Question: Preschool-aged children who can focus on a particular task for an extended period of time have a 50 percent greater chance of graduating from college, according to a new study from Oregon State University. Observing 430 preschoolers, researchers asked parents to rate their children based on social and behavioral skills, such as "plays with a single toy for long periods of time" or "child gives up easily when difficulties are encountered." Additionally, in order to find out the changes happening on them, the children's reading and math skills were assessed at age 7 and again at age 21. What researchers discovered was that the ability to pay attention and follow directions may be more critical than academic abilities to overall academic success. "There is a big push now to teach children early academic skills at the preschool level," said Megan McClelland, an early child development researcher at Oregon State and lead author of the study, in a news release. "Our study shows that the biggest predictor of college completion wasn't math or reading skills, but whether or not they were able to pay attention and finish tasks at age 4." Parents whose children rated higher on attention span and persistence at the age of 4 had a nearly 50 percent greater chance of completing their college degree by age 25, according to the study. Fortunately, as McClelland noted in the news release, these social and behavioral skills can be taught, and the earlier adults step in to guide the student, the greater chances a child has to succeed academically. "Academic ability carries you a long way, but these other skills are also important," McClelland said. "Increasingly, we see that the ability to listen, pay attention, and complete important tasks is  _ for success later in life." Preschoolers observed in the research   _   . A) just liked playing one toy B) gave up facing difficulties C) put academic subjects first D) would receive at least two assessments
Answer: D

Question: IMAGINE that your parents have bought you the most advanced robot. He looks like a real person. He talks to you and plays with you. He can even think for himself and figure out what you need. It may feel as if you have a considerate new brother who keeps you company all the time. But come to think of it, can you really trust him? Ever since the first robot was created decades ago, scientists have kept thinking about the task of making robots more like humans. However, as they have gotten closer to that goal, doubts have grown. According to the BBC, Japanese robot designer Masahiro Mori argues that the more lifelike robots become, the more humans feel a connection to them. But once they become too similar to humans, people begin to feel uncomfortable. This theory is what led to the creation of a brand new robot in Switzerland earlier this month. Roboy, as the new machine is called, has various human-like abilities such as hand-shaking and bicycle-riding, but instead of a skin-like covering, Roboy is wrapped in shiny white armor   that clearly shows its robot status. "As long as people can clearly see that the robot is a machine, even if they project their feelings into it, then they feel comfortable," Rolf Pfeifer, the creator of Roboy from the University of Zurich, Switzerland, told the BBC. But the problem that people have with robots is not just with the way they look. It also has to do with the roles that they play in our lives. A survey last year of European Union countries showed that 88 percent of those interviewed agreed that robots are "necessary as they can do jobs that are too hard or dangerous for people", such as space exploration and war fighting. But when it comes to taking care of children, 60 percent said that robots should not be allowed to participate, because as robots become more advanced and complicated, parents may tend to hand over too much responsibility to them. No matter what, robots will soon enter our homes, Pfeifer said. What is not yet clear is whether they will act more like... What is the purpose of the text? A) To introduce the newly-invented robot, Roboy. B) To discuss problems related to designing robots. C) To explore the roles robots will play in our future lives. D) To argue what kinds of robots appeal to people more.
Answer: B

Question: In our life, there are always some days that will never be forgotten. This was one of those days, a day when we were on a hike, I became my children's hero. This event happened the first summer after we moved to the mountains of Colorado. Wanting to enjoy the beauty of the mountains, my wife and I planned a day hike to the Brown's Creek waterfall. The kids were excited--a day hike, a chance to experience a waterfall, and a day spent with Dad and Mom. Our hike would take us up the Brown's Creek trail   and after about 3 miles the waterfall would be on our left. After slowly climbing the first mile, the trail took us through a beautiful grassland and across the creek   a couple of times. We decided to turn back before reaching the waterfall, mostly because we were tired and still didn't know how much farther  _ was. While crossing the creek by walking on a downed tree trunk, our little Izzie fell into the creek and immediately started moving up and down in the current  . Immediately, I jumped into the creek after her. I managed to grab her and push her to the bank. But now, I was the one in need of being rescued. I thought this might be the end and I wasn't sure if I could hold on. Then, I heard the voice of the love of my life, my wife's voice. She shouted loudly--Stand up! Stand up! With the last bit of strength I had, I stood, and walked out of the creek. The kids showed little concern for my health; they were looking after Izzie, now safe in their arms. But I did hear one of the kids say: Thanks Dad, for saving Izzie. You're our HERO! As we walked back down the trail, I enjoyed a rare, but one of those sweet moments in life, that I wouldn't trade for anything on earth. I didn't care about my wet clothes, the squish   of water in my boots, or the embarrassment of nearly drowning in water; none of that mattered. I just walked along following my family, with my head held up, my shoulders back and my chest pushed out proudly enjoying the fact that, at that moment in time, on that particular day in life, I was... What can we know from the passage? A) The family finally arrived at the waterfall. B) Little Izzie was hurt badly on the way. C) The mother pulled the author out of the creek. D) Little Izzie was rescued by her father.
Answer:
D