“What you call inspiring, I call troublesome. Look!”

William walked over to see what he was talking about. Down in the parking lot was a strange sight indeed. Casey was dancing circles in the drop-off zone. He had his shirt tied around his waist, shoes and socks off, and smile you could see from the fifth floor. One by one Casey’s co-workers were joining him. Each took off what clothes they could and danced like a feather in the wind.

“Inspiring? It’s crazy.” Jenkins was looking seriously angry, face red.

“We were once young, weren’t we?” William said with a huge smile spreading across his face. “He’s doing the dodo dance. It’s not crazy. It’s SPRING. We all enjoy this time of the day!” He said, pulling down his tie as he headed to the door. 21. What kind of person is Casey in William’s opinion? A. Strict but open-minded. B. Motivational and hardworking. C. Kind and easy-going.

D. Stubborn but considerate. 22. What made Jenkins angry? A. Casey’s casual behaviours. B. Casey’s ignorance of his work. C. William’s disrespect.

D. The trouble William made.

23. What can be inferred from the last paragraph? A. The company image will be damaged. B. Jenkins will fire William.

C. William will join Casey in the dance. D. Casey will be laid off.

B

This Monday, the nation will start to celebrate Presidents’ Day, just seven days before George Washington’s birthday. Everyone agrees that day is a holiday, but is it just to celebrate George Washington’s Birthday? What about Abraham Lincoln? Some

government offices call it Presidents’ Day. Others say the holiday is officially Washington’s Birthday. Confused yet?

George Washington was elected the country’s first President on April 30, 1789. Soon after, Americans began publicly celebrating his birthday. Presidential historians say the actual date of George Washington’s birth is February 11, 1732. But a change in the calendar system 20 years later shifted all dates, making Washington’s birthday February 22, which is now well accepted. In 1879, Congress made Washington’s birthday an official federal holiday. It was the first federal holiday to celebrate an individual’s birthday. In 1968, Congress passed the Monday Holidays Act, which moved the holiday to the third Monday in February. The new law did not change the holiday’s name. It was still called Washington’ s Birthday, even though some lawmakers wanted to call it Presidents’ Day to include Abraham Lincoln, whose actual birthday is February 12.

Many people argue that the holiday should celebrate all past Presidents. They feel Lincoln should be honored for his role in preserving the nation during the Civil War and helping to free slaves. Others feel the holiday should only honor Washington, the country’s first President. They say shifting the focus away from Washington would mean future generations of kids would not know about the Father of Our Country.

Laws have been introduced in Congress over the years to require use of the term “George Washington’s Birthday”. But none of those laws have been passed. Meanwhile, many state governments and school districts now use the term “Presidents’ Day”. Many stores use it to promote holiday sales.

Should the holiday honor Washington, Washington and Lincoln, or all past Presidents? Write to emailbag@timeforkids. com. and tell us what you think. 24. The President’s Day was originally designed to honor ______. A. George Washington C. all presidents

B. Abraham Lincoln D. Washington and Lincoln

25. What can we infer from the passage?

A. Washington’s Birthday is the same as Lincoln’s.

B. The change in the calendar system was not wise. C. The new act changed the holiday’s name. D. This Monday is the third one of this February. 26. What’s the main argument about this holiday? A. When to celebrate the holiday. C. Which president to honor. 27. What’s the best title for this passage? A. Why people celebrate President Day. B. History and debate behind Presidents’ Day C. Celebrate Presidents’ Day or not D. Colorful activities on Presidents’ Day

C

Make some noise on May 7 for Music Monday. People in the U. S. and Canada will be celebrating the day by singing and playing musical instruments together. Music Monday is the first day of National Wanna Play Music Week, which runs from May 7 to 13. The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) organizes the weeklong celebration every year. This marks the sixth year the organization is teaming up with Canada's Coalition for Music Education (CME), the group that started Music Monday. The CME started Music Monday in 2005. It is held every year on the first Monday of May. It was created to help people realize the importance of music education programs in schools and in communities. The day also celebrates the benefits of playing music for people of all ages.

NAMM researches the effects of music on children. They have found that playing music has positive effects on thinking skills and on confidence. It also teaches self-discipline and helps kids bond with their peers. \help in your studies of other subjects, such as math, reading and language.” Lora Bodmer, who works at NAMM, told TFK.

Their studies show that music can also help people form friendships and connect with different groups. Nimmons says anyone can join in on the day, not just those

B. How to celebrate the holiday.

D. Where to celebrate the holiday.

who are musically gifted. \confidence,\Participants can turn on the radio to join the fun. Each year a song is assigned to Music Monday. This year the song is \is Coming,\by Luke Doucet. Students who would like to share in the celebration should let their teacher or organization leader know. But NAMM also encourages people to pick up any instrument and play anytime on the day. It's about having fun and enjoying the benefits that come with it.

28. It can be inferred that NAMM and CME belong to ______. A. Canada B. the US

C. both Canada and the US

D. Canada and the US separately

29. According to the third paragraph, music brings benefits to children in ______ aspects. A. three

B. four

C. five

D. six

30. According to Nimmons, Music Monday participators should be ______. A. talents in music B. students in schools C. old citizens in communities D. without limits

31. Students are unable to join in Music Monday ______. A. with radio turned on

B. without their teachers' permission C. with any instrument

D. with their teachers' permission

D

Vancouver. B.C.—For six months.，Ted Schredd and Deanna Kopel cycled around North America to show others a way to help the environment. “Nobody wants to