Read the passage carefully, then choose the best answer for each question.
A WARMING WORLD
One weekend in May 2010, the weather forecast for Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A., predicted 10 centimeters (4 inches) of rain. By Sunday, over 33 centimeters (13 inches) had fallen. Soon the city was flooded. On the roads, cars were covered by the rising water. "We've got buildings running into cars,” the news reported as a small building floated by. There were 11 deaths that weekend.
Changing Weather
The weather is changing. Over the last few years, heavy rains have caused floods in Brazil, Pakistan, and Thailand. Droughts have struck Russia and Australia. Heat waves have killed thousands in Europe, and all over the world, hurricanes and tornadoes strike more frequently and with greater force than ever before. In 2011 alone, losses caused by the weather cost the world 150 billion dollars.
Warmer and Wetter
As more wild weather events happen, a worried world is beginning to ask questions like: What is going on with the weather? And why? Many also want to know: Is this natural, or are we to blame?
The answer seems to be: a little of both. Wild weather is natural. But most scientists agree human activity has made the Earth warmer. This global warming makes heat waves more likely to occur. The higher temperatures also cause more water to enter the air. This causes heavier and more frequent rain. Some scientists also believe global warming makes hurricanes and other storms stronger.
This means we're likely to see more wild weather. "[But] we don't have to just stand there and take it," says scientist Michael Oppenheimer. He and other experts say we need to stop the Earth from getting warmer. We also need to be prepared, to do things that will help save lives.
The word “take” could be replaced by_____.
A.feel good about
B.do nothing about
C.find out more about
D.bring something to

Read the passage carefully, then choose the best answer for each question.
THE GREAT DOME OF FLORENCE
Brunelleschi and the Dome
In 1419, at the beginning of the Renaissance in Italy, a clockmaker named Filippo Brunelleschi started work on a very difficult project. He was building the dome of Florence's main cathedral, the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. At 55 meters (180 feet) above ground, it would be the largest dome built since the Pantheon in Rome was finished 1,500 years before.
After most of the cathedral was built in 1296, many builders tried to complete the dome. But none could do it. No one knew what material to use. Many builders knew how to build concrete domes. However, the dome in Florence needed to be wider than any dome ever built. Also, tall buildings of the time relied on structures that supported the heavy stone from the outside. The cathedral didn't have these structures, so a concrete dome was too heavy. It would easily fall. So, the cathedral's roof was left unfinished for over a hundred years.
Filippo Brunelleschi promised to solve all these problems. He said he would build two domes, an inner dome made of stone, and an outer one made of light bricks. He would use lighter materials as he worked upwards, and would hold it all together with strong rings made of stone, wood, and iron.
Brunelleschi also had to find a way to lift the materials high into the air. What did he do? He invented a new machine to do the job.
Building the dome took 16 years. The crown at the top took another ten. Brunelleschi died a few years later, in 1446. He had done something no one else could. However, he left no pictures of his design. So—even today - experts don't fully understand how this amazing structure was built.
The following sentence would best be placed at the end of which paragraph? As a result, there was a large hole in the cathedral’s roof.
A.paragraph 1
B.paragraph 2
C.paragraph 3
D.paragraph 4

Read the passage carefully, then choose the best answer for each question.
THE GREAT DOME OF FLORENCE
Brunelleschi and the Dome
In 1419, at the beginning of the Renaissance in Italy, a clockmaker named Filippo Brunelleschi started work on a very difficult project. He was building the dome of Florence's main cathedral, the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. At 55 meters (180 feet) above ground, it would be the largest dome built since the Pantheon in Rome was finished 1,500 years before.
After most of the cathedral was built in 1296, many builders tried to complete the dome. But none could do it. No one knew what material to use. Many builders knew how to build concrete domes. However, the dome in Florence needed to be wider than any dome ever built. Also, tall buildings of the time relied on structures that supported the heavy stone from the outside. The cathedral didn't have these structures, so a concrete dome was too heavy. It would easily fall. So, the cathedral's roof was left unfinished for over a hundred years.
Filippo Brunelleschi promised to solve all these problems. He said he would build two domes, an inner dome made of stone, and an outer one made of light bricks. He would use lighter materials as he worked upwards, and would hold it all together with strong rings made of stone, wood, and iron.
Brunelleschi also had to find a way to lift the materials high into the air. What did he do? He invented a new machine to do the job.
Building the dome took 16 years. The crown at the top took another ten. Brunelleschi died a few years later, in 1446. He had done something no one else could. However, he left no pictures of his design. So—even today - experts don't fully understand how this amazing structure was built.
What is true about Filippo Brunelleschi?
A.He built three domes for the cathedral.
B.He died before seeing the dome completed.
C.He was a famous builder.
D.He invented a machine that lifted things into the air.

Read the passage carefully, then choose the best answer for each question.
THE GREAT DOME OF FLORENCE
Brunelleschi and the Dome
In 1419, at the beginning of the Renaissance in Italy, a clockmaker named Filippo Brunelleschi started work on a very difficult project. He was building the dome of Florence's main cathedral, the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. At 55 meters (180 feet) above ground, it would be the largest dome built since the Pantheon in Rome was finished 1,500 years before.
After most of the cathedral was built in 1296, many builders tried to complete the dome. But none could do it. No one knew what material to use. Many builders knew how to build concrete domes. However, the dome in Florence needed to be wider than any dome ever built. Also, tall buildings of the time relied on structures that supported the heavy stone from the outside. The cathedral didn't have these structures, so a concrete dome was too heavy. It would easily fall. So, the cathedral's roof was left unfinished for over a hundred years.
Filippo Brunelleschi promised to solve all these problems. He said he would build two domes, an inner dome made of stone, and an outer one made of light bricks. He would use lighter materials as he worked upwards, and would hold it all together with strong rings made of stone, wood, and iron.
Brunelleschi also had to find a way to lift the materials high into the air. What did he do? He invented a new machine to do the job.
Building the dome took 16 years. The crown at the top took another ten. Brunelleschi died a few years later, in 1446. He had done something no one else could. However, he left no pictures of his design. So—even today - experts don't fully understand how this amazing structure was built.
What is the purpose of the third paragraph?
A.to argue another side of an issue
B.to explain a solution to a problem
C.to provide background information
D.to introduce an important person

Read the passage carefully, then choose the best answer for each question.
A LOVE POEM IN STONE
Often called "a love poem in stone," the Taj Mahal is well-known for being one of the most beautiful buildings ever created. It is also perhaps the most beautiful expression of love in the world.
The emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal for his empress, Mumtaz Mahal. The couple lived happily together for 18 years. Then Mumtaz died during the birth of their fourteenth child. Before she died, the emperor made her a promise. To remember her, he would build the most beautiful monument in the world.
The emperor poured his passion and wealth into building the Taj Mahal. It is said that it took more than 20,000 people and 1,000 elephants to build. They worked for over 20 years to build the monument and its central dome, which stands over 73 meters above the ground.
Soon after the building was finished, Shah Jahan's son became emperor. He put Shah Jahan in prison. Shah Jahan lived there until his death in 1666, when his body was put in the Taj Mahal with the woman he loved.
There are many legends about the Taj Mahal. In one story, when the building was complete, Shah Jahan had the builders' hands cut off, supposedly so they could never build anything as beautiful as the Taj Mahal. Another says he also wanted to build a black Taj Mahal. These are interesting stories, but they are most likely not true.
The love story between Shah Jahan and his wife ended sadly. But the monument to their love still stands today. It is visited by millions of tourists, who come to see the marble change color in the light of the rising sun or a full moon.
What is the main idea of the fifth paragraph?
A.The Taj Mahal has a very dark and sad history.
B.Shah Jahan was known to be a terrible person.
C.There are many stories about the Taj Mahal, many untrue.
D.No buildings are as beautiful as the Taj Mahal.

Read the passage carefully, then choose the best answer for each question.
A LOVE POEM IN STONE
Often called "a love poem in stone," the Taj Mahal is well-known for being one of the most beautiful buildings ever created. It is also perhaps the most beautiful expression of love in the world.
The emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal for his empress, Mumtaz Mahal. The couple lived happily together for 18 years. Then Mumtaz died during the birth of their fourteenth child. Before she died, the emperor made her a promise. To remember her, he would build the most beautiful monument in the world.
The emperor poured his passion and wealth into building the Taj Mahal. It is said that it took more than 20,000 people and 1,000 elephants to build. They worked for over 20 years to build the monument and its central dome, which stands over 73 meters above the ground.
Soon after the building was finished, Shah Jahan's son became emperor. He put Shah Jahan in prison. Shah Jahan lived there until his death in 1666, when his body was put in the Taj Mahal with the woman he loved.
There are many legends about the Taj Mahal. In one story, when the building was complete, Shah Jahan had the builders' hands cut off, supposedly so they could never build anything as beautiful as the Taj Mahal. Another says he also wanted to build a black Taj Mahal. These are interesting stories, but they are most likely not true.
The love story between Shah Jahan and his wife ended sadly. But the monument to their love still stands today. It is visited by millions of tourists, who come to see the marble change color in the light of the rising sun or a full moon.
What is another way of saying “It is said that”?
A.It is true that
B.We said that
C.Some people believe that
D.All are not correct

Read the passage carefully, then choose the best answer for each question.
A LOVE POEM IN STONE
Often called "a love poem in stone," the Taj Mahal is well-known for being one of the most beautiful buildings ever created. It is also perhaps the most beautiful expression of love in the world.
The emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal for his empress, Mumtaz Mahal. The couple lived happily together for 18 years. Then Mumtaz died during the birth of their fourteenth child. Before she died, the emperor made her a promise. To remember her, he would build the most beautiful monument in the world.
The emperor poured his passion and wealth into building the Taj Mahal. It is said that it took more than 20,000 people and 1,000 elephants to build. They worked for over 20 years to build the monument and its central dome, which stands over 73 meters above the ground.
Soon after the building was finished, Shah Jahan's son became emperor. He put Shah Jahan in prison. Shah Jahan lived there until his death in 1666, when his body was put in the Taj Mahal with the woman he loved.
There are many legends about the Taj Mahal. In one story, when the building was complete, Shah Jahan had the builders' hands cut off, supposedly so they could never build anything as beautiful as the Taj Mahal. Another says he also wanted to build a black Taj Mahal. These are interesting stories, but they are most likely not true.
The love story between Shah Jahan and his wife ended sadly. But the monument to their love still stands today. It is visited by millions of tourists, who come to see the marble change color in the light of the rising sun or a full moon.
When was the Taj Mahal built?
A.after Shah Jahan died in 1666
B.when Shah Jahan’s son became emperor
C.while Shah Jahan was in prison
D.after the death of Mumtaz Mahal

Read the passage carefully, then choose the best answer for each question.
DO ANIMALS LAUGH?
We know animals have emotions. They can feel fear. We also think they feel love, since they have strong relationships with each other. So are animal emotions all similar to our own? And do animals have a sense of humor?
A Parrot Named Bongo Marie
Sally Blanchard's parrot Bongo Marie didn't get along with her other parrot, Paco. In fact, Bongo Marie clearly didn't like Paco at all! One day, Blanchard cooked a chicken for dinner. She started to cut the chicken with a knife. "Oh, no! Paco!'' Bongo Marie said loudly and laughed. Blanchard laughed, too, and said, "That's not Paco." "Oh . . . no," said Bongo Marie. This time, she sounded disappointed. Then the parrot laughed at her own joke.
Yoga Dog
Jean Donaldson enjoys doing yoga—and so does her dog Buffy. While Jean Donaldson does yoga, Buffy carefully places her toys on Donaldson's body. If a toy falls, Buffy runs to put it back. Does this behavior have any real purpose? “She thinks it's hilarious!" says Donaldson.
Animal Laughter
Can dogs "laugh"? Recent research shows that dogs can tell each other when they want to play. They make a special sound—a kind of "laugh." Psychologist Patricia Simonet recorded the sound. Then she played it back to dogs to assess their behavior. "All the dogs seemed to like the laugh," says Simonet. So do animals have a sense of humor? If laughter is a clue, then perhaps the answer is "yes!"The phrase “played it back” is closest in meaning to_____ .
A.recorded it again
B.played with the dogs
C.let the dogs hear the recording
D.played with the dog’s back

Read the passage carefully, then choose the best answer for each question.
A PENGUIN FAMILY
Emperor penguins are the largest penguins on Earth. Each adult is over a meter tall, and can weigh1 up to 40 kilograms.
For many months each year, emperors live near the sea in large groups called colonies. However, in May, the weather gets colder and ice covers large areas of ocean. Each colony moves many kilometers from the water. There, each mother penguin lays just one egg. Then all the hungry mothers must walk back to the ocean to find food. The father penguins put their eggs on top of their feet, under a special piece of skin called the brood pouch.
Sharing the Work
For two months, the father penguins keep the eggs safe and warm. They do this through some of the coldest weather conditions on Earth. By July, it is winter in Antarctica. Most animals leave for warmer places, but the father penguins stay. In this time, without food, a father penguin can lose almost half of his body weight.
New Life
By August, the babies begin to hatch! The mother penguin returns just in time to see her baby come out of its egg. The chick is then moved to her brood pouch. This can be difficult. If the chick falls, it can freeze quickly, so the penguin parents must be very careful. Once this is done, the father penguin can go back to the ocean to find food.
Growing Up
Over the next few months, penguin parents take turns going to the ocean for food. They each make the trip several times, bringing back food for the chick. The chick grows quickly and is always hungry.
Into the Water
By December, winter is ending. The chick is five months old and can live on its own. Soon it enters the water for the first time. It will swim and eat until next April, and then return here. After a few more years, it, too, will start its own family.
The word “here” refers to_____.
A.the water
B.where it grew up
C.where it learned to swim
D.its new family

Read the passage carefully, then choose the best answer for each question.
DO ANIMALS LAUGH?
We know animals have emotions. They can feel fear. We also think they feel love, since they have strong relationships with each other. So are animal emotions all similar to our own? And do animals have a sense of humor?
A Parrot Named Bongo Marie
Sally Blanchard's parrot Bongo Marie didn't get along with her other parrot, Paco. In fact, Bongo Marie clearly didn't like Paco at all! One day, Blanchard cooked a chicken for dinner. She started to cut the chicken with a knife. "Oh, no! Paco!'' Bongo Marie said loudly and laughed. Blanchard laughed, too, and said, "That's not Paco." "Oh . . . no," said Bongo Marie. This time, she sounded disappointed. Then the parrot laughed at her own joke.
Yoga Dog
Jean Donaldson enjoys doing yoga—and so does her dog Buffy. While Jean Donaldson does yoga, Buffy carefully places her toys on Donaldson's body. If a toy falls, Buffy runs to put it back. Does this behavior have any real purpose? “She thinks it's hilarious!" says Donaldson.
Animal Laughter
Can dogs "laugh"? Recent research shows that dogs can tell each other when they want to play. They make a special sound—a kind of "laugh." Psychologist Patricia Simonet recorded the sound. Then she played it back to dogs to assess their behavior. "All the dogs seemed to like the laugh," says Simonet. So do animals have a sense of humor? If laughter is a clue, then perhaps the answer is "yes!"Which of the following sentences is NOT true?
A.Paco and Bongo Marie are both parrots.
B.Paco and Bongo Marie are good friends.
C.Sally Blanchard thinks Bongo Marie is funny.
D.Bongo Marie clearly doesn't like Paco.