A home computer not only helps children master the old ways of learning, but also opens up possibilities that simply aren't available in traditional education. Some software, for example, allows kids to make decisions and see the results in different situations. The World Wide Web encourages young minds to move easily from link to link, topic to topic. The best software draws children into learning by making them curious--what if I click on this picture, drag this over here, visit that website? Knowing how to use a computer also encourages a child's confidence. Kids figure out quickly that computers are powerful, and mastering the machine makes them feel grown-up. In turn, feeling confident on a computer often translates to academic confidence. Researchers have found that attitudes toward writing, for example, improve when students write on a computer. Perhaps most importantly, computers can enrich family life. Forget the idea that computer kids are separated. Children like to use the computer with adults and other kids, asking questions and comparing results. "The Internet is a unique opportunity to bring resources home, "notes Susan Haugland, PhD, Cape Girardeau, Mo. , author of Computer and Young Children:A World of Discovery. Although the benefits of computers are real, they have disadvantages, too. Kids can lose their way, wasting hours on mindless software of violent games. Just as parents have always helped children make good choices about everything from friends to food, books to TV, now we must make sure they get the best out of computers. Which of the following is NOT an advantage of a home computer? A) It provides new ways of learning. B) It encourages children' confidence. C) It can enrich family life. D) Kids can play violent games on it.
D
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Call it proof of how carefully students court  college admissions offices these days :thank-you notes have become the new trend . Tank the one that came with M &Ms  to match Lehigh University's school color1s of brown and white ,and with the applicant's name inscribed  on the candy .She thanked officials for her interview adding ,"Keep me on the tip of your tongue when reviewing applications ." Leon Washington ,the dean of admissions and financial aid at Lehigh ,said that Lehigh received 50or 60 thank-you notes in just one day last week ,The notes are directed not just to admission officers ,but also to college tour guide and alumni who are often the ones conducting college interviews these days . Parents also  _ the act ,such as the couple that thanked Mr. O'Cain of Furman for a "most positive "campus visit .Then they put in a plug  for their son ,saying that he had always been " a high achiever and a hard worker "and that they knew Furman would be just the place to "help him reach his potential " At other campuses ,like Williams College and Princeton ,the motes go into applicants' files  "Is it necessary to write a thank -you note ?"said Janet Rapelye ,dean of admissions at Princeton "No ,in and of itself .it's not going to change a decision ,But I'm still in favor of them ,Expressing gratitude  is a lovely quality " Sometimes they are lovely .Carolyn Lawrence in California ,who advises students and their parents on college admissions ,recalls a note she received from a student admitted early to her first-choice college ,It came on a postcard of the Eiffel Tower ,It said : "I spent my spring break ----- a)     on last -minute college visits  b)     in a month-long anxiety attack waiting to her back from colleges  c)     vacationing in Paris with my family and being forever grateful to Carolyn Lawrence for her help  The answer is C. Thank you " The text is written mainly   _ A) to analyze how fierce the competition is to get in a good college B) to teach you how to court college admissions office C) to report on a recent trend in college admissions in the US D) to give information about different top American colleges
C
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Toyota is the world's largest automaker, but its road to success has been long and filled with speed bumps . 1958:The company's first foray into the American market was the Toyopet in 1958. It was a flop. 1964:Toyota introduced their Corona line of automobiles and sales hit 6,400 in 1965, marking an increase in popularity. 1969:Toyota began importing the Corolla and in 1985 it would become the first Toyota built in the U.S. 1975:Toyota surpassed the popular German brand Volkswagen to become the top import sold in the U.S. 1986:The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ordered its first _ of Toyota cars due to "speed control" problems. 1988:The First North American Toyota plant opened in Georgetown, Ky. 1989:Toyota introduced the Lexus LS 400, the company's first U.S. luxury car. It was a major hit. 1997:Toyota debuted their Prius gas-electric hybrid car. 2002:The first consumer complaints emerged of the Camry's engine surging under braking. 2004:The NHTSA opened a defect investigation into 2002-2003 Camry, Camry Solara and Lexus ES models. 2006:Toyota "Americanizes" and opened a new plant in Texas to build full-size pickups 2007:Toyota surpassed General Motors to become the world's largest automaker. 2007:The NHTSA investigated pedal entrapment in some Toyota vehicles, which led recalls of floor mats on Camry and Lexus models. 2007:The NHTSA investigated pedal entrapment in some Toyota vehicles, which led recalls of floor mats on Camry and Lexus models. Aug. 2009:An off-duty California Highway Patrol officer and three family members were killed when their rental 2009 Lexus ES speeds out of control. Nov. 2009:Toyota recalled 3.8 million Lexus and Toyota models to remove floor mats that can trap pedals. Jan. 2010:Toyota recalled approximately 2.3 million more vehicles with potential sticking pedal problems. On Jan. 26, Toyota stopped selling eight models involved in the recall. Feb. 2010:Prius and Lexus hybrids are now being recalled for brake problems in 2010 models. The purpose of this passage is to  _  . A) advertise for Toyota B) display Toyota's glory C) uncover Toyota's braking problems D) introduce Toyota' s struggle in the US

D
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