Question: Pushy parents and teachers who "hothouse" the under-5s risk causing damage to the children's long term development, a leading education expert said. Lilian Katz, Professor of Education at the University of Illinois, said that four-year-olds engaged in reading and writing went on to perform worse academically than those engaged in imaginative learning. They scored higher in tests at the age of 5, but children whose first year at school was stimulating _ them four years later. The findings suggest that the government's structured approach to early years' learning could be storing up problems for children. They also raise serious questions about the plan for all children to be able to read by the age of 6. In many countries formal teaching does not start until children are 6 or 7 and have improved their social and manual skills. Children start learning to read and write at 6 in the United States, France and Germany, and at 7 in Finland and Sweden. Professor Katz said that in many schools the courses were "boring children to tears". Much academic teaching required children to learn by memorizing pieces of information out of context, she said. Teaching in reception class should instead allow children to develop their intellect by exploring their environments and asking questions. "Research suggests the benefits of formal academic instruction for four- and five-year-olds seem to be promising when they are tested early, but considerably less so in the long term. When these children are followed over a period of three or more years, those who had early experience in more intellectually engaging curricula were more likely to do well in school than their peers, who had received early academic instruction." She advocates teaching children through first-hand experience and play, in mixed-aged classes. This can include puppet shows, drawing or running a pretend shop in the classroom. The message the author wants to deliver through the passage is that formal teaching   _  . A) can start at different times in different countries. B) should not be started too early C) is best carried out in Finland and Sweden D) should include teaching children social and manual skills
Answer: B

Question: For Children Museum: Children's Museum, Sundays, 89 North Street, 67641235 Story time: Children's Library, 106 Green Street, Wednesdays during 9:30 a.m -5:00p.m. 66599624 Sports: Soccer Club, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 16 Yangtze Road, 96725643 Basketball Club, Wednesdays and Fridays, 79071632 Cinema: New films for children, 99 Brick Road, 69001354 Useful Phone Numbers Fast Food Restaurant: 66387901 Hospital: 68787451 Visitor Information Center: 800-120-9847 Taxi: 79210583 Visitor Hotel Information: 800-739-7302 If you dial 66387901,you can   _  . A) order fast food in a restaurant B) do some shopping C) have a good story time D) ask for some hotel information
Answer: A

Question: "Is it possible for Brownie not to be glad to be back after a happy stay at my uncle's?"Miss Gauss asked Dad."It'll be all right.  Give her a bit more to eat," he said in a low voice, without tearing his eyes  from Brownie while his wife was busy packing Brownie's belongings, saying,"Brownie is not so cute as her younger brother, Spotty.  Take care of the little thing when walking him." It happened on the night of July 10th, 2013 before the Gausses took a trip to Hawaii. They entrusted their pet to me  because they thought I was the first person they'd confide in. And another intention of theirs was that I had already trained Spotty into a wellknown pet in my community, which can act many tricks, such as "Sit down!"  "Stand up!"  "Give me your right hand!" "Turn around!"  She can even sing,  and,  of course,  that's just a strange sharp noise.  Having seen them off, I took beautiful Brownie home in my arms, for fear that he would slip away.  _ so I tried many ways to be his friend, which made Spotty rather unhappy. They often fought a battle, seemingly to break my roof loose. Soon, Brownie turned out to be an agreeable family member. He was an endearing pet, often begging for comforts in my arms. I seized the chance to train him and he achieved a lot, which I texted Mr.Gauss. They were so overjoyed and decided to fly home ahead of time to see Brownie's qualitative change. But,all this was thoroughly destroyed because of Brownie's death in a traffic accident.  What a poor little creature!He was really dogged  by bad luck,  and he was saved from death shortly after his birth.  For whatever reason,therefore, I was overwhelmed by feelings of guilt, which seemed to run most deeply in me. The best way to cheer ourselves up is to try first to cheer somebody else up. That will be an everlasting pain in my heart, a wound that does not heal. When the writer says"Brownie was the kind of gogo but unsociable baby", he means  _  . A) Brownie was active but unfriendly B) Brownie was easygoing but unfriendly C) Brownie was a pet that runs fast D) Brownie was active but homeless
Answer:
A