“Sesame Street” has been called “the longest street in the world”. That is because the television program by that name can now be seen in so many parts of the world. That program became one of American’s exports soon after it went on the air in New York in 1969.

In the United States more than six million children watch the program regularly. The viewers include more than half the nation’s pre-school children, from every kind of economic, racial, and geographical group.

Although some educators don’t agree to certain elements in the program, parents praise it highly. Many teachers also consider it a great help, though some teachers find that problems appear when first graders who have learned from “Sesame Street” are in the same class with children who have not watched the program.

Tests have shown that children from all racial, geographical, and economic backgrounds have benefited from watching it. Those who watch it five times a week learn more than occasional(偶然的) viewers. In the US the program is shown at different hours during the week in order to increase the number of children who can watch it regularly.

The programs all use songs, stories, jokes, and pictures to give children a basic understanding of numbers, letters and human relationships. But there are some differences. For example, the Spanish program, produced in Mexico City, devotes more time to teaching whole words than to teaching separate letters.

Why has “Sesame Street” been so much more successful than other children’s shows? Many reasons have been suggested. People mention the educational theories of its creators, the support by the government and private businesses, and the skillful use of a variety of TV tricks. Perhaps an equally important reason is that mothers watch it along with their children. This is partly because famous adult stars often appear on it. But the best reason for the success of the program may be that it makes every child watching feel able to learn. The child finds himself learning, and he wants to learn more.

1. Children who often watch the program _______.

A. can have problems in school                 B. will be well educated

C. will take no interest in their studies          D. have benefited from it

2. What is special about the program?

A. Children learn and enjoy themselves while watching.

B. It makes children feel able to learn.

C. It is shown at different hours during the week.

D. It offers great fun.

3. Why is “Sesame Street” so popular in the world?

A. Because it is supported by the government and businesses.

B. Because it uses a variety of skillful tricks.

C. Because it makes every child watching it feel able to learn.

D. Because mothers watch it along with their children.

4. The best title for this passage can be _ ______.

A. TV Programs                                 B. Sesame Street

C. Educating Children                     D. A Great Success

 

 

Transport Guide

The Brisbane City Council（BCC）is responsible for bus and ferry services with in the city limits and suburbs．Most buses will either arrive at the city or an interchange where connecting buses can be caught．BCC buses operate from 5：30 am to 11：00 pm Monday to Thursday and 5：30 am t0 12：00 am on Fridays .On weekends and public holidays buses operate less frequently Pre—paid bus tickets can be purchased from the QUT （Queensland University of Technology）bookshop，the campus newsagency．most other newsagencies and general stores，and any BCC Customer Service Centre．Short-term students at QUT cannot use their ID cards to gain a discount fare on BCC public transport．You will need to buy an adult ticket to travel．Bus fares are dependent on the number of zones you have to travel．There are several types of tickets：

Single：one way ticket to reach your destination，including transfers within 2 hours．

Daily: unlimited travel within the zones．

Off-peak’ Daily：discounted unlimited travel between 9：00 am and 3：30 pm and after 7：00 pm

Monday to Friday, and all day on weekends and public holidays．

Weekly：unlimited travel within the zones for one week from the date of issue．

Monthly：unlimited travel within the zones for one calendar month from the date of issue．

Ten-trip Saver: 10 trips at any time within the zones on buses and ferries only．

Transport routes．timetables and fare information are available from:

Public Transport Information Centre

69 Ann Street （corner of George St）

Brisbane City

Phone l3 12 30（Transport Information Service）

1.The transport guide above is most likely provided by        ．

A．Public Transport Information Centre

B．the Brisbane City Council

C．Queensland University of Technology．

D．BCC Customer Service Centres

2.We can learn from the passage that         ．

A．buses are scheduled as usual on weekends and public holidays

B．regular students at QUT need to buy adult tickets

C．Pre—paid tickets can be bought from the Public Transport Information Centre

D．Ten­-trip Savers can be used at off-peak time

3.An exchange student staying at QUT for five days has to travel between zones every day．What type of ticket would he probably buy?

A．Single．    B．Weekly．    C．Off-peak Daily． D．Ten—trip Saver．

 

The computer makes doing schoolwork easier for me than it was for my mom and dad. For example, when writing book reports and stories, I use Microsoft Word instead of a pen and paper. That way, after my teacher checks my work, I can go back and make revisions without having to rewrite the whole thing. And Microsoft Word has a spell check! I use it all the time.

For English class, we are reading The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton. As pre-reading homework, my teacher asked us to research teenage groups on the Internet. I tried Google, Encarta, and Yahoo first, and finally found an article on Time. com .

For geography homework on the United States, I used Encarta to learn about the Mississippi River. I needed to find out how deep the river is, how its widths and depths are different, what states it runs through, and what kinds of fish live in it. I used the information to show how the geography of a country influences its economy. For example, the river’s trade paths, the number of fish caught in it and the tourists it attracts directly affect Southerners’ jobs and incomes.

I never go to the library to do research. It takes too much time. Since I live in New York City and both my parents work, getting to the library isn’t always easy. For a big task or research project, I used to stay at the library to read, or sign out whatever books or magazines I needed. Now being able to find the information in my own living room makes everything a lot simpler. Online dictionaries and encyclopedias (百科全书) also save time.

Sometimes, I think the computer spoils my generation because it is so easy --- at least physically. But computers are not like television, which does the thinking for you. You still have to use your mind. I prefer using a computer, easy, fun, and fast.

1. What does the writer use when he writes book reports and stories? (no more than 3 words)

2. Why doesn’t the writer go to the library to do research? (no more than 6 words)

3. How does the writer complete a big assignment or research project at present? (no more than 10 words)

4. Why does the author prefer using a computer? (no more than 11 words)

 

There is plenty for kids and teens to do in the Syracuse area during the summer, including some great educational opportunities. Here are the top four.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo Camp

 The zoo offers separate camps for kids. The camps for kindergarteners run from 9 am to 12:30 pm, and cost $115 for zoo members and $135 for non-members. Kids entering 7^th and 8^th grades will have half a day from 1 pm to 4:30 pm. The cost is $149 for members and $160 for non-members. All camps feature numerous educational activities and animal encounters. The camps run from August 14 to August 19. Registration starts from July 10 for members and July 15 for non-members.

Active Learning Services at Christian Brothers Academy

 From August 1 to August 5, Christian Brothers Academy will host Active Learning Services from USA Chess. Topics of learning will include Chess Camp (age 5-15), and Video Game Creation Program (age 8-15). Chess Camp promises improved chess skills through chess instructors utilizing demo(???) boards and historic games. Half day sessions will cost $280 for the Computer Camps. A full day of Chess costs $400, and a half day of Chess followed by a half day of Computer Camps cost $430.

Syracuse University Summer College

 From July 5^th to August 12^th , Syracuse University will host pre-college programs for high school students. The Summer College will offer a wide variety of programs including architecture, engineering and computer science, public communications, and eco-fashion. The programs are taught by the teachers of Syracuse University and include hands-on activities. The costs range from $2325 to $7642.

The Sheldon Institute at SUNY Oswego

 The State University of New York will hold two-week educational enrichment programs for students entering grades2-4 from July 25 to August 5. Children will have a set program featuring art, science, technology, cultural appreciation and writing. Tuition for the programs is only $320 and a downloadable application is available.

1.If a preschool boy and his 8^th-grade brother attend the Zoo Camps, they should

pay___________

A. $264         B. $275             C. $295                 D. It depends.

2.When should a child start to attend the Zoo Camps?

A. On July 10       B. On July 15.         C. On August 14.            D. On August 19

3.What do we know about the Chess Camp from the passage?

A. Children can learn improved chess skills through it.

B. Only children aged 8-15 can attend it.

C. Whole day sessions will cost $250 for it.

D. It will last for two weeks.

4.Where can children attend the largest number of programs with low cost?

A. Christian Brothers Academy           B. The Sheldon Institute

C. Rosamond Gifford Zoo               D. Syracuse University