What is the topic of the passage?
A.The decline of TV today       
B.Benefits of TV today
C.TV and culture      
D.Why “24” became a hit

The paragraph following the passage world most probably be _____.
A. a discussion of why Dove’s work was orphaned
B.a discussion of the European art scene
C.a discussion of the differences between the works of Dove and Kandinsky
D.a discussion of Dove’s best paintings

Excessive amounts of lead in the air can decrease a child’s intelligence.
A.boom
B.diminish 
C.abate
D.swamp

The jute, a relative of the basswood trees, flourishes in warm humid climates.
A.amplifies
B.swells
C. thrives
D.prolongs

Originally developed for Southern California, the Richter Scale was expanded for worldwide use.
A.prolonged 
B.enlarged
C.minuscule
D.swamped

The flowering pebble is a plant that looks like a stone and grows in arid areas.
A.deserted
B.damp
C.dry 
D.barren

Prior to World War I, 20 percent of American homes had electricity.
A.Before
B.During 
C.After  
D.Despite

There is no point in trying to warn him of the danger. He will just ____ a deaf ear. 
A.show 
B.turn 
C.give
D.offer

Some of the girls in my group tease me because I don’t wear makeup but I don’t ____. 
A.wear 
B.care
C.do 
D.like

We decided to ____ in Athens for a few days on our way home.
A.stop over
B.put up
C.set up
D. close down