Researchers studied conversations between children aged 3-6 and their parents. They found evidence that parents talk very differently to their sons than they do to their daughters. The startling conclusion was that parents use more language with their girls. Specifically, when parents talk with their daughters, they use more descriptive language and more details. There is also far more talk about emotions, especially with daughters than with sons. 

(?) Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?

Orville and Wilbur Wright, usually known as the Wright brothers, are the inventors of the airplane. OnDecember 17, 1903, the two American brothers flew the first airplane. Their story is very interesting.

(?) According to the article, when did the Wright brothers fly the first airplane?

After many tests, they figuredout that their flying machine needed a complex control system. They worked to improve the design and in 1903, the brothers built the “Wright Flyer I”. On December 17th, the brothers took their flying machine to a small towncalled Kitty Hawk. It took off and climbed to an altitude of 37 meters. The flight was only 12 seconds and theFlyer I’s speed was only about 11 kilometers per hour (km/h).

(?) According to the article, how long was the flight of the “Wright Flyer I”?

Wilbur andOrville were unhappy with the attention and they were worried that other people might try to steal theirairplane designs. They secretly tested their airplane and took their own photographs of the test flights. Becauseof this secrecy, many newspapers did not believe the Wright brothers’ success.

(?) According to the article, why did many newspapers not believe the Wright brothers had flown?

The history of Valentine’s Day and White Day in Japan is interesting. Valentine’s Day was introduced to the country in the 1950s. The famous Isetan department store in Tokyo held a Valentine’s sale in 1958. It was not very successful.

(?) According to the article, which holiday was introduced to Japan in the 1950s?

Valentine’s Day was introduced to the country in the 1950s. The famous Isetan department store in Tokyo held a Valentine’s sale in 1958. It was not very successful. The store sold only three chocolate bars in three days. This is probably because not many Japanese people knew about Valentine’s Day.

(?) According to the article, why was the first Valentine’s sale at Isetan unsuccessful?

These are called “honmei choko” in Japanese. These are usually expensive chocolates that women reserve for their boyfriends or husbands. Japanese women often give cheaper chocolates (called “giri choco”) to their male co-workers and friends. These are not chocolates given out of love. They give them because they feel they should do so.

(?) According to the article, what kind of chocolate do Japanese women usually give to co-workers?

Vitamins are substances that the body needs to survive. Different kinds of vitamins provide the body with different benefits. For example, vitamin B helps the skin stay healthy. Teeth and bones need vitamin D. Vitamin K assists with making new blood.

(?) According to the article, which vitamin helps build healthy teeth and bones?

Luckily for us, vitamins are commonly found in nature and in the food we eat. For example, milk and fish have large amounts of vitamin B12. Fruit and vegetables usually have some amount of vitamin C. Many people don’thave the time or energy to eat healthy foods all the time.

(?) According to the article, which foods have a lot of vitamin B12?

Several scientists and organizations are worried that people are taking too many vitamins. The World Health Organization (WHO) has told consumers that excessive vitamin A might cause birth defects. The National Cancer Institute found that people who took too much vitamin E had an increased risk of cancer.

(?) According to the article, what did the World Health Organization tell people who take extra vitamins?

Recycling is done in three steps. The first step is collecting and cleaning the recycled materials. Next is making new products, and the final stage is when someone buys the new product. It is important, however, not to confuse recycling with reusing. This is where old things, such as clothes, are donated or given a new use instead of being thrown out.

(?) According to the article, what is the first step in the recycling process?

Recycling is transforming waste materials into something new. Glass, paper, plastic, and metals such as aluminum and steel can all be recycled. Experts say that 85% of our total waste could be recycled if more people recycled and learned more of the benefits.

(?) According to the article, how much of our total garbage could be recycled?

Companies always try to find good leaders. Good leaders often make good decisions that can make money. They also work hard to keep workers happy by listening and helping out. At the same time, companies try to remove people who are bad leaders.

(?) According to the article, why do companies try to find good leaders?

For many years, scientists have been working on a type of car that doesn’t need a driver. Car companies are hoping to be the first to market a new autonomous vehicle in the near future. These “driverless” or “autonomous” cars are attractive to many people because they offer many benefits.

(?) According to the article, what kind of car have scientists been trying to develop?

In this kind of shop, plates of sushi are put on a moving belt. People can take the sushi they want as it passes. The color of the plate shows the price of the sushi. This type of restaurant is also popular in other countries.

(?) According to the article, how do customers know the price in a kaiten zushi restaurant?

Usually, the item is hidden in a customers’ clothing or in a bag while they attempt to exit the shop. However, shoplifting can also include attempts to get a refund from a stolen item. It can also mean trying to switch the price tag on an item to get a lower price.

(?) According to the article, why do some customers change price tags on items?

Although these incidents may seem rare, about $35 million dollars’ worth of goods are shoplifted every day around the world. Studies have shown that all shoplifting is done equally by both genders and by all races. They report that shoplifters also target all types of stores, from small convenience stores to big chain retailers. Rich people tend to shoplift only slightly less than poor people.

(?) According to the article, what kinds of stores do shoplifters target?

Finally, walking can make you a much happier person! Walking causes the brain to release endorphins throughout the body. These help to raise your mood levels. They also make you feel relaxed, more alert, and happier. Walking is an excellent way to reduce stress and anger.

(?) According to the article, why do people become happier when they walk?

Sonar is a machine that uses sound waves to find other objects under water in the sea. Sonar stands for Sound Navigation and Ranging. The word is now thought by many people as a regular word. Sonar can work in two ways. First, it can be used to find things by sending out sound and listening for echoes. This is usually called active sonar. Second, it can search for things by listening for sound made by the object it is trying to find.

(?) According to the article, how does sonar work?