large plate will encourage you to have more than enough . Better not have high-fat foods . Dishes that look oily or creamy have much fat in them . Choose lean meat . Fill your plate with salad and green vegetables. If you have a sweet tooth , try mints and fruits .They don't have fat content as cream and chocolate. Don't let exercise take a break during the holidays. A 20-minute walk after a meal can help burn off excess calories . Many people can't help putting weight after the holidays because they _ Options: A. can't control themselves B. go to too many feasts C. enjoy delicious foods D. can't help turning away from the foods Answer:

A

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Question: One night, I was sitting in my room half listening as my 15-year-old brother Tommy fought with my 12-year-old brother Kevin. I didn't pay attention when Kevin rushed up the stairs with the hurt on his face. About 20mintes later, as I was walking up-stairs I heard Kevin crying inside the bathroom. I knocked on the door and asked, "Hey, Kevin, do you want to talk?" No answer. I tried again, "Why don't you come out of there?" Again, on answer. I tried again, "Why don't you come out of there?" Again, on answer. So, looking around, I grabbed a stack of cards and a pencil and wrote, "if you don't want to talk, we can write notes to each other.." An hour later, I was still sitting on the floor outside the bathroom with two stacks of cards in front of me. One was blank and one was cards from Kevin on which he had translated all his _ feeling into words for me. As I read one of Kevin's notes, tears came to my eyes. It said, "No-body in this family cares about me. I'm not the youngest, and I'm not the oldest. Tommy thinks I'm silly and Dad wishes he had the other Kevin as a kid because he's better at basketball. And you're never around to even notice me." Tears came to my eyes as I wrote back to him. "You know Kevin, I really do love you and I'm sorry I don't always show it . I am here for you and you are loved in this family." There was no answer for a while, but then I heard a tearing sound coming from inside the bathroom. Kevin, who had run out of words wrote on a torn paper cup. "Thanks." I wrote back, "For what?" It returned to me with "Loving me." On it. Since then, I try my best to never only half-notice my family members any more. Kevin and I have a closer relationship now. And sometimes when one of us notices that the other is upset, we'll smile and say "Write it on a paper cup." ,. What does the writer want to tell us? Options: A. It's important to keep peace in the family. B. It's hard to get on well with family members. C. Everyone should show how they love their family members. D. Everyone should hide their love deeply. Answer:

D

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Question: The communication union Head of Research Salary:PS55.271 We are looking for a Head of Research to manage the CWU Research Department and Information Centre. You would be required to exercise control of all research work of the department and manage a team of three researchers and four support staff. The person appointed would be expected to carry out research work of a strategic nature across the range of businesses in which the CWU has or seeks membership and to contribute to the strategic thinking and direction of the union as a whole. You will need: proven line management skills, especially in managing and motivating a team; good research skills, holding a good degree in a related subject or other similar experience; a high level of mathematical and calculating skills; the ability to produce high quality work under pressure; a commitment to and knowledge of the trade union movement and social democratic politics; and knowledge and/ or experience of the postal and/ or telecommunications industry. To apply, please request an application pack by emailing _ .org or by telephoning HR( Human Resources ) on 020 8971 7482. When applying please state your source. Closing Date for Applications: 4thAugust 2010 Anticipated interview date: 17thAugust 2010 No agencies please In which column of a newspaper could we find this advertisement? Options: A. Arts. B. Sales. C. Jobs. D. News. Answer:

C

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Question: The Government should raise taxes on air travel and high-polluting cars in order to help the environment, an important committee of MPs has said. It also said that the 70 mph speed limit on motorways should be reduced or enforced to bring down the amount of carbon dioxide given off by cars The House of Common Enviromental Audit committee's latest report said that transport was the only sector of the UK where carbon _ have continued to rise since 1990. It said it was time for the Government to make demand for cheap air impossible by raising air passenger tax. Emissions from air traffic have risen by 5 times as much since 1900 and are continuing to rise. The committee welcomed the recent introduction of changed car tax, which means that the lowest-carbon cars pay no road tax, while gas-guzzling 4x4s pay an increased rate of PS210. However, the MPs say it doesn't go far enough and are calling for a top limit of PS1,800 with lower limit of PS200. Committee chairman Tim Yeo said : "Air travel in particular is the fastest growing source of CO2, with emissions more than five times since 1900. The Government should take much more decisive action to reduce the difference of income favor of trains, buses, and lower carbon cars and lorries." Friends of the Earth's senior organizer Tony Bosworth said: "Emissions from transport are still rising and forecasts suggest they will carry on rising for years to come." "Tinkering around the edges is no longer enough to deal with the greatest threat the world faces." A spokesman for the Department for Transport said: "Dealing with carbon emissions in transport is a key problem." Which of the following is the best title for the passage? Options: A. Transport is the biggest polluter B. Raise taxes on air travel and high-polluting cars C. Deal with greatest threat the world faces D. Air travel in particular is the fastest growing sources of CO2 Answer:

A

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Question: By attaching to sharks, remora fish eat the scraps of food left behind when the sharks feed. If remoras were not able to attach to sharks, they would most likely Options: A. attach to boats. B. not be able to survive. C. find another source of food. D. not need to eat anymore. Answer:

B

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Question: You may have noticed that the world's population is not evenly distributed around our planet. There are some countries where people seem to be living nearly _ each other because conditions are overcrowded. Then there are others where it seems that hardly anybody lives. What influences this unequal distribution of people? There are specific advantages and disadvantages of *diving in a certain area. The two main factors that influence people`s choice of location are climate and resources. Climate is the usual weather conditions in a region. Areas that have bad weather are generally less deal as places to live in. The north and south poles at the top and bottom of the world may be beautiful in their rugged, natural way, but the disadvantage of the bitterly cold and windy conditions usually keeps people away. When it comes to climate, warm conditions and a normal amount of rainfall are advantages that attract people. Natural resources are things that we get from nature that help us survive. Each region offers different resources, and therefore attracts different groups of people. People who enjoy the beach can make their living by catching and selling the ocean's many fish and other sea creatures. Those who prefer farming can take advantage of rich soil in valleys near rivers. Some people are willing to accept the disadvantages of the terrible conditions of deserts or mountains in order to take advantage of the resources like oil or woods. What are the main factors that influence the distribution of people? Options: A. Resources and oceans. B. Climate and rivers. C. Climate and resources. D. Warm conditions and rainfall. Answer:

C

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Question: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who wrote the story of the detective Sherlock Holmes, was having a trip in Europe. One day he got out of the railway station and climbed into a taxi. Before he could say a word, the driver turned to him and asked, "Where can I take you, Mr. Doyle?" Doyle was rather surprised. He asked the driver if he had ever seen him before. "No, sir," the driver replied, "I have never seen you before." Then he explained, "This morning's newspaper had a story about your being on vacation in Marseilles. This is the taxi stop where people who return from Marseilles always come. Your skin color tells me you have been on vacation. The ink spot on your right fingers suggests to me that you are a writer. Your clothes are very English, not French. Adding up all those pieces of information, I conclude that you are Sir Arthur Conan Doyle." "This is truly surprising!" the writer cried out. "You are a real-life copy to my fictional story, Sherlock Holmes!" "And there is one other thing," the driver added, with a smile on his face. "What's that?" "Your name is on the front of your suitcase." From what the driver said, we could know _ . Options: A. Doyle was from England B. Doyle could not speak French C. Doyle liked English very much D. Doyle was writing a French story Answer:

A

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Question: Chinese star Yao Ming has retired. Yao made it official Wednesday, telling a news conference that a series of foot and leg injuries forced him to end his playing career at the age of 30. "I will formally end my career,'' said Yao, who became a household name in China before starting his NBA career with the Houston Rockets in 2002. Yao played eight seasons in the NBA. "Today is an important day for me and holds a special meaning for both my basketball career and my future,'' Yao said. "I had to leave the court since I suffered a stress fracture in my left foot for the third time at the end of last year. My past six months were a painful wait. I have been thinking about my future over and over. Today I am announcing a personal decision, ending my career as a basketball player and officially retire. But one door is closing and another one is opening.'' Yao said he would return to work with his former Chinese team, the Shanghai Sharks, with the possibility of becoming general manager. He already owns the club and wants to contribute more. "My playing career started with the club. I hope I can do something for it,'' Yao said. He later appeared with his family on the stage to the applause and cheers of the crowd. He thanked a lot of people -- his family, former coaches, even players like Shaquille O'Neal -- "for making me a better player.'' Rockets general manager Daryl Morey was among those attending the farewell conference Wednesday. Morey made the long trip from Houston. Morey said 20 hours on planes was tiring but "I would be sorry if I wasn't here." "It's a big moment,'' Morey added. "Yao had a sense of humor, a great attitude and sense of responsibility. I hope we can continue his culture in the NBA.'' Yao Ming has retired from basketball because of _ . Options: A. his age B. his bad conducts on the court C. his foot and leg injuries D. his poor health Answer:

C

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Question: Scientists in Canada say big ocean fish have almost disappeared from the world since the start of industrial fishing in the nineteen-fifties. The scientists found that population of large fish like tuna; swordfish and cod have dropped by ninety percent in the past fifty years. The study took ten years. The researchers gathered records from fishing businesses and governments around the world. The magazineNaturepublished the findings. The scientists say the common method called longline fishing is especially damaging to populations of large fish. This method involves many fishing lines connected to one boat. These wires can be close to one-hundred kilometers long. They hold thousands of sharp metal hooks to catch fish. Longline fishing is especially common in the Japanese fishing industry. Records showed that Japanese boats used to catch about ten fish for every one-hundred hooks. The study says longline fishing boats now might catch one fish per hundred hooks. The scientists say industrial fishing can destroy groups of fish much faster than in the past. The study suggests that whole populations can disappear almost completely from new fishing areas within ten to fifteen years. Ransom Myers of Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia led the study with Boris Worm of Dalhousie and the University of Kiel in Germany. Mister Worm says the destruction could lead to a complete re-organization of ocean life systems. Mister Meyers says the decreased number of large fish is not the only worry. He says even populations that are able to reproduce do not get the chance to live long enough to grow as big as their ancestors . He says not only are there fewer big fish, they are smaller than those of the past. American government scientists say even with the best efforts to protect fish populations, decreases are to be expected. What can be the best title? Options: A. Discoveries Canadian Scientists Have Made B. Japanese Fishing Industry C. Losses of Big Fish D. Modern Fishing Methods Answer:

C

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Question: Attending the Space Camp organized by NASA at prefix = st1 /Huntsville,Alabamais every kid's dream. It gives them the real life experience of what it is like to be an astronaut. It enriches their life with the most meaningful and interesting experiences. Most of these one-week programs are combined with other community programs. As expected, there is an age limit at the Space Camp in Alabamawith the full camp program being offered only to kids of twelve and above. Many of the activities organized at the camp are likely to be difficult for younger kids, and kids need to be old enough to stay for the week away from home. However, some special programs are offered at the center even for younger kids. The programs and activities at Space Camp are to awaken creativity. There are exercises in classes and discussions about the history of the space program. These classes include the Russian space program as well as the United Statesprogram. Trips to the museum are also provided for an educational experience. All those who attend the Space Camp go through a sort of training. They wear space suits to get the feeling of being an astronaut. They are taken into simulators to learn how to fly spacecrafts like the shuttle. And they experience the feeling of weightlessness in the zero gravity simulations. What's more, they even have equipment designed to give them the experience of walking on the moon. Space Camp is an effective and fun way to bring an interest in space and science. Kids will go through a practical program in a learning atmosphere that transports them far away from their location in Huntsville.Alabama. The classes find activities at Space Camp can make kids Options: A. strong B. brave C. creative D. clever Answer:

C

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Question: A great loss--Shirley Temple dies at 85 February 12,2014 BYDERRIKJ.LANG ,Associated Press Shirley Temple Black, who died on February 10that age 85, wasn't just a child star. She was THE child star--the sweet little girl whose shining smile helped _ some of the darkest days the US has known during the Great Depression. It's hard today to imagine the super star Shirley was once "America's Little Darling". She sang and danced her way to the top of the box office in such films as Bright Eyes, Curly Top and Heidi. By 1940, she had appeared in 43 films. Temple teamed with Bill Robison in four movies, and their dance on the stairs in The Little Colonel is still a legendary film moment. In the 1930s, her name on a movie introduction assured a packed house. She inspired dolls, dresses, dishes--even a drink (alcohol-free, of course). US President Franklin D. Roosevelt once famously said that "as long as our country has Shirley Temple, we will be all right.'' Unlike so many of today's child stars, Temple didn't end up with her name appearing across the headlines for bad behaviors. Instead of getting her photos on front pages or struggling with drugs and alcohol, Temple went on to a second career in diplomacy , including presidential appointments as ambassador to Ghana. She surprised a lot of people who doubted her with her grace, knowledge and eagerness to serve. In fact, her career in public service (20 years) was longer than her career in movies (19). The role she valued most, however, was as wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. The world has lost a treasured Hollywood legend. But her movies will allow that little dynamic figure to continue charming audiences for a very long time. What part did she regard as the most important in her life? Options: A. A top movie star. B. A businesswoman. C. Her family role. D. Her diplomacy career. Answer:

C

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Question: On my first day of high school, I asked an eleventh-grader where my class was. And he told me it was "on the fourth floor, next to the pool." I found out five minutes later that we didn't even have a fourth floor and there was no pool either! Besides that, I didn't have any trouble with the older kid. I think the biggest difference between middle and high school is the homework load and size of the school. I went from maybe fifteen minutes of homework a night to several hours, so I had to learn how to make full use of time! Our class size is around 550, but joining in clubs, sports, music and other activities at school makes it easier to get to know people in every grade. The best advice I can give about the years you spend in high school is to learn things for yourself, not just to get a good grade. There have been so many tests that I've prepared for the night before, gotten an A, but not remember anything later. I've changed that this year, and I enjoy school so much more. Don't take easy classes just to have a simple year. If you have a choice between chemistry and sports, the first will prove to be a lot more useful! While drinking and smoking might be present in some middle schools, they are also around in high school. I have a lot of friends who promised they would never drink or smoke, but are now partying every weekend. If you have "fun" and spend your nights wasted instead of studying, you will regret it when you are applying for college. The "friends" who say you are a loser for not partying are really not your friends at all. It's hard to see your closest friends grow apart and go in different directions, but don't follow their footsteps. Follow your own path in life and make your own decisions. What happened to the writer on his first day of high school? Options: A. He had a fight with an eleventh-grader. B. He was fooled by a schoolboy. C. He was five minutes late for class. D. He fell into a pool on the fourth floor. Answer:

B

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Question: A famous foreign company in China wanted a Clerk for its public relation department . A beautiful girl with a master's degree went through a lot of challenges and her name was on the list. In the final stage she faced an interview together -with another girl. Both of them were outstanding , not only in looks but also in education. The girl was successful in the interview. It seemed that she would get the chance. At last the examiner asked her, "Can you come to the office next Monday?" Shocked by the unexpected question, the beautiful girl couldn't make a decision at the moment, so she said, "I have to talk with my parents before I give an answer. " The examiner felt surprised but said calmly, "If so, let' s wait till you are ready. " The next day, the girl came to tell the examiner that her parents had agreed to let her begin work next Monday. But the examiner said regretfully , "Sorry, another suitable candidate has got the job. You had better try another place. "The beautiful girl was surprised. She asked for an explanation and was told, "What is needed here is a person who knows her own mind. " That was how a good opportunity _ a beautiful girl ran away. The examiner regarded _ as the most important. Options: A. a person's confidence B. a person's knowledge C. a person's age D. a person' s beautiful looks Answer:

A

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Question: "Where is Papa going with that ax ?" said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast. "Out to the hoghouse," replied Mrs. Arable. "Some pigs were born last night." "I don't see why he needs an ax," continued Fern, who was only eight. "Well," said her mother, "one of the pigs is a runt . It's very small and weak. So your father has decided to do away with it." "Do away with it?" shouted Fern. "You mean kill it?" "Don't shout, Fern!" she said. "Your father is right. The pig would probably die anyway." Fern pushed a chair out of the way and ran outdoors. The grass was wet and the earth smelled springtime. Fern's shoes were wetting by the time she caught up with her father. "Please don't kill it! It's unfair," she said. Mr. Arable stopped. "Fern," he said gently, "you will have to learn to control yourself." "This is a matter of life and death, and you talk about controlling myself." Tears ran down her cheeks and she took hold of the ax and tried to pull it out of her father's hand. "Fern," said Mr. Arable, "I know more about raising a group of pigs than you do. A weak pig makes trouble." "But it's unfair," cried Fern. "The pig couldn't help being born small. If I had been very small at birth, would you have killed me?" Mr. Arable smiled. "Certainly not," he said, looking down at his daughter with love. "But this is different. It's a pig." "There is no difference," replied Fern. Why couldn't Fern control herself? Options: A. Because she was afraid of killing a pig. B. Because the pig was treated unfairly. C. Because she loved pet pigs very much. D. Because her father was rude to her. Answer:

B

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Question: Sound can be used for communication by Options: A. creatures B. plants C. water D. planets Answer:

A

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Question: The days of Europeans relaxing in the cafe with a newspaper and a seemingly endless cup of coffee appear to be numbered.A new English expression is popular in Europe these days:"coffee to go." "Five or ten years ago it was much more normal to sit in a cafe for several hours than it is nowadays,"says Joann,who works in a central Berlin coffee bar owned by the Canadian coffee and bakery chain Tim's. "There is a trend towards a more fast-paced life.But people still act surprised when you ask if the coffee is'to go'.You mean I can take it with me? they ask.." "Europe is often five or eight years behind trends in America,"says Joann."In the States.'coffee to go'is part of everyday life." Owing in part to Starbucks,it appears to be very much part of everyday life in many other countries too. The Seattle-based group compete with a growing number of global chains in attempting to reshape coffee drinking cultures in regions including Asia and the Middle East. The US is the model for continental Europe's new"coffee to go"culture:Each of the new cafe bars offers bagels,muffins,brownies and cookies to go with the coffee. But then,"coffee to go''might sound a little odd to English ears used to the words "takeaway"or take one. It does sum up the brisker pace of life since the city resumed its status as the German capital following the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989. As one more sign of the changing times,one of Berlin's most venerable coffee houses,cafe Einstein,has followed the trend by opening a small chain of coffee shops across the city. Taking coffee,slowly and in decorous surroundings,has been a feature of European coffee houses,particularly in German speaking countries,for decades. For the elderly citzens of Vienna it amounts to a ritual when they gather in coffee houses around the city for a cup of their favovrite drink and a piece of rich,creamy cake. The characteristic of European coffee houses is_. Options: A. "coffee to go "as part of daily life B. sitting in a cafe bar for several hours C. having coffee slowly in a pleasant atmosphere D. taking away coffee in a hurry Answer:

C

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Question: Sam, Thank you for asking me to play soccer with you. But I'm afraid I can't. I have a piano lesson on Tuesday. Maybe another time. Nancy Sandy, Thank you very much for inviting me to your birthday party on Friday. I'd love to come, but I have to go to New York that day. It's very kind of you. I hope you have a happy birthday party. Nancy Lucy, Thanks for your invitation. I'd love to go to your house for dinner on Thursday. But I have to get my things ready for travelling. How about coming to my house with Lily? My mother cooks fish very well. I think you'll like it. I hope to see you before I'm leaving. Nancy Rose, Would you like to come to my house for dinner tonight? Many of our good friends will come. Nancy Which of the following sentences is TURE? Options: A. Nancy is coming to Rose's house for dinner. B. Nancy invites Rose to come to her house for dinner. C. Lucy and Lily can't come to Nancy's house. D. Sandy is coming to Nancy's home for dinner. Answer:

B

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Question: You love Jay Chou's songs and you can sing some quite well. So you make a video of your performance and post it online for your friends to see. But what if this led to something beyond your wildest imagination--a career in music? Canadian teenager Justin Bieber, 16, has just had the magical experience: He posted homemade videos of his versions of songs by American singer Chris Brown online for his relatives. He received a phone call from Brown, telling him how much he liked his performance. His singing eventually earned him a fan base and a record contract. After releasing a popular record in November 2009, his album My world 2.0 came out last Tuesday. Bieber sings ballads and songs about puppy love. But is he just another gooey teen idol? David Malitz, a columnist with the Washington Post, doesn't think so. "If we truly want the best forAmerican children, let us pause and give thanks for Justin Bieber," he writes. "After years of humdrum bubblegum from Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers, the 16yearold has thrown a candycoated wrench into Disney's heartthrob assembly line by giving young fans something worth screaming their lungs out for lovable pop songs." From a boy who grew up below the poverty line with his divorced mom to a star who caused nearriots in shopping malls, even Bieber himself can't believe his overnight fame, although his kind of success is becoming more and more common in the Internet era. Interested in hockey, the national sport of Canada, the boy once put up pictures of players on the walls of his bedroom. He dreamed of being a hockey star and used to practice signing his autograph. He doesn't need practice now. He signs autographs, if the girls can get close enough, as a music star. What did Chris Brown think of Justin Bieber's singing? Options: A. He didn't like it. B. He liked it very much. C. He didn't say anything. D. He supported Justin Bieber. Answer:

B

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Question: The Nadam Festival, usually held from June 4 to 9(lunar calendar), is one of the most exciting and colorful festivals in the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region. At the center of the festivities are the fierce horse racing, archery and wrestling competitions, the traditional sports of the Mongolian warriors (the three "manly" sports, though young girls and women participate in the horse racing and archery contests). In Mongolian, the word "Nadam" means "amusement and entertainment" and the festival began in 1225 AD, when Genghis Khan organized an expedition to the west and got control of Khwarezm. In order to celebrate the victory they held the magnificent Nadam Fari. The Mongolians used this exciting gathering as a big occasion to compete in the horse racing, Mongolian wrestling and archery, which were regarded as the three basic skills of men. Gradually more and more events were added to the festival, such as marksmanship , chess, reciting epics, polo , film, drama, singing, dancing, track and field competitions and so on. There are three kinds of Nadam, the big one, the medium one and the small one. The big Nadam requires the participation of 512 wrestlers and 300 horses and usually lasts 7-10 days while the medium Nadam will have the participation of 256 wrestlers and 100-150 horses, lasting 5-7 days. And 64 or 128 wrestlers and 30 or 50 horses will take part in the small Nadam, which lasts 3-5 days. Anyone can apply to compete in Nadam, regardless of his or her ethnic origin and religious belief. Nadam has become a popular artistic and sports event participated in by people of all ages. Boys and girls can also take the opportunity to show their love, i. e. the so-called "meeting at aobao". In addition to sports competition, people also make good use of this gathering to hold talks and establish relations in economic trade or to interchange goods. It can be inferred that "meeting at aobao" expresses _ . Options: A. love of parents to kids B. old friends' friendships C. deep feelings between brothers D. love between boys and girls Answer:

D

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Question: A: Hello! B: Hi, is that Paul? This is Nick, your new classmate. A: Hi, Nick! Where are you? B: At home. There's a new movie at the Capital Cinema . Do you Know? A: Yes, I do. Do you like going to movies? B: Yes, very much. I usually go to movies with my parents on Sunday. A: What kind of movies do you like? B: Action movies. How about you? A: I don't often go to movies. I like watching TV or VCD at home. B: That's different from seeing the movie at the cinema . Let's go to the movie this evening, OK? A: Sorry, I'm going to a concert with my mother this evening. What about tomorrow afternoon? B: OK. See you after lunch tomorrow. A: Bye-bye. Where do they talk about the movies? Options: A. At Nick's home. B. At Paul's home. C. At the cinema. D. On the phone. Answer:

D

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Question: Mirth Pham was born in Vietnam. He left his native country when he was 21 years old. Minh has been in America for almost two years. There is still much he does not understand about America. Once Minh was in a supermarket. He saw an old man and an old woman. They wanted a box of cereal .The box was on a high shelf. The man and the woman couldn't reach it. Minh saw a ladder. He got on the ladder and got the box. He handed it to the elderly couple. They thanked him. "Where are your children?" asked Minh. "Why don' t they help you buy food?" "Our children have their own lives," said the man and the woman. "We like to be independent." Mirth doesn't think this is right. In his country, .children help their parents. Minh gave the elderly couple his phone number. He told them to call him if they needed help. One night they asked Mirth to dinner, but they never asked him for help. One day, Minh was walking with a Vietnamese friend. The two were going to a movie. Minh wanted to go to a restaurant first. Minh took his friend's hand. He pulled him toward the restaurant. People on the street stared at Minh. In Vietnam, friends often hold hands. Minh found out that people in America are not used to holding hands. Minh Pham is going through a process known as re-socialization. Socialization is the process in which a person learns to live in a society. Everyone goes through this process. Minh went through it when he lived in Vietnam. But the Vietnamese way of life is much different from the American way of life. When Mirth came to America, he had to learn a new way of life. He had to learn how to live in a new society. Minh has learned a lot about American life in two years. He still has a lot to learn. The process of re-socialization can take many years. According to the passage, people stared at Mirth and his friend because Minh was _ . Options: A. a Vietnamese B. doing something unusual C. entering a restaurant D. not dressed like Americans Answer:

B

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Question: Choose the best answer (,): David Copperfield is one of the world's most famous magicians . He became the youngest member of the Society of American Magicians when he was 12. Now he is famous all over the world. In 1983, he made the Statue of Liberty in New York disappear for a few minutes. In 1986, Copperfield first came to China. He walked through the Great Wall in Beijing! During his second visit in 2002, lots of Chinese people were lucky enough to enjoy his shows. Copperfield's shows are not just magic. He also dances and does lots of interesting things to make his fans happy. He even asks his fans to help him do tricks ! One of Copperfield's greatest tricks is flying. In his shows in China, he even made some fans fly around the theatre! In another trick, an electric saw cut Copperfield's body into two halves. Copperfield's magic is different each time. What do you think he will do next time? It will be fun to wait and see! _ is one of Copperfield's greatest tricks. Options: A. Dancing B. Walking C. Flying D. Cutting Answer:

C

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Question: Climate is the average weather usually taken over a 30-year time period for a particular region and time period. Climate is not the same as weather, but rather, it is the average pattern of weather for a particular region. Weather describes the short-term state of the atmosphere . The climate is changing. Many agreed that climate change may be one of the greatest threats facing the planet. Recent years show increasing temperatures in various regions, and/or increasing extremities in weather patterns. Is the Earth getting warmer? Yes! The Earth has warmed by about 1degF over the past 100 years. But why? Well, scientists are not exactly sure. The Earth could be getting warmer on its own, but many of the world's leading climate scientists think that things people do are helping to make the Earth warmer. Global Warming may be a big problem, but can you make a difference? Yes! There are several little things you can do to make a difference. Try carpooling. This will help reduce the amount of fossil fuels going into the atmosphere. Whenever you use electricity, you help put greenhouse gases into the air. Turn off lights, the television, and the computer when you are through with them. Also, planting trees is fun and a great way to reduce greenhouse gases. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, from the air. Finally, don't forget about recycling. Climate is_weather. Options: A. the same as B. different from C. a kind of D. part of Answer:

B

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Question: I am a person who does not like to wait.I don' t like lines, being put on hold when making a phone call, arriving at an appointment to find that my companion will be delayed and of course, I don * t like waiting rooms. However, I realize that my agony will not be good for me, as an increasingly, crowded world can only mean one thing--more waiting. Owing to this, I have taken a measure and decided to turn my disappointment to productive ends.In short, I am looking for what I call "waiting in line books". These are books that contain material designed for being read in shortened words, so there is no extended story line to lose track of.Another requirement is that they be small enough to slip neatly into my back pocket. The other day I went to the supermarket.Convinced that the rain would keep most people away, I was surprised to see that the place was crowded with shoppers.Every checkout was open--and jammed! But I could take out my pocket book and go to work. The more the world demands that I wait, the more I learn from my waiting library.Look at these titles: One Hundred Things Every American Should Know; The Poetry of Robert Frost; Living Thoughts of Leading Thinkers; Still More Toasts.I have learned interesting and enriching things and much knowledge from these books. On a recent visit to the general store, I placed my order at the counter along with six or seven other people.The one female employee seemed to have her hands full as she rushed about."Just be patient," she said to me. No problem.I quietly opened my dictionary of prose and poetical quotations. Perhaps the other customers regarded me as a bookish, lonely soul.But little did they realize that I was enjoying the company of Shakespeare, Thoreau, Homer and Ben Johnson. Which of the following statements is true according to the passage? Options: A. The author succeeded in changing his agony into fun. B. The author was a bookish and lonely soul. C. Six or seven employees in the store were busy in rushing about. D. There were fewer customers in the supermarket on rainy days. Answer:

A

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Question: There are two basic ways to see growth: one as a product, the other as a process. People have generally viewed personal growth as a result or product that can easily be identified and measured. The worker who gets a rise, the student whose grades improve, the foreigner who learns a new language--all these are examples of people who have measurable results to show for their efforts. By contrast, the process of personal growth is much more difficult to determine, since it is a journey and not the specific signposts or landmarks along the way. The process is not the road itself, but rather the attitudes and feelings people have, their caution or courage, as they meet with new experiences and unexpected obstacles . In this process, the journey never really ends; there are always new ways to experience the world, new ideas to try, new challenges to accept. In order to grow, to travel new roads, people need to have a willingness to take risks, to face the unknown, and to accept the possibility that they may "fail" at first. How we see ourselves as we try a new way of being is extremely important to our ability to grow. Do we notice ourselves as quick and curious? If so, then we tend to take more chances and to be more open to unfamiliar experiences. Do we think we're shy and indecisive? Then our sense of fear can cause us to hesitate, to move slowly, and we think we're slow to adapt to change or that we're not smart enough to deal with a new challenge. Then we are likely to take a more passive role or not try at all. These feelings of insecurity and self-doubt are both unavoidable and necessary if we are to change and grow. If we protect ourselves too much, then we stop growing. We become trapped inside a shell of our own making. How do you understand the last sentence of this passage? Options: A. We are trapped and injured. B. Our body is trapped and stops growing. C. We get stuck in what we are doing and can not achieve real growth. D. We can't protect ourselves and are trapped by others. Answer:

C

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Question: An American woman Anna Jarvis was the first person to decide the mothers should have a holiday in their honor each year. Miss Jarvis started her campaign in 1906 in her home city Philadelphia. She wrote thousands of letters to congressmen , city officials, teachers and newspaper publishers, proposing an official holiday for mothers. She traveled all over America, trying to get support for the idea. Her battle went on for years. In 1914, the Congress declared the second Sunday in May each year as Mother's Day. Anna Jarvis wanted Mother's Day to be a simple event. She thought children could honor their mothers by spending some time with them as an act of love and respect. However, the holiday turned out to be a major event for department stores, flower shops and greetingcard industry, which Miss Jarvis didn't like. Americans spend millions of dollars on gifts for their mothers on this day. Younger children often try to prepare and serve breakfast for their mothers. Fathers may offer to take care of children so that mothers can enjoy themselves. The holiday becomes an important time for family gathering. Miss Jarvis proposed Mother's Day in order that people could show their love and respect to their mothers _ . Options: A. by spending some time with them B. by offering them precious gifts C. by eating in restaurants together D. by taking children for them Answer:

A

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Question: All my life I had loved airports.To me,they were fl kind of magic gateway to the world,but today it seemed like a cold and heartless place. "Well,here we are,the airport,"my sister said with fl sigh.As 1 watched her unload my luggage,I could see the sadness in her eyes.One last hug and a final good-bye and I would be on my way to a new lire abroad,leaving my beloved sister behind. I looked at my sister and even though her eyes were filled with tears,she was trying to keep a brave face."You'd better go or you'll miss your flight,"she said. "I am just going to walk away and not look back," I said. As I held her one last time she whispered,"Don't worry about me,I'll be fine.""I'll miss you," I replied with tears in my eyes.As I promised,I did not look back. but 1 was sobbing.To me it was the end of the world. While boarding the plane 1 was still crying.I did not have the energy to put my bag in the overhead locker, so I put it on the empty seat next to mine.As I settled into my chair, a feeling of sadness overwhelmed me.I felt like my best friend had just been taken away from me. The plane shook heavily and the bag fell,with some stuff spreading on the floor.When I bent over to gather the things up,I saw an unfamiliar little book in the middle of my belongings.It was not until I picked it up that I realized that it was a diary. Immediately I recognized my sister's handwriting."Hi,Sis,What a day it has been today.First you let me know that you are moving abroad and then my boss..."My sister had been keeping a diary for the past month and she was now passing it on to me.I was to write in it for the next couple of months and then send it back to her.Even though a large ocean separated us,at some point it felt like she was actually there. From the writer's and her sister's tears,we can see _ . Options: A. they loved each other very much B. they felt sad about the new life C. they were afraid of the separation D. it was the end of the world to them Answer:

A

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Question: Statistics show that every year, about 4 million students fail to pass the national college entrance exam. However, as China recently publicized students' scores for this year's college entrance exam, it seems that schools, parents and society at large give more attention to students who succeed in the exam, few people care about those who fail, the China Education Daily reported. Some students, after failing the exam, cannot get a timely support from their parents or teachers and begin to display some serious mental problems. How to help these students to get rid of the shadow on their mind has become a problem to be taken seriously. First, students' friends, parents and relatives should offer their sympathy and care to them in order to comfort their heart. At this time, parents should not blame students for their failure, otherwise they might bear more psychological burden. Secondly, teachers and the whole society should also offer more support to students who fail the exam. Lastly, students themselves should also try to overcome their depressions and adjust their mood. The newspaper urges the general public to offer their care, trust and support to these students. It also expects that students can face their failure bravely and try to start a new life happily. What's the writer's attitude towards the students who failed the college entrance examination? Options: A. He looks down upon them. B. He expresses concern for them. C. He doubts about their learning ability. D. He feels positive about their optimism. Answer:

B

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Question: Jack drives a school bus.His bus is different from other school buses because it doesn't carry children.Jack's bus takes dogs to school in the morning and brings them home at night.Jack takes the dogs to "The Dog School".There four men teach the dogs to obey and protect their owners.All kinds of dogs go to the school--large dogs,small dogs,young dogs and old dogs Jack says that young dogs are the easiest to teach,but the old ones can learn,too. Do you have a dog? Maybe it would like to go to "The Dog School". Jack teaches the dogs to _ . Options: A. run away B. go to bed C. eat food D. protect their owners Answer:

D

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Question: Do you know what Fear and Faith have in common? Fear believes in a negative future. Faith believes in a positive future. Both believe in something that has not yet happened. So I ask you, if neither the positive nor negative future has happened yet then why not choose to believe in the positive future? I believe during these challenging times we have a choice between two roads: the positive road and the negative road. And our bus can't be on two roads at the same time. So we have to make a choice and this choice determines our belief about the future and the attitude and actions we bring to the present. I'm not saying we shouldn't have any fear. There are times when fear is a gift. A healthy dose of fear causes us to examine our situation and plan for the future. It moves us to smell the cheese and expect change. When used wisely it allows us to manage risk and make better decisions. Some fear is good. However, what I have observed lately is a supersized, huge dose of fear that is spreading the hearts and minds of far too many people. This oversized fear is causing leaders and their organizations to either act unreasonably or to not act at all. They are either hurrying in a million different directions because of fear. In both cases, fear is leading them to take the negative road to failure. The answer is the positive road paved with faith and a belief that your best days are not behind you but ahead of you. With this belief you make the right choices and actions today that will create your positive future tomorrow. You stay calm, focused and committed to your purpose. You look for ways to save money and cut costs without making unreasonable fear-based decisions that sacrifice your future success. You identify opportunities in the midst of the challenges and you focus on solutions instead of problems. Your faith and belief in a positive future leads to powerful actions today. The future has not happened yet and you have a say in what it looks like by the way you think and act. Fear or Faith. The choice is yours. If we have faith in future, we will _ . Options: A. take powerful actions today B. be committed to saving money C. stay away from any challenges D. have the best days ahead of us Answer:

A

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Question: Which is a nonrenewable natural resource that is used to make electrical energy? Options: A. coal B. wind C. water D. thermal Answer:

A

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Question: We all know that food gives us energy, but sometimes it can make us much happier when we feel bad. Studies show that foods such as sea fish, bananas, pumpkins and chicken can help fight against bad moods. How can they affect our moods? Studies show that people living by the sea appear much happier than other people, because the fresh sea air helps them clear their minds and they eat a lot of sea fish. Bananas have something that is full of Vitamin B6. Having more bananas can help us make a quick decision, and become more confident. Eating pumpkins can also help people get into a good mood because it's rich in Vitamin B6 and iron and it will make us happier. Are you in a bad mood? If you are , don't sit alone. Go to eat such happy food with your friends. Maybe you'll be better. Which of the following is TRUE? Options: A. Chicken can do nothing for us. B. Vitamin B6 and iron can make us happier. C. Eating a lot fish can make us unhealthy. D. Fresh air can help us become more confident. Answer:

B

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Question: Summer Cultural Exploration in France The Summer Cultural Exploration program in Amboise, France, provides students with the opportunity to study French in a friendly historic atmosphere while experiencing a taste of French culture. Amboise Amboise is a charming small town on the Loire River in central France. The royal Amboise castle was the preferred residence of Charles VIII, who built it in the 15thcentury. With a rich history and beautiful natural scenes, Amboise is the ideal environment for students to study French. Learn French courses take place every morning, Monday through Friday, for four hours per day in a historic 19th-century building in the center of Amboise. Students will be given an exam upon arrival to make sure that they attend a language class of the appropriate level. An interactive teaching approach is stressed. Experience There is a good balance between planned activities and free time throughout the four-week program. Two to three days per week, organized activities are offered such as: lecture on topics in French history, literature, art and cinema, showing of French films, and a visit to Leonardo da Vinci's home at the Clos Luce. Travel Also, students will explore France through the following guided trips. *Chambord, Cheverny and Blois --Explore two of the area's famous castles. Chambord, the largest of the Loire castle, was built by the great Renaissance king, France I. Chevernby castle was built in 1630. Visit the old town of Blois, a favorite residence of French royalty. *Villandry and Sache -- One of the last Renaissance castles to be built along the Loire, Villandry, is also known for its flower and vegetable gardens. The lovely old castle of Sache was a best-loved house of the great 19th-century writer Honore de Balzac. *Paris -- Discover the City of Light, famous for its fashion, food and art during a journey to Paris! Walk along the banks of the Seine River, visit Notre Dame Cathedral and discover some of the city's famous museums and including the Louvre. Housing Students stay with carefully-selected host families. Ability to remain open-minded and tolerance of cultural differences are required. There is an 11 pm curfew for this program. Students who want to take part in the program will _ . Options: A. mainly study cultural differences B. spend most of their time in Paris C. live in a historic building D. study for 20 hours a week Answer:

D

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Question: At noon the rush hour had passed. There were few guests in the snack bar. It was not crowded. When the boss was about to take a break to read a newspaper, in came an old lady and a little boy. "How much money is a bowl of beef soup?" the grandma sat down, counted the money in her purse and ordered a bowl of beef soup. The grandma pushed the bowl to the little boy, who swallowed his saliva , looking at his grandma and saying, "Grandma, did you really have lunch?" "Of course." His grandma chewed a piece of radish slowly. Very quickly, the little boy ate up the meal. Seeing this. the boss went over to them and said, "Old lady, congratulations, you are lucky to have the free food, for you are our 100th guest." Afterwards, over a month or more, one day, the small boy squatted across the snack bar, where he seemed to be counting something, which shocked the boss when he happened to look out office window. When the small boy saw a guest walk into the snack bar, he would put a small stone into the circle he drew, but the lunch time had almost passed, the small stones he put into the circle were hardly 50. The boss was quite worried and called up all his old guests. The guests started coming one after another. "81, 82, 83... " the small boy counted faster and faster. At last, when the 99th small stone was put into the circle, the little boy hurried to pull his grandma's hand and went into the snack bar. "Grandma, this time it's on me," the little boy said proudly. The grandma who had become the real 100th guest was served a bowl of beef soup by her grandson. As his grandma as before, the little boy chewed a piece of radish in his mouth. What do you think of the boss of the snack bar? Options: A. Impatient. B. Warm-hearted. C. Very rich. D. Hard-working. Answer:

B

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Question: Dear Jenny, I am in Beijing, China now, but my parents are in the USA. I live with my brother Peter. Beijing is big and great. There are many beautiful places and much delicious food here. I like Beijing very much. Peter and I are in the same grade, but we are in different classes. We live far from the school and it takes us a long time to go to school. We have to get up at 6:20 in the morning, and then at 6:30 we ride bikes to the bus stop. It takes us about 20 minutes. At about 7:00, we take the bus to school. We get to school at about 7:30. We have four classes in the morning and two in the afternoon. I think Chinese is too difficult, but Peter thinks it is easy. He can speak Chinese very well and he often helps me with it. How is everything going with you in the USA? Write to me soon. Love, Kate ,. It takes Kate about _ to get to school from her home. Options: A. 80 minutes. B. an hour C. 50 minutes D. half an hour Answer:

B

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Question: Most young boys don't like growing flowers and watering them. But for 16-year-old Angus,working in the garden isn't just a hobby -- it has changed his life. Angus has a special illness and his IQ is lower than a normal boy. Six months ago, he started learning how to grow flowers. Now, he spends hours in the garden growing flowers, watering and looking after them. "Before working in the garden, it was difficult for Angus to concentrate inclass and sometimes he didn't want to go to school," said his mother Kim. "Now he can't wait togo to school and he is happy every day. We can see Angus is able to work in a garden center in thefuture," Research shows that working in the garden improves mental and physics health. In the past,soldiers in Egypt treated their mental problems after war by working in the garden. Even now,some doctors advise people to work in the garden to treat their mental health problems. Anddoctors also advise young people like Angus to work in the garden. The lives of hundreds of children in Britain with special needs, like Angus, have beenchanged by this special kind of education. When working in the garden, children have a chance tolearn a lot of important skills, such as how to work with other people and how to take care ofplants. Besides, the children become more confident after working in the garden. After working in the garden, Augus _ . Options: A. likes to go to school B. works in a garden center C. follows his mother's advice D. doesn't go to school any more Answer:

A

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Question: One evening Tim is driving his car in the country and looking for a hotel. Then he sees an old man on the side of the road, so he stops his car and says to the old man, "Where is Sun Hotel? Will you please tell me how to get there?" "Yes," the old man answers. "I'll show you the way." He gets into Tim's car, and they drive for about 12 kilometres. When they come to a small house, the old man says, "Stop here." Tim stops and looks at the house. And he says to the old man, "But this isn't a hotel." "No," the old man answers. "This is my house. And now I'll show you the way to Sun Hotel. Turn back and go 9 kilometres. Then you'll see the hotel on your left. " Tim stops to _ . Options: A. drive the old man home B. ask the way C. buy something D. say "hello" to the old man Answer:

B

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Question: If we are driving a car or crossing a street, we will stop when the traffic lights turn red. Why do we use red rather than other colors? As we know, scattering happens when light goes through the air. For the same media, if the wavelength is long, the scattering will be short. If the wavelength is short, then the scattering will be long. Of all light we can see red has the longest wavelength, so the scattering is the weakest. That means the red light travels far. In fact, it travels farther on rainy days. Using the red light can help drivers in farther areas see the lights. It helps drivers slow down or stop in time. If drivers don't see the red light until they are close, they may not be able to stop the car in time. An accident may happen. Red can also excite people. We can act more quickly when we see the color red. In a word, red light helps drivers stop in time and help prevent accidents. Red light travels farther on _ days. Options: A. windy B. sunny C. rainy D. cloudy Answer:

C

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Question: Kuala Lumpur is an exciting capital city in Malaysia. Here are the top 4 budget hotels there: The Chinatown Inn (About $30 per night) Just a block from the railway station, located in Chinatown's open market. It has clean beds, central air conditioning, hot water for coffee and tea, and a hall with a big screen TV. Wi-Fi is good on the first 4 floors, but a little weak on Floor 5. Many guests like the Chinatown Inn. Their complaint is that the air condition is too cold, so make sure you get a room with a window. You can open it to let some warmth in. Ancasa Express (About $45 per night). The hotel is above the sky-train station. That makes it convenient to get to other parts of the city. From the station, take the elevator to the 5th floor to reach the hotel lobby . The rooms are clean and nice. There is a flat screen TV, the strongest Wi-Fi, and a very hot rainfall shower. The guests' complaint is that the cafe is only open for breakfast and dinner, and not 24 hours. Central Hotel (About $35 per night) This hotel is just two blocks from the Central Station, which is the heart of all transportation in the city--buses, trains and sky-trains all meet here. Central is where the airport-link trains will take you to the airport. From Central you can walk 2 blocks to the beautiful Central Hotel, in which rooms are small but nice and clean, and have common Wi-Fi. Ocean 77 (About $25 per night) On Petaling Street in Chinatown, this brand new hotel is most spotlessly clean. There is a flat screen TV and good Wi-Fi in each room. The location is good, in the heart of the Petaling Street market. No cafe in the hotel, but many nearby on the street. What is the unusual characteristic of Ocean 77? Options: A. It is the cheapest, newest and cleanest. B. Its location is in the heart of the city. C. It is located in the street in Chinatown. D. There is a flat screen TV and good Wi-Fi. Answer:

A

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Question: Should every teenager be given a vaccine against the effects of nicotine, and so prevent them becoming addicted to cigarettes? This controversial possibility seems likely to happen in the future, thanks to the development of a new vaccine for nicotine addiction. The vaccine was designed for people who want to quit smoking but who repeatedly relapse .But since most countries are failing to cut the number of children taking up smoking, many people will want to know whether the vaccine should be used far more widely if it proves to be effective. "The vaccine will be tested first on relapsing smokers, then on those who plan to quit, then on those who are not yet completely addicted," says Frank Vocci of the National Institute of Drug Abuse. "The final step would be vaccinating young people before they even try smoking, but that's a long way down the road." John Roberts, medical director of British drug company Xenova, is very enthusiastic. "I think prevention is a huge opportunity," he says. "If you can take away the pleasure nicotine gives, then teenagers who start smoking are more likely to stop before it becomes a habit." 80% of smokers start in their teens, with 360,000 teenagers and children in the US taking up the habit per year. But would the vaccine be given to all teenagers or only a selected few? "It's hard to decide which children are most at risk of becoming smokers," says Amanda Sandford of Action on Smoking and Health. Instead she favors education as a way of discouraging children from smoking. Nabi Biopharmaceuticals is also cautious, "It is very difficult to know what is the right age to give the vaccine to children." There are also worries about giving the vaccine to long-term adult smokers. Will addicted smokers simply try to beat the vaccine's antibodies by smoking more? Gary Norwith, Nabi's clinical director, says this would be almost impossible. "You'd have to stick an entire pack of cigarettes in your mouth and smoke for hours to beat the antibodies," he says. Which of the following would be the best title for the text? Options: A. Strong effects of nicotine. B. Stop them before they start. C. More teenagers become addicted. D. Protect teenage nicotine addiction. Answer:

B

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Question: Baseball Match Mr. Jenkins works in a middle school. There he teaches his students English. He works hard and is very busy. After supper, when his family watch TV, he always reads some newspapers in his room. At times Robert comes in and asks him to tell him a story. He likes his little son and does all what the boy wants. One Sunday Mrs. Jenkins was doing some housework and Mr. Jenkins was reading a newspaper. Robert came in but he didn't say anything. About ten minutes later the boy showed a newspaper to him and called out, "There will be a baseball match tonight, Dad!" Mr. Jenkins was surprised. He said to himself, "The boy is only three years old. How can he read the newspaper?" He held up the newspaper and began to look for the news. But he couldn't find it. At last the boy showed him an exclamation mark on the newspaper. Mr. Jenkins always reads newspapers after supper because _ . Options: A. he's very busy at school B. he works hard at school C. he wants to teach his son D. he wishes his family to listen to him Answer:

A

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Question: In China, many people are leaving the countryside to find jobs in the cities, because the countryside is much poorer than the city, and often there isn't much work there. Services such as hospital and transport are usually much better in the city than in the countryside. They hope that their lives will improve when they move to the city. But in the big cities of Europe like London or Pads, people are moving out of the city. These rich families want to live a quieter life. They are tired of the noise and the dirt of the city, and they are tired of the crowded streets, crowded trains and buses. They don't want to live in the cities any more. They want a house with a garden in the countryside, and breathe the fresh air there. So they move out of the cities. Some don't go very far, just a little way out of the city, to the towns near the cities, other people move to the real countryside with sheep, cows and green fields. There, they start new lives and try to make new friends. Not all those who move from the city to the countryside are happy. After two or three years, many people who have done this feel that it was a big mistake. They don't make so much money and there isn't much work to do. People in the countryside are very different and aren't always very friendly. As a result, quite a lot of people who have moved to the countryside move back to the city. " _ ." they say. Tile best title of this passage may be " _ ". Options: A. A happy life B. Living in the city C. Moving out or moving back D. Living in the countryside Answer:

C

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Question: Are you feeling blue? An American study suggests that being surrounded by happy friends and neighbours could have more of an effect on your happiness than money.That is the finding of researchers from Harvard University and the University of California at San Diego. Nicholas Christakis and James Fowler studied the emotional health of more than 4,700 people.They used information from the Framingham Heart Study.That study began sixty years ago in the American community of Framingham.Massachusetts.It was started to learn more about the risks of heart attack and stroke. For the new study,the researchers examined the emotions of the men and women in the Framingham Heart Study.The information was gathered from 1983 to 2003. The researchers found that friends of happy people had a greater chance of being happy themselves.That means that happiness spreads,or has a contagious effect,among people.And,the smaller the physical distance between friends,the larger the effect they had on each other's happiness. Sadness was also contagious among friends,but not as much as happiness.The researchers say social groups did not influence happiness as much as personal situations. However,people removed by as much as three degrees of separation still had an effect on one's happiness.The expression three degrees of separation means the friends of an individual's friends. In fact,persons with three degrees of separation had a greater effect on an individual's happiness than having five thousand dollars.The researchers say the study is historic because it shows that social effects on health can be spread among people. Another finding is that people who work together or are married do not have as much of an effect on happiness levels as friends.The researchers say this is often true among friends of the same sex. Why do the researchers do this study? Options: A. They want to learn about the importance of having friends. B. They want to find a way to let people get rid of depression. C. They want to supply more information to hospitals. D. They want to learn about social effects on health. Answer:

D

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Question: It often happens that a number of applicants with almost the same qualifications and experience all apply for the same position. In their educational background, special skills and work experience, there is little, if anything, to choose between half a dozen candidates. How then does the employer make a choice? Usually on the basis of an interview. There are many arguments for and against the interview as a way of selection. The main argument against it is that it results in a wholly _ decision. As often as not, employers do not choose the best candidate. They choose the candidate who makes a good first impression on them. Some employers, of course, reply to this argument by saying that they have become so experienced in interviewing staff that they are able to make a good assessment of each candidate's likely performance. The main argument in favor of the interview is that an employer is concerned not only with a candidate's ability, but with his or her suitable personality for the particular work situation. Many employers, for example, will overlook occasional mistakes from their secretary if she has a pleasant personality. It is perhaps true to say, therefore, that the real purpose of an interview is not to assess the assessable aspects of each candidate but to make a guess at the things that are hard to measure, such as personality, character and social ability. Unfortunately, both for the employers and applicants for jobs, there are many people of great ability who simply do not interview well. There are also, of course, people who interview extremely well, but are later found to be very unsatisfactory employees. Candidates who interview well tend to be quietly confident, but never boastful , direct and straightforward in their questions and answers; cheerful and friendly, but never over-familiar; and sincerely enthusiastic and optimistic. Candidates who interview badly tend to be either very shy or over-confident. They either talk too little or never stop talking. They are either over polite or a bit rude. What is the author's attitude towards the interview? Options: A. He thinks it is a good way of selection B. He doesn't quite agree with it C. He is neither for nor against it D. It is not clear Answer:

B

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Question: I know it is wrong to envy your children. But when I see my son, Tonio and his younger brother Sam going down a slide together, one's arm around the other, I know I have missed something wonderful. Not only did I never have a brother, but also I had no friendships like theirs. My sister was old enough to help take care of me, so she was more a mother than a playmate, and I was more a _ than a friend. A brother would have been wonderful, but it was not in the family planning. Now I finally live with brothers, my sons, Tonio and Sam. I am watching them build the kind of relationship that I once dreamed about. They go to bed together. When one comes into our bed after a nightmare, my wife and I know that before morning his brother will follow. Sam manages the world with more ease than his elder brother, whose frustrations often bring him to tears. With a sincere "Smile, Tonio," Sam is the one who comforts him. Tonio, on the other hand, has stopped playing with boys at his age who don't like playing with Sam. They are always backing each other up. I don't know what kind of relationship they will have when they grow up. Parents always want their children to have what they never could. I want them to have each other. So I imagine them going to the same college, marrying sisters and living on the same block. That's why I was so worried the day Tonio started kindergarten. I felt that I would lose something too. As we headed for school that morning, both boys seemed relaxed, as if neither had any idea that the day was going to be different, that starting then, Tonio would be leaving behind his brother, his best friend, his right arm. Tonio's first day was chaotic, with hundreds of children outside looking for their teachers. Before any of us could say goodbye, Tonio disappeared with his new classmates. He turned to wave and then was gone. It was so sudden. Sam even didn' t see him go. Although parents had been asked to ease the craziness of the first day by statying out of the school, I lifted Sam up and took him to Tonio's classroom, looking for a glimpse of Tonio. Sam spotted him first. My wife and I didn't head back home immediately, stopping instead at a coffee shop to treat Sam to hot chocolate. We even let him eat ice-cream with his fingers. Sam was still quiet, so I asked him if he missed his brother already. He didn't answer. Instead he asked, "Daddy, is Tonio going to be gone forever?" "No, Sammy," I said, feeling happy about his sweet question. "Not forever, just until three o'clock." I sometimes think that the greatest thing I have ever done is to help create these brothers. And I didn't stop with them. We had another child, and for the third time in a row, it was a boy. It wasn't long before his brothers climbed into the crib to play with him. I am surrounded by brothers. What makes the author envy his sons? Options: A. He has no friends like Sam and Tonio. B. He has only one brother in his family. C. He doesn't enjoy brotherhood as they do. D. He doesn't have a good relation with his sister. Answer:

C

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Question: Nobody knows for certainty all the details of the life of Aesop. However, scholars have been working to established some facts and this is the brief story of Aesop as it is accepted today. Aesop was born a slave around the year 620 B.C. InAncient Greece, it was a privilege and tradition of freedmen to be interested in public affairs, so Aesop worked hard to raise himself from a servile slave's position to a high position of renown. He was a thinker and philosopher and eventually became widely admired. Aesop was a smart man and a good speaker. He liked to learn and to also teach people, so he traveled through many countries. He came to Sardis, the capital of the famous king Croesus of Lydia who was a patron of learning and learned men. Croesus was so impressed by Aesop that he invited Aesop to permanently reside at Sardis. The king hired Aesop to do diplomatic government work such as trying to establish peace between the various republics of Greece. Aesop reconciled the inhabitants of these cities by telling his wise fables. It was on one of these ambassadorial missions that Aesop was killed. Croesus had sent him to Delphi with lots of gold which was to be distributed among the citizens. After talking with the people of Delphi, Aesop got so mad at the citizens because of their covetousness. He refused to divide the money and instead sent it back to his master. The Delphians were so mad they executed Aesop as a public criminal. As it often happens in Greek history, the Delphians were visited by a series of calamities as a sort of retribution for Aesop's death. This is where the phrase "the blood of Aesop" originated. The saying means "wrongful deeds will not go unpunished". In memory of Aesop, a statue was erected in Athens. The statue was created by the famous Greek sculptor, Lysippus. Which of the following word can best describe Croesus? Options: A. Strong-willed. B. Generous. C. Adventurous. D. Knowledgeable. Answer:

B

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Question: Question: What is more astonishing than a 60-ton whale on a flatbed truck being driven down the street? Answer: A 60-ton whale on a flatbed truck exploding and raining blubber ( fat of whales) all over the sidewalk. That's what happened in Taiwan recently, when a dead sperm whale being shipped to the Halobios Research Center for an autopsy developed an extremely bad case of gas and blew up before it reached its destination. The whale was found alive on a prefix = st1 /Taiwanbeach last weekend, and died shortly after it was discovered. Since the 56-foot whale was the largest whale ever beached onTaiwan's shores, scientists wanted to study it and perform an autopsy for educational purpose. Obviously, too much time passed between when the animal died and the time it was set to be moved to the autopsy location, because it had already started to go bad. When things rot, they give off gases as a by-product. In the whale's case, the gases were trapped in its belly. The pressure inside the rotting creature grew so much that it popped like an over-filled balloon. Unfortunately, it was on a truck in the middle of the city of Taiwanat the time--- cars and shops lining the street were covered with whale bits and juices, much to their owners' discouragement. According to the news reports, traffic was tied up for hours while officials tried to clean up the streets. Newspaper editors worldwide were probably smiling to themselves, since they had a ready-made headline--- several reports about the incident were titled " There She Blows!" after the famous line from the book Moby Dick. The whale's explosion is the result of _ . Options: A. pressure from gases building up in the creature as it began to rot B. the long transport of the creature from the beach to the center C. the extremely busy traffic in the streets it passed by D. the quick process of rotting of the animal Answer:

A

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Question: Jill ran upstairs as soon as she got home from school. Today she was a sad and angry girl. Her teacher had given her a lot of homework. Jill always thought homework wasn't fair. But she thought it was extra unfair today because she wanted to play with a new toy. The new toy was called Wiggle Giggle and Jill's friends said it was very fun. When Jill ran into her room, she jumped up on her bed. Frowning, she tried to think of a way to get her homework done very quickly. While she was thinking, she unwrapped a brownie and began to eat it. Brownies were her favorite snack and it made her feel a little better. Suddenly, Jill came up with a plan. She jumped down from the bed and stuffed the rest of the snack in her mouth. As she chewed, she opened her toy chest. Jill had to dig way down to the bottom, but she soon found what she was looking for: parts from a few broken toys. Things were looking up! Jill's plan was to build a robot to do her homework. Nothing would get in the way of her plan. It took her hours to finish it, but she was proud of her work. When it was done, she named the robot Mister Sparks. She told it, "Mister Sparks, do my homework!" Then Jill had to go eat dinner. After dinner, Jill spent the rest of the night playing Wiggle Giggle. It was so much fun! But Jill got some bad news before going to bed. Mister Sparks had not done any of the homework! Why was Jill sad after school? Options: A. Her mom was angry at her B. She didn't eat dinner C. Her new toy wasn't fun to play with D. Her teacher had given her a lot of homework Answer:

D

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Question: Which is needed for both boiling and melting to occur? Options: A. solids B. gases C. heat D. pressure Answer:

C

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Question: When an atom has a neutral charge, which particles within the atom have equal numbers? Options: A. electrons and neutrons B. protons and electrons C. neutrons and protons D. ions and neutrons Answer:

B

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Question: You put a great deal of effort into reaching the college of your choice. It' s time to get started. But what' s next? Beginning college can be an exciting but awkward time. Follow these tips to adjust to your new life rapidly and make the most of your college experience. * To save time and money, use the college' s bus system. Taking the bus to school is quick, easy and free in most college towns. You won' t have to locate or afford a place to park either. It' s also a good way to be environmentally aware. * Save pennies on books by waiting until class starts. You might not even need all of the recommended books. New textbooks cost an arm and a leg. Try buying used textbooks -- it' s a surefire way to save money and serves the purpose as well. * Do never look at college life as an endless series of parties and social activities. But there is a whole lot more to college if you're serious about graduating. Having a good college experience is all about balancing work and fun. * Be mindful of your diet. Make healthy food choices and watch what you eat. Avoid foods that are processed or high in sugar. The "freshman 15"is real. Many college students gain at least 15 pounds during their freshmen year. * While electives can be helpful when figuring out your major, you shouldn't entirely rely on them. Clubs and other organizations exist around. Get involved. Make sure, though, that you still have time to study. Having too much on your plate can hurt your grades. The "freshman 15"tells the fact that some freshmen _ . Options: A. take relaxed attitudes to their diets B. have little regular physical exercise C. focus less on their academic work D. attend limited activities on campus Answer:

A

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Question: Dear Sir, I am writing to you about my stay at your hotel. My wife and I arrived on Saturday, 15thMay and stayed for a week. Though we were treated well and found the service excellent, we think there are one or two matters we should bring your attention. 1. We had hoped for a nice holiday from our busy work lives, and your advertisement said "comfortable and quiet". We want to have a chance to enjoy ourselves. However, we were always waken up by the noise every morning. Is it really necessary for the workers to start their repair work so early? 2. We had hoped to swim in your "wonderful pool". To our disappointment , we found that it was closed for the whole time of our stay. I hope you do not mind my writing to you about these things, but I would be happy if you could give me some explanation. As I said at the start, it is a pity, and your service is so good in other fields. I hope to hear from you soon. Yours sincerely Mr Hector Bradley , . What kind of letter is it? Options: A. An invitation letter. B. A thank-you letter. C. A recommendation letter D. A complaint letter. Answer:

D

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Question: Dear daughter, You are a wonderful person and your mother and I think the world of you. It will not be long before you leave home to make your way in the world. Can I please give you some friendly advice? Here are some things that you should never do. 1. Never Look Down Upon Yourself. You are great and able to achieve great things so believe in yourself. When things go badly, never stop believing. Some girls get upset, blame themselves and lose self-esteem. All kinds of problems can follow. 2. Never Get Obsessed With Your Appearance. We think you look great (though some of the clothes you wear worry us!). Please be happy with the person ,you are and the body you have. Eat reasonably, take exercise and be healthy. Some girls show too much concern about losing weight or getting the perfect shape. You look fine. 3. Never Compromise Your Personal Safety. _ . This means that you cannot trust people until you really know them and that sometimes you have to avoid things that look like they might be fun. Never get drunk or take drugs. Unluckily there are some bad people out there and it is best not to take risks. 4. Never Give Less Than Your Best. We are very proud of what you have achieved so far. You should be proud too. Keep doing well. Keep trying your hardest at everything you do. No one can ask for more than that. 5. Never Forget That Your Parents Love You. Whatever happens in life, your family will still be your family. Whatever difficulties you meet with, you can always talk to us and we will try to help. We are here for you. What does the father think of his daughter's appearance? Options: A. He thinks she looks fine although she's unhealthy. B. He is satisfied with the clothes his daughter wears. C. He thinks his daughter should be happy with her appearance. D. He thinks his daughter should lose weight to get the perfect shape. Answer:

C

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Question: Most people can only dream of living for 100 years, let alone fathering a child nearly a century after being born themselves. But that is apparently a reality today, as a 96-year-old Indian man claims to have fathered a child, his second in recent years. Ramajit Raghav and his 52-year-old wife, Shakuntala Devi, reportedly gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Ranjeet, on Oct. 5, according to the Times of India. Just two years ago, Raghav set the world record when he and Devi gave birth to their first son, Vikramajeet. "I didn't take any medicine. ... I just prayed to God to complete my family, either a boy or a girl," Raghav told the paper. India is often the source of unusual stories about a person's age. However, the life expectancy of the average Indian actually falls into the lower-third of UN global statistics (139 out of 194 counties), at 64.7 years. The average Indian man lives 63.2 years. By comparison, Japan has the longest worldwide life expectancy, with its residents living an average of 82.7 years. The US comes in at No. 38, with Americans living an average of 79.2 years. While male fertility rates are not as directly correlated to age as are women's, male fertility rates do decline with age, according to a study published in the 2004 issue of Human Reproduction Update. Raghav says that he credits his diet of butter, milk and almonds for his longevity, along with abstaining from drugs and alcohol. "I feel lucky to have two healthy sons. It will be tough, but I'm a happy man," he said. Interestingly, the previous record holder for world's oldest dad was also Indian: Nanu Ram Jog, who reportedly fathered his 21st at the age of 90. For his part, Raghav doesn't plan to set any more paternal records. He said. "I don't want more children, we can't afford it." Why does Raghave think he can live a long life? Options: A. Because he has a positive attitude towards life. B. Because his parents lived to be very old. C. Because he is lucky enough to have two sons. D. Because he developed good living habits. Answer:

D

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Question: As jewelry designers,my sister Jodie and I are always traveling for work.We need to go to a lot of shows,so we can't pack lightly and usually bring about four suitcases filled with our work. Most of our stuff is made from heavy materials and metals.So part of the routine for us when we fly is getting stopped by security.Our jewelry sets off the alarms,and we've become accustomed to arriving early to go through private screenings.Most of the time,it's not troublesome. However,on our recent trip to a Paris trade show,we were stopped at security and asked to empty our bags. One of the agents walked over to another agent and they started whispering to each other.Both gentlemen came back,and one of them then told us that it seemed that we were carrying a very dangerous object. My sister and I just said,"Huh?"Of course,we were a little concerned,thinking that maybe someone put something dangerous in one of our bags when we weren't looking. One of the agents then started to unpack our bags.I kept asking what he was 1ooking for and then the object in question finally appeared.It was our Cosima necklace.It's a piece of jewelry,with large,metal triangular spikes. My sister and I 1ooked at each other and breathed a huge sigh of relief.We started laughing and explained to the two male agents that it was just a necklace from our collection.not a weapon of mass destruction.They thought we were lying,and one agent kept repeating that he believed it was a weapon. I tried to explain that we were jewelry designers going to a trade show,and this was simply a piece from our collection.But the agents didn't _ it.Then a few women guards came over to assist.One of the women guards was holding an earring up to her ear and another was trying on a ring.Apparently,they liked our stuff. It was only at this point that the male guards gave up.And I think they also got tired of listening to a bunch of women talk about jewelry.They let us through. We took the names of the women agents and sent them a piece of jewelry when we got back to say thanks. The writer and her sister were stopped by the agents because _ . Options: A. their suitcases were too heavy B. the agents wanted to play a joke on them C. they were suspected to carry dangerous objects D. the agents wanted to admire the jewelry inside the suitcases Answer:

C

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Question: Tony:I like eating hamburgers and drinking cola. Yes, they are not healthy. But I eat hamburgers and drink cola every day.I don't like vegetables. I hate tomatoes. Cindy: My favourite food is chocolate and my favourite drink is milk. Milk can make me healthy. I drink milk every morning. I like fruit too. And my favourite fruit is oranges. Zhang Qiang: I like meat. I eat beef and chicken, but my favourite is beef. So I'm strong and tall. Liu Xin: I like candy and vegetables. I eat candy every day. But my mum says candy can make me fat. Now I'm fat so I do sports every day. Zhang Qiang is a _ boy. Options: A. tall B. short C. fat D. thin Answer:

A

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Question: Space vegetables are grown from seeds that have been taken to space and brought back to the earth. The seeds are affected by the radiation and low gravity in space. When they are brought back to the earth, these seeds produce vegetables that are bigger and healthier than normal vegetables. However, some people worry about eating space vegetables. They think that space vegetables might not be good for us and could make us get sick because of the radiation in space. However, people should not be frightened because space vegetables are very healthy. Here are some facts that you should know about space vegetables. Space vegetables are grown from seeds that are carefully chosen. When seeds are brought back from space, they are tested to make sure that they will be safe to eat. Space vegetables are better for you than normal vegetables. For example, space tomatoes stay fresh for twenty days, which is one week longer than normal tomatoes. After genetically modified food appeared in the market, people worried that they were eating unknown things. For example, if nut genes are put inside potatoes, people allergic to nuts might get sick from eating these potatoes because they do not know they are also eating nuts. Unlike genetically modified food, space vegetables have not been genetically changed. This means that no new genes are put into the vegetables. Therefore, there are no dangers of eating something unknown. The seeds brought back from space produce _ vegetables according to the passage. Options: A. more delicious B. healthier and bigger C. more dangerous D. cheaper and healthier Answer:

B

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Question: Buying a house for most of the people is a once in a lifetime decision, which means people decide to do so only after coming across the ideal house. Surprisingly, eight in every 10 home buyers are unhappy with their houses. A survey conducted by the Beijing Consumers' Association (BCA) recently shows about 80 percent of the 2,315 respondents in 23 residential complexes of Beijing are dissatisfied with the soaring house prices. They think the reasonable price in Beijing should be between 3,000 yuan and 7,000 yuan per square meter. The quality of the buildings, the surrounding environment and traffic and property management are the other factors that play a role in people's decision to buy a house. The BCA has suggested strict sales regulations and contracts to ease house-owners' sufferings. It has urged the authorities to impose severe punishment on developers found violating building and other rules and joining hands with others to bid up property prices, About 41.2 percent of the respondents have complained that their house have defective designs, while nearly 40 percent say the lighting and ventilation are far from satisfactory. The landscapes in the residential areas are a source of unhappiness for 43.2 percent of the respondents, and about one-third say they were " " into buying "third grade" house. And more than half are not satisfied with the sport and entertainment facilities in their neighborhood. Property management in the buildings, 56.5 percent of the respondents say, is way below standard compared to the high fee charged by the complexes. 60 percent of the consumers doubt the contents of developers' advertisements, with only 6.3 percent being satisfied. Experts have suggested consumers gather thorough knowledge about a developer and their work before deciding to buy a house from it. They should check the day-light conditions and ventilation in different weather conditions in advance, if possible. If you want to buy a flat, according to the survey, you will consider the following EXCEPT _ . Options: A. property management B. the surrounding environment C. the quality of the buildings D. the height of the building Answer:

D

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Question: Flags have existed for over 3000 years. The earliest flags were wooden or metal poles topped with a carving. About 2000 years ago pies of fabric were added to some poles for decoration. Over the next 500 years the free-flying part of the flag became more important. Every country today has its own flag. Many groups and organizations also have a flag which stands for, or symbolizes, the aims of the group. The flag depicts a world map, centered on the north pole. The map is surrounded by an olive wreath symbolizing peace and co-operation. The flag is blue and white. Flags have been in existence for _ . Options: A. 500 years B. more than 3000 years C. about 2000 years D. between 500 and 2000 years Answer:

B

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Question: Proverbs are popular around the world. Many proverbs give advice on how to live. Some proverbs are hundreds of years old, but they are still used today. For example, my son is just like his father in many ways. We often say the two of them prove the proverb that the apple does not fall far from the tree. My daughter is very short. She would like to be taller. But I tell her that good things come in small packages. Some valuable things are very small, like diamonds and other jewels. But I also tell my children that all that glitters is not gold. Something may look valuable, but may not really be valuable. Also, I tell them do not judge a book by its cover. You should not judge something only by its appearance. Sometimes I tell my children to cooperate to solve a problem. After all, two heads are better than one. But another proverb says too many cooks spoil the soup. If too many people try to do something, then the job will not be done well. I also tell my children that two wrongs do not make a right. You should not do something bad just because someone did the same to you. Some people are pessimists while other people are optimists. Pessimists always think about how bad things are or will be; optimists might say that every cloud has a silver lining and they always look on the bright side. Other people are both pessimists and optimists. They hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Some people often worry about what they will do in a situation that might happen in the future. We could tell them do not cross that bridge until you come to it. It is usually much better to prevent a problem from happening than it is to find ways to solve it.So we say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Why does the author mention so many proverbs? Options: A. Proverbs are very useful in our life. B. She wants to tell us how well she used the proverbs in her life. C. We should not believe in proverbs. D. Some proverbs are contradictory. Answer:

A

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Question: A car rounds a corner and the driver taps the breaks. The breaks being tapped causes Options: A. the car to slip B. the car to float C. the car to die D. the car to speed up Answer:

A

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Question: Do you want to live another 100 years or more? Some experts say that scientific progress will one day help humans to last tens of years longer than what is now seen as the natural limit of the human life span . " I think _ ," said Michael Zey, a Montclair State University business professor and author of two books on the future. " I think by 2075 we will see it and that's a conservative estimate ." At the conference in San Francisco, Donald Louria, a professor at New Jersey Medical School in Newark said progress in using genes as well as nanotechnology makes it likely that humans will live in the future beyond what has been possible in the past. " There is a great push so that people can live from 120 to 180 years," he said. " Some have suggested that there is no limit and that people could live to 200 or 300 or 500 years." However, many scientists who research into aging are doubtful about _ and say the human body is just not designed to last about 120 years. Even with healthier lifestyles and less disease, they say failure of the brain and organs will finally lead all humans to death. Scientists also disagree on what kind of life the super aged might live. "It remains to be seen whether you could be healthy enough to have good quality of life when you pass 120." said Leonard Poon, director of the University of Georgia Gerontology Center. " At present people who could get to that point are not in good health at all." Donald Louria's attitude toward long living is that _ . Options: A. people can live from 120 to 180 B. it is still doubtful how long humans can live C. the human body is designed to last about 120 years D. it is possible for humans to live longer in the future Answer:

D

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Question: When compared to current average conditions, which term would best describe conditions in Earth's lower atmosphere if greenhouse gases were absent? Options: A. denser B. cooler C. wetter D. cloudier Answer:

B

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Question: Britain's symbolic red phone boxes have become out of date in the age of the mobile, but villages across the country are stepping in to save them, with creative intelligence. Whether as a place to exhibit art, poetry, or even as a tiny library, hundreds of phone boxes have been given a new life by local communities determined to preserve a typical part of British life. In Waterperry, a small village near Oxford, the 120 residents have filled the phone box next to the old house with a pot of flowers, piles of gardening and cooking magazines, and stuck poems on the walls. They took control of the phone box when telecoms operator BT said it was going to pull it down, an announcement that caused such dissatisfaction that one local woman threatened to chain herself to the box to save it. "I'd have done it, " insisted Kendall Turner. "It would have been heartbreaking for the village. " Local councilor Tricia Hallam, who came up with the idea for the phone box's change, said quite a few people would have joined her, adding, " We couldn't let it go because it's a British symbol." Only three feet by three feet wide, and standing 2.51-meter tall, the phone boxes were designed by Giles Gilbert Scott in 1936 for the 25thanniversary of the reign of King George V. Painted in "Post Office red" to match the post boxes, they were once a typical image of England and the backdrop to millions of tourist photographs. Eight years ago there were about 17,000 across Britain, but today, in a country where almost everybody has a mobile phone, 58 percent are no longer profitable and ten percent are only used once a month. "On average, maintaining them costs PS800 a year per phone box-about PS44 million annually," said John Lumb, general manager for BT Payphones. What is the color of the British post boxes according to the passage? Options: A. Green B. Red C. Black D. Yellow Answer:

B

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Question: Huangshi will have new rules about behaviour standards for middle school students very soon. Middle Schools are going to use a new way to decide who the top students are. The best students won't only have high marks. The new rules will be used first in No. 2 Middle School of Huangshi in September 2015. The following are some of the new rules. Tell the truth Have you ever cheated in an exam, for example, copying answers from a book or looking at other students' answers? Don't do it again! That's not something honest students should do. Do more at school Good students don't only think of themselves, but they also care for other people and the surrounding. Look at the people around you; do they need help? Give a hand to whoever is in need. You are in a big family! Pay attention to the environment. Wherever possible, do something to protect the earth we live on. Be open to new ideas Have you ever thought people may live on the moon or travel in space? Having new ideas means possible inventions and discoveries. Protect yourself Has a thief ever broken into your classroom and taken your money from your schoolbag? Don't let it happen again. And if you have to go back home late, you should let your parents know. Use the Internet carefully The Internet can be very useful for your study. But some things on the Internet aren't good for kids, so try to look at the good Web pages, which you can use for fun or homework. Which is your best choice if you have to go back home late? Options: A. Leaving with the classroom door open B. Taking money from your classmates C. Phoning your parents and let them know D. Speaking to strangers Answer:

C

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Question: Tips for planning a trip abroad You may be going on a well deserved vacation with your family or planning a honeymoon trip to a foreign country. While discovering a new destination may seem exciting, keep in a mind a little bit of preparation can make your getaway all the more special. Here are some travel tips that can minimize any unpleasant circumstances that may arise when you are not familiar with the country you are travelling to. Be familiar with the culture and traditions of your destination. East is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet. Rudyard Kipling's views may not seem entirely true with the world becoming a global village. There are, however, still differences that must be taken into consideration. It is better to be acquainted with the culture and traditions of the country you are visiting. For example, you may be travelling the Bali, a country equally well-known for its beautiful landscapes and temples as it is for its warm people. However, keep in mind that you must be suitably dressed to enter a temple. If you go wearing shorts, you may not be allowed to enter. Keeping into consideration facts such as this can make all the difference to your visit. General information about your destination Weather: This will help you decide what you have to pack for the journey and stay. Currency: No travel trip is complete without shopping and bringing back souvenirs. So it is important to be familiar with the currency, notes and coins and their denominations. Cost of local items: This will help you plan your budget and also give you a rough idea of the costs so that you are not taken for a ride when you go for your shopping expedition. Booking accommodation: Book your accommodation well in advance. This is especially important if you are travelling during the high season and you may find it difficult to get a hotel or guesthouse within your budget. Dealing with language problems: Be familiar with common words and phrases to make going around easier. Then again, when commuting from one place to another, do write down the destination and your hotel address in the local language, otherwise the taxi drivers may not understand where you want to go. Practical necessities Paperwork and documents: Know all the documents that are required for travelling to a particular country and ensure all your paperwork is complete so that you don't face hassles once you reach the place. Make two copies of your passport. Keep them in separate places, for example, you can leave one copy in your room and keep another with your friend. Should your passport be lost or stolen, you can use the copy to exit the country or use it to facilitate the replacement process. Email yourself all the important information such as credit card numbers, passport numbers, your driving license details etc. and anything else that could be of importance if an emergency arises. Finally, run a final checklist before starting your journey. You should have the following: passport, tickets, car rental and hotel reservation receipts/agreements, credit cards, medications or prescriptions, if required, addresses, password and any other important information that you may need. If everything is in order, you are all set for a smooth journey abroad. You can do the following things in Bali except _ . Options: A. enjoying the beautiful scenery B. meeting warm people C. entering a temple wearing shorts D. learning about its traditions Answer:

C

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Question: It's nine o'clock in the evening. The family are all at home. Jim's father is sitting in a chair. He's watching TV. Jim's mother is standing near the window. She's giving some food to a bird. Polly says,"Thanks ! Thanks!" Where's Jim ? Oh, he's behind the door. Kate, Jim's sister, is looking for him. They are playing games. They have no homework on Sunday evening. What's Kate doing ? Options: A. She's doing her homework. B. She's standing near the window. C. She's looking for a pen. D. She's playing games. Answer:

D

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Question: which one of these would be a migratory outcome? Options: A. animals feeling more comfortable being outside B. animals getting more sick C. animals getting more aggressive D. animals dying from sub-zero weather Answer:

A

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Question: Jack was a pumpkin farmer. He lived in a big house on the edge of a town and grew the largest Pumpkin farm around the town. Jack's pumpkins were famous , for they always had the perfect shape and never rotted ( ) until well after Halloween . Every year around Halloween , people came from all over the town to buy his pumpkins to make their jack-o-lanterns ( ) One year, Jack was thinking about his pumpkin harvest ( ) of the year when his good friend Pete came to visit him. I have some bad news , Jack ," Pete said. "What is it ? " Jack asked . a little worried. The town decided not to have Halloween this year! They said there was simply no reason for it and they didn't have time to celebrate it because many other holidays were coming up soon . Peter told him. He knew this was very bad news for jack. Jack became very sad and lowered ( ) his head . "What can I do now , Peter?" I have all these beautiful pumpkins and I can't keep them until next Halloween ." Peter replied, " Well , there are always pumpkin pies and pumpkin bread for other holidays." Jack was worried and said, "I sell most of my pumpkins for the Halloween . I can only sell a few pumpkins during the rest of the year. And Pete, it's not so much about the money . I live a simple life out here in the country and I don't need much money . But I feel happy every year when thousands of people get my pumpkins and take them and make them into beautiful jack-o-lanterns. Now all these pumpkins will be useless because people won't make jack-o-lanterns this year. oh, this is very bad news ." Jack began to weep . large tears ran down his face. Which sentence is right? Options: A. Jack keep the pumpkins until next Halloween. B. This year he will sell most of his pumpkins for the Halloween. C. He feels happy when people get his pumpkins D. Jack needs a lot of money every year. Answer:

C

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Question: A subject which seems to have been insufficiently studied by doctors and psychologists is the influence of geography and climate on the psychological and physical health of mankind. There seems no doubt that the general character of the landscape, the relative length of day and night, and the climate must all play a big part in determining what kind of people we are. It is true that a few studies have been made. Where all the inhabitants of a particular area enjoy exceptionally good or bad health, scientists have identified contributory factors such as the presence or absence of substances like iodine, fluoride, calcium, or iron in the water supply, or perhaps types of land that provide breeding places for pests like mosquitoes or rats. Moreover, we can all generalize about types of people we have met. Those living in countries with long dark winters are apt to be less talkative and less vivacious than inhabitants of countries where the climate is more equable. And where the olive and the orange grow, there the inhabitants are cheerful, talkative, and spontaneous. But these commonplace generalizations are inadequate: the influence of climate and geography should be studied in depth. Do all mountain dwellers live to a ripe old age? Does the drinking of wine, rather than beer, result in a sunny and open temperament? Is the strength and height of one of the Kenyan tribes due to their habitual drinking of the blood of cows? We are not yet sure of the answers to such questions, but let us hope that something of benefit to mankind may eventually result from such studies. According to the author, research into the influence of geography and climate should _ . Options: A. focus on some unknown aspects B. be pursued on a larger scale C. be carried out within a larger scope D. go much deeper Answer:

D

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Question: Venice is the "Queen" of the Adriatic Sea . Every year thousands of people from all over the world travel to Italy to visit the city. Do you know why they like to go there for a visit? Venice is a very beautiful city. It is quite different from other cities in the world. There aren't any roads and streets in the city. So there aren't any cars and buses. There are many canals in the city. There is one big canal and one hundred and seventy-seven small canals. People move up and down the canals in boats to go to work, go shopping or visit their friends. But Venice is sinking. It is going down and the water is going up. In 2040Venice will be under water, The Adriatic Sea will cover the city. The Venetians love their city and want to stay there. So they want to save Venice? They can build some strong huge walls and gates in the sea. The gates will close to keep too much water out. Thus Venice will not sink. From this short article we know Venice is _ . Options: A. a very beautiful woman of the Adriatic Sea. B. the most important woman in Italy. C. a very important and beautiful place of the Adriatic Sea. D. the most important city in Italy. Answer:

C

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Question: Last Thursday, a young woman saved an elderly man from a burning house on Garden Road. The young woman's name is Kitty and she works in a clothes shop. The elderly man, Daniel, lives just opposite the clothes shop. On Thursday afternoon, Kitty looked out of the window. She saw some smoke coming from Daniel's house and rushed over to see what was happening. The house was on fire and Daniel was inside. Kitty quickly called the fireman on 999. Then, she ran into the house to save Daniel. She found Daniel in his bedroom and he was frightened. Kitty helped Daniel out to a safe place. Five minutes later the fireman arrived and they put out the fire. No one was hurt. The next day, Daniel said,"I am so grateful to Kitty. She saved my life."Daniel also said,"In the future, I will be more careful. I don't want another fire in my house." _ was(were) hurt in the fire. Options: A. No one B. Two people C. Four people D. Seven people Answer:

A

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Question: My husband and I had just opened up a pet sitting business earlier that year. Our customers had slowly risen from three to thirty a month. We were busy through those hot summer months, driving between visits. Our work was strictly done at the pet owner's home. It was almost too busy for the two of us, but we were making good money! We asked pet owners new to our business to phone two weeks ahead so we had enough time to meet the owners and pets at their homes and make any following meetings before the owner leaves. One day, we decided to take on a new customer just two days before they would leave. We met the family, filled in a form, and spent some time with their dog, Hercules. He playfully jumped on us and touched our hands and arms using his tongue. The family laughed as he did this, showing us that he was very loving. Two days later I appeared at the house, alone. I came up to Hercules and said hello happily. I filled up his water bowl and cleaned any messes he made. Meanwhile, he was so lovely sitting beside. I thought this would be the good picture to send to the owners as usual. After the light and "click" sound went off, Hercules rushed at me. I didn't know what had just happened until I noticed the drops of blood. I ran out and did the only thing--calling my husband. Then I went to neighbors for help. My husband arrived after ten minutes. The helpful neighbor and my husband led Hercules back into his pen . Then my husband and I took off to the hospital. I must have looked like I was shot when I walked into the hospital. The nurses quickly moved me to a room. I asked the doctor in a weak but playful manner, "Am I going to die?" He replied, "Finally." What did the author often do during her work? Options: A. Cleaning the customers' house. B. Walking the pets outside. C. Bringing the pets to her own house. D. Sending a photo of pets to the owners. Answer:

D

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Question: You may know your mother, but how well do you really know Mothers' Day? Cards, flowers, sales, TV specials, and a day off for someone who really deserves it -- those are what probably come to mind for many people when they think of Mothers' Day. But there's more to the story. The earliest Mothers' Day celebrations were held during spring in ancient Greece. The celebrations honored Rhea, the mother of the gods. During the 1600's, England celebrated a day called Mothering Sunday. On this day even servants were given the day off to spend with their families. A mothering cake was even served with the family meal. In the US, Mothers' Day began in 1872 when Julia Ward Howe, who wrote the words to the famous song The Battle Hymn of the Republic, suggested it as a day devoted to peace. But it didn't really become popular until 1907 when Anna Jarvis started a campaign to honor mothers. She believed that mothers could help people get over the pain they experienced during the Civil War. The US isn't alone in devoting a day to mothers. Many other countries including Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, Japan, and Belgium also honor their mothers in May. Other countries honor their mothers at different times of the year. Learning more about Mothers' Day and celebrating Mothers' Day are important, but probably not as important as understanding what your own mother, or grandmother, or aunt has really done for you. And that will certainly be appreciated more than one day in year. Where was the earliest Mothers' Day celebrated? Options: A. In ancient Greece. B. In the US. C. In England. D. In Italy. Answer:

A

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Question: Tom is thirteen years old. He is in Grade Seven this year. He likes playing football and watching football matches. And he often reads newspapers. He does his best to know when and where there is going to be a football match. Now Tom is having lunch and he is also reading newspapers. He is very happy because there is going to be a nice football match on TV at four this afternoon. He wants to watch it very much, but he is going to have English and maths lessons in the afternoon. He thinks hard and finds a way. "Hello, Mrs Black,"Tom says to his teacher on the telephone."Tom is ill in bed. He wants to ask for half a day's leave ." "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that,"says Mrs Black."But who is that?" "It's my father, Mrs Black,"Tom answers. Which grade is Tom in? Options: A. Grade Seven. B. Grade Eight. C. Grade Nine. D. Grade Six. Answer:

A

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Question: My name is Peter and I'm 12 years old. I don't have a brother or a sister. I am in No.2 Middle School. My parents are Gray and Nancy Wilson. My father is a worker and my mother is a music teacher. My father's parents are David and Jacy Wilson. They don't live with us. They live in the nearby city . David is 63 and Jacy is 61. They come to see us once a month . My mother's parents are Henry and Sara Smith. Henry is 62 and Sara is 58. They are farmers. They have a farm. They grow vegetables and rice . I like to go to see my grandparents. How old is Jacy Wilson? Options: A. 63. B. 58 C. 62. D. 61. Answer:

D

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Question: Drink drivers could be prohibited from driving under the influence if new technology from Nissan is introduced. The Japanese car maker has developed a new odor detection system designed to prevent drivers from operating a car if they are over the legal limit. The system works by using a series of sensors to detect the level of alcohol the driver has consumed. A high-sensitivity alcohol odor sensor is built into the gear stick , which is able to detect the presence of the driver's palm as he or she attempts to start driving. If the alcohol level detected is above a pre-determined limit, the system automatically locks the transmission , immobilizing the car. A voice alert is also issued via the car navigation system telling the driver that he or she is over the limit. Extra sensors are also placed in the driver and passenger seats and a warning is issued if these sensors detect the presence of alcohol in the air inside the vehicle cabin. While still in the developmental stage the concept of drink driving detectors being built into cars has generally been welcomed by many drivers. Nissan said the technology is part of a project aimed at halving the number of fatalities and serious injuries in Nissan cars by 2015 compared to 2005 levels. What do we know about the detection system? Options: A. The detection system is still in the developmental stage. B. The new technology from Nissan has been introduced. C. The driving detectors are being built into cars. D. The system has already been used in some car companies. Answer:

A

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Question: Greenspace facilities are contributing to an important degree to the quality of the city environment. Fortunately it is no longer necessary that every lecture or every book about this subject has to start with the proof of this idea. At present it is generally accepted, although more as a self-proved statement than on the base of a closely reasoned scientific proof. Recognizing the importance of greenspaces in the city environment is a first step on the right way, this does not mean, however, that enough details are known about the functions of greenspace in towns and about the way in which people are using these spaces. As to this subject I shall within the scope of this lecture, enter into one aspect only, namely the recreative function of greenspace facilities. The theoretical separation of living, working, traffic and recreation which for many years has been used in town and country planning, has in my opinion resulted in more attention for forms of recreation far from home, while there was relatively little attention for improvement of recreative possibilities in the direct neighborhood of the home. We have come to the conclusion that this is not right, because an important part of the time which we do not pass in sleeping or working, is used for activities at and around home. So it is obvious that recreation in the open air has to begin at the street door of the house. The city environment has to offer as many recreation activities as possible, and the design of these has to be such that more required activities can also have recreative aspect. The very best standard of living is nothing if it is not possible to take a pleasant walk in the district, if the children cannot be allowed to play in the streets because the risks of traffic are too great, if during shopping you can nowhere find a spot for enjoying for a moment the nice weather, in short, if you only feel yourself at home after the street door of your house is closed after you. For many years town and country planning has _ . Options: A. brought living areas and places of entertainment close together B. separated recreation facilities far from home C. improved recreative possibilities in the neighborhood D. enabled people to reach the best standard of living Answer:

B

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Question: In animal skin tissue, cell division is responsible for Options: A. growth and repair B. sexual reproduction C. obtaining energy D. production of sex cells Answer:

A

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Question: I was fortunate to begin my day camp career at Ramaquois as a four-year-old in 1984. I can clearly remember my first bus ride to camp, sitting next to my older sister. Stepping out of the bus, and into a new, strange world, there was no way I could comprehend how important that moment was for me. Ramaquois would become my summer home until this day. My first summer at day camp was definitely a new experience for me. I had never had a "bunk " or a "cubby " before. My counselors sort of reminded me of my pre-school teachers, but they were...different somehow... I didn't usually enjoy new things and I was slow to warm up to camp. From what my parents tell me, my counselors were very patient with me. When I needed a friend, a counselor was there. When I needed words of encouragement, they got into conversation with me. When I was too shy to ask, they offered help. I don't remember the specific moment when things changed, but I know that at some point that summer, things just became different. I couldn't wait for the bus to arrive in the morning. I feared the weekends. And on the last day of camp, I cried--just like the first day. I was attracted. Ramaquois was a part of my life. I spent 11 summers as a camper at Ramaquois. I had no idea that those summers were just the beginning. I remained at camp for seven years as a counselor, five years a division leader and now I am lucky enough to be an assistant director working with the most unique and talented administrative team in the summer camp industry. I am one of the lucky people that truly enjoys going to work each and every day. In the author's opinion, the first summer at day camp _ . Options: A. gave him a deep impression B. scared him really C. was a surprise for him D. cost him a lot of money Answer:

A

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Question: As we get older, most of us worry about grey hair, wrinkles and maintaining a youthful body. But people often don't realize the voice needs looking after. Here, Mr. Rubin, a voice expert, reveals how to keep your voice youthful. Drink more fluid and avoid spicy food You need water for the vocal cords to vibrate well. The body must be kept hydrated enough to make the vocal cords operate well. Drinking 1.5 liters of water a day at intervals of 15 minutes is very important. Mr. Rubin advises avoiding foods with an annoying effect on the stomach, such as onions, chili, fizzy drinks and chocolate. Rest the throat and talk regularly The vocal cords can be scared if you use your voice during a bad cough. If you have a case of laryngitis with a cold, you should rest your voice for a day or two, and seek medical advice. Simply staying sociable and using your voice is very important. "As older people get less mobile, they can become socially isolated and speak less." says Mr. Rubin. "The elderly need to communicate with people more. By using the vocal cords, they enable the ageing process to slow down. " Improve your posture Good posture is essential to keeping the voice young, so we'd better stand properly. Exercise helps you take deeper breaths as it means there is better airflow through the voice box, producing a stronger tone. Sing in the shower This is one of the best ways to preserve your voice, as it keeps the larynx muscles strong while the steam lubricates the voice box. "Singing is gymnastics for the voice," says Mr. Rubin. Joining a choir is one of the best ways to preserve a youthful tone. Which of the following statements is TRUE in the opinion of Mr. Rubin? Options: A. We should stand properly to keep our voice youthful. B. Professional singers' voices tend to age quickly. C. The steam can do great harm to the voice. D. Taking more onions can keep us healthy. Answer:

A

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Question: Several weeks ago, more than 70 American students discussed with American First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House about health problems. The students asked lots of questions that day and Mrs Obama answered them one by one patiently. Then Mrs Obama explained the importance of making healthy choices . _ She told the students that she didn't always feel good about the choices her family was making. Some years ago, when she was working and living with her family in Chicago, Mrs Obama realized she had to make changes in her family's lifestyle. "We were eating out too much, buying a lot of things, and drinking a lot of sugary drinks," she said. So Mrs Obama started talking to her kids about eating healthily and exercising more. Soon they were cooking more, eating fewer desserts, and spending less time watching TV. Mrs Obama realized that making little changes can have a big effect . Mrs Obama said that young people should take care of their own health and their own futures. "Exercise isn't always about sports. It's just about moving," she said. Which is right about Mrs Obama? Options: A. She has failed to change her children's lifestyle. B. She thought people in Chicago should change their lifestyles. C. She moved out from the White House several weeks ago. D. She thought we didn't have to necessarily do sports , but we should move more. Answer:

D

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Question: Dr. Jack M. Gwaltney, Jr. a professor at the University Of Virginia School Of Medicine infected six student volunteers with virus, the most common cause of colds. A few days later, when they were coughing and sneezing, he gathered 37 more people and divided them into three groups. Group 1 members spent three days and nights in the same room with one of the infected students, separated by a screen so they couldn't touch one another. Group 2 sat around a table while an infected volunteer talked, coughed and sang to them. Group 3 held hands with an infected student for ten seconds, and then touched their own noses or eyes. Although most scientists at the time, the mid-70s, believed colds were spread by virus-laden droplets spread through the air when infected people coughed or sneezed, Gwaltney suspected physical contact might play an important role. Sure enough, of the 15 people who had touched a student volunteer, 11 became infected--compared with only one of those who had been sitting at the table, and none who had spent three days and nights together. "The best evidence we have is that hand-to-hand contact is the most efficient way of transmitting virus," says Gwaltney. The study was one of a series that helped establish Gwaltney's reputation as a leading authority. Dr. Robert Couch says, "It would not be inappropriate to call him Mr. Common Cold." When Gwaltney is asked how close scientists are to finding a cure, he replies: "If you mean 'get rid of', I don't think we're going to be able to do that with cold viruses any time soon. But if you look in the dictionary, you'll see that 'cure' is explained as a successful treatment. And we're not just getting more effective at treating the symptoms --we're getting at the root cause too. " Dr. Jack M. Gwaltney conducted the experiment in order to _ . Options: A. find out the most common cause of colds B. infect the student volunteer C. find out the role physical contact plays in the common colds D. find out the role virus-laden air plays in the infection of colds Answer:

C

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Question: School cleaning day Today is Saturday. It is our cleaning day. The pupils of our class are cleaning our classroom. Mary is cleaning the door. She is standing on a chair. Tom and some others are cleaning the windows. Some of us are sweeping the floor. Others are cleaning the desks and chairs. I am taking down the old pictures and putting up some new ones. Our teacher is in the classroom,too. She is helping us to put the desks and chairs in order. Mary is _ Options: A. cleaning the door B. cleaning the windows C. sweeping the floor D. cleaning the desks and chairs Answer:

A

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Question: Alice's mother died when Alice was five years old. Alice, who grew up to be my mother, told me that after her mother's death her family was too poor to even afford to give her a doll. In December 2012, I had a job at a local bank. One afternoon, we were decorating the tree in the bank lobby . One of my customers approached me with her beautiful handmade dolls. I decided to get one for my daughter, Katie, who was almost five years old. Then I had an idea. I asked my customer if she could make me a special doll for my mother--one with gray hair and spectacles : a grandmother doll. And she gladly agreed. A friend had told me that his dad who played Santa Claus would be willing to make a visit on Christmas morning to our home to deliver my Katie her presents, so I made some special arrangements. Christmas Day arrived and at the planned time; so did Santa Claus. Katie was surprised that Santa had come to see her at her own house. As Santa turned to leave, he looked once more into his bag and found one more gift. As he asked who Alice was, my mother, surprised at her name being called, indicated that she in fact was Alice. Santa handed her the gift, with a message card that read: For Alice: I was cleaning out my sleigh before my trip this year and came across this package that was supposed to be delivered on December 25,1953. The present inside has aged, but I felt that you might still wish to have it. Many apologies for the lateness of the gift. Love, Santa Claus My mother's reaction was one of the most deeply emotional scenes I have ever seen. She couldn't speak but only held the doll she had waited fifty-nine years to receive as tears of joy ran down her cheeks. That doll, given by "Santa", made my mother the happiest "child" that Christmas. The reason why the writer's mother couldn't have a doll when young was that _ . Options: A. Santa Clause forgot to deliver the doll to her B. her daughter couldn't make a doll by herself C. her parents left the doll in the Santa Clause's sleigh D. her family was badly off when she was a child Answer:

D

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Question: Researchers have established that when people are mentally engaged, biochemical changes occur in the brain that allow it to act more effectively in cognitive areas such as attention and memory. This is true regardless of age. People will be alert and receptive if they are faced with information that gets them to think about things they are interested in. And someone with a history of doing more rather than less will go into old age more cognitively sound than someone who has not had an active mind. Many experts are so convinced of the benefits of challenging in the brain that they are putting the theory to work in their own lives. "The idea is not necessarily to learn to memorize large amounts of information," says James Fozard, associate director of the National Institute of Ageing. "Most of us don't need that kind of skill. Such specific training is of less interest than being able to maintain mental alertness." Fozard and others say they challenge their brains with different mental skills, both because they enjoy them and because they are sure that their range of activities will help the way their brains work. Gene Cohen, acting director of the same institute, suggests that people in their old age should engage in mental and physical activities individually as well as in groups. Cohen says that we are frequently advised to keep physically active as we age, but older people need to keep mentally active as well. Those who do are more likely to maintain their intellectual abilities and to be generally happier and better adjusted. "The point is, you need to do both," Cohen says. Intellectual activity actually influences brain-cell health and size. Which of the following statements would Cohen most probably support? Options: A. Older people should keep mentally active by challenging their brains. B. No matter whether it is done in group or alone, mental activity is always good for brain-cell health. C. Physical strength is more important to older people than mental health. D. People who engage in more mental activities but less physical ones are always happier. Answer:

B

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Question: Jack used to curse the front yard as if it were a living thing. He was the man who lived with my grandmother for thirty years. He was not my grandfather, but an Italian who came down the road one day, selling fruit in Florida. Jack stopped at my grandmother's house to sell her some oranges just a stone's throw from downtown Miami, and he was delivering her whiskey a week later. He stayed for thirty years. Jack hated the front yard because he thought it was against him. There had been a beautiful lawn there when Jack came along, but he let it wander off into nothing. He refused to water it or take care of it in any way. Now the ground was so hard that it gave his car flat tires in the summer. The yard was always finding a nail to put in one of his tires or the car as always sinking out of sight in the winter when the rains came on. The lawn had belonged to my grandfather, who lived out the end of his life in an insane hospital. It had been his pride and joy and was said to be the place where his powers came. What do we know about Jack and the author's grandfather? Options: A. They both hated the front lawn. B. Jack was jealous of the author's grandfather. C. They sold fruit in Florida. D. They came from Italy and lived together. Answer:

B

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Question: Veteran rock climbers are calling her one of the most promising climbers in the world. She flies up, grasping the rock and heading gracefully for practically non-existent holds. She's only 14. Ashima Shiraishi, the New York-born teen, has shaken up the climbing world. At 1.55 meters and 45 kilograms, Ashima might not look like the groundbreaking athlete. But she could be, though still young, the first female climber whose accomplishments go beyond gender. The evidence: At just 14, Ashima has already made history in the sport. She won the American National Youth Bouldering Championship every year from 2010 to 2014. And last March, the young climber completed the "Open Your Mind Direct" course in Spain. It's a very big deal because the course, with a hold broken off near the top, is widely considered one of the hardest in the world. Only one woman and a small number of men have ever conquered it. She first learned to climb on rocks in Central Park when she was only six. Her father, who works as a dancer, is her coach. At age nine, Ashima went on a bouldering trip to Texas. Falling brought tears to her eyes, but she didn't give up. Now, she finds she "couldn't live without climbing." For the past six years, Ashima has been a climbing legend. Her love for the sport has taken her around the world. There have been articles and photo spreads in newspapers and sports magazines, films, countless online video clips, and an appearance on Time Magazine's list of America's most influential teenagers. "I think people are shocked if I do something they can't do or because I'm still very young and I'm a girl," Ashima says. "In most sports, men lead the way. But with climbing, who knows, maybe women will be leading. Doing something that a guy can't do is pretty special." As for Ashima Shiraishi, we know _ . Options: A. she is a great young rock climber B. she can always find climbing holds that don't exist C. she doesn't look like an athlete at all D. she is the first female climber in the world Answer:

A