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

Các câu hỏi liên quan

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.

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 true?
A.Buffy feels sad when Jean Donaldson does yoga.
B.While Jean Donaldson does yoga, so does her dog Buffy.
C.Buffy laughs at Jean Donaldson when she does yoga.
D.Jean Donaldson thinks Buffy has a sense of humor.

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 “almost” means_____.
A.less than
B.exactly
C.more than
D.nearly

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.
When does the father penguin care for the egg without the mother penguin?
A.from February to May
B.from May to August
C.from August to October
D.from October to December

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.
Another good title for this passage would be_____.
A.A Study of Penguin Families
B.Types of Penguins Around the World
C.Emperor Penguins and Global Warming
D.Life of A Penguin In A Year

Read the passage carefully, then choose the best answer for each question.
SEEING THE IMPOSSIBLE
Can you believe everything you see? Not always! Sometimes our minds and our eyes make mistakes. At other times, our eyes and minds can become confused. This may be because we are looking at something called an optical illusion.
The word optical means "related to sight"—the way we see things with our eyes. An illusion is something that looks different from the way it really is. In short, an optical illusion is a kind of trick that our eyes play on us.
Look at these optical illusions and compare what you see with what your classmates see. The way we see things is often personal, so you may not see things the same way as someone else.
So can you trust your eyes? Perhaps the answer is “sometimes." Sometimes our eyes see something, and our minds understand it easily. At other times, we may need to look twice.
Which red dot is larger?
Most people say it’s the dot on the left. Now measure the dots. The red dot on the left may seem larger because of the blue dots around it, but they’re really the same size.
Look at this picture. What do you see?
Do you see a cup, or do you see two faces? Now look again! The illusion shows two different images at the same time. Therefore, our minds have to choose which image to look at. Scientists think this choice is difficult, because different parts of your brain are getting different information. One part "sees" the cup and another part "sees" the faces, so the image keeps changing.
Are the circles moving?
When you stare at this picture, your mind may tell you that the circles are moving, but this is impossible! How can a picture move? Some people think the circles seem to move because, often, when we see circle-in-circle shapes, like in car wheels or snake bodies, they are usually moving. Our brains are used to seeing these shapes move. So when our eyes see this shape, our mind infers that the image is moving. Other scientists believe the illusion of movement is caused by the tiny movements of our eyes as we look at the different colors and patterns of the picture.
Which of these is an optical illusion?
A.hearing a voice in your head that isn’t there
B.seeing water on a road when it’s not really there
C.looking up at a strange cloud and noticing its shape
D.seeing a snake and noticing it moving

Read the passage carefully, then choose the best answer for each question.
SEEING THE IMPOSSIBLE
Can you believe everything you see? Not always! Sometimes our minds and our eyes make mistakes. At other times, our eyes and minds can become confused. This may be because we are looking at something called an optical illusion.
The word optical means "related to sight"—the way we see things with our eyes. An illusion is something that looks different from the way it really is. In short, an optical illusion is a kind of trick that our eyes play on us.
Look at these optical illusions and compare what you see with what your classmates see. The way we see things is often personal, so you may not see things the same way as someone else.
So can you trust your eyes? Perhaps the answer is “sometimes." Sometimes our eyes see something, and our minds understand it easily. At other times, we may need to look twice.
Which red dot is larger?
Most people say it’s the dot on the left. Now measure the dots. The red dot on the left may seem larger because of the blue dots around it, but they’re really the same size.
Look at this picture. What do you see?
Do you see a cup, or do you see two faces? Now look again! The illusion shows two different images at the same time. Therefore, our minds have to choose which image to look at. Scientists think this choice is difficult, because different parts of your brain are getting different information. One part "sees" the cup and another part "sees" the faces, so the image keeps changing.
Are the circles moving?
When you stare at this picture, your mind may tell you that the circles are moving, but this is impossible! How can a picture move? Some people think the circles seem to move because, often, when we see circle-in-circle shapes, like in car wheels or snake bodies, they are usually moving. Our brains are used to seeing these shapes move. So when our eyes see this shape, our mind infers that the image is moving. Other scientists believe the illusion of movement is caused by the tiny movements of our eyes as we look at the different colors and patterns of the picture.
What causes optical illusion 2?
A.Your left and right eyes see different things.
B.Our minds choose the image that is clearer.
C.Your brain thinks that it can see faces that aren’t really there.
D.Different parts of your brain get different information.

Read the passage carefully, then choose the best answer for each question.
SEEING THE IMPOSSIBLE
Can you believe everything you see? Not always! Sometimes our minds and our eyes make mistakes. At other times, our eyes and minds can become confused. This may be because we are looking at something called an optical illusion.
The word optical means "related to sight"—the way we see things with our eyes. An illusion is something that looks different from the way it really is. In short, an optical illusion is a kind of trick that our eyes play on us.
Look at these optical illusions and compare what you see with what your classmates see. The way we see things is often personal, so you may not see things the same way as someone else.
So can you trust your eyes? Perhaps the answer is “sometimes." Sometimes our eyes see something, and our minds understand it easily. At other times, we may need to look twice.
Which red dot is larger?
Most people say it’s the dot on the left. Now measure the dots. The red dot on the left may seem larger because of the blue dots around it, but they’re really the same size.
Look at this picture. What do you see?
Do you see a cup, or do you see two faces? Now look again! The illusion shows two different images at the same time. Therefore, our minds have to choose which image to look at. Scientists think this choice is difficult, because different parts of your brain are getting different information. One part "sees" the cup and another part "sees" the faces, so the image keeps changing.
Are the circles moving?
When you stare at this picture, your mind may tell you that the circles are moving, but this is impossible! How can a picture move? Some people think the circles seem to move because, often, when we see circle-in-circle shapes, like in car wheels or snake bodies, they are usually moving. Our brains are used to seeing these shapes move. So when our eyes see this shape, our mind infers that the image is moving. Other scientists believe the illusion of movement is caused by the tiny movements of our eyes as we look at the different colors and patterns of the picture.
The word “they’re” refers to the_____.
A.red dots
B.big blue dots
C.small blue dots
D.red and blue dots