Maura, who liked to be thought of as the most beautiful and powerful queen of Arabia, had many suitors.

One by one she discarded them, until her list was reduced to just three sheiks, all equally young and handsome, rich and strong. It was very hard to decide who would be the best of them.

One evening, Maura disguised herself and went to the camp of the three sheiks, as they were about to have a dinner, and asked them for something to eat.

The first gave her some left-over food, the second gave her some unappetizing camel’s tail; the third sheik, who was called Hakim, offered her some of the most tender and tasty meat. After dinner, the disguised queen left the three sheiks’ camp.

The following day the queen invited the three sheiks to dinner at her palace. She ordered the servant to give each one exactly what they had given her the evening before.

Hakim, who received a plate of delicious meat, refused to eat it if the other two could not share it with him, and this act finally convinced Queen Maura that he was the man for her. “Without question, Hakim is the most generous of you”, she announced her choice to the sheiks. ”So it is Hakim I will marry.”

Which statement is TRUE about the queen?

Last week I took my five-year old son, Willy, to a musical instrument store in my hometown. I wanted to buy him a set of junior drum because his drum teacher advised me to buy him one. Will likes listening to music very much. He also likes asking me everything he wants to know. Even his questions sometimes seem precocious for a boy of his age. He is very inquisitive.

We went there by car. On the way, we saw a policeman standing near a traffic light regulating the passing cars and other vehicles. He blew his whistle now and then.

Seeing the policeman blowing his whistle, Willy asked me at once, “Dad, why is the policeman using a whistle not a drum?”

Hearing his unexpected question I answered reluctantly,” Because he is not Phil Collins!”

Which sentence makes the text a funny story?

Television has a great influence on our ideas about what is right and wrong about the way we should behave, and about life in general. Sometimes the values and life styles that we get from television are in conflict with those that are taught at home and at school. Critics of television point out that crime and western programs often appeal to a taste of violence, while many games show appeal greed. Many critics also believe that television should be used for socially constructive purposes as well as for entertainment.

The first commercial television broadcast was made in April 20, 1939 by Radio Corporation of America (RCA). Since 1939., it has become one of the most important facts or modern life. Television is very much part of the modern world. Its effects are felt all over the world.

Television is a reflection of modern world, say some people. It shows contemporary society. It affects customs and culture, others say. Television is bad for culture because it keeps culture from growing, say still others.

Good or bad, television is difficult to avoid. Its pictures enter home, stores, airports, and factories. It is here to stay!

\"It affects customs and culture, others say\".

The italic word means ......

Breaking and Entering is unusual film. Will and Sandy are architects working on a major urban renewal project in the King’s Cross section in London. The area is unsafe and ready for such s project. Will and Sandy move their offices into a nearby vacant warehouse.

Will has to deal with constant burglaries at his new office. One night, he saw Miro trying to break into the building. He chased Miro to his rundown apartment block and watched him return home to his mother, Amira, a Bosnian immigrant who makes a living tailoring clothes. Soon, Will ‘meet’ Amira and they begin an affair. And Amira learns that Will holds the key of her son’s future. How far will this mother go to protect her son? Breaking and Entering is a very interesting film, but it is almost entirely character driven. This is not a bad thing although in the film we are exposed to a story or action driven.

Anthony Minghella, the director, creates some of the most believable interesting characters these actors have ever played. It is almost painful to watch them on their journey. Each of the characters makes decisions affecting how their lives will play out, or change and these decisions and actions affect the story. The characters aren’t reacting to the story. They are changing.

The text is mainly about ...

A mangrove is a tropical marine tree or shrub of the genus Rhizhopora. Mangroves have special aerial roots and salt-filtering tap roots that enable them to thrive in brackish water (brackish water is salty, but not as salty as sea water).

There are several species of mangroves trees found all over the world. Some prefer more salinity, while others like to be very close to a large fresh water source (such as a river). Some prefer areas that are sheltered from waves. Some species have their roots covered with sea water everyday during high tide. Other species grow on dry land, but are still part of the ecosystem.

Mangroves need to keep their trunk and leaves above the surface of the water. Yet they also need to be firmly attached to the ground so they are not moved by waves. There are three types of mangrove roots that play an important role for it:

(1) support roots which directly pierce the soil.

(2) level-growing roots which twist upwards and downwards; with the upward twists emerging on the water surface.

(3) level-growing roots whose downward twists (sub-roots) appear on the water surface.

Any part of a root that appears above the water flows oxygen to the plant under water surface. As the soil begins to build up, these roots produce additional roots that become embedded in the soil.

The main idea of the text is ...

Last week I took my five-year old son, Willy, to a musical instrument store in my hometown. I wanted to buy him a set of junior drum because his drum teacher advised me to buy him one. Will likes listening to music very much. He also likes asking me everything he wants to know. Even his questions sometimes seem precocious for a boy of his age. He is very inquisitive.

We went there by car. On the way, we saw a policeman standing near a traffic light regulating the passing cars and other vehicles. He blew his whistle now and then.

Seeing the policeman blowing his whistle, Willy asked me at once, “Dad, why is the policeman using a whistle not a drum?”

Hearing his unexpected question I answered reluctantly,” Because he is not Phil Collins!”

What does the text talk about?

Television has a great influence on our ideas about what is right and wrong about the way we should behave, and about life in general. Sometimes the values and life styles that we get from television are in conflict with those that are taught at home and at school. Critics of television point out that crime and western programs often appeal to a taste of violence, while many games show appeal greed. Many critics also believe that television should be used for socially constructive purposes as well as for entertainment.

The first commercial television broadcast was made in April 20, 1939 by Radio Corporation of America (RCA). Since 1939., it has become one of the most important facts or modern life. Television is very much part of the modern world. Its effects are felt all over the world.

Television is a reflection of modern world, say some people. It shows contemporary society. It affects customs and culture, others say. Television is bad for culture because it keeps culture from growing, say still others.

Good or bad, television is difficult to avoid. Its pictures enter home, stores, airports, and factories. It is here to stay!

What is the topic of the whole text?

Maura, who liked to be thought of as the most beautiful and powerful queen of Arabia, had many suitors.

One by one she discarded them, until her list was reduced to just three sheiks, all equally young and handsome, rich and strong. It was very hard to decide who would be the best of them.

One evening, Maura disguised herself and went to the camp of the three sheiks, as they were about to have a dinner, and asked them for something to eat.

The first gave her some left-over food, the second gave her some unappetizing camel’s tail; the third sheik, who was called Hakim, offered her some of the most tender and tasty meat. After dinner, the disguised queen left the three sheiks’ camp.

The following day the queen invited the three sheiks to dinner at her palace. She ordered the servant to give each one exactly what they had given her the evening before.

Hakim, who received a plate of delicious meat, refused to eat it if the other two could not share it with him, and this act finally convinced Queen Maura that he was the man for her. “Without question, Hakim is the most generous of you”, she announced her choice to the sheiks.”So it is Hakim I will marry.”

The three sheiks were not…

Maura, who liked to be thought of as the most beautiful and powerful queen of Arabia, had many suitors.

One by one she discarded them, until her list was reduced to just three sheiks, all equally young and handsome, rich and strong. It was very hard to decide who would be the best of them.

One evening, Maura disguised herself and went to the camp of the three sheiks, as they were about to have a dinner, and asked them for something to eat.

The first gave her some left-over food, the second gave her some unappetizing camel’s tail; the third sheik, who was called Hakim, offered her some of the most tender and tasty meat. After dinner, the disguised queen left the three sheiks’ camp.

The following day the queen invited the three sheiks to dinner at her palace. She ordered the servant to give each one exactly what they had given her the evening before.

Hakim, who received a plate of delicious meat, refused to eat it if the other two could not share it with him, and this act finally convinced Queen Maura that he was the man for her. “Without question, Hakim is the most generous of you”, she announced her choice to the sheiks.”So it is Hakim I will marry.”

Which statement is TRUE about the queen?

Is it important to know what your kids are watching? Of course yes. Television can expose things you have tried to protect them from, especially violence, pornography, consumerism, etc.

A study demonstrated that spending too much time on watching TV during the day or at bedtime often causes bedtime disruption, stress, and short of sleep duration.

Another research found that there is a significant relationship between the amount of time spent for watching television during adolescence and early adulthood, and the possibility of being aggressive.

Meanwhile, many studies have identified a relationship between kids who watch TV a lot and being inactive and overweight.

Considering some facts mentioned above, protect your children with the following tips:

1. Limit television viewing to 1-2 hours each day.

2. Do not allow your children to have a TV set in their bedrooms.

3. Review the rating of TV shows that your children watch.

4. Watch television with your children and discuss what is happening in the show.

What is the text about?

More than 250 known disease can be transmitted through food. It is estimated that unknown or undiscovered agent cause 68% of all food-borne illness and related hospitalizations. Many cases of food poisoning are not reported because people suffer mild symptoms and recover quickly. Also, doctors do not test for a cause in every suspected case because it does not change the treatment or the outcome.

The known causes of food poisoning can be divided into two categories: infectious agents and toxic agents. Infections agents include viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Toxic agents include poisonous mushrooms, improperly prepared exotic foods (such as barracuda – ciguatera toxin) or pesticides on fruits and vegetables.

Food usually becomes contaminated from poor sanitation or preparation. Food handlers who do not wash their hands after using the bathroom or have infections themselves often cause contamination. Improperly packaged food stored at the wrong temperature also promotes contamination.

Which toxic agents may poison the food?

A fox fell into a well and couldn't get out. By and by a thirsty goat came along. Seeing the fox in the well it asked if the water was good. "Good", said the fox "It's the best water I've tasted in all my life. Come down and try it your self."

The goat was thirsty so he got into the well. When he had drunk enough, he look around but there was no way to get out. Then the fox said, "I have a good idea. You stand on your hind legs and put your forelegs against the side of the well. Then I'll climb on your back, from there. I'll step on your horns, and I can get out. And when I'm out, I'll help you out of the well."

The goat did as he was asked and the fox got on his back and climbed out of the well. Then he coolly walked away. The goat called out loudly after him and reminded him of his promise to help him out. The fox merely turned to him and said; "If you only had thought carefully about getting out, you wouldn't have jumped into the well."

The goat felt very sad. He called out loudly. An old man walking nearby heard him and put a plank into the well. The goat got out and thanked the old man.

Paragraph 2 mainly tells ....

One of the most wonderful inventions of the past 100 years is the telephone. It was invented in 1876 by Alexander Graham Bell when he was working on a telegraph set. The telephone which is familiar, handy instrument becomes a highly important part of our daily life. The first telephone was invented in 1877. Today there are over 250,000,000 telephones in the world and it is estimated that nearly 1,000,000,000,00 (billion) conversations take place a day.

The text tells....

Organic gardening has taken hold of many people in recent decades and many people believe that organic gardening is truly the way to go for their food, plants, and overall health. However, there are both disadvantages and advantages to organic gardening.

There are many benefits that are experienced by those who have taken on hits endeavor. For them, they can enjoy overall better health. Since organic foods are grown naturally and removed naturally from the soils in the ground, many of the nutrients that the plant has stays with the plant.

When reviewing some of the other disadvan-tages and advantages to organic gardening, there are plenty of other advantages to growing you own food organically. For example, organic foods do stay fresh for longer periods of time and it also does not take much money for them to be grown.

There are also disadvantages of organic gardening though. Compared with industrialized gardening methods, using organic gardening methods take much more time and skill. There is also more interaction between the plants, gardens, and the organic gardener, whereas the gardener takes very little action with industrialized methods. But, the amount of time it takes to grow foods industrially compared with organic methods is not the only downside. Another disadvantage to organic gardening is that these gardeners are usually not able to use genetically modified food crops. But genetically modified, or GM, food crops are able to resist pests, which is major plus for industrialized and conventional gardens.

All in all, there are many advantages and disadvantages to organic gardening. But organic or not, a lot of it is dependent upon your preference and choices.

The text mainly tell us about...

Organic gardening has taken hold of many people in recent decades and many people believe that organic gardening is truly the way to go for their food, plants, and overall health. However, there are both disadvantages and advantages to organic gardening.

There are many benefits that are experienced by those who have taken on hits endeavor. For them, they can enjoy overall better health. Since organic foods are grown naturally and removed naturally from the soils in the ground, many of the nutrients that the plant has stays with the plant.

When reviewing some of the other disadvan-tages and advantages to organic gardening, there are plenty of other advantages to growing you own food organically. For example, organic foods do stay fresh for longer periods of time and it also does not take much money for them to be grown.

There are also disadvantages of organic gardening though. Compared with industrialized gardening methods, using organic gardening methods take much more time and skill. There is also more interaction between the plants, gardens, and the organic gardener, whereas the gardener takes very little action with industrialized methods. But, the amount of time it takes to grow foods industrially compared with organic methods is not the only downside. Another disadvantage to organic gardening is that these gardeners are usually not able to use genetically modified food crops. But genetically modified, or GM, food crops are able to resist pests, which is major plus for industrialized and conventional gardens.

All in all, there are many advantages and disadvantages to organic gardening. But organic or not, a lot of it is dependent upon your preference and choices.

Why do some gardeners choose organic gardening method?

Eat your fruits and vegetables” is one of the tried and true recommendations for a healthy diet. And for good reason, eating plenty of vegetables and fruits can help you ward off heart disease and stroke, control blood pressure, prevent some types of cancer, a painful intestinal ailment called diverticulitis, and guard against cataract and muscular degeneration, two common causes of vision loss.

There is compelling evidence that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The largest and longest study done as part of the Harvard-based Nurses/ Health Studi and Health professionals Follow-up Study proved that higher the average daily intake of fruits and vegetables, the lower the chances of developing cardiovascular disease. When researchers combined findings from the disease and stroke separately, they found a similar protective effect.

High blood pressure is a primary risk factor tor heart disease and stroke. As such, it’s a condition that is important to control. Diet can be a very effective tool for lowering blood pressure.

Vegetables and fruit are clearly an important part of a good diet. Almost everyone can benefit from eating more of them, but variety is as important as quantity. No single fruit or vegetable provides all of the nutrient you need to be healthy. The key lies in the variety of different vegetable and fruit that you eat.

What is the main idea of the text?

This new and unusual building in the down-town business district offers unique opportunities for small to midsized tenants to occupy an entire floor.

OFFICE SUITES

From 1,600 to 6,000 square feet are available for immediate occupancy.

Commuting is easy, with the nearest subway stop only one block away. Convenient to shops, restaurant, hotels, and business services.

For leasing information call

What is the advertisement about?

A fox fell into a well and couldn't get out. By and by a thirsty goat came along. Seeing the fox in the well it asked if the water was good. "Good", said the fox "It's the best water I've tasted in all my life. Come down and try it your self."

The goat was thirsty so he got into the well. When he had drunk enough, he look around but there was no way to get out. Then the fox said, "I have a good idea. You stand on your hind legs and put your forelegs against the side of the well. Then I'll climb on your back, from there. I'll step on your horns, and I can get out. And when I'm out, I'll help you out of the well."

The goat did as he was asked and the fox got on his back and climbed out of the well. Then he coolly walked away. The goat called out loudly after him and reminded him of his promise to help him out. The fox merely turned to him and said; "If you only had thought carefully about getting out, you wouldn't have jumped into the well."

The goat felt very sad. He called out loudly. An old man walking nearby heard him and put a plank into the well. The goat got out and thanked the old man.

The text tells the story of ....

More than 250 known disease can be transmitted through food. It is estimated that unknown or undiscovered agent cause 68% of all food-borne illness and related hospitalizations. Many cases of food poisoning are not reported because people suffer mild symptoms and recover quickly. Also, doctors do not test for a cause in every suspected case because it does not change the treatment or the outcome.

The known causes of food poisoning can be divided into two categories: infectious agents and toxic agents. Infections agents include viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Toxic agents include poisonous mushrooms, improperly prepared exotic foods (such as barracuda – ciguatera toxin) or pesticides on fruits and vegetables.

Food usually becomes contaminated from poor sanitation or preparation. Food handlers who do not wash their hands after using the bathroom or have infections themselves often cause contamination. Improperly packaged food stored at the wrong temperature also promotes contamination.

What does the text tell us about?

A fox fell into a well and couldn't get out. By and by a thirsty goat came along. Seeing the fox in the well it asked if the water was good. "Good", said the fox "It's the best water I've tasted in all my life. Come down and try it your self."

The goat was thirsty so he got into the well. When he had drunk enough, he look around but there was no way to get out. Then the fox said, "I have a good idea. You stand on your hind legs and put your forelegs against the side of the well. Then I'll climb on your back, from there. I'll step on your horns, and I can get out. And when I'm out, I'll help you out of the well."

The goat did as he was asked and the fox got on his back and climbed out of the well. Then he coolly walked away. The goat called out loudly after him and reminded him of his promise to help him out. The fox merely turned to him and said; "If you only had thought carefully about getting out, you wouldn't have jumped into the well."

The goat felt very sad. He called out loudly. An old man walking nearby heard him and put a plank into the well. The goat got out and thanked the old man.

Paragraph 2 mainly tells ....

Eat your fruits and vegetables” is one of the tried and true recommendations for a healthy diet. And for good reason, eating plenty of vegetables and fruits can help you ward off heart disease and stroke, control blood pressure, prevent some types of cancer, a painful intestinal ailment called diverticulitis, and guard against cataract and muscular degeneration, two common causes of vision loss.

There is compelling evidence that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The largest and longest study done as part of the Harvard-based Nurses/ Health Studi and Health professionals Follow-up Study proved that higher the average daily intake of fruits and vegetables, the lower the chances of developing cardiovascular disease. When researchers combined findings from the disease and stroke separately, they found a similar protective effect.

High blood pressure is a primary risk factor tor heart disease and stroke. As such, it’s a condition that is important to control. Diet can be a very effective tool for lowering blood pressure.

Vegetables and fruit are clearly an important part of a good diet. Almost everyone can benefit from eating more of them, but variety is as important as quantity. No single fruit or vegetable provides all of the nutrient you need to be healthy. The key lies in the variety of different vegetable and fruit that you eat.

What may cause vision loss?