Whether we find a joke funny or not largely depends on where we have been brought up.The sense of humour ismysteriously connected with national characteristics.A Frenchman ,for instance, might find it hard to laugh at Russian joke.In the same way, a Russian might fail to see anything amusing in a joke which would make an Englishman laugh to tears. Most funny stories are based on comic situations.In spite of national differences, certain funny situations have a worldwide request.No matter where you live, you would find it difficult not to laugh at, say ,Charlie Chaplin's early films.However, a new type of humour, which stems largely from America, has recently come into fashion.It is called "sick humour".Comedians base their jokes on tragic situations like violent (cause by force)death or serious accidents.Many people find this sort of joke distasteful.The following example of "sick humour" will enable you to judge for yourself. A man who had broken his right leg was taken to hospital a few weeks before Christmas.From the moment he arrived there, he kept on pestering  his doctor tell him when he would be able to go home.He was afraid of having to spend Christmas in hospital .Though the doctor did his best, the patient's recovery was slow.On Christmas day, however, the doctor consoled him by telling him that his chances of being able to leave hospital in time for New Year celebrations were good.The man took heart and, sure enough , on New Year's Eve he was able to hobble  along to a party.To compensate for his unpleasant experiences in hospital , the man drank a little more than what was good for him.In the process, he enjoyed himself and kept telling everybody how much he hated hospitals.He was still mumbling something about hospitals at the end of the party when he slipped on a piece of ice and broke his left leg. The point of the joke taken to explain "sick humour" is that   _  . A) no sooner was the out of hospital than he had to go back in again. B) the man should not have said how much he hated hospitals C) the man would be unable to walk for the rest of his life D) the man had not got a leg to stand on
A
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For millions of people,the American dream of owning a home seems to be slipping out of reach.     "Maybe young couples can no longer afford to buy a ready-made house as their parents did,' says 40-year-old building instructor Pat Hennin."But they can still have a home.Like their pioneer ancestors,they can build it themselves,and at less than half the cost of a ready-made house."     The owner-builders came from every occupational group,although surprisingly few are professional building workers.Many take the plunge with little or no experience."l learned how to build my house from reading books,"says John Brown,who built a six-room home for$25,000 in High Falls,New Jersey."If you have patience and the carpentry skill to make a bookcase,you can build a house."An astonishing 50 percent of these owner builders hammer every nail.1ay every pipe,and wire every switch with their own hands.The rest contract for some parts of the task.But even those who just act as contractors and finish the insides of their homes can save from 30 percent to 45 percent of what a ready-made home would cost.     One survey revealed that 60 percent of owner-builders also design their homes.Many others buy commercial house plans for less than $100 or use plans available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. From the passage we learn that  _  . A) Many house plans are offered free of charge. B) Most of the house plans are offered by building instructors C) Fifty percent of the American young couples build houses. D) Most of the owner builders design their homes.
D
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A survey by an international temporary service agency found that U. S. managers believe that people with a sense of humour do better at their jobs, compared with those who have little or no sense of humour. In fact, about 96 percent of those surveyed said people with a sense of humour do better. The survey went on to point out that the results suggest that a sense of humour may help light-hearted employees keep their jobs during tough times. And, what's more, it may push them up the corporate ladder past their humourless colleagues. Why? It seems that those with a sense of humour are better communicators and better team players. Studies have shown that happy workers are more productive. In fact, a researcher at California State University found that humour could help the employees to release tension. Research done by psychologist Dr. Ashton Trice at Mary Baldwin College in Virginia showed that humour helps us think. When people feel stuck on important projects, they tend to feel angry or depressed.  According to Dr. Trice's research, taking time out to laugh can help us to get rid of negative feelings and allow us to return to a task or move on to another project unaffected by past defeat. If humour is really this important, then why don't we use it more often on the job? Most likely, the main reason is that many people are unaware of the positive effects of humour in the workplace. However, it is important to realize that some humour is not suitable for the workplace, and that it is often used at wrong times. Many people don't use humour more in the workplace because   _  . A) they like keeping silent when working B) they don't know the positive effects of humour C) they think they should obey the rules D) they don't like joking or laughing
B
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As is known, healthy foods can help save your life.Now, here is a list of healthy foods that can save your memory.It is best that every person knows what he eats, as he takes in, can make or break himself, in terms of health. Fish is helpful in regaining back the kind of memory that a person once has.Eating fish can help you save the trouble of forgetfulness.Vegetables rich in fiber and other dark and green leafy kinds are very suitable for people who want to avoid mental blocks.These foods contain high units of vitamin E. Another food that is considered having different effects on preventing this brain deficiency  is avocado , which is also rich in vitamins E and C.It is really good to know these healthy foods that can save your memory are always at hand so as to help you in your fight against diseases.Sunflower seeds are regarded as Vitamin C-powered seeds and also give you enough energy. As for red wine, do not over consume it, as it is said to have to be taken in moderate amounts in order to help the body.Over-drinking can cause illness and like anything else.This is considered as one of the healthy foods that can save your memory; alcohol can otherwise lose it. It is better to consume color1ed bread, rice and whole grains for you t o get the best out of fiber.These foods can lower the body' s risk of being infected with Alzheimer' s disease. Knowing the healthy foods that can save your memory is living the life that you have longed and desired.Among the others, the best, of course, is exercise.Taking in different kind of exercises, physical activities or sports can keep both your body and mind healthy To discourage mental disease from happening,_. A) people are advised to take avocados B) it is best to eat vegetables high in fiber C) it is better to have more sunflower seeds D) red wine is the first and best choice

B
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