Happy April Fool’s Day! In celebration of the day, we have put together a list of some of the greatest hoaxes (恶作剧) in history. They are the lies that have been designed for innocent people who are ready to believe them.

INSTANT COLOR TV

In 1962 there was only one TV channel in Sweden, and it broadcast in black and white. The station’s Kjell Stepson, appearing on the news to announce that thanks to a newly developed technology, all viewers could now quickly and easily transform their existing sets to display color reception. All they had to do was pull a nylon (尼龙) stocking over their TV screen, and they would begin to see their favorite shows in color. Reportedly, hundreds of thousands of people, were taken in. Actual color TV transmission only started to appear in Sweden on April 1, 1970.

SAN SERRIFFE

In 1977 the British newspaper The Guardian published a special seven–page supplement(增刊) in honor of the tenth anniversary of San Serriffe, a small republic located in the Indian Ocean. A series of articles affectionately asked for more information about the beautiful holiday spot. Few noticed that every thing about the island was made up.

NIXON FOR PRESIDENT

In 1992 American National Public Radio’s Talk of the Nation program announced that, Richard Nixon, in a surprise move, was running for President again. His new campaign slogan was, “ I didn’t do anything wrong, and I won’t do it again.” Accompanying this announcement were audio clips(片断) of Nixon delivering his election speech. Listeners responded immediately to the announcement, flooding the show with calls expressing shock and anger. Only during the second half of the show did the host John Huckleberry reveal that the announcement was a practical joke. Nixon’s voice was copied by comedian Rich Little.

1.Which of the following  countries is NOT mentioned in the text?

A．India             B．The UK            C．The United States   D．Sweden

2.Who worked as a host on the radio?

A．Kjell Stepson       B．Rich Little         C．Richard Nixon      D．John Huckleberry

3.When did the small republic San Serriffe come into being?

A．In 1962           B．In 1977           C．In 1992           D．Never

4.Where can we probably read this article?

A．In the ad.          B．In a magazine       C．In a novel         D．In a news report

 

STUDY  BOOKS

Basic Study Manual    Hardcover: $ 37.50

Future success depends on the ability to learn. Here are the answers to the questions most often asked by parents, teachers, business trainers and by students themselves. Read this book and learn:

* What the three barriers (障碍)to study are and what to do about them

* What to do if you get tired of a subject you are studying

* Twenty-six simple drills to help you learn how to study easily, rapidly and with full understanding

Buy and read the Basic Study Manual and use it to dramatically improve your ability to study.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Study Skills for Life    Hardcover: $31.99

L. Ron Hubbard’s study technology for teenagers opens the door to their future success by giving them the ability to study and learn. Fully illustrated for easy comprehension.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Learning How to Learn   Hardcover: $24.99

The basics of effective study for 8 to 12-year-olds, fully illustrated. Children who read and apply the materials in this book regain their liking for study and their ability to apply this knowledge in life. Get this book for a child you want to see win at his studies!

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

How to Use a Dictionary Picture Book for Children   Hardcover: $34.90

In spite of billions of dollars spent on ‘educational research’, children are not taught the most basic skills of learning, even the most basic of these: how to use a dictionary. In fact, a search of educational books for children found no book that told them how to use a dictionary or that one should. Written for children 8 to 12-year-olds, this fully illustrated book will teach your child:

* How to find words in a dictionary       * The different ways that words are used

* What the different marks and symbols that are used in a dictionary mean

* How to use a dictionary to correctly pronounce words

It includes a section for parents and teachers showing you how to use this book with children. Buy this book and give it to your children to unlock their education. What’s more, you’ll just pay 50% for it before May 1, 2006.

40. Some of the four books were illustrated in order to_________

A. help readers understand them           B. persuade readers to buy them

C. reduce the cost of them                D. make them suitable to different readers

41. If you buy the four books on April 1, 2006, your will have to pay_______ for them.

A. $129.38                    B. $111.93        C. $64.69         D. $34.90

42. The purpose of the passage is to _______.

A. introduce the four books to readers      B. help children to learn English

C. enrich students knowledge about nature  D. sell the four books to students

 

BEIJING changed the office hours of many institutions starting April 12 in the hope of reducing traffic jams during rush hour.
The new policy asked 800,000 employees to replace their former working schedule of 8:30 am to 5:30 pm with the new working hours of 9 am to 6 pm.
This is just one part of the Beijing municipal government’s plan to fight traffic jams. Starting April 1, daytime parking fees in 13 downtown areas were raised to encourage less driving. On April 2, the government announced limitations launched after the Beijing Olympics would be extended until April 2012. These ban Beijing’s 5.8 million drivers from driving one workday each week. The ban is based on the last number of the car license plate.
A multi-billion yuan fund has also been set up to build more underground ring roads in heavily populated areas. Major roads above ground will also be expanded.
According to Beijing’s traffic authorities, key projects include repairing major ring roads and expanding the subway network. The city will also create more taxi stops and bike rental stations, probably under the hundreds of overpasses (天桥) citywide.
Beijing’s fight against traffic jams is a smaller example of what is happening all around China. The central government is now supporting new ideas that will change the future of Chinese roads.
Bus rapid transit (BRT,快速公交系统) is one such idea. Special bus lanes carry almost as many passengers as a subway system. They cost less and are becoming popular in many big cities. Now Beijing has five BRT lines
Shanghai is dealing with traffic problems by charging higher fees for license plates（牌照）. The city is also controlling the total number of plates sold. Now, it is considering a plan to charge cars for entering the central business district, as London does.
Meanwhile, there are signs that Chinese are more aware of the serious problem of traffic. For example, there has been a sharp increase in the number of posts looking for carpooling (拼车) partners on major websites.
By the end of March, 2010, China had 192 million cars, according to the Ministry of Public Security.
【小题1】 The article is mainly about___________.

A．the fight against traffic jams all around the world

B．the increase of daytime parking fees in 13 downtown areas in Beijing

C．the Beijing municipal government’s measures to reduce traffic jams

D．news ideas that are likely to change the future of Chinese roads

【小题2】 According to the new policy, workday office hours in Beijing will be___________.

A．from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm	B．from 9 am to 6 pm
C．from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm	D．from 7:30 am to 4: 30 pm

【小题3】 The plans made by the Beijing municipal government to fight traffic jams include all the following except ____________

A．adjustments to office hours	B．increases in daytime parking fees
C．the extension of the limitations launched after the Beijing Olympics
D．charging higher fees for license plates

【小题4】 The article tells us that____________.

A．the BRT system will become common China’s rural areas

B．the Chinese government is aiming at changing the future of Chinese roads

C．the Shanghai government has charged cars for entering the central business district

D．here are enough ways to deal with traffic jams in Beijing

SeaWorld San Diego is one of the world's famous marine adventure parks with 200 acres of world-class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable animal encounters. More than 80 million visitors have explored the mysteries of the sea here.and spent the day checking out all eleven shows including the performance of Shamu the killer whale. In between shows you can enjoy yourself on Shipwreck Rapids. When you find that the excitement has drained your energy you can take a break to watch Shamu close! Summer special SeaWorld San Diego 7-days pass

Adults at Kid's Price! Unlimited admission to SeaWorld San Diego for up to 7 consecutive(连续的)days from date of first use.(available through September 30, 2010)

Adult (ages 13+) Gate Price $69.00 Your Price$56.50

Child (ages 3-12) Gate Price $59.00 Your Price $56.50

7-Day Pass FREE BONUS: SeaWorld San Diego

The Go San Diego Card is your ticket to the best San Diego has to offer. For one price you can enter over 55 attractions – including the San Diego Zoo, The U.S.S. Midway, Legoland, Whale Watching Excursions, and much more. The Go Card is the only ticket you need, saving you up to 55% compared to buying individual admissions. Plus, enjoy VIP access to some of San Diego's top attractions.（available April 1, 2010 – March 31, 2011）

Adult (ages 13+) Gate Price $284.00 

Child (ages 3-12) Gate Price $210.00

Child’s Ticket for Only $5.00

For nearly 50 years, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has been rescuing and rehabilitating animals in need. We also work to support conservation efforts around the world. It’s our passion and our duty. We would like to invite you to be a part of it.

Now through December 31, 2010, when U.S. residents purchase a full-price adult admission, children ages 3-12 receive a ticket to SeaWorld for only $5.00. (Limit of one $5.00 SeaWorld Cares child ticket with each adult ticket purchased - up to a maximum of 6 child tickets). If you require more child tickets, you'll need to purchase these from the 7-day child ticket listed above. 100% of the proceeds will be donated by SeaWorld to the SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.

Adult (ages 13+) Gate Price $69.00 Your Price$69. 

Child (ages 3-12) Gate Price $59.00 Your Price $5

1. The purpose of the passage is ___________.

A．to describe the beauty of SeaWorld San Diego

B．to draw more visitors in the summer of 2010

C．to tell of the most exciting activities

D．to introduce various tickets for children

2. If your couple and your child（age 11）take a tour during Summer special SeaWorld San Diego, _______.

A．you’ll have to pay more than $179.50

B．you can visit the park any day you like during the season

C．you can start your visit any day before September 30, 2010

D．you have only to pay no more than $184.50

3. In almost half a century, by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment ____________.

A．many more animals have been bought

B．many more animals have been treated and cured

C．natural resources have been protected

D．more Americans are called on to join in the activity

4. From the last paragraph we can learn that _________.

A．you can receive a ticket to SeaWorld for only $5.00

B．an adult ticket can be followed at most 6 child tickets

C．a foreign child can get a ticket to SeaWorld for only $5.00

D．only American citizen can get a free child tickets

 

Students must apply for a place before attending any class. Applications(申请) whether by post or in person, are dealt with strictly in the order they are received at the Adult Education Office. You can apply:

      By post----use the card supplied with the exact fee. You will be accepted on the course unless it is full, in which case we will inform you. An acknowledgement (承认) will not be made nor a receipt (收条) sent unless you supply a stamped addressed envelope. Receipts will normally be given out at the first class.

     In person----call at the Adult Education Office (ground floor, C block) between approximately 9:00a.m.and 3:30p.m. (2:30p.m. on Fridays) , or at the College Reception Desk (at the main entrance) at the other time (in the evenings until about 7:30p.m.----not Fridays)

      Students should note that popular classes may be full well before the course is to start, so that early application is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.

     For the Autumn Tem, applications will be accepted by post (better) or in person from August 1.

    For the Spring Term, applications will be accepted from December 1.

      For the Summer Term, applications will be accepted from April 1.

1. Students who apply to the college by post will______.

A. avoid disappointment                 

B. be sent a bill

C. have an advantage over people applying in person 

D. be informed if they have not got a place

2. Which of the following words has the closest meaning with the underlined word  “approximately”in this notice.

    A. closely.        B. about.      C. mostly       D. probably.

3. When and where can students apply in person?

 A. At the College Reception Desk after-about 3:30p.m.

 B. At the Adult Education Office after about 3:30p.m.

 C. At the Adult Education Office at 9:30p.m.

 D. At the College Reception Desk at 2:00p.m. on Fridays.

4.If the students want to apply for the Autumn Term, ______

  A. they should check whether the course is full  

  B. the college would rather they applied by post

  C. applications must be received by August 1    

  D. they must apply in person