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. Which of the following is NOT the opinion of Lilian Katz? A) Children should be taught through first-hand experience. B) Learning in a mixed-age class is good for children. C) Running a shop can help children get good marks. D) Puppet shows and drawing are useful in teaching children.
C

When I was having a walk through the park today, I met a friend I hadn't seen for ages. She stared at me curiously. "You have kept this umbrella for years; it's old and out of date. I wonder why you keep it and take it wherever you go." I smiled, "it means a great deal to me." I simply gave her my shortest answer. Honestly speaking, I, either, could not understand the reason why I kept it. Then all of a sudden, fallen leaves darkened my eyes with a strong wind. I grabbed the umbrella instinctively. The rain poured down. Thanks to my umbrella, I didn't get wet at all. "Why have I kept it for so long?" I asked myself, staring at my umbrella. I couldn't remember when and where I bought it, for I'm always tired and lazy to answer questions. It could protect me from the heavy rain, I told myself eventually. Looking at the people rushing through the street, I felt safe. This might be another reason. It is always so. We know a thunderstorm comes unexpectedly and goes without a warning. The sky cleared up. The sun shone brightly. Just as usual, I seized the umbrella with my left hand. Still there's water dropping down. I walked among the noisy crowd and listened to what they were murmuring in their heart. "Today I will ask for a rise, or I'll leave this company." Good luck to you, I smiled to him. "I'll manage to make you live forever." A little boy held a pet dog close to him. "She'll be all right, because she is blessed." I heard angels singing in this city. The moment my fingertips touched the umbrella, I felt it's dry, and it's warm. Soon it became hot. I held it up to avoid harmful sunshine. Do I need a reason to explain why? Maybe I should think about it. I need my umbrella when it is sunny as well as when it is rainy. From the author's feelings with people among the noisy crowd, we can see that   _  . A) he is sensible enough to understand others' murmur B) he is sorry for people who can't foresee their difficulties C) he is warm-hearted even to care for unfamiliar people D) he is kind enough to hope everyone will plan their life well
D

John had been on a business trip for three weeks. It was coming up on Mother's Day, and he usually tried to go back home, but this time he was too tired. He was in a small town outside of Little Rock when he drove by a flower shop. He decided to send his mother some roses. He went into the shop and saw a young man talking to the florist. "How many roses can I get for six dollars, ma'am?" the boy asked. The florist tried to explain that roses were expensive. Maybe he should be happy with carnations . "No, I have to have roses," he said, "My mom was sick so much last year and I had little time with her. It has to be red roses, 'cause that's her favourite." The florist shook her head. John was touched by the boy, who wanted to get those roses so badly. John looked at the florist and silently mouthed that he would pay for the boy's roses. Then the florist said, "Ok, I will give you a dozen red roses for your six dollars." The young man almost jumped into the air. He took the flowers and ran from the store. It was worth the extra thirty-five dollars just to see that kind of excitement. John ordered his own flowers and had the florist be sure that delivery would include a note telling his mother how much he loved her. Then he drove away from the shop. As he waited at the light, he saw the young man crossing the street and enter a park through two huge gates. Suddenly, he realized it wasn't a park. It was a cemetery . The light changed, and John slowly crossed the road, parked his car and got out to follow the boy down the fence. The boy stopped by a small monument and went on his knee. He carefully laid the roses on the ground and cried, "Mommy, why didn't I tell you how much I love you?, Jesus, please. Tell my mommy I love her." John turned, tears in his eyes, and walked back to his car. He drove quickly to the flower shop and told the florist he would take the flowers personally. How much did each rose cost according to the passage? A) Around $3.5. B) About $6 C) $12 D) $41

A