The voice of China was not hot during the summer of 2012. The voice of China is a large music show in China. This show is also the only one which regards the voice as the only ruler. It premiered at 21:15 on July 13,2012,on the Zhejiang Television. It has attracted great attention. The show became an overnight sensation. The first season used "Real voice, real music " as its slogan . As a mentor ,singers like Liu Huan, Na Ying, Yu Chengqing and Yang Kun were responsible for seeking world-shaking voices of China in the following three and a half months, through four steps ,namely "blind choosing" "blind selecting" "team PK" "yearly grand ceremony". It is really a miracle that The voice of China can stand out in the flood of today's talent shows in China , and attracts the audience . A great number of audience said this was the best television show last summer. They were all proud of these good voices of China. The students' beautiful voices moved everyone. Xu Haixing , a girl from Chengdu ,sang Self to realize her father's dream and Liu Huan was moved to tears by her song . Huang Yong sang In Spring showing his sticking to his dream and Yang Kun cried for this. The blind girl Zhang Yuxia, a busker from Taiwan, played while singing. She was called "Deng Lijun No.2" for her unique voice, and her sincere feeling touched everybody. Na Ying went to the stage to sing with the students together twice. The voice of China doesn't care about magnificent clothes and wonderful dancing. It regards "inspiration" and "professionalism" as the ruler of music. The singer uses their songs to tell real stories and the happiness of life.

1. where is the show?
2. when did it first air?
3. what time?
4. was it a hit?
5. what did the show do?
6. how long did it go on for?
7. did it have a slogan?
8. what was it?
9. did the show have mentors?
10. were they music producers?
11. what were they?
12. Do they name any?
13. can you name one?
14. how many steps were involved in the show?
15. what was the last one?
16. Who was from Chengdu?
17. what did she sing?
18. for who?
19. who was blind?
20. where was she from?

Provide a numbered list of answers.

1. China
2. July 13,2012,o
3. 21:15
4. yes
5. talent show focusing on the voice
6. three and a half months,
7. yes
8. "Real voice, real music "
9. yes
10. no
11. singers
12. yes
13. Liu Huan,
14. Four
15. yearly grand ceremony
16. Xu Haixing
17. Self
18. her father
19. Zhang Yuxia,
20. Taiwan,


1. Penguins Mate for Life During the mid-2000s, films like "Happy Feet" made penguins all the rage, and young lovers went around spreading the facts like "penguins mate for life." While the idea is sweet, it's not exactly true. Penguins usually stick with their partners through the mating season, but when it's time to mate again, they choose whomever is convenient, not necessarily their old flame. 2. Vincent Van Gogh Cut Off His Entire Ear This is not entirely true. It was not his entire ear - just the tip of the lobe - and some say he didn't even do it. Van Gogh lived with artist Paul Gauguin, who had quite a violent temper, and many believe Gauguin actually did the cutting. Either way, Van Gogh did reportedly send the tip to a prostitute. 3. Napoleon Bonaparte was Short Everyone knows Napoleon Bonaparte was a tiny man - after all, his nickname was "le Petit Corporal." His reputation for being short even inspired the phenomenon known as the "Napoleon complex." In reality, Napoleon stood around 5 feet and 7 inches tall, which was very average back in the day. Many believe his nickname was meant as a term of endearment, not a reference to his height. 4. Ben Franklin Preferred a Turkey to a Bald Eagle The bald eagle is certainly a well-known representation of America, but legend has it that if Ben Franklin had his way, a turkey would have been much better. In reality, Franklin wrote a letter to his daughter mocking the eagle symbol used in a seal by the Society of the Cincinnati, a private military group. He said it looked like a turkey and may as well be one. 5. You Have Five Senses If you remember learning about the senses in elementary school, you know humans possess five: sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste. Most scientists agree, however, that you have more like 10-20 senses, including pain, hunger, thirst, temperature, and more. 6. George Washington had Wooden Teeth George Washington is known for three things: being the first president, chopping down a cherry tree, and having wooden teeth. At least one of these is certainly not true. While Washington did have bad teeth, his dentures were not wooden. 7. Einstein was a Bad Student If you ever made bad grades and pulled the old "Albert Einstein used to make bad grades" card with your parents or teachers, you are lucky you got away with it. In reality, Einstein was at the top of his class and mastered calculus when he was barely a teenager. The reputation he developed for being a bad student had more to do with his behavior. He liked to talk back to his teachers.

1. Do penguins actually mate for life?
2. How long do they stay with their mates?
3. What film made this misconception popular?
4. When did it come out?
5. Who did Van Gogh live with?
6. Was he suspected of cutting Van Gogh's ear?
7. Was the whole ear cut off?
8. How much was?
9. Who did he send a "tip" to?
10. How tall was Napoleon?
11. What was his nickname?
12. How did this height compare to others during that time period?
13. Who believes that you actually have more senses than 5?
14. How many more?
15. What is an example?
16. Who is well known for chopping down a cherry tree?
17. Did he have poor dental health?
18. Did he have dentures?
19. Were they wooden?
20. Why did Einstein develop a bad reputation?

Provide a numbered list of answers.

1. no
2. through the mating season
3. Happy Feet"
4. the mid-2000s
5. Paul Gauguin
6. yes
7. no
8. just the tip
9. a prostitute
10. 5 feet and 7 inches
11. le Petit Corporal
12. it was average
13. scientists
14. more like 10-20 senses
15. pain
16. Washington
17. yes
18. yes
19. no
20. Einstein was a Bad Student


Answer the questions at the end based on the text.

Step into Pat Lundin's home and you'll be greeted by 500 smiling faces of dolls. Lundin, 82, describes herself as "doll crazy". And she's not alone.

As a member of Timeless Treasures Doll Club of Largo, she frequently meets with 25 other women who share her hobby. Once a month, they gather at the Palms of Largo to show off their latest finds and catch up on news in the world of doll collecting.

On Saturday, the club will hold the Palms of Largo Fifth Annual Doll Show. The program will include 37 vendors with both classic and contemporary dolls for sale.

"Timeless Treasures is a club that's open to doll lovers regardless of the age of the doll," said Judy Smith, president of the organization. "Some doll clubs require members have a certain number of antique dolls, but we don't. we make sure we are not terribly formal."

Smith, 71, is a retired schoolteacher who owns Judy's Doll Hospital, a part-time business she operates out of her home. She will have a table offering repair and appraisal services.

Smith firs began studying and collecting dolls in her early 20s,in Glassboro, New Jersey, she does not know how many dolls she owns, or how many repairs she has made over the years. But she does know the age of her oldest doll.

"She's 129," Smith said. "It is a German-made doll that belonged to my grandmother , and it sits in my living room."

The show is for both the beginner as well as the experienced collector, said Anita Munson, one of the show's organizers.

Over the years, Munson, 82, has learned how to identify a valuable doll. "Generally speaking porcelain dolls are the most valuable," she said. "But the porcelain will not be shiny."

Smith believes many people will attend to find out how much their dolls are worth. She wants them to know more.

"Because the dolls reflect what the children were wearing and doing at a particular period of time, they can be a great history lesson for children now," she said.

1. What does Lundin describe herself as?
2. why?
3. Whoe does she meet with?
4. How many dolls does she have?
5. What will happen on Saturday?
6. What will be there?
7. will they be for sale?
8. When does the group meet?
9. How often?
10. where?
11. How many vendors will be at the show?
12. Do they need to be old dolls?
13. Who is the president of the club?
14. Will she have a table at the show?
15. What will she be offering?
16. She she do this for work?
17. When did she first start collecting?
18. How many dolls does she own?
19. what is her oldest?
20. who's was it?

1. doll crazy
2. As a member of Timeless Treasures Doll Club
3. 25 other women
4. 500
5. Fifth Annual Doll Show
6. classic and contemporary dolls
7. yes
8. On Saturday
9. Once a month
10. Pat Lundin's home
11. 37
12. no
13. Judy Smith
14. unknown
15. repair and appraisal services
16. Judy's Doll Hospital
17. early 20s
18. she does not know
19. 129
20. German-made doll


CHAPTER XIX.

And stretching out, on either hand, O'er all that wide and unshorn land, Till weary of its gorgeousness, The aching and the dazzled eye Rests, gladdened, on the calm, blue sky. --WHITTIER.

No other disturbance occurred in the course of the night. With the dawn, le Bourdon was again stirring; and as he left the palisades to repair to the run, in order to make his ablutions, he saw Peter returning to Castle Meal. The two met; but no allusion was made to the manner in which the night had passed. The chief paid his salutations courteously; and, instead of repairing to his skins, he joined le Bourdon, seemingly as little inclined to seek for rest, as if just arisen from his lair. When the bee-hunter left the spring, this mysterious Indian, for the first time, spoke of business.

"My brother wanted to-day to show Injin how to find honey," said Peter, as he and Bourdon walked toward the palisades, within which the whole family was now moving. "I nebber see honey find, myself, ole as I be."

"I shall be very willing to teach your chiefs my craft," answered the bee-hunter, "and this so much the more readily, because I do not expect to pracTYSE it much longer, myself; not in this part of the country, at least."

"How dat happen?--expec' go away soon?" demanded Peter, whose keen, restless eye would, at one instant, seem to read his companion's soul, and then would glance off to some distant object, as if conscious of its own startling and fiery expression. "Now Br'ish got Detroit, where my broder go? Bess stay here, I t'ink."

Answer this series of questions:

1. Who is going to be a teacher for some people?
2. What are they going to learn about?
3. At whose request?
4. Was it a peaceful night?
5. What part of the day did someone stir?
6. Who was it?
7. Who did he see?
8. Where was he going?
9. Did they talk about the previous night?
10. What did someone chose not to repair?
11. Who was that?
12. What did he do instead?
13. Did they chitchat a whole lot?
14. Who had trouble finding honeys?
15. Is the hunter intending to stick around forever?
16. Did Peter have a steady gaze?
17. Was his eyeball expressive?
18. In what way?
19. Anything else?
20. What is a good thing for a sore, jazzed up eye to look upon?

1. Peter's brother and the bee-hunter
2. how to find honey
3. the chiefs
4. yes
5. dawn
6. Bourdon
7. Peter
8. Castle Meal
9. no
10. his skin
11. The chief
12. joined Bourdon
13. no
14. "My brother wanted to-day to show Injin how to find honey," said Peter
15. no
16. no
17. yes
18. fiery
19. startling
20. off to some distant object


Read the text and answer the questions.

CHAPTER XL

"For once," Lady Carey said, with a faint smile, "your 'admirable Crichton' has failed you."

Lucille opened her eyes. She had been leaning back amongst the railway cushions.

"I think not," she said. "Only I blame myself that I ever trusted the Prince even so far as to give him that message. For I know very well that if Victor had received it he would have been here."

Lady Carey took up a great pile of papers and looked them carelessly through.

"I am afraid," she said, "that I do not agree with you. I do not think that Saxe Leinitzer had any desire except to see you safely away. I believe that he will be quite as disappointed as you are that your husband is not here to aid you. Some one must see you safely on the steamer at Havre. Perhaps he will come himself."

"I shall wait in Paris," Lucille said quietly, "for my husband."

"You may wait," Lady Carey said, "for a very long time."

Lucille looked at her steadily. "What do you mean?"

"What a fool you are, Lucille. If to other people it seems almost certain on the face of it that you were responsible for that drop of poison in your husband's liqueur glass, why should it not seem so to himself?"

Lucille laughed, but there was a look of horror in her dark eyes.

"How absurd. I know Victor better than to believe him capable of such a suspicion. Just as he knows me better than to believe me capable of such an act."

1. Who was to wait in Paris?
2. Why?
3. and his name?
4. and who was she discussing this with?
5. Did she think it was a good idea?
6. Why not?
7. Who does she have distrust now for?

1. Lucille
2. for her husband
3. Victor
4. Lady Carey
5. No
6. blame for poisoning him
7. I know Victor better than to believe him capable of such a suspicion., Victor


Make use of the article to answer the questions.

CHAPTER XVIII

THE MEETING ON THE ROAD

There was an intense silence, following the announcement of Jason Sparr that he intended to send Dave and his chums to prison for attempting to blow up the hotel. In the meantime the hotel man and the constable got down from the seat of the covered wagon.

"I've got the warrants fer the arrest, boys," said Constable Hickson, somewhat importantly.

"Mr. Sparr, I'd like a word with you," said Dave, as calmly as he could speak under the circumstances.

"I ain't got no more to say than I've said," returned Jason Sparr, stubbornly. "You done it, and I can prove it! The constable is going to do his duty and arrest you!"

"Dave, I--I won't stand for it!" whispered Phil, hoarsely. "It's terrible! I--I can't stand it!" And he began to back away.

"Hi, there! stop!" yelled the hotel man. "Stop him, Hickson! Don't let him get away!"

"You sha'n't arrest me for nothing!" cried the shipowner's son, and like a flash he turned around and started off on a run.

"Come back here, Phil!" called out Dave. "Come back! You are making a mistake by running away!"

But Phil did not hear, nor did Ben and Buster, who had also taken to their heels. Roger ran a few steps, then halted, and came back to our hero's side.

"You are right, Dave," he said. "It's best to face the music."

Phil, Ben, and Buster had turned towards Oak Hall. Phil was in the lead, but the others soon caught up to him.

1. Who had an issue with their voice when they tried to speak?
2. What was he accused of?
3. Did he confess?
4. Who wanted to jail him?
5. Who was seated in the wagon?
6. Who had proof?
7. Who ran first?
8. What was his fathers job?
9. Who went with him when he took off?
10. Were the accusers ok with them running?

1. Phil
2. attempting to blow up the hotel.
3. no
4. Constable Hickson
5. the hotel man and the constable
6. Jason Sparre it
7. Phil
8. shipowner
9. Ben and Buster
10. no


CHAPTER V.

Lady Monmouth was reclining on a sofa in that beautiful boudoir which had been fitted up under the superintendence of Mr. Rigby, but as he then believed for the Princess Colonna. The walls were hung with amber satin, painted by Delaroche with such subjects as might be expected from his brilliant and picturesque pencil. Fair forms, heroes and heroines in dazzling costume, the offspring of chivalry merging into what is commonly styled civilisation, moved in graceful or fantastic groups amid palaces and gardens. The ceiling, carved in the deep honeycomb fashion of the Saracens, was richly gilt and picked out in violet. Upon a violet carpet of velvet was represented the marriage of Cupid and Psyche.

It was about two hours after Coningsby had quitted Monmouth House, and Flora came in, sent for by Lady Monmouth as was her custom, to read to her as she was employed with some light work.

''Tis a new book of Sue,' said Lucretia. 'They say it is good.'

Flora, seated by her side, began to read. Reading was an accomplishment which distinguished Flora; but to-day her voice faltered, her expression was uncertain; she seemed but imperfectly to comprehend her page. More than once Lady Monmouth looked round at her with an inquisitive glance. Suddenly Flora stopped and burst into tears.

'O! madam,' she at last exclaimed, 'if you would but speak to Mr. Coningsby, all might be right!'

'What is this?' said Lady Monmouth, turning quickly on the sofa; then, collecting herself in an instant, she continued with less abruptness, and more suavity than usual, 'Tell me, Flora, what is it; what is the matter?'

1. Where is Lady Monmouth?
2. Is it  a nice one?
3. Who did the artwork on the walls?
4. Is he a good artist?
5. What color is the ceiling?
6. Who's union is depicted?
7. What is Lady Monmouth resting on?
8. Who was this room supposed to be for?
9. Who was under the impression it would be hers?
10. Who did Lady Monmouth ask to see?
11. Why?
12. Who had left the house by then?
13. How long had he been gone?
14. Where did Flora sit?
15. Is she good at reading?
16. Who starts to cry?
17. Had she been doing a good job with the reading?
18. What was Lady Monmouth doing while she read?
19. What is being read?
20. What does Flora want her to do?

1. in the boudoir
2. yes
3. Delaroche
4. yes
5. violet
6. Cupid and Psyche
7. a sofa
8. Princess Colonna
9. Mr. Rigby
10. Flora
11. to read to her
12. Coningsby
13. about two hours
14. by her side
15. yes
16. Flora
17. no
18. some light work
19. a new book called Sue
20. speak to Mr. Coningsby,


Alexia Sloane is from Cambridge. She was told by the doctor she had a brain tumor when she was on holiday "with her parents in France. After that the two-year-old girl became blind. Though the little girl can't see anything, she has great talent for languages and at the age of 10 she is already fluent in English, French, Spanish and Chinese-and is learning German. Now her dream of working as an interpreter has come true. East of England MEP Robert Sturdy invited her to the European Parliament . "Usually a person who enters the European Parliament should be 14 at least. So it was amazing for Alexia to work there at the age of 10. " said Alexia's mother Isabelle. Alexia can speak three languages since birth. As her mum is hah" French and half Spanish and her dad Richard is English. " She has always been very good at languages and shown an interest from a very young age. " added Isabelle, who also has a four-year-old daughter Melissa. Alexia has dreamed of becoming an interpreter since she was six and chose to go to the European Parliament as her prize when she won the Young Achiever Community Award of the Year . She asked if she could learn from the interpreters and HEP Robert Sturdy agreed to take her along as his guest. " It was fantastic and I decided to become an interpreter, "said Alexia. "Nothing can stop me. "

Now, provide a numbered list of answers to these questions:

1. When did Alexia Sloane become blind?
2. Where was she when she was told she had a tumor?
3. What dream did she have?
4. What languages is she fluent in?
5. What award did she win?
6. How many languages did she speak since birth?
7. Is her dad Irish?
8. Where is he from?
9. What did Robert Sturdy invite her to?
10. What age do you usually have to be to join?
11. Since what had has Alexia dreamed of being an interpreter?
12. What nationalities is her mom?
13. What is her name?
14. What is Alexia's sister's name?
15. Is she older?
16. How old is she?
17. What did Robert Sturdy agree to?
18. What does Alexia say will stop her?
19. What did she choose as her prize?
20. What language is she learning?

1. two
2. France
3. working as an interpreter
4. English, French, Spanish and Chinese
5. Young Achiever Community Award of the Year
6. three
7. No
8. English
9. European Parliament
10. 14 at least
11. she was six
12. hah" French and half Spanish
13. Isabelle
14. Melissa
15. No
16. four
17. take her along as his guest
18. Nothing
19. to go to the European Parliament
20. German


Make use of the article to answer the questions.

Do you want to spend a holiday in space? Dennis Tito, a businessman, has become the world's first "space tourist". He went on a 10-day visit to the International Space Station. He paid 14 million pounds for his journey. A year later, Martin, a musician from an American band, wanted to do the same. He was only 22 years old and probably very rich too. He had to go for a lot of training to see whether he was fit enough to travel. He is still waiting for his holiday of a lifetime. Many people believe that this is only the start of something new. We made interviews among teenagers from around the world and the following is what they said about space travel. "It's a great idea. I hope space travel will be common in about 50 years' time. I'd really love to do it and I think Mr. Tito was very lucky." (Kate from Australia) "I would like to see our beautiful Earth from space. There are lots of secrets to explore in space and I would go into space if I could." (Ben from China) "I think space travel is really bad for the environment. Maybe in the future they will make a cleaner way of travelling but until they do, I don't want to go. We should look after our own planet first."(Richard from Canada) "It must be very boring and dangerous to sit in that small space shuttle . I'd rather take a plane and go to another place on earth." (Lisa from the UK) So, as you can see, many of our teenagers had different opinions. Whether you like it or not, space travel is going to become an important thing in the future. We are looking forward to hearing your opinions.

1. What did Dennis Tito do?
2. What did he do for work on Earth?
3. What was the term used to describe him and what he was the first person to do?
4. how much did he pay to do this?
5. how long was it until the next person wanted to do the same?
6. and what was the name of the person next in line?
7. where was he from?
8. what did he do there?
9. what did he have to do before he could take a flight?
10. has he been able to go yet?
11. How did Kate feel about this kind of mission?
12. Where is she from?

1. He went on a 10-day visit to the International Space Station.
2. He was a businessman
3. "space tourist", take a holiday in space
4. 14 million pounds
5. One year
6. Martin
7. America
8. he was a musician
9. He had to go for a lot of training to see whether he was fit enough to travel.
10. No
11. She thinks it's a great idea
12. Australia