On the way home from school, Jack always passes a park. His mother said it was dangerous to pass by the park at night, but it is the fastest way home. Today, after finishing soccer practice, Jack was walking toward the park as usual.
Suddenly, Jack heard someone calling him, "Excuse me!" Jack turned around, and there was an old woman. "Yes, ma'am." Jack answered politely. "Don't pass by the park tonight." Her voice was weak and dry. "Okay, ma'am," said Jack carelessly. The old woman held Jack's hand strongly, and said, "I mean it!" Jack felt the hairs on his neck stand up. As soon as the lady let go of his hand, he started to run. This time, he ran so fast that he didn't have time to think where he was going.
When he stopped, he realized he was in the middle of the park. He remembered what the old woman had said, but it was too late. He thought, "It would be okay if I run really fast." Suddenly, he heard someone scream . Jack was too frightened to wonder who it was. He breathed as deep as possible. The screaming continued. He heard some fast footsteps approaching, so he turned around. It was the old lady! She walked toward him, and shouted "I told you not to come here!"
Frightened to death, Jack screamed sharply and ran home like an arrow. He thought he heard not only the old lady, but also some other people shouting at him, and it made him more terrified. As soon as Jack saw his mother, Jack said, "Mom! Do you know what just happened at the park?" Jack's mother nodded, and said, "Yes, I know. There is a movie shooting tonight in the park."

Question: What does the story mainly tell us?

Choices:
- An old lady scared Jack for fun.
- A movie was being made in a park.
- Jack was frightened by something unexpected.
- Mother told Jack a frightening story.

Question: Why does Jack prefer to pass the park?

Choices:
- It's the fastest way home.
- It's fun to cross the park.
- He hopes to meet somebody there.
- He'd like to take adventures.

Question: Why did the old lady prevent Jack from passing by the park?

Choices:
- Jack's mother asked her to do so.
- In case he might disturb their work.
- In case he might be frightened.
- She was doing a secret job there.

Question: Who might be the person that screamed?

Choices:
- Jack himself.
- Jack's mother.
- Park guard.
- An actress.

Question: Why did Jack run home like an arrow?

Choices:
- He was terribly frightened.
- He was late for a thriller.
- He was racing with the old lady.
- He was ordered to do so.


Skateboarding has become one of several non-traditional activities that PE teachers around America are introducing to inspire kids to exercise regularly. Some PE classes feature in-line  skating, yoga, and even rock climbing. Experts have called those types of activities "the new PE".
Such activities are part of a larger effort to help kids develop lifelong fitness habits and to keep them from becoming overweight. Now, 9 million U.S. children and teens are overweight. Obesity   can lead to health problems such as diabetes and heart disease later in life.
"Our children and youth are becoming unhealthy and obese," says Johnson. "Skateboarding is a great activity that keeps kids doing physical movement and gives them new skills and interest."
Some schools don't allow skateboarding because they say it is dangerous. Tim, however, argues that regular practice eliminates a great deal of the danger. "We teach students how to do it and how to do it safely," he says.
Some people say skateboarding teaches life lessons. "Skateboarding teaches kids to believe that if they stick with  something they will finally succeed." says education expert Richard Savor from College in Portland.
Skateboarding encourages kids not to give up in learning difficult skills. "It's natural for kids to want to learn and get better at things," adds Tim. "When it comes to skateboarding, they'll try a trick hundreds of times before they succeed." The same effort could be made in schoolwork.
Eric Brown agrees that skateboarding requires kids to stop saying a task is too hard for them. "A baby will attempt to walk 600 to 900 times before he or she is successful," says Eric, "We tell students that they shouldn't say 'I can't do it' unless they've tried 600 to 900 times.

Question: Skateboarding is introduced into American schools to   _  .[

Choices:
- encourage students to compete bravely in competition
- teach students how to deal with risk.
- prevent students suffering from heart disease later in life.
- help students form the habit of doing sports

Question: What life lesson do kids learn from skateboarding?

Choices:
- To succeed in life you have to learn skateboarding.
- You will succeed in life if you don't give up.
- Only after failing 600 to 900 times can you succeed.
- There is no hard work after learning skateboarding well.

Question: What would be the best title for the passage?

Choices:
- The dangerous PE
- Skills of skateboarding.
- The new PE.
- The change of PE.


A month after Hurricane Katrina, I returned home in New Orleans. There lay my house, reduced towaist-high ruins, smelly and dirty.
Before the trip, I'd had my car fixed. When the office employee of the garage was writing up the bill,she noticed my Louisiana license plate. "You from New Orleans?"she asked I said I was, "No charge."She said, and firmly shook her head when I reached for my wallet. The next day I went for a haircut, and the same thing happened.
As my wife was studying in Florida, we decided to move there and tried to find a rental house that we could afford while also paying off a mortgage (> on our mined house. We looked at many places, but none was satisfactory. We'd began to accept that we*d have to live in extremely reduced circumstances for a while, when I got a very curious e-mail from a James Kemmedy in California. He'd read some pieces I'd written about our sufferings for State, the online magazine  and wanted to give us (""no conditions attached')a new house across thelake from New Orleans.
It sounded too good to be true, but I replied, thanking him for his exceptional generosity, that we had no plan to go back. Then a poet at the University of Florida offered to let his house to me, while he went to England on his one-year paid leave. The rent was rather reasonable. I mentioned the poet's offer to James Kemdedy, and the next day he sent a check covering our entire rent for eight months.
Throughout this painful experience, the kindness of strangers has done much to bring back my faith in humanity. It's almost worth losing your worldly possessions to be reminded that people are really nice when given half a chance.

Question: The garage employee's attitude toward the author was that of  _

Choices:
- unconcern
- sympathy
- doubt
- tolerance

Question: What do we know about James Kemnedy?

Choices:
- He was a writer of an online magazine.
- He was a poet at the University of Florida
- He offered the author a new house free of charge.
- He learned about the author's sufferings via e-mail

Question: It can be inferred from the text that  _

Choices:
- the author's family was in financial difficulty
- rents were comparatively reasonable despite the disaster
- houses were difficult to find in the hurricane-stricken area
- the mortgage on the ruined house was paid off by the bank

Question: The author learned from his experience that  _

Choices:
- worldly possessions can be given up when necessary
- generosity should be encouraged in some cases
- people benefit from their sad stories
- human beings are kind after all.


From Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou, you can travel along the East Line not only the other line going past Dujiangyan and Wenchuan. Take a regular bus from Chengdu Chengbei Bus Station from 9:00 to 16:30. It only takes about three hours to Jiangyou. The ticket is CNY50.00 net per person. Up along Fujiang River, you will pass the second largest city in Sichuan, Mianyang and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
There is bus available to the destination from 6:30 to 13:30 in Mianyang Pingzheng Bus Station,The one way ticket is about CNY95.00 net per person. In this case, you can not get stop at Jiangyou and Pingwu. This is one option for you.
In Jiangyou, visit the Former Residence of Li Bai, the famous poet in Tang Dynasty. If time permits, you can also take a look at the Doutuan Mountain, which is famous for its unique sceneries and also holdsnational gliding   campaigns every year. Take bus at Jiangyou Bus Station to Pingwu and stay there for one night. Our recommendation is to stay at the Pingwu Hotel, which is the first hotel that can serve foreigners in the small city. The contact phone number is 0816 - 8822022. Pingwu has the best royal Buddhist temples in Ming Dynasty, Bao'en Temple and the historic relics in the period of Three Kingdoms (220-280).
The next day, take bus to Huanglong, which is 120 kilometers away from Pingwu. It only takes about 2 hours to arrive at one of the world's most naturally fantastic locations - the Huanglong Scenic and Historic Areas. The bus ticket is CNY30.00 net per person.
You can easily find the bus from Chuanzhusi to Jiuzhaigou. The journey time is 1.5 hours. Here we would like to recommend another hotel in Jiuzhaigou for you, Mofang Hotel. The contact number is 0837-7764926.
Two days in Jiuzhaigou Valley can give you enough time to explore there. Sometimes, you need to purchase the extra charge for entering the valley twice.

Question: What is the tour route of the East Line from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou according to the passage?

Choices:
- Chengdu - Mianyang - Jiangyou - Huanglong - Pingwu - Chuanzhusi - Jiuzhaigou
- Chengdu - Mianyang - Fujiang - Jiangyou - Pingwu - Huanglong - Jiuzhaigou
- Chengdu - Mianyang - Jiangyou - Pingwu - Huanglong - Chuanzhusi - Jiuzhaigou
- Chengdu - Mianyang - Jiangyou - Pingwu - Chuanzhusi-Huanglong - Jiuzhaigou

Question: Where is this passage likely to appear?

Choices:
- An advertisement of local hotels.
- A travel guide for foreign travelers.
- A geography book of Sichuan Province
- A newspaper for English learners.

Question: If you take the bus from Pingzheng Bus Station to Jiuzhaigou, you can  _  .

Choices:
- directly get to the destination
- get on the bus before 2 o'clock pm
- also visit Bao'en Temple halfway
- enjoy the scenery along Fujiang River

Question: From this passage, which of the following statement is TRUE?

Choices:
- Pingwu Hotel is the only choice for foreign guests in Pingwu.
- We'd better pay the entrance fee twice in Jiuzhaigou.
- We can travel from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou along different routes.
- Doutuan Mountain is famous for the Former Residence of Li Bai.


Taylors English Language Preparation 2011
www.taylorscollege.edu.au/telp

If you need additional help to gain the high level of English language necessary for academic study, Taylors English Language Preparation (TELP) is the perfect solution. Throughout your TELP studies you will be an active language learner. You will be surrounded by opportunities to communicate in English, with friends, teachers, families and local people. You will gain English language skills which you will keep for life.

l  English: the language of Taylors College
Strong English language skills are necessary for success in your chosen Taylors program. The TELP program, delivered in 12 week terms, is specifically designed to provide language training for academic study. Our teachers are fully trained English Language Teaching professionals, who will assist you in a caring and supportive classroom atmosphere.
TELP focuses on:
*Language studies              *Formal writing styles         *Note taking
*Assignment writing            *Intensive listening               *Reading

l  Progressing to our High School or Foundation Programs
Upon completion of TELP, you do not take an IELTS test before you begin our High School or Foundation programs.

l  NEAS Accreditation
Taylors College has been assessed as operating at a high standard, in keeping with NEAS standards for English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS). A recent report commented favourably on the quality and commitment of staff and the impressive student management systems and procedures in place.

l  TELP term dates
Students are encouraged to enroll at the start of a term; however, TELP courses allow for entry every four weeks.
2011 dates
* 17 January -- 8 April                * 11 April -- 1 July
* 4 July -- 23 September               * 26 September -- 16 December

l  2011 Summer School
* 19 December -- 13 January 2012

Question: The TELP program  _  .

Choices:
- is popular and thought highly of by students
- is aimed at those who have passed an IELTS test
- makes sure students have a communicative atmosphere
- makes sure students learn the English language for four months

Question: It can be inferred from the text that  _  .

Choices:
- TELP courses permits students to have lessons at any time
- start date of the first term in 2012 is probably January 16th
- students who study from 20th December to 14th January have cold weather
- High School and Foundation programs at Taylors college have no entry requirements

Question: What information will probably be provided following TELP term dates?

Choices:
- TELP fees
- TELP description
- TELP courses
- TELP term dates in 2012


Until last spring, Nia Parker and the other kids in her neighborhood went to school on Bus 59.But as fuel prices rose, the school district needed to find a way to cut its transportation costs.So the school's busing company redrew its route map, canceling Nia's bus.Now Nia and her neighbors travel the half mile to school via a "walking school bus"--a group of kids, supervised   by an adult or two, who make the walk together.
Many parents are delighted to see their kids walking to school, partly because many did so themselves.According to a 1979 survey, nearly half of school kids walked or biked to school, compared with only 16 percent in 2011.Modern parents have been unwilling to let kids walk to school for fear of traffic, crime or simple bullying, but with organized adult supervision, those concerns have reduced.
Schools and busing companies are finding other ways to save.In rural areas where busing is a must, some schools have even chosen four-day school weeks.Busing companies instruct drivers to cancel extra stops from routes and to turn off the engine while idling .They are also using computer software to determine the most fuel-efficient routes, which aren't always the shortest ones.
There could be disadvantages, however, to the busing cutbacks .If every formerly bused student begins walking to school, it's an environmental win--but if too many of their parents decide to drive them instead, the carbon footprint can grow.Replacing buses with many more parent-driven cars can also increase safety risks.A 2011 report concluded students are 13 times safer on a school bus than in a passenger car, since buses have fewer accidents and with stand them better due to their size.And some students complain about the long morning hikes, particularly when the route contains a really big hill.

Question: In regards to walking to school, modern parents seem much concerned with the   _  .

Choices:
- safety of their kids
- kids' physical strength
- time spent on the way
- changes in the route

Question: To save money, some schools choose to   _  .

Choices:
- shorten the school week
- take the shortest routes
- stop using school buses
- use fuel-efficient buses

Question: Busing cutbacks may lead to   _  .

Choices:
- fewer complaints about long morning hikes
- more students taking public transportation
- an increase in carbon dioxide emissions
- a decrease in the safety of school buses


Remember that goals are dreams with a timetable. Our goals are important for us to create what enriches our life. A very common attitude among people who are successful is that their success lies in their ability to provide themselves goals that are both numerous and exciting. When you think about your future,you are helping to feed a long-term goal of what you want to create.
To realize your dreams,you must translate your vision into a series of actions you can take as soon as possible. You should be able to measure these results,to make sure they take you wherever you want. And this step should not be viewed lightly! Indeed,very few people set goals and concrete actions for themselves to achieve. Very few people note what they want to accomplish,and know each day whether they have indeed advanced in the direction of their dreams.
Therefore one of the secrets that you can get results from is to write down your goals on paper first. When you give your dreams a form,they become more concrete,and you can refer to them often and easily. Whenever you read the dreams that you note down,you fill your mind with positive and motivational thoughts.
Unfortunately,many people stop there. They just simply make wishes, hope and wait. These people do not bring positive difference in their lives,because that sort of behavior is just wishful thinking. Success is not at all a miracle. It depends on clear and realistic targets through serious thoughts:concrete actions and perseverance . Don't forget,your past does not determine your future. Only you now is your potential!

Question: People can achieve success commonly in that they  _  .

Choices:
- have many dreams
- are well-informed of how goals go
- think a lot about their bright future
- know what the goals are in their life

Question: If you put down your goals on the paper,you can  _  .

Choices:
- know clearly what should be done
- make them accomplished smoothly
- measure the results of the goals easily
- mention them easily to others

Question: What is the best title for the passage?

Choices:
- The Path towards Your Targets
- The Process of Making Goals
- The Power of Your Goals
- The Importance of Your Success


Pulling heavy suitcases all day in the summer is hard work, especially when you are a thin  14-year-old boy. That was me in 1940-the youngest and smallest baggage boy at New York City's Pennsylvania Railway Station.
After just a few days on the job, I began noticing that the other fellows were overcharging  passengers. I'd like to join them, thinking, "Everyone else is doing it."
When I got home that night, I told my dad what I wanted to do. "You give an honest day's   work," he said, looking at me straight in his eye. "They are paying you. If they want to do that,   you let them do that."
I followed my dad's advice for the rest of that summer and have lived by his words ever since.
Of all the jobs I've had, it was my experience at Pennsylvania Railway Station that has stuck with me. Now I teach my players to have respect for other people and their possession. Being a member of a team is a totally shared experience. If one person steals, it destroys trust and hurts everyone. I can put up with many things, but not with people who steal. If one of my players were caught stealing, he'd be gone.
Whether you're on a sports team, in an office or a member of a family. if you can't trust one another, there is going to be trouble.

Question: What can be inferred about the baggage boys?

Choices:
- They could earn much, but they had to work hard.
- Many of them earned money in a dishonest way.
- They were all from poor families.
- They were thin, young boys.

Question: What does the father's advice imply?

Choices:
- It is wrong to give more to the passengers.
- Don't believe them if they are paying you more.
- Don't follow others to overcharge the passengers.
- It is difficult to work hard and live as an honest boy.

Question: The writer can't put up with stealing because he thinks that   _

Choices:
- it is a total shared experience
- it is considered as the most dangerous
- it does great harm to human relationship
- it may led to the loss of his sports team.

Question: It can be concluded from the text that   _

Choices:
- his father's advice helped him to decide which job to take up
- working in the sports team was his most important experience
- he learned much from his shared experience with his team members
- his experience as a baggage boy had a great influence on his late life


When I came to Cincinnati as an au pair  , a lot of things there were different from what I knew. My host family lived in a huge house I could only describe as a "castle".In Germany I had lived in a small apartment together with my mom. Soon I found out that the "castle" was actually rather small in our neighborhood.
Everybody there was very friendly and polite. They greeted you when they were walking by at least 3 feet away from you. They must not have seen a German au pair before, for most people I met asked me all kinds of questions about Germany. I enjoyed answering their various strange questions. I made a lot of friends and I started to hang out with them.
Of course, there were a number of new things, and it took me the whole year to find them all out. I never got homesick. Perhaps it was because I did not have too many negative experiences and felt loved and welcomed there.
However, I had _ some painful experience back in Germany. I was frustrated by the way people would run me over and not even say "Sorry." Taking up my studies at the TU-Dresden, I felt lonely. Everybody here seemed to be withdrawn  and I missed everything I had in Cincinnati. Germany was so "cold". I found it so much harder to make new friends. After six months I got a roommate and only two good friends. I also flew back to Cincinnati several times for long periods. I felt that without those visits I was not able to make it.
Now I am over this German culture shock. It almost took me an entire year. I am still going back and forward between Dresden and Cincinnati four times a year.

Question: When the author lived in Cincinnati,   _  .

Choices:
- she lived in a real castle
- some people were not very kind to her
- many people were curious about her motherland
- she lived in the biggest house in the neighborhood

Question: In the opinion of the author, life in Cincinnati was   _  .

Choices:
- wonderful
- hard
- painful
- strange

Question: Which of the following statements is TRUE about the author?

Choices:
- She lived with her mother in a big house in Germany.
- She never went back to Cincinnati after she came back to Germany.
- She seldom hung out with her American friends as she was too busy.
- She did miss her friends in Cincinnati when she was at the TU-Dresden.

Question: What is the best title for this passage?

Choices:
- University life in Germany
- My culture shock experience
- Advantages of living in USA
- How to be an au pair in USA


Most young people enjoy some forms of physical activities. It may be walking, cycling or swimming, or in winter, skating or skiing. It may be a game of some kind, football, hockey, golf, or tennis, it may be mountaineering.
Those who have a passion for climbing high and difficult mountains are often looked upon with astonishment. Why are men and women willing to suffer cold and hardship, and to take risks on high mountaineering? This astonishment is caused probably by the difference between mountaineering and other forms of activity to which men give their leisure.
Mountaineering is a sport and not a game. There are no manmade rules, as there are for such game as golf and football. There are, of course, rules of a different kind, which would be dangerous to ignore, but it is this freedom from manmade rules that makes mountaineering attractive to many people. Those who climb mountains are free to use their own methods.
If we compare mountaineering with other more familiar sports, we might think that one big difference is that mountaineering is not a "game". We would be mistaken in this assumption. There are, it is true, no "matches" between "teams" of climbers, but when climbers are on a rock face linked by a rope on which their lives may depend, there is obviously teamwork.
The mountain climber knows that he may have to fight forces that are stronger and more powerful than man. He has to fight the forces of nature. His sport requires high mental and physical capacities.
A mountain climber continues to improve in skill year after year. A skier is probably past his prime by the age of thirty, and most international tennis champions are in their early twenties. But it is not unusual for a man of fifty or sixty to climb the highest mountains in the Alps. They may take more time than younger men, but they probably climb with more skill and less wasted effort, and they certainly experience enjoyment.

Question: Mountaineering is a sport which involves all the following things EXCEPT   _  .

Choices:
- hardship
- comfort
- physical risk
- cold

Question: The main difference between a sport and a game lies in origin of the   _  .

Choices:
- uniform
- activity
- skills
- rules

Question: Mountaineering is also a team sport because   _  .

Choices:
- it involves rules as well
- it involves matches between teams
- mountaineers depend on each other while climbing
- it requires mental and physical qualifications

Question: Which of the following is TRUE?

Choices:
- Mountaineers compete against nature.
- Mountaineers compete against teams.
- Mountaineers compete against each other.
- Mountaineers compete against international standard.

Question: What is the best title for the text?

Choices:
- Mountain Climbers.
- Mountaineering.
- Mountaineering is gaining popularity.
- Mountaineering is More Dangerous than Other Sports.


Hotel Reservations
Welcome to the Kampala Beach Hotel Reservations System. You can reserve a room or package one of three ways: (a) online, (b) by phone, and(c)by email.
Did you know? You can take advantage of special savings by booking direct with us online.
A.Online Reservations
Enter your travel dates and the number of guests below to book your room online now.
Click here to check on an existing online reservation.
If you are searching for a specific package, please make sure your check-in and check-out dates allowing for the minimum number of nights in the package.
You may make reservations for a maximum of 4 guests per room. For requests of 10 rooms or more, please refer to Group Accommodations.
B.Reservations By Phone
If you prefer to reserve by phone, please call:
Toll Free from the prefix = st1 /USA,Canada, andHawaii: +1-800-262-8450
Worldwide Direct: +1-808-661-0011
Hours (Hawaii Standard Time):
Monday to Friday: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
C. Reservations By E-mail
If you prefer to submit  an e-mail reservations request, click here.
Submitting an e-mail request does not guarantee a reservation. For immediate confirmation and booking, please use online reservations engine above.

Question: What is the purpose of writing the passage?

Choices:
- To attract more tourists to the hotel.
- To introduce a new hotel.
- To show the importance of science.
- To make the trip for tourists easier.

Question: If you want an immediate booking, you'd better use"_".

Choices:
- Online Reservations
- Reservations By Phone
- Reservations By E-mail
- Did you know?

Question: From the passage we may infer the hotel is in   _   .

Choices:
- Canada
- mainland America
- French
- Hawaii

Question: If you want to book a package you have to   _   .            .

Choices:
- submit an e-mail reservations request
- make sure of your check-in and check-out dates
- refer to Group Accommodations
- wait for further notice


British MPs   have voted in favour of the creation of babies with DNA from two women and one man, in a historic move. The UK is now set to become the first country to introduce laws to allow the creation of babies from three people. In a free vote in the Commons, 382 MPs were in favour and 128 against the technique that stops genetic diseases being passed from mother to child. During the debate, ministers said the technique was "light at the end of a dark tunnel" for families.
A further vote is required in the House of Lords. If everything goes ahead then the first such baby could be born next year. Supporters said it was "good news for progressive medicine" but critics say they will continue to fight against the technique that they say raises too many ethical   and safety concerns. Estimates suggest 150 three-person babies could be born each year.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: "We're not playing god here; we're just making sure that two parents who want a healthy baby can have one." The method, which was developed in Newcastle, should help women like Sharon Bernadi, from Sunderland, who lost all seven of her children to mitochondrial   disease. Ms Bernadi said she was "overwhelmed" by the decision.
Mitochondria are the tiny compartments   inside nearly every cell of the body that transform food into useable energy. They have their own DNA, which does not affect characteristics such as appearance. _ mitochondria are passed down only from the mother. They can lead to brain damage, muscle wasting, heart failure and blindness. The technique uses a modified version to combine the DNA of the two parents with the healthy mitochondria of a donor woman. It results in babies with 0.1% of their DNA from the second woman and is a permanent change that would be passed down through the generations.

Question: According to the passage, which of the following statements is NOT true?

Choices:
- The new technique is intended to provide the parents a healthy baby.
- The mitochondrial disease can lead to various fatal illnesses.
- Britain is the first country to have created three-person babies.
- All of Ms Bernadi's children died of a genetic disease.

Question: It can be inferred from the passage that   _  .

Choices:
- Mitochondria are inside nearly every cell that change food into useable energy
- DNA of Mitochondria can affect a person's appearance
- in medical science ethical factors should be taken into consideration
- the donor woman's DNA will not be found in the three-person baby

Question: Prime Minister David Cameron   _   the creation of such babies.

Choices:
- is in favour of
- throws doubt on
- objects to
- is indifferent to


Steps Shoes Salon
Steps Shoes Salon, 4518 S.Cottage Grove, knows our "economy is weathering a little storm" They've discounted winter botts and shoes for their fellow shoes lovers.So step in and save! Hours: 11a.m.to 7 p.m.Monday through Friday; 11 a.m.to 6 p.m.Saturaday; Noon to 5 p.m.the first Sunday of this month (closeed other Sundays).Call 773-548
Jonathan Saunders for Target
If you've ever watched a runway shoes and thought "yeah, that dress would be awesome if it wasn't $ 1,800", you'll be very pleased to know that British designer Jonathan Saunders has decided to use his powers for good and offer fashion - forward clothing.His collection was inspired by the works of Gustav Klimt, Jackson Pollack and Rothko.The clothing ranges from $ 14.99 to $ 29.99 and is only available until Novermber 1 (close evenings).So hurry! Here are some highlights: Color - Block Tunic is $ 17.99; Ponte Skirt is $ 29.99; Marble - Print color - Block Dress is $ 19.99 and Reversible Belt in Yellow is $ 14.99.
Don't miss these two boutique  sale events
Shop at boutiques along Roscoe, including Cinnamon Boutique, between 5 and 9 p.m.to-night, October3, and 15 percent of all sales will be donated to Children's Memorial Hospital.Other stores include A Pied, Little Threads, Glas-to-Go, Sacred Art and Original Expressions Happy shopping!
The adorable Lincoln Square boutique Dressing Room just opened a sister store called Dressing Room Shoes.Grab your fellow shoe worshippers and has over for snack, sales, specials and giveaways during one of these three parties: from 6 to 8 p.m.tomorrow, October 4; from 1 to 4 p.m.., October 5 Sunday and from 1 to 4 p.m.Octorber6, Monday.Also, the store is launching a new art exhibition from Morpho Galley, which will run through the end of the month.Enjoy!

Question: Miss Blythe, who will be free at 7 p.m.tonight, might go to_for some purchase.

Choices:
- Cinnamon Boutique
- Jonathan Saunders for Target
- Steps Shoe Salon
- Dressing Room Shoes

Question: What is the main idea of the first part?

Choices:
- The world is being hit by an economic downturn
- Steps Shoe Salon is providing weather forecast for us.
- A snowstorm has interrupted the traffic in Cottage Grove.
- Steps Shoe Salon marks down winter shoes and boots.

Question: What can we learn about Jonathan Saunders from the passage?

Choices:
- Most of his designs are classical.
- The clothes he designed are affordable.
- He is returning to Britain on November 1.
- Rothko once instructed him in designing.


Kodak's decision to apply for bankruptcy protection is a sad, though not unexpected, turning point for a leading American corporation that pioneered consumer photography and dominated  the film market for decades, but finally failed to adapt to the digital revolution.
Although many attribute Kodak's downfall to "complacency  ," that explanation doesn't admit the efforts with which the company went to reinvent itself. Decades ago, Kodak invented the first digital camera in 1975 -- but in a fateful decision, the company chose to focus on its traditional film business.
Large companies have a difficult time switching into new markets. For example, although Kodak predicted the rise of digital photography, its culture was too rooted in the successes of the past to fully welcome the future. In the past, their history was so important to them. Now their history has become a liability.
Kodak's downfall over the last several decades was dramatic. The 1980s brought new competition from Japanese film company Fuji Photo, which weaken Kodak by offering lower prices. Kodak's decision not to pursue the role of official film for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics was a major loss. The bid went instead to Fuji, which exploited  its sponsorship to win a key role in the market.

Question: What do we learn about Kodak?

Choices:
- It went bankrupt all of a sudden.
- It is approaching its downfall.
- It is playing a dominant role in the film market.
- It started the digital revolution in the film industry.

Question: Why does the author mention Kodak's invention of the first digital camera?

Choices:
- To show its effort to overcome complacency.
- To show its early attempt to reinvent itself.
- To show its quick adaptation to the digital revolution.
- To show its will to compete with Japan's Fuji photo.

Question: Why do large companies have difficulty switching to new markets?

Choices:
- They are deeply stuck in their glorious past.
- They tend to be slow in facing new challenges.
- They are unwilling to invest in new technology.
- They find it costly to give up their existing business.

Question: What was Kodak's major mistake?

Choices:
- Its blind faith in traditional photography.
- Its failure to see Fuji photo's action.
- Its refusal to sponsor the 1984 Olympics.
- Its overconfidence in its own culture.


Jones worked so hard that made the sparks fly from his hammer.The son of Mr.Smith, a rich neighbor, used to come to see the blacksmith and he would enjoy himself watching how the tradesman worked."Why don't you try your hand to learn to make shoe tacks?" said the blacksmith."Who knows, one day, it may be of use to you." The lazy boy began to see what he could do.But after a little practice he found that he was becoming very skilled and soon he was making some of the finest tacks.
Old Mr.Smith died and the son on account of the war lost all his goods.He had to leave home and was forced to take up residence in another country.It so happened that in this village there were numerous shoemakers who were spending a lot of money to buy tacks for their shoes and even at times when they paid high prices they were not always able to get what they wanted, because in that part of the country there was a high demand for soldiers' shoes.
Young Smith, who was finding it difficult to earn his daily bread, remembered that he had learned the art of making tacks and had the sudden idea of making a bargain with the shoemakers.He told them that he would make the tacks if they would help to get him settled in his workshop.The shoemakers were only too glad of the offer."How funny it seems," he used to say, "even making tacks can bring a fortune.My trade is more useful to me than were all my former riches."

Question: The reason why young Smith was forced to leave his home town is that   _

Choices:
- he was lazy and wasted all the money from his father
- the price of shoe tacks in another country was high
- his father died and left nothing for him
- there was a terrible which broke his peace

Question: Which of the following well-known sayings can best tell the main idea of the passage?

Choices:
- Knowledge is no burden.
- Where there's a will, there's a way.
- You can't teach an old dog new tricks.
- Time lost cannot be recalled.


Scientists estimate that more than 60 percent of cancer deaths in the United States are preventable through lifestyle changes. Although there is no certain way to avoid all cancers, reducing individual risk factors greatly decreases the likelihood of getting many forms of this dangerous disease.
The American Chemical Society estimates that smoking causes nearly 30 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States -- that is, about 166,000 cancer deaths each year. All cancer deaths caused by tobacco smoking could be prevented completely by not smoking and not using smokeless tobacco. For those who already smoke, quitting will reduce the risk of developing cancer. Studies show that after about ten years of not smoking, a past smoker's risk lowers to about the level of those who have never smoked.
After quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet is the best way to lower the risk of cancer. Certain foods have been found to protect against cancer. Among these foods are cabbages, tomatoes, soy products, and foods high in vitamins A, C, and E. In addition, green and possibly black teas contain compounds that protect the body from cancer-causing substance.
To lower cancer risk, diets should include little or no red meat. Other foods to avoid or consume in moderation   include sugar, fat from animal products, and salt. Added fats and oils should come from vegetables, such as olives or corn, rather than from animal sources. Carbohydrates   should come from whole grains, such as brown rice and whole wheat bread, rather than from processed foods, such as white rice and white bread.
The risk of cancer of the esophagus   increases with heavy alcohol consumption, and many studies suggest that consuming alcoholic drinks increases the risk of breast cancer as well. Studies show that limiting intake to two drinks a day for men, and one drink per day for women, reduces cancer risk.
Low levels of physical activity have been implicated   in some cancer. Moderate activity for 30 minutes a day enhances the immune system, shortens the time food takes to move through the intestines  , and changes body composition and hormone levels. Researchers are studying how these effects might lower cancer risk.

Question: Which of the following is true according to the author?

Choices:
- A person drinking tea regularly will not be likely to suffer from cancer.
- Once a smoker has stopped smoking, there is almost no chance for cancers.
- A balanced diet is absolutely effective in preventing one from getting cancer.
- Those having quitted smoking for 10 years and non-smokers have less cancer risk.

Question: What kind of people increase their chances of getting cancers?

Choices:
- Those whose foods contain less sugar, animal fat, and salt.
- Those who are not moderate in drinking, smoking or eating.
- Those who have only one or two drinks regularly per day.
- Those whose diet contains little red meat and a lot of vegetables.

Question: Which do you think is the best title for this passage?

Choices:
- The relation between food and disease.
- Causes of different kinds cancers.
- Tips on lifestyle for cancer prevention.
- Ways to remain more healthy.


Crazy is our new normal. With two teenage boys and three little boys, our family is restless--to the baseball field, track field and piano lessons. Even though we've limited each boy's activities and try our best to defend our family time, it seems that we're in a constant state of flight.
"Embrace it. Roll with it," my husband, Lonny, says, "It's going to be like this for a while."
He is right. It's likely that life will continue to go forward before it slows down. But I remembered the still, quiet days that our family used to enjoy. I missed long walks through the park when we held the boys' little hands. I longed for  lazy Saturday afternoons under the tree in our backyard. I wanted to slip back a few years, when busyness was the exception and not the rule.
One night, after a particularly full day and evening games, our family gathered on the porch for ice cream. Two parents, two teens, and three small boys piled on one old swing and a couple of rocking chairs. We were together, in one place, for a small slice of time.
The moon was full. The Mississippi River, flowing past our home, was smooth as glass. I wrapped my own arms around the son who sat on my lap and breathed deeply to _ his little-boy scent --dirt and sweat. My heart was still and content .
I realized that while crazy is our new normal happiness is as usual. They may look different from before, but they are still there--even if they're in the form of a single moment on the porch. Maybe I just need the eyes to see.

Question: What does the author mainly talk about?

Choices:
- Her anger at her busy life.
- Her family's struggle for a better life.
- Her new feelings about the present life.
- The pleasure of staying with her children.

Question: How did the author feel about life before the night sitting on the porch with the family?

Choices:
- Confused.
- Satisfied.
- Bored.
- Terrified.

Question: Which of the following could describe the author's present life?

Choices:
- Busy and boring.
- Busy but happy.
- Crazy and unbearable.
- Normal but exciting.

Question: Which of the following statements might the author agree to?

Choices:
- Life is nothing but bitterness, busyness and horror.
- Happiness is everywhere, but we have to discover it.
- Parents should earn much money for their kids' better life.
- Life in the countryside is charming, wonderful, and sweet.


Although most weddings follow long-held traditions, there's still room for American individualism. For example, the usual place for a wedding is in a church. But some people get married outdoors in a scenic spot. A few even have the ceremony while skydiving or riding on horseback! The couple may invite hundreds of people or just a few close friends. They choose their own style of colors, decorations and music during the ceremony. But some things rarely change. The bride usually wears a beautiful long white wedding dress. She traditionally wears "something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue." The groom wears a formal suit.
Several close friends participate in the ceremony as attendants, including the best man and the maid of honor.
As the ceremony begins, the groom and his attendants stand with the minister, facing the audience. Music signals the entrance of the bride's attendants, followed by the beautiful bride. Nervously, the young couple repeats their vows  . Traditionally, they promise to love each other "for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health." But sometimes the couple has composed  their own vows. They give each other a gold ring to symbolize their marriage commitment. Finally the minister announces the big moment, " I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride!"
At the wedding reception, the bride and groom greet their guests. Then they cut the wedding cake and feed each other a bite. Guests talk with each other while enjoying the cake, drinks and other treats. When the reception is over, the newlyweds run to their "decorated" car and speed off. Many couples take a honeymoon, a one- to two-week vacation trip, to celebrate their new marriage.

Question: Which of the following best shows American individualism?

Choices:
- Most weddings observe long-held traditions.
- Some people choose their own style of weddings.
- People choose a church as a place for a wedding.
- The bride wears a beautiful long white wedding dress.

Question: What can be inferred from the passage?

Choices:
- Wedding vows are usually composed by the minister.
- The young couple face the audience throughout the wedding.
- The couple composes their own vows to avoid nervousness.
- The minister is the chief witness at the wedding ceremony

Question: According to the passage, which of the following is TRUE?

Choices:
- The best man is the one to marry the maid of honor.
- The wedding reception is a party after the wedding ceremony.
- The newlyweds always take a honeymoon in their own cars.
- Many couples take a vacation trip before the wedding.


Johnson went to Penquay for the weekend. He arrived there late on Friday evening. The landlady of the guest house, Mrs. Smith, answered the door and showed him to his room. Johnson was very tired and went straight to bed. He slept well and didn't wake up until nine o'clock the next morning.
Johnson went downstairs for breakfast. Because there were no other guests, Mrs. Smith invited him to have breakfast with her family. Her only daughter, Catherine, about 13, was already sitting in the dining-room. Mrs. Smith went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Johnson noticed there were four places at the table and asked Catherine if there was another guest. Catherine told him that it was an empty place. And it used to be her father's place. Her father had been a fisherman. Three years before he had gone out in his boat, and had never returned. Her mother always kept that place for him and made his breakfast every morning. Catherine showed him his photo on the wall. Johnson said nothing, but looked very puzzled  . At that moment Mrs. Smith returned. She served four cups of tea, and put one in the empty place. Looking at the empty chair, Johnson was more puzzled.
Suddenly, Johnson heard footsteps outside the door and a tall man with a black beard walked into the room. Johnson looked scared. It was the man in the photo. He jumped up and ran out of the room. The man asked, "What's the matter?" Catherine said, "I don't know. He's a guest from London. He's here because a tall man with a black beard tried to kill him." "Catherine," the man said, "have you been telling stories again?" "Stories, father? Me?" the girl laughed.

Question: Why did Mrs. Smith invite Johnson to have breakfast with her family?

Choices:
- He woke up too late for his breakfast.
- There was an empty place at the table.
- He was the only guest on that day.
- Her daughter wanted to talk with him.

Question: Who was the tall man with a black beard?

Choices:
- Another guest.
- Catherine's father.
- A friend of the family.
- Johnson's enemy.

Question: What does the word "scared" probably mean?

Choices:
- Excited.
- Upset.
- Frightened.
- Calm.

Question: What can we infer from the passage?

Choices:
- Catherine's father got lost on the sea.
- Mrs. Smith does not love her husband.
- Johnson may be killed by the man.
- Catherine is fond of telling stories.


Animals can be extremely protective of their young. But when hard times call, animal fathers can be really a danger to their own kids.
Daddy Lion
A combination of laziness, pride, cruelty and anger makes the lion one of the most fearsome and worst dads of the animal kingdom. When not walking proudly across the jungle, the father lion just lazes around under the sun, or waits for one of its lioness  partners to bring back food. Once the lioness gets home the food, the lion eats up most of it, and leaves little or nothing at all for the kids. The father doesn't even train the kids for hunting and surviving, it is the lioness who teaches them how to _ themselves.
The Polar Father
Cute, pure and soft. Protective of young ones and family? Sure. But what makes the polar bears one of the worst dads of the animal kingdom? They don't take care of the young ones, they won't take up the responsibility of feeding them, they won't take care of them like a father should. They just leave that to the mother bear.
The Assassin Bug
Size matters, you say? This little bug would eat its own eggs to stay strong and fulfill its hunger needs. The male assassin bug is actually responsible for guarding the eggs. The female assassin bug lays eggs in large numbers. The male bug eats the weaker eggs.
Daddy Bass
Usually, water calms you down. Not so much for this underwater species. The male bass is known to eat up eggs from its own spawn. It guards the spawn(,) laid by its female partner. However, when hungry and unable to hunt for food, the father won't think twice before eating up the eggs.
And do you think your father was strict and hard? After reading this article, I'm sure you think your dad is the best in the whole wide world for not eating you up!

Question: The animal fathers mentioned in this article   _  .

Choices:
- are protective of their young
- are respected by their young
- are rather bad to their kids
- are dangerous to their whole family

Question: The lion and the polar bears are similar in   _  .

Choices:
- searching food all by themselves
- letting the mothers take care of the kids
- letting the mothers eat up the food
- wanting to train the kids to be cruel

Question: Which can best describe the male assassin bug?

Choices:
- Weak but kind.
- Responsible and careful.
- Strong and cruel.
- Little but cruel.


The Streisand Effect
When Barbra Streisand discovered in 2003 that a photograph of her California beach house was among 12,000 photos on the Internet as part of a collection by a photographer Kenneth Adelman, she did what any famous person would do: hit him with a $50 million lawsuit  . But in trying to hold back the images, she caused a different result. Her legal actions led to almost half a million people visiting the website, viewing and copying the photos within a month.
Ever since then, the effect of letting public know something you are trying to keep secret has been called the "Streisand effect". The problem for anyone trying to cover up information is that the Internet is the world's biggest and most useful copying machine. Put a document   on to a connected machine and it will spread. So when you want to be famous, you can't, but if you find yourself receiving too much attention and want to remove yourself, you cannot.
There are many examples of the Streisand effect. Nine-year-old Martha Payne created a simple blog, posting the meals her school served. She took a photo of what was hardly a satisfying meal by anyone's standards. With the photo, she added a comment, "Now Dad understands why I am hungry when I get home." The thing did not go too far, until the local authority   banned   little Martha from doing that again. Martha posted a final post called "Goodbye", explaining everything. Once the media found this out, things went from bad to worse for the authority. Now the blog has more than 9.5 million page views. Martha has even expanded her blog by including pictures of school meals taken by other kids from all over the world, like Germany and Japan.
We can find similar examples throughout history. Man has experienced the Streisand effect ever since the birth of mass communication. Why does it exist? Every time you are told not to see what's in the secret shiny box wrapped in gift paper, you're going to do everything in your power to do exactly that! Just realizing that knowing something about someone is harmful to their status, we will want to know that piece of information. This is exactly the human nature. This is what lawyers and authorities should be familiar with. Unfortunately, a few of them fail to understand it.

Question: What speeded up the spread of Martha's story?

Choices:
- Parents' reaction.
- The authority's order.
- Martha's comment.
- Supporting from the school.

Question: What can be inferred from the passage?

Choices:
- Streisand effect does good to most famous people.
- It's not a good idea to argue against authorities.
- The ban on something may have opposite effect.
- Turning to the law is a perfect way to get one out of trouble.


Have you ever been to a wedding and simply loved the bride's bouquet ?More than likely some part of it was the Hawaiian Wedding Plant. This foreign houseplant can be enjoyed by anyone, not just brides. With a little proper attention and careful planning on location, this foreign houseplant, which is from Madagascar, can be brought into the home where it can become an interesting focus.
Caring for the Hawaiian Wedding Plant is not much different from caring for any other houseplants that may already be in your home. The only difference between this type of houseplant and others is the amount of the basic requirements that this foreign houseplant needs to survive and perform beautifully. During the growing season, this plant requires its wet soil, but when winter rolls around, this plant needs its soil to be kept drier.
Hawaiian Wedding Plants should also be potted in well-drained soil and placed in a location that receives full sun. That the soil must be kept wet does not mean that it should sit in water, so the soil must drain easily or this plant will not survive. Water the plant daily and feed this plant every two to three weeks with a little fertilizer  for acid-loving plants. Prune in early spring, even as early as February. If these needs are met, this plant will stay beautiful.
The most special feature of this foreign houseplant is its long lasting blooms combined with its unbelievable sweet smell. The Hawaiian Wedding Plant blooms the heaviest in the spring months, but has been known to bloom in any warm months, so do not be surprised to find blooms most time of the year except maybe _

Question: The Hawaiian Wedding Plant comes from  _  .

Choices:
- Hawaii
- China
- Madagascar
- Alaska


The southwest of Australia has been named as one of 25"hot spots" for future species extinction because of global warming.A new study says global warming will become a top cause of extinction across the world,with thousands of species of plantsand animals likely to be wiped out in the coming decades.
According to the study,global warming ranks among the most serious threats to the planet's biodiversity and,under some conditions,may be more than that due to deforestation.This study provides even stronger scientific evidence that global warming will result in catastrophic species losses across the planet.Last month,a UN study said humans were responsible for the worst extinction and urged extra efforts to reach a UN target of slowing the rate of losses by 2010.
Scientists disagree about how far global warming is to blame compared with other human threats such as deforestation,pollution and the introduction of some species to new habitats.But the new study looks at the 25 "hot spots"--areas that contain a big concentration of plants and animals--and predicts that 11.6 percent of all species,with a range from 1 to 43 percent,could be driven to extinction if levels of heat trapping gases in the atmosphere were to keep rising in the next 100 years.
The range would mean the loss of thousands of species.The study gave a wide range because of uncertainties, for instance, about the ability of animals or plants to move towards the poles if the climate warmed. Rare plants,tortoises or birds found only on the southern tip of Africa cannot move south because the nearest land is thousands of miles away in Antarctica.

Question: According to the passage,which of the following about Australia is TRUE?

Choices:
- Australia possesses the richest species in the world.
- Australia is the country with the highest rate of extinction.
- The species in the southwest of Australia will be easily affected by global warming.
- Australia will have the highest temperature in the world.

Question: According to the passage,all the 25"hot spots"-------- .

Choices:
- are rich in plants and animals
- are lacking in natural resources
- lost most of their plants in 2010
- will be much hotter than the rest of the world

Question: We can infer if the climate warms,the animals in Australia will most probably move to the   _   .

Choices:
- north
- east
- west
- south

Question: What would be the best title for the passage?

Choices:
- Australia Named as Extinction"Hot Spot"
- Global Warming and Species Extinction
- Global Warming is Number One Killer
- Australia on the Edge of Extinction


One morning, a young man leading a goat lost his way due to the thick mist.Then he met a blind man and asked whether he also lost his way.The blind man said, "I cannot see anything.Therefore, the mist doesn't affect me.I followed the path in my memory and it never goes wrong."
Happily the young man led the goat following him forward.The blind man asked where he was going.He said he wanted to sell his goat."Male or female? How many years have you kept it?" The young man spoke without too much thought, "A female goat of 3 years!"
The young man was still following the blind man when he was grasped the hand by the blind man.He shouted ,"Here is the police station! Go into it and _ on how you stole the goat!"
The young man had been a thief for a long time and admitted the goat was stolen by him.He asked the blind man puzzlingly, "But how do you know I am a thief?"
The blind man smiled, "I have been keeping goats for decades and can tell one of them is male or female as well as their age according to their voices.The goat you led just now is obviously a male goat, but you said female.The goat is simply a little more than one year old, but you said you had kept it for three years.Moreover, the goat will bleat totally differently when he is led by a stranger instead of his owner.So I can tell the goat does not belong to you!" Only then did the thief understand the whole thing with his head dropped down.

Question: The blind man didn't lost his way because   _

Choices:
- he didn't lead a goat
- he couldn't see anything
- he wasn't affected by the thick mist
- he had a better memory than the young man

Question: We can infer that the young man was   _  after hearing the blind man's explanation.

Choices:
- humorous
- nervous
- depressed
- satisfied


Hunters in Mississippi broke a state record for the heaviest alligator  ever killed, kicking off the hunting season with two big catches.
Dustin Bockman of Wisconsin and two hunting friends caught the 727-pound 13-foot-long beast on Sunday, beating last year's record-setter by 26 pounds, according to the state's Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
"We're going to cook it for sure." he told Gulf Live.
"There's plenty for me and everybody else."
He and his team of hunters followed the huge creature for 12 hours until they could get close enough to shoot him with a crossbow.
"He would go to the bottom and sit like a piece of wood. You could do anything with him," Bockman said.
The hunters then had  to figure out how to drag the beast's dead body into their boat.
It look four hours of pulling  at which point they rested on a sandbar  and called friends for help.
First-time hunter Beth Trammell initially broke the record when she caught a 723-pound 13-foot gator with a team of six hunters, but Bockman stole her thunder hours later.
She was shocked at her gator's size. "It took about four hours to get it in the boat," she said. "We had to ask another boat to help us out  it was so big."
She said that she, too, was going to eat the beast and use it for decoration.
"I think my brother-in-law is going to get the head mounted." she said.
Alligators nearly died out in Mississippi in the 1960s, but a conservation  helped the creature recover to the point that hunting is now legal.

Question: Which of the following is true about Dustin Bockman?

Choices:
- He is a Mississippian.
- He is a first-time hunter.
- He will share out the alligator meat.
- He fought the alligator for 12 hours.

Question: According to the text, alligator hunting in Mississippi     _  .

Choices:
- is a game for man
- often requires team work
- is allowed all year round
- has a history of SO years

Question: What can be inferred about the alligators in Mississippi?

Choices:
- Their number is on the decrease.
- They arc no longer under protection.
- They usually weigh over 700 pounds.
- There arc enough of them for licensed hunters.


Advertisers tend to think big and perhaps this is why they're always getting criticism. Their critics seem to resent(...) them because they have a gift for self-promotion and because they have so much money to throw around. 'It's unjust,' they say, 'that this entirely unproductive industry (if we can call it that) should absorb millions of pounds each year. It only goes to show how much profit the big companies are making. Why don't they stop advertising and reduce the price of their goods? After all, it's the consumer who pays...'
The poor old consumer! He'd have to pay a great deal more if advertising didn't create mass markets for products. It is precisely because of the heavy advertising that consumer goods are so cheap. But we get the wrong idea if we think the only purpose of advertising is to sell goods. Another equally important function is to inform. A great deal of the knowledge we have about household goods comes largely from the advertisements we read. Advertisements introduce us to new products or remind us of the existence of ones we already know about. Supposing you wanted to buy a washing machine, it is more than likely you would obtain details regarding performance, price, etc., from an advertisement.
Lots of people pretend that they never read advertisements, but this claim may be seriously doubted. It is hardly possible not to read advertisements these days. And what fun they often are, too! Just think what a railway station or a newspaper would be like without advertisements. Would you enjoy gazing at a blank wall or reading railway byelaws  while waiting for a train? Would you like to read only closely printed columns of news in your daily paper? A cheerful, witty advertisement makes such a difference to a dull wall or a newspaper full of the daily ration  of disasters.
We must not forget, either, that advertising makes a positive contribution to our pockets. Newspapers, commercial radio and television companies could not survive without this source of revenue . The fact that we pay so little for our daily paper or can enjoy so many broadcast programs is due entirely to the money spent by advertisers. Just think what a newspaper would cost if we had to pay its full price!
Another thing we mustn't forget is the 'small ads.' which are in virtually every newspaper and magazine.  What a tremendously useful service they perform for the community! Just about anything can be accomplished through these columns. For instance, you can find a job, buy or sell a house, announce a birth, marriage or death in what used to be called the 'hatch(giving birth), match and dispatch' column but by far the most fascinating section is the personal or 'agony' column . No other item in a newspaper provides such entertaining reading or offers such a deep insight into human nature. It's the best advertisement for advertising there is!

Question: What is main idea of this passage?

Choices:
- Advertisements.
- Advertisements bring fun to readers.
- Advertisers perform a useful service to communities.
- The costs of advertisements.

Question: The attitude of the author toward advertisers is  _

Choices:
- appreciative.
- trustworthy.
- critical
- dissatisfactory.

Question: Why do the critics criticize advertisers?

Choices:
- Because advertisers often brag .
- Because critics think advertisement is a "waste of money".
- Because customers are encouraged to buy more than necessary.
- Because customers pay more.

Question: Which of the following is Not True?

Choices:
- Advertisement makes contribution to our pockets and we may know everything.
- We can buy what we want.
- Good quality products don't need to be advertised.
- Advertisement makes our life colorful.


With around 40,000 students, the Politecnico di Milano is the largest and most technical university in Italy, offering undergraduate, graduate and other courses in engineering, architecture and design. Founded in 1863, just two years after Italy was united, Milan Polytechnic is international famous. Many of its graduates now work in big companies abroad like M.I.T., Caltech and Oxbridge.
Yet the Politechnic has a problem. As you know, here in Italy people speak Italian. Beautiful though the language may be, it is not a good choice for engineers when they're building a way in Norway or designing a bridge in Vietnam. For better or worse, the global tongue of engineers is English. Hoping to attract more international students, the Politechnic decided to run its doctor's courses in English only. Over 100 teachers went to court to block the plan, referring to a 1933 law that makes Italian the official language. For some teachers, all that matters is that they don't feel comfortable teaching in English. In 2013, the court said they were right. Teaching English was out.
But there was more to come. They then went on a nationwide campaign against their university's decision. Unwisely, the defenders of the Italian language backed them, saying, "we note with regret and concern the ignorance and abandonment  of Italian in the university education."
The leaders at the Politechnic refused to be frightened, and asked for the ruling. Last month the Council of State said, "Art and science are free, and teaching them is free." The question is whether teaching in English prevents students acquiring knowledge. But one could put it differently, and ask whether universities should be free to teach in whatever way they think best serves their students.
Interestingly, the people one might expect to be most against English-only teaching, the students themselves, have taken it easy. The president, Giovanni Azzone, told me: "Students write to me about everything from the lack of parking spaces to washrooms that don't work. Not one has ever complained about the courses in English."

Question: The main idea of the passage is that the Politechnic decision to run its doctor's courses in English only   _  .

Choices:
- attracts more international students
- sends more students to work abroad
- makes some teachers out of work
- meets with different responses

Question: Which statement is NOT the reason why the Politechnic decided to use only English in class?

Choices:
- Many graduates work abroad.
- Italian is widely used.
- English is the global language.
- The Politechnic is an international university.

Question: Those who agree with the new change in the Politechnic are   _  .

Choices:
- the Politechnic leaders
- over 100 teachers
- the Council of State
- the defenders of Italian

Question: The students' attitude towards English-only teaching in doctor's courses is   _  .

Choices:
- indifferent
- disapproving
- skeptical
- approving


My father, at the death of his father, was six years old, and he grew up without education. He moved from Kentucky to Indiana when I was seven. We reached our new home about the time the state came into the Union. It was a wild area, with many bears and other wild animals still in the woods. I grew up there. There were some so-called schools, but what was required of a teacher never went beyond "reading, writing, and adding." If a stranger supposed to understand Latin happened to live for a time in the area, he was looked on as wizard  . There was simply nothing to excite a desire for education. Of course, when I grew up, I did not know much. Still, somehow, I could read, write, and add, but that was all. The advance I have now made is on this store of education, which I have picked up under the pressure of necessity.

Question: When the writer was a child   _  .

Choices:
- his grandfather died in the state of Kentucky
- his family settled down in the countryside of Indiana
- Kentucky joined the Union as a member state
- his family had to move from place to place

Question: When the writer was seven, his family moved to an area where   _  .

Choices:
- educated people were greatly respected
- only a few had a knowledge of Latin
- people were often killed by wild animals
- the land had yet to be farmed

Question: The schools in the area   _  .

Choices:
- were of poor quality
- offered all kinds of subjects
- respected those who knew Latin
- had teachers good at reading, writing, and adding

Question: How did the writer look at his early education?

Choices:
- He believed he met the school requirements.
- He thought he was well-educated.
- He thought it was not satisfactory.
- He believed he was poorly educated.


Most Americans receive at least two or three credit card applications in the mail every month.Why have credit cards become so popular? For a merchant, the answer is obvious.By putting charge slips  in a bank, the merchant can change credit card sales into cash.In return for processing the merchant's credit card transactions , the bank charges a fee that ranges between 1.5 and 5 percent.
         The easiest way to establish credit is to open checking and savings accounts at your local bank.Then apply for a gasoline or store credit card.These cards are fairly easy to get because retailers  want you to buy their goods and services.The third step, and the most dangerous one, is obtaining a major credit card like Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.
       It is important to choose a credit card carefully because terms and conditions vary widely.Annual fees range from $15 to $75 a year, but some credit card companies charge no annual fee at all.If you will be one of the growing number of people who don't pay off their credit card debts in full each month, look for the card with the lowest interest rate.Interest rates generally range from 12 to 18 percent, though it is possible to find cards with lower rates.
       A credit card can be your friend because it can get you through unexpected emergencies.And if there is a problem with the products or service you purchase with your credit card, you have an opportunity to hold back payment by asking the credit card company to "charge back" to the retailer until the argument is settled.Monthly credit card statements can also help you keep your records in order.Finally, if you make payments on time, the card helps you to establish a good credit history.
       A credit card can be your enemy because it is an invitation to purchase items you really do not need.The credit card companies' continuous offers of minimum payments, cash advances, and even months without payments may seem like a way to skate through a money crisis.In reality, your finance charges and fees only increase, and you go deeper into debt.
       If you do find yourself in trouble, do not ignore the bills.Contact your creditors to explain your problem and express your desire to pay down your card balance.If that fails, a nonprofit organization like Consumer Credit Counseling Service can assist you in getting back on your financial feet.

Question: How does the merchant change credit card sales into cash ?

Choices:
- With the help of Consumer Credit Counseling Service.
- By opening a checking and savings account at the local bank.
- By giving the bank the authority to charge.
- By mailing the customer's credit card to the bank.

Question: If you don't pay off the credit card debts in full each month, the best way to save money is to   _  .

Choices:
- stop using the credit card
- apply for a card with the lowest interest rate
- apply for more credit cards
- explain your problems to your creditors

Question: What is the author's attitude towards credit cards?.

Choices:
- Critical.
- Pessimistic.
- Neutral.
- Optimistic

Question: What is the disadvantage of a credit card?

Choices:
- The bank charges annual fees for credit cards.
- The interest rate for credit cards is rather high.
- Credit cards cause argument among holders and banks.
- Credit cards tend to lead card holder into debt


Deng Nannan, 15, used to hate drinking milk for breakfast. But she had to drink it because her mom, as well as many others, said that milk was good for her growing body. Besides, milk and bread made up a convenient diet that saved her parents a lot of time after Deng entered junior school and had to arrive at school early in the morning. After that, Mengniu and Yili became her favorite brands of morning milk and yoghurt after dinner.
However, she has been forced to change her diet since the recent milk crisis. Many best-selling milk brands such as Mengniu, Yili and Bright were discovered to contain melamine  , which is usually used to make plastic. The bad milk products have sickened more than 5,300 babies and killed four.
"I shifted to rice porridge," she said. "My mom has to get up at 5:50 am to prepare my breakfast and make sure that it cools down when I get up."
Deng has become addicted to milk, so she doesn't quite enjoy her morning meal these days although she knows that it's a tiring job for her working mom.
"I'll turn back to Mengniu and Yili when they finally improve their products," she said.
However, right now Deng's mom tries to adjust   her eating habits by cooking different foods. Besides rice porridge, noodles, egg soup and soybean milk are prepared as her breakfast.

Question: According to the passage, why do some students stop drinking milk?

Choices:
- Because their parents have enough time to prepare other foods for them
- Because they get tired of drinking the same type of milk.
- Because some harmful materials are found in some kinds of milk.
- Because milk becomes more and more expensive.

Question: Which of the following milk brands wasn't discovered to contain melamine?

Choices:
- Sanyuan
- Yili
- Mengniu
- Bright

Question: Which of the following statements is true?

Choices:
- Deng Nannan prefers porridge to milk.
- Deng Nannan likes drinking milk all the time.
- Deng Nannan began to drink milk because of her mother's advice.
- Deng's favorite milk brands were Mengniu and Sanyuan.


Family Vs Technology
Modern technology certainly changes family behavior, but does it really damage family life as many people fear? Not necessarily, says Dr. Silva, a professor in Sociology  at the Open University, she also argues it is wrong to assume technology erodes(,) the quality of family life.
"There is the idea that technology has an influence on the family and the family suffers. My take is quite different," she explains. "Technological change happens because people's lives change. And it is people's choices of how to live that creates processes of innovation  as well. The family has a role like the economy or like technology itself in changing the world. The imagination is important in driving the things technologists want to find for our daily lives. People desire to see nature as it is, so color television comes about," she says.
In another case, the increase in working mothers helped create a market for labor-saving kitchen equipment. "The time that women have to shop every day for food is no longer available so there is a need to have a refrigerator for food storage," says Dr. Silva. "The need to cook that food more easily and quickly, means you have developments in cooking technology like the microwave oven . The microwave oven already existed because it was developed for the navy during World War Two but it wasn't used in ordinary families until the early 1980s.
"Technologies for housework were as important as those for work itself," she says, "So washing machines, refrigerators and microwave ovens are terribly important. We couldn't imagine what life would be like if we didn't have them." Technological changes in the kitchen have played an important role in the changes of family behavior, creating a new social focus in the home.
"With advanced technology, you can feed the family in an easier manner. People can do housework with less difficulty. But that doesn't mean that family practices are not important -- it's just a different way of doing things."

Question: What is Dr. Silva's attitude towards the effect that technology has on family life?

Choices:
- Worried.
- Optimistic .
- Puzzled.
- Uncertain.

Question: What causes advances in technology according to Dr. Silva?

Choices:
- People's love for nature.
- Great changes in people's way of life.
- People's desire to change the world.
- The wonderful imagination in inventing things.

Question: What can we learn from the passage?

Choices:
- The microwave oven was first used by working mothers.
- People cook less because of modern kitchen equipment.
- Technology has little effect on the changes of family behavior.
- People need less skill to do housework due to advanced technology.


Though the facts that too many people on earth and a too rapid increase in the number added each year are not in argument, we always begin the discussion of "population as global issue" with what most persons mean like this. It was quite right to compare demographic growth to "a long, thin powder fuse that bums steadily and hesitatingly until it finally reaches the charge and explodes".
To understand the current situation, which is characterized by rapid increases in population, it is necessary to understand the history of population trends. Rapid growth is a comparatively recent phenomenon. Looking back at the 8,000 years of demographic history, we find that populations have been virtually stable or growing very slightly for most of human history. For most of our ancestors, life was hard, often nasty, and very short. There was high fertility in most places, but this was usually balanced by high mortality. For most of human history, it was seldom the case that one in ten persons would live past forty, while infancy and childhood were especially risky periods. Often, societies were in clear danger of extinction because death rates could exceed their birthrates. Thus, the population problem throughout most of history was how to prevent extinction of the human race.
This pattern is important to notice. Not only does it put the current problems of demographic growth into a historical perspective, but it suggests that the cause of rapid increase in population in recent years is not a sudden
enthusiasm for more children, but an improvement in the conditions that traditionally have caused high mortality.
Demographic history can be divided into two major periods: a time of long, slow growth which extended from about 8000 B.C. till approximately 1650 A.D. In the first period of some 9,600 years, the population increased from some 8 million to 500 million in 1650. Between 1650 and 1975, the population has increased from 500 million to more than 4 billion. And the population reached 6.2 billion throughout the world by the year 2000, One way to appreciate this dramatic difference in such abstract numbers is to reduce the time frame to something that is more manageable. Between 8000 B.C. and 1650, an average of only 50,000 persons was being added annually to the world's population, At present, this number is added every six hours. The increase is about 800000,000 persons annually.

Question: Which of the following demographic growth patterns is most similar to the long thin powder fuse?

Choices:
- A slow growth for a long time and then a period of rapid, dramatic increase.
- Too many people on earth and a few rapid increases in the number added each year.
- A virtually stable or slightly decreasing period and then a sudden explosion of population.
- A long period when death rates exceed birthrates and then a short period with higher fertility and lower mortality.

Question: During the first period of demographic history, societies were often in danger of extinction because  _  .

Choices:
- only one in ten persons could live past 40.
- our ancestors had little enthusiasm for more children
- there was higher mortality than fertility in most places
- it was too dangerous to have babies due to the poor conditions

Question: The author of the passage intends to  _  .

Choices:
- warn people against the population explosion in the near future
- find out the cause of rapid increase in population in recent years
- present us a brief and clear picture of the demographic growth
- compare the demographic growth pattern in the past with that after 1650


Hidden in a small street in the south end of Springfield, not far from buildings torn apart by the tornado  earlier this year, Frigo's is an Italian restaurant right in our own backyard.
Frigo's is not a tiny place. It provides different kinds of Italian food. There are refrigerator cases full of prepared foods and desserts, and shelves filled with olives and various pasta.
There's some traditional Italian music and the smell is of olive oil and garlic . Above the largest refrigerator case, there's a chalk board covered with desriptions of more Italian sandwiches than I could remember.
I stepped into Frigo's almost by accident when I had to stay in Springfield into the evening for an open house at the school where I work. Frigo's is the perfect place to find something quick to go. There are no tables, so all food is taken out. I also thought it would be a great place to pick up some already-prepared food to bring home for dinner.
I ordered the easiest meal possible: a chicken sandwich and a salad. It cost$4.75 for the sandwich. The salad was$4.99 and didn't have salad dressing on it. I must have missed the choice of salad dressing on the way out. The sandwich was great--great chicken, excellent tomato sauce and not too much cheese.
I wish I had tried one of the many other sandwiches which include Joe's Favorite ($5.25-$6.75) and the Dante (King) which is made of turkey breast, roasted red peppers, asiago cheese and choice of dressing.
I have a feeling that I'll be picking up dinner for me and the kids at Frigo's soon.

Question: Who would be most likely to go to eat at Frigo's?

Choices:
- People who want to eat quietly in a nice restaurant.
- People who want to enjoy home-made food
- People who like traditional American food
- People who are fond of Italian food

Question: Which of the following cannot be seen at Frigo's?

Choices:
- A chalk board covered with descriptions of sandwiches
- Refrigerator cases full of prepared foods and desserts
- Shelves filled with olives and different kinds of pasta
- Customers eating happily around tables

Question: How much did the writer pay for his first meal at Frigo's?

Choices:
- $4.75
- $5.25
- $9.74
- $4.99

Question: We can infer that "Joe's Favorite" and "Dante" are the names of  _  .

Choices:
- sandwiches
- salads
- cheese
- peppers

Question: We can infer from the passage that the writer  _  .

Choices:
- seldom eats out in a restaurant with his family
- feels very happy that be has found Frigo's
- dislikes eating sandwiches
- lives a very relaxing life


Almost 70 percent of Chinese middle school students have serious problems with their parents, the Beijing Morning Post quoted a survey as saying.
The survey showed 6.62 percent of the surveyed students are afraid of their parents while 13.13 percent of them dislike their parents and 56.28 percent were extremely disgusted with or even hate their parents. Only 4.75 percent of the young people surveyed said they like their parents.
The recently conducted survey among 3,000 middle school students in a Beijing district asked questions about their attitude toward their parents and family education, the paper said.
For many families, conflict between parents and children center on the student's school grades, their weight and their friends. The survey showed that parental influence over children is decreasing, the paper said.
Xiao Xiao, a third year junior middle school student is perhaps typical of most kids when she complains; "I was scolded by my mother because I didn't come first in the class in a mid-term exam."
Xiao Xiao in fact is already one of the top students in her class, the paper said, stressing Xiao Xiao's parents hope she can study at the Beijing University or even attend Harvard in the future.
Sun Yunxiao, an expert with the China Youth and Children Research Center, said "parents expect unrealistically high expectations from their children."
The research centre's own survey of parents showed about 55 percent of parents hope their children will study for a doctoral degree and 83.6 percent require their children to rank in the top 15 of their class.
Conflicts between parents and their children not only come from too high education expectations. Other causes of disconnection between parents and children are family violence, parents' old fashioned ideas, interference in a child's privacy including their choice of friends and time spent surfing the web, the paper said.
Mr Hu, a father of a middle school student, wasn't surprised by the survey results. He says too much concern over school marks is putting tremendous pressure on families.

Question: How many young people surveyed said they like their parents?

Choices:
- 39390.
- 19860.
- 14250
- 168840

Question: What is the central conflict between parents and children in many families?

Choices:
- Family violence and divorce.
- Parents' old fashioned ideas.
- Interference in a child's privacy.
- Students' school grades, weight and friends.

Question: Xiao Xiao is mentioned as an example to show that   _   .

Choices:
- parental influence over children is decreasing.
- one should study hard to attend Beijing University as a student.
- Parents today expect too high from their children.
- today's children spend too much time surfing the web.

Question: As is indicated in the passage,   _   .

Choices:
- Most parents require their children to be the top ones in the class.
- More and more parents have old fashioned ideas.
- More and more families got divorced due to the high education expectations.
- Most parents hope their children will attend Harvard in the future.


With my hands and knees on the floor of the airplane, I was searching for an old lady's missing hearing aid during the flight from Sydney to Los Angeles. It occurred to me that this may not be the most dignified posture for a Buddhist nun .
I had seen the old lady from the seat in front of me as she walked up and down the passage with a flashlight. I asked a few times what was wrong, but she didn't answer at first --- she couldn't hear me. She was wearing a woolen coat. Judging from her accent, she came from Eastern Europe.
Do you know what hearing aids cost? Thousands, especially for the new tiny hidden-in-the-ear type she described. It takes a long time for an appointment to make a new one, and many doctor visits to get the thing adjusted right. Therefore, my dignity seemed less important than finding that hearing aid. But how does one find a tiny black object in a shadowy jet cabin ?
The lady wasn't even sure where or when she had lost it. At one point, a couple of flight attendants did a random search around the lady's seat; I wasn't impressed. They left suggesting that she search the seat of her previous flight! My flashlight turned up all kinds of small objects, bits of plastic, broken pieces of headphones.
The old lady said that she gave up. Yet I couldn't. After we landed, as passengers streamed past us, I insisted that the lady move aside while awaiting her wheelchair. Then I got into a real down and dirty search among the dust under her seat and on the floor.
Look! A little peanut-sized shiny black object caught the light of my flashlight in a floor crack near her seat.
What a rush. "I found it!"
With great astonishment and gratitude, the old lady responded, "I haven't the words to express my thanks!"

Question: Why did the author put her hands and knees on the floor?

Choices:
- She is a religious Buddhist nun.
- She fell down from her seat.
- She helped the old lady look for her hearing aid.
- She wanted to stand out among the passengers.

Question: What do we know about the old lady?

Choices:
- She ignored the author's question on purpose.
- She is an American.
- She lost her hearing aid by accident.
- It was not difficult for her to get the hearing aid at all.

Question: Where was the hearing aid found?

Choices:
- On the previous flight.
- Close to the old lady' seat.
- On the wheelchair.
- In another jet cabin.

Question: What is the purpose of the passage?

Choices:
- To tell us a story about kind help.
- To warn us to be more careful.
- To teach us how to find the lost thing.
- To present the love from all people on board.


The hardworking blacksmith  Jones used to work all day in his shop and so hard working was he that at times he would make the sparks fly from his hammer.
The son of Mr. Smith, a rich neighbor, used to come to see the blacksmith everyday and for hours and hours he would enjoy himself watching how the blacksmith worked. "Young man, why don't you try to learn to make shoe tacks , even if it is only to pass the time?" said the blacksmith. "Who knows, one day, it may be of use to you." The lazy boy began to see what he could do. But after a little practice he found that he was becoming very skilled and soon he was making some of the finest tacks.
Old Mr. Smith died and the son because of the war lost all his goods. He had to leave home and settled down in another country. It so happened that in this village there were many shoemakers who were spending a lot of money to buy tacks for their shoes and even at times when they paid high prices they were not always able to get what they wanted, because in that part of the country there was a high demand for soldiers' shoes.
Our young Mr. Smith, who was finding it difficult to earn his daily bread, remembered that he had learned how to make tacks and had the sudden idea of making a bargain with the shoemakers. He told them that he would make the tacks if they would help to get him settled in his workshop. The shoemakers were only too glad of the offer. And after a while, Mr. Smith found that he was soon making the finest tacks in the village.
"How funny it seems," he used to say, "even making tacks can bring a fortune ."

Question: What can we learn from the young Mr. Smith's success?

Choices:
- It is no use crying over the spilt milk.
- A friend in need is a friend indeed.
- All roads lead to Rome.
- Seeing is believing.


Events Calendar
TUESDAY
Landscape Pests
Learn to identify, control and prevent seasonal landscape-disease and landscape-pest problems at the workshop, 3:30 pm. - 5 pm. Tuesday at the US National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington. $15; registration required.
202-245-4521 or www.usna.usda.gov.
THROUGH AUGUST 3
Horticultural  Art
Watercolors, pen-and-ink drawings and colored-pencil pieces by the Brookside Gardens School of Botanical   Art and Illustration will be on display at the exhibit Botanic 2007: The Art and Science of Plants at Brookside Gardens Visitors Center, 1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, through Aug. 3. Free. 301-962-1400 or www.brooksidegardens.org.
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 9
Botanical Art
Visit Patterns in Nature, an exhibit by Amy Lamb featuring photographs of flowers, leaves and other botanical life, at the US Botanic Garden Conservatory  ,West Orangerie, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, through Sept. 9. The conservatory is open 10 am. - 5 pm. Daily. Free. 202-225-8333.
THROUGH OCTOBER 8
Botanic Garden Exhibit
Celebrating America's Public Gardens is on view through Oct. 8 at the US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington. The exhibit, on the Conservatory Terrace and in the National Garden, features displays of 20 public botanic gardens across the country. Hours are 10 am. - 5 pm. Daily. Free. 202-200-8956.

Question: If you want to record your name for an event in advance, you may call   _  .

Choices:
- 202-225-8333
- 202-245-4521
- 301-962-1400
- 202-200-8956

Question: If you go to Botanic Garden Exhibit, you   _  .

Choices:
- can enjoy drawings and coloured-pencil pieces
- can learn how to kill pests living on the plants
- can find displays of 20 botanic gardens across the country
- will enjoy the photographs of flowers and leaves

Question: From the advertisement, we learn   _  .

Choices:
- the first event is about growing healthy plants
- all of the events are free of charge
- there is no time limit to all the events
- you can find the information of all the events either by phone or by e-mail


People bury treasure to stop other people from taking it. They choose a quiet place, dig a deep hole and bury the treasure in it. Then they make a map of where the treasure is or write down other clues that will help them or someone else to find it again.
In Britain a few years ago, a writer wrote about some treasure that he had buried. He put clues in the story to help readers find it. Thousands of people hunted for the treasure. They dug holes all over Britain, hoping to find it.
One of the most popular adventure stories ever written is Robert Louis Stephenson's "Treasured Island", an exciting story about a young boy, Jim Hawkins, who is captured by pirates   and later finds some buried treasure.
Then there is the true story about a man who had to travel overseas for a year. He did not trust banks, so he buried his life savings in a park. Then he went away. On his return, he went straight to the park. But the park was no longer there. In its place there was a huge building.
And then there was the man who buried his savings, all in bank notes, in a waterproof bag. When he dug it up years later, there was nothing left. Worms and insects had eaten the bag and everything in it.
And of course, these are stories about people who bury things and either forget where they have buried them or lose the map.
Although it is true that people sometimes lose their money because a bank fails, banks are still the safest place to keep our savings and treasures.

Question: People who bury treasure usually    _    .

Choices:
- do not trust banks
- have a little money .
- want to live in a quiet place.
- expect to lose it

Question: The writer in Britain    _    .

Choices:
- really had buried something.
- started a nationwide treasure hunt.
- had lost his treasure and wanted people to help him find it.
- caused trouble because people dug holes everywhere.

Question: "Treasure Island"    _    .

Choices:
- is a story about pirates.
- is about the adventures of Jim Hawkins.
- is the most popular story ever written.
- is a well-known fairy tale.

Question: The man who buried his money in a park    _    .

Choices:
- thought his money was safer there than in a bank.
- travelled on the sea for a year.
- got his life savings back again.
- stayed away longer than he expected.

Question: From these stories we understand that    _    .

Choices:
- we cannot trust banks.
- we should not trust anyone.
- a waterproof bag is not proof against worms and insects.
- insects eat anything.


To me, life without music would not be exciting. I realize that this is not true for everybody. Many people get along quite well without going to the concert, and listening to the record. But music plays an important part in everyone's life, whether he realizes it or not. Try to imagine, for example, what films or TV plays would be like without music. Would the feelings, the moving plot, and the greatest interests, be so exciting or dramatic? I'm not sure about it.
Now, we have been speaking of music in its more common meaning----the kind of music we hear in the concert hall. But if we look at some parts of music more closely, we discover them in our everyday life too----in the rhythm of the sea, the _ of a bird in the woods and so on. So music surely has meaning for everyone, in some way or other. And, of course, it has special meaning for those who have spent all their lives working on playing or writing music.
It is well said, "Through music a child enters into a world of beauty, expresses himself from his heart, feels the joy of doing things alone, learns to take care of others, develops his mind and makes his body strong."

Question: What dose the writer say more about in the text?

Choices:
- Life full of music.
- Life without music.
- The importance of music.
- The development of music.

Question: From the text, we learn that many people  _  .

Choices:
- don't realize the importance of music
- get along quite well without music
- go to the concert instead of enjoying music
- think music would be less exciting than films


Learning new words is learning new ideas: High school students can take control of
their learning by always looking up new words and finding out what they mean. They should keep a dictionary and a thesaurus close at hand.
Make clear lists: Students should make a list of everything that they need to get done. They should check off assignments once completed. They should include clear due dates.
Make a commitment: Active learners will resolve to keep up -to-date from the start. They will avoid _ . They will complete most of their work as early as possible.
Independent work is best: Students will do all assignments independently--they will never copy! Students who copy are passive learners. Passive learners do not give their mind a chance to think on its own.
Organization is key: Students should keep an excellent folder and notebook. All problems should be clearly stated and solutions given. All tests and quizzes should be corrected and used as study guides for exams and finals.
All actions without solutions are dead: Active learners will always show their work needed to solve a problem. Active learners will never turn in a list of answers without giving an explanation or a solution.
Advanced reading: Students should do any required reading for the topic before class. They should write an outline of the section or chapter. They should actively take notes as they read to help them remember.

Question: If you want to be successful in exams and finals you should  _  .

Choices:
- give your mind a chance to think on its own
- check off your papers once completed
- keep an excellent folder and notebook
- hand in your homework on time

Question: The best title of the passage is "  _  ".

Choices:
- How to Be an Effective Reader
- How to Get Good Scores in Tests
- How to Collect Academic Information
- How to Actively Study in High School