Sneezers save Wal-Mart

11. Obesity exacts a higher toll on health and healthcare costs than either smoking or drinking because obesity-related problems are near epidemic level. Smoking and drinking are also responsible for some serious health problems, but active smoking leads to a more modest 20-percent increase in healthcare costs and 30-percent rise in medication costs. Obesity, on the other hand, is linked to a range of chronic conditions, which _______________. Some significant causes of the growing obesity problem are more hours in front of the TV, less physical activity, and a car-obsessed culture. (a) require less serious medical care (b) are associated with heavy smoking (c) have to do with the consumption of vegetables and fats (d) have a large impact on healthcare costs 12. Hunger, hostile Indians, and disease took many lives in the early years of settlement before the settlers learned to cope with their new environment. At one point ______________. Much trouble arose from the organization and aims of the enterprise. Anxious for quick profit from gold or a northwest passage, the settlers were slow to settle down to the mundane agricultural labor necessary for the colony to sustain itself. The reluctance arose partly from the fact that all the original settlers were employees of the company and their labor was controlled under military discipline by an autocratic governor. (a) the colony was almost abandoned (b) the company made an effort recruit immigrants (c) the disaster so discredited the company that the King revoked its charter (d) the Virginia environment produced enslavement 13. Combining elements to from a compound is very different from just mixing them together. While in compounds, atoms of different elements bond in a chemical reaction, mixtures are mere combinations of different elements or compounds. Sea water, for instance, is a mixture of water with other compounds, such as salt. A compound, such as iron sulphide, is very different from its elements, but a mixture keeps the properties of the substance it contains. Unlike compounds, no chemical reaction takes place when the elements or compounds mix together. This means that ______________. (a) the elements can be arranged to make different compounds (b) they can be used to build chemical structures (c) it is usually possible to separate mixtures into their different parts (d) there are compounds and mixtures everywhere in big cities 14. Good historians deal with currents and crosscurrents as they build pictures of the past. Good lawyers are zealous advocates in service of a cause (with the desirable result always set se ante), and to that end, they seize upon data favorable to their argument, exaggerate its importance, and extrapolate the conclusions they seek from the distorted picture they have created. Given this reality, it is not surprising that good lawyers often make ________________-or that when lawyers use history to make arguments, they often use it one-sidedly. (a) bad historians (b) zealous lawyers (c) favorable arguers (d) unconvincing exaggerators 15. According to a study of 150 patients who had experienced a heart attack, those who took a four month course of antibiotic clarithromycin were 40% less likely to have another cardiovascular event during the next two years than patients who received an inactive (placebo) pill. Antibiotics seem to be a beneficial option for patients with coronary heart disease. However, one potential problem with using antibiotics to treat heart attack patients is that such widespread use of the drugs could increase the rate at which bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. ____________, if antibiotics were to be used to treat heart attacks in large number of people, it would be better to limit the use to one certain group of antibiotics. This is because widespread use of several different kinds of antibiotics could lead to more antibiotic resistance. (a) In contrast (b) Hence (c) For instance (d) In addition 16. Far from being in a "crisis" condition, Japan remains one of the world's wealthiest countries, with its standard of living among the world's highest. ___________ sales of luxury goods such as Burberry, Gucci and Channel continue to be strong. Japan's high comfort level is a legacy of the 1970s and 1980s, when its economy was the wonder of the world, recording the highest annual growth among all developed countries. The explanation of Japan's economic miracle was the subject of many policy and academic debates. (a) Nevertheless (b) Instead (c) After (d) For example 17. With the popularization of the concept of calorie counting, physical features once regarded as natural―such as shape and body weight―were designated as objects of conscious control. The notion of weight control through the restriction of calories implied that being overweight resulted solely from lack of control; to be a fat woman constituted a failure of personal morality. Q. What is the main idea of this passage? (a) Physical features have a lot to do with the mind. (b) Dieting is a matter of reducing calories. (c) Women do not have to reduce their body weight. (d) Appetite control is an issue of personal morality. 18. Advertisers use many methods to get us to buy their products. One of their most successful methods is to make us feel dissatisfied with ourselves and our imperfect lives. Advertisements show us who we aren't and what we don't have. Our teeth aren't white enough. Our hair isn't shiny enough. Our clothes aren't clean enough. Advertisements make us afraid that people won't like us if we don't use the advertised products. " Why don't I have any dates?" a good-looking girl sadly asks in a commercial. "Here," replies her roommate, " Try Miracle Toothpaste!" Of course she tries it, and immediately the whole football team falls in love with her. "That's a stupid commercial," we might say. But we still buy Miracle Toothpaste out of fear of being unpopular and having no friends. Q. Which of the following best summarizes the passage? (a) how we look to others is really important. (b) Advertisements achieve their goal by making us feel unhappy. (c) Advertisements help us to be happy by purchasing their goods. (d) We should keep our teeth healthy by using "Miracle Toothpaste." 19. Almost everyone agrees that children in mother-only homes suffer harmful consequences: these youngsters are more likely than those in two-parent families to be suspended from abuse, and take drugs. Some of there problems may arise from the economic circumstances of these one-parent families, but the best studies show that low income can explain, at most, about half of the differences between single-parent and two-parent families. The rest is explained by a mother living without a husband. Q. According to this passage, which of the following may be correct? (a) Children in mother-only homes are more likely to become juvenile delinquents. (b) Single mothers take better care of their children than single fathers. (c) Most of the problems in children of single-parent families are caused by poverty. (d) The problems of single-mother children are not related to their economic circumstances. 20. Let me suggest that beneath the popular support for marriage there has slowly developed, almost unnoticed, a subversion of it: whereas marriage was once thought to be about a social union, it is now about personal preferences. At one time law and opinion enforced the desirability of marriage with inquiring into what went on in that union; today law and opinion enforce the desirability of individual happiness without worrying too much about maintaining a formal relationship. Marriage was once a sacrament, then it become a contract, and now it is an arrangement. Once religion provided the sacrament, then the law enforced the contract, and now personal preferences define the arrangement. Q. According to this passage, how can define marriage at the present time? (a) As sacred obligation (b) An association of two individuals (c) A social contract (d) A cultural heritage 21. Why should a culture that is so powerfully shaped by upper-middle-class beliefs have so profound an effect on poor people? I suspect that the answer may be found in Myron Magnet's book, The Dream and the Nightmare. When the haves remake a culture, the people who pay the price are the have-nots. Heroin and cocaine use started among elites and then spread down the social scale. When the elites wanted to stop, they could hire doctors and therapists; when the poor wanted to stop, they could not hire anybody. People who practiced contraception endorsed loose sexuality in writing and movies; the poor practice loose sexually without contraception. Divorce is more common among the affluent than the poor. The latter, who can't afford divorce, deal with unhappy marriages by not getting married in the first place. Q. What is the best title for the passage? (a) The Decline of Marriage (b) The Legacy of Poverty (c) The Making of Culture (d) How the Rich can Influence the Poor 22. In terms of sheer economic impact, the single most important, dynamic, defining technological innovation in America hasn't been the silicon chip; it's the relentless promotional promise of "everyday low prices." Sure, Microsoft, Intel, Cisco and Dell may be terrific companies, but the true corporate leader driving productivity improvement over the past decade has been Wal-Mart. The reason is simple. Wal-Mart is by far the commercial world's most influential purchaser and implementer of software and systems. Microsoft and Cisco may set technical standards; Wal-Mart sets business process standards. When Wal-Mart, which is bigger than Sears, Kmart and J.C. Penney combined-wants global suppliers like Procter and Gamble or GE or Pfizer to comply with its inventory software and data networks, they do so or else "everyday low prices" don't come cheap. Q. According to this passage, what brought forth a revolution in economic productivity? (a) Corporate IT departments (b) The latest Windows upgrade (c) A faster microprocessor from Intel (d) Wal-Mart's ongoing infrastructure innovation 23. At Sotheby's contemporary art auction in London last June, prices were high and house records were broken. The highlight of the evening was Lot 17, a pink acrylic-and-silk-screen print called Little Electric Chair by Andy Warhol. Sotheby's main saleroom on New Bond Street was standing-room-only that evening. When the bidding for Little Electric Chair began, it was heavy and furious, but when the bids climbed above the $1.5 million mark, the room fell silent. The three remaining bidders―none present and all anonymous―relayed their bids via representatives on cell phones. The sale catalogue lists estimate for Little Electric Chair at $430,000 to $575,000. When Henry Wyndham, Chairman of Sotheby's Europe, brought down the gavel, the room broke into applause. Little Electric Chair had sold for $2.3 million. The pink Little Electric Chair―an iconic image from Warhol's 'Disaster" series, which also includes car crashes and race riots―is considered one of the higher-quality prints in the series, and the subject matter―capital punishment―is timely. Still, $2.3 million, four times the high estimate, was unheard of for a small (22-by-28-inch), early Warhol print. Q. Which of the following can be inferred from this passage? (a) No one thought Little Electric Chair would sell so well. (b) The subject matter of electric chairs was considered disreputable. (c) Warhol has become the hottest commodity on the contemporary art market. (d) The bidders for Little Electric Chair were all furious. 24. The reason beauty may be making a strong comeback here in the United State, says Herz, is "America is the most pluralist country in the world. No other place has so many kinds of different people living next to each other. Far from being an empire in descent, we have a tremendous head start because we are so used to living among different people, while still feeling like part of the same thing. That's what we're trying to get at―a cohesive identity, even though there are so many things going on, and conflict. That's part of what makes us strong. That's what makes it beautiful." Q. What may be a characteristic feature of beauty discussed in this passage? (a) Diversity (b) Uniformity (c) Universality (d) Sublimity 25. Since the end of World War II, adolescents have been chafing against an ever more impervious, unheeding social system. Their outrage has found expression, with increasing intensity, among the inchoate "juvenile delinquents " of the early postwar years, the Beats of the 1950s, the hipples and poiltical radicals of the 1960s, and the drug and gangland subcultures of more recent years. and now it is expressed by the kids who carry out school shootings and other acts of vicious and inexplicable violence. The questions we must ask ourselves today, therefore, are these: Why are so many children plotting to blow up their worlds and themselves? For each act of gratuitous violence that is actually carried out, how many unconsummated dark fantasies are transmuted into depression, resignation, or a benumbered withdrawal from participation in civic society? Q. What is the tone of the passage? (a) Concerned (b) Sympathetic (c) Cautionary (d) Angry 26. The utter degradation of black experience is central to the problem of poverty and mental retardation. But if the poor black has suffered from the stigma of race, the poor white has suffered from the stigma of not having succeeded in a society which places few racial barriers before him. A white man's failure in America, which preaches upward mobility, is of itself a unique indictment of inferiority. To what else can a white man's poverty be ascribed? Q. How is the poor white viewed according to the passage? (a) As being white and inexperienced (b) As being unable to educate himself (c) As having to compete with poor blacks for the same jobs (d) As not having succeeded despite the lack of racial barriers 27. Gender gaps in education―unlike the more pressing and intractable gaps associated with parental involvement, race and class―have proved to be surprisingly bridgeable, at least when it comes to girls. The remarkable progress of girls in academic achievement and higher education over the last 30 years demonstrates that their delays and difficulties were not inevitable. It is fair to assume that boys have the same potential for catching up. What remains to be seen, however, is whether their plight can motivate adults to agree on a plan of action and finally get it off the ground. Q. Which of the following is correct according to the passage? (a) Girl have been able to overcome shortcomings in educational achievement. (b) Parents have reached a consensus on the issue of boy's education. (c) Gender gaps in education are inevitable. (d) Girls still need strict discipline in higher education. 28. The word downsizing, both an excuse and not a very happy euphemism for firing people, needs a mate: upsizing. The country seems to be in a serious upsizing phase. It may have begun with the naming of the size of cups at Starbuck's. A small cup at Starbuck's is known as a tall, a middle-size cup is a grande, and a large cup is a venti, the Italian word for twenty, which must stand for twenty ounces. Got it? America now being the world's lone superpower, perhaps the word small is no longer permitted to us. At 5'7" and 135 pounds, I have a personal stake in this matter of the disappearance of the word small. I'm not sure which gets lost first, the word or the thing it describes, but I do know that once the word is lost, pretty soon the thing itself departs. Q. How can we best describe the writer's attitude toward the upsizing trend? (a) Nostalgic (b) Amused (c) Admiring (d) Satirical 29. According to Darwin's theory, individual animals best suited to their environments live longer and have more children, and so spread their genes through populations. This produces evolutionary changes. For example, hoofed animals with longer necks could reach the juiciest leaves on tall trees and therefore tended to eat well, live longer, and have more offspring. Eventually, they evolved into giraffes. Those with shorter necks died out. Similar processes led to the evolution of mankind. but this has now stopped because virtually everybody's genes are making it to the next generation, not only those who are best adapted to their environments. In addition, human populations are now being constantly mixed, again producing a blending that blocks evolutionary change. Q. What is the main idea of the passage? (a) Human beings have reached a point of evolutionary stagnation. (b) The Western world has provided protection against disease. (c) The blending of genes will soon produce a uniform population. (d) Evolutionary pressures are still having an influence on humanity. 30. McWhorter explains clearly how and why sounds change, how word meanings change (the word "silly, he notes, started out meaning "blessed," then later meant "innocent," then "deserving of compassion," then "weak," then "ignorant" and finally―so far!―"foolish"), how grammar changes and how they all bifurcate, mix, multiply, grow branches, get elaborated, are dissolved and reconstituted. There are no official "languages," in the linguist's view―just lots and lots of dialects. According to a recent news story, even Klingon, an artificial language created for the "Star Trek" TV series and movies and subsequently embraced by fans, has developed two dialects, one in the United States and one in Germany. Q. What is the best title of the passage? (a) The evolution of languages (b) The effects of globalization on language (c) Standard language and dialects (d) The creation of an artificial language 31. Through his accumulation of detail Lewis painted the most vivid and comprehensive picture we have of the middle-class heartland as it was being fully subsumed by a national economy and a consumer culture―an event that historians now recognize as one of the most far-reaching social transformations in American history. These novels are much less successful as explorations of character and motivation than they are as works of literary sociology, and fiction was perhaps not the most appropriate vehicle with which to impart the world Lewis observed. Fitzgerald, for one, was indisputably a far greater novelist. Even so, Lewis's first wife, Grace, asked and answered an important question: 'Were the 1920s really the Jazz Age except for a few? Most Americans at that time lived more like Sinclair Lewis characters." Q. According to this passage, what is the central merit of Lewis's work? (a) The realistic representation of middle class life (b) The explorations character and psychological motivation (c) The sociological research of a consumer culture (d) The detailed portrayal of American landscapes 32. Costco Travel shall not be responsible for late flight arrivals or departures, or for any illness, death, injury, damage, loss of vacation time or other irregularities arising there from. Costco Travel shall also not be liable for any injuries, damages, or losses caused to any traveler in connection with terrorist activities, local laws, climactic conditions, criminal acts or abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions outside Costco Travel's control. Travelers assume complete and full responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport visa, inoculations, or other entry requirements for each destination, and all safety or security conditions at such destinations, in connection with the proposed travel. Q. Which travel terms and conditions does the passage deal with? (a) Revisions and cancelations (b) Refunds (c) Check-in requirements (d) Company liability 33. Many well-intentioned environmental policies can have surprising outcomes: Suppose minute pesticide residues have the potential to cause cancer in a tiny number of cases―one estimate would have it around 20 cases per annum in the United States (not very many in a country where 300 people drown in bathtubs every year). So we ban the pesticides. This in turn would sharply drive up the price of cancer-preventing fruits and vegetables. By reducing consumption, especially among the poor, the pesticide ban in the end would cause more cancer (perhaps 26,000 cases annually) than the pesticides would have caused in the first place. Sometimes the best thing to do about a "problem" is exactly nothing. Q. What can be inferred from the passage? (a) The human races few environmental problems. (b) The environmental movement can bring about negative results. (c) Pesticides are not improving longevity and the quality of life. (d) The quality of life on the planet is radically improving. 34. Going back to what was new in communications, transportation, and entertainment―and continuing through to the personal computer, the Internet, and e-mail―let us see: how people first became aware of what was new and sometimes startling; what they first learned about it; how they reacted; what they liked or didn't like; whether they were bewildered or skeptical; what skills they had to learn (skills often taken for granted today); how fast new technology was assimilated into everyday life. The net effects of all these devices are widespread and various. Q. What will the next paragraph most likely be about? (a) The evolution of core technology in American households (b) The effects of new technology on human life (c) The ways in which human beings overcome to technological deficiencies (d) The development of consumer-operated devices 35. In the midst of a depressed economy, Japan seems to be losing the respect of the world, particularly of the U.S. Lately there has been much meddlesome criticism from Washington about Japanese internal matters. Harsh remakes about Japan, calling it an "economic animal: or "free rider," will persist until this country becomes truly independent and departs from the policy of overemphasis on the economy at the cost of dependence on the U.S. for national security. We should abolish the Japan-U.S. Security Pact and let the American troops go home from all the U.S. bases in Japan. Then Japanese defense forces could use these bases to defend this peace-loving neutral nation with a lightly armed military. Q. According to the writer of this letter, what factor would best help Japan to recover its international status? (a) Economic independence (b) Military independence (c) Political reform (d) Economic reform 36. One reason diets fall is that low-fat foods can lack flavor. So what if you put fat back in the diet? Kathy McManus, a dietitian with Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, did just that. Although experts suggest that Americans get no more than 30% of their calories from fat, McManus put half of the subjects on a 35%-calories-from-fat diet. The rest went on a 20% plan. she asked the higher-fat group to avoid saturated fat and eliminate all trans fat―found in fast food and packaged cookies. Instead, the dieters chose heart-healthy fats like nuts, olive oil and avocados. By the end of the study, the moderate-fat group had lost an average of nine pounds, while the low-fat group had gained an average of six pounds. McManus suspects people found the higher-fat diet easier to stick with because they could choose better-tasting foods, use regular salad dressing and cook vegetables in oil. Q. Which of the following is correct according to the report? (a) All kinds of fat can have a beneficial influence on diet. (b) The higher-fat dieters lost more weight than the low-fat group. (c) Nuts, olive oil and avocados are good sources of saturated fat. (d) Diets fail because of the increase in fat intake. 37. Classified Advertising Policy -The ad decline is 12 noon the day before publication (4.p.m. Fri. for Sun.) including corrections and cancelation. -The Daily is not responsible for more than one incorrect insertion of an ad. Advertisements may be removed from publication but will be billed according to the original number of days ordered. This policy is also applicable to ads requiring pre-payment, i.e. no refunds. -Information regarding the content of classified ads cannot be disclosed prior to publication. Advertisers' names may never be revealed. -The number of lines in the advertisement is determined by total number of words―5 words/line. "Help Wanted" ads cannot discriminate on the basis of sex, color, creed, or national origin to any extent (i.e."preferably" is still discriminatory). -"Found" ads are run free-of-charge to a maximum of 3 lines for 3 days. Q. Which of the following is not included in this advertising policy? (a) The ad deadline (b) The charge rates for advertisement (c) The restriction on the content of advertisements (d) The refund policy 38. Learning to read is one of the most important achievements of young children. (a) Hi, Readers! books are designed to help children who love to read become skilled readers. (b) Beginning readers learn to read by remembering frequently used words such "a," "she," "the" and "I" by using phonics skills to decode new words, and by interpreting text clues and pictures. (c) Treat the math activities as games to be played for fun. (d) These books provide both the stories children like and the structure they need to read independently and frequently. 39. Computers can help you draw pictures, write papers, play games and carry out many other tasks. (a) For example, it would take hours to calculate the 12 times table up to 4,000 times 12. (b) But a computer can do this and produce a neatly printed table in minutes. (c) In the early 1930s, an English mathematician invented a mechanical calculator called the Analytical Engine. (d) Computers also allow you to produce graphics without ever touching a pencil or paper. 40. The Old Testament is a collection of writings about the Hebrews and their special relationship with God. (a) It depicts the major events in their history, from their origins to life in exile and their return to the Promised Land, Canaan. (b) The Festival of the Passover falls on 14th Nisan(March-April) and recalls when God dent a plague, which "passed over" Israelite homes, to kill every first born Egyptian. (c) The Old Testament is the sacred book of the Jewish people. (d) It is also the first half of the Christian Bible.25

Dec. 1: Retailing giant Wal-Mart is stumbling at the start of this holiday season, seeing sales drop for the first time since 1996 as other chains' sales rise. NBC's Margaret Brennan reports.

Although auto sales dragged down overall U.S. retail sales, the world's largest retailer reports a 10% rise in first-quarter revenue.

Discussing whether investors should stock up on Wal-Mart or Target, with Deborah Weinswig, Citi Investment Research; Scott Murphy, Hardesty Capital; Joe Lavorgna, Deutsche Bank and CNBCs Trish Regan

reading comprehension 1. A new skate park has been proposed for Vancouver's Stanley Park. While the plan has had a lot of support from the skate community, residents living close to the area are concerned about he type of youth that it will attract. In spite of skate boarding's popularity, promoted by celebrities such as Tony Hawk, there still remain a number of misconceptions about the sport. It will be interesting to see if the plan goes ahead, and whether or not it helps the sport to __________________________. (a) gain momentum in Asia (b) take the blame for rising crime rates (c) become popular among teens (d) shake its bad reputation 2. In business news, the Canadian dollar has reached 94 cents to the American dollar, a level it has not been at since the 1970s. It has been projected that the Canadian dollar will be on a par with the US dollar before the year's end. This is good news for Canadian businesses, but not as good for Canadians who are working in the United States. _________________ hoping to get a good exchange rate when they transfer their earnings back into Canadian dollars. (a) Many Americans have their jobs in Canada (b) Many Canadians work in the United States (c) Many Americans import from Canada (d) many Canadians invest in the Unites States 3. On average, women spend nearly twice as much as men do on hair products each year. Interestingly, this is due mainly to quantity as opposed to quality. While men spend far less than women, on average, they are more likely to spend more on individual products. When surveyed, men admitted to having little idea what products they need, and are easily swayed by beauty counter attendants to buy higher-end products. Women, on the other hand, are more concerned about value, and ______________________. (a) seek out lower cost items (b) end up buying expensive items (c) refuse to buy any beauty products at all (d) criticize men's lack of judgement 4. Health officials have just announced that the childhood infection known as the mumps has reappeared across the country. While the mumps used to be common, these days it is considered quite rare. Widespread vaccination programs ________________. While in the early 1950s there were 34,000 cases a year, by the 1990s that number that fallen by 99% to 400. Between 2000 and 2004 the number of cases dropped to an average of 87. However, concern about the mumps has resurfaced as an outbreak that began on the east coast gained momentum, spreading westward across the country. (a) have caused the mumps to break out (b) have made children suffer from the mumps (c) have promoted the importance of personal hygiene (d) have all but eliminated it as a childhood disease 5. Throughout the 1860-70s Chinese people risked their lives to build the American railroad, but as soon as the project was completed, America wanted them to leave the country. What followed was a difficult period for Chinese immigrants to America. In spite of being faced with a head tax, personal attacks, and discrimination from the workforce, _________________. Today, Chinese-Americans are an integral part of America's multi-cultural society. integrating old and new world traditions in forming their identities. (a) the Americans developed their affinity (b) some Chinese regretted their decisions (c) the Chinese in America persevered (d) China and America deferred their talk 6. As the US elections near, health care has become one of the biggest 'election issues.' Every candidate has a stance on it, and many have been criticized for wavering in their plans. The issue has gained even more public interest following the release of Michael Moore's new documentary Sicko which highlights some of the cracks in the current American health care system. It is expected that health care ______________________. (a) will garner interests from pharmaceutical companies (b) will be improved tremendously through its reform (c) will be the issue that determines this next election (d) will not be as big a deal as people have expected 7. How much water should we drink in a day? For years, the standard was eight glasses a day. Nutritionists advise drinking a glass of water first think in the morning. Others suggest drinking at least five glasses before noon. The truth is, the number will be different for everyone. The important thing is to __________________. For the most part, our bodies tell us when we need water. If you're feeling fatigued or like a headache is coming on, the chances are that your body needs water. Often time people misread these signs and give their bodies food instead of water. (a) listen to your body (b) drink as much as possible (c) try not to make yourself tired (d) have eight glasses of water per day 8. Many companies are beginning to implement new health care plans for their employees that offer more comprehensive coverage. Most current plans offer limited vision and dental care, and anywhere from 30-70% prescription drug coverage. These plans generally cost approximately $85.00/month, 75% of which is covered by the employer. The more comprehensive plans will cost more on a monthly basis, but offer better coverage which would give people, especially families, greater peace of mind. For most people, a slightly higher monthly payment for full coverage is ________________. (a) a serious letdown (b) a good trade-off (c) a pain in the neck (d) a walk in the park 9. The creators of the cartoon Sough Park have come under criticism for a recent episode that aired which negatively depicts the actor Cam Thomas. The actor has sued the creators, and is fighting to have the episode removed from the season's DVD. This is not the first time the South Park's creators _______________________. Part of the appeal of the cartoon is that it deals with mature themes and often makes politically charged statements. the cartoon-format gives the show a certain innocence, which often acts as a cover for the maturity of the program itself. (a) should apologize to an actor in public (b) came up with a controversial magazine (c) will be found guilty of fraud (d) have upset a well-known media figure 10. As bio diesel becomes a more feasible alternative to oil, an increasing number of food crops _______________________. Corn has been central to the bio diesel project, as it is one of the best crops for ethanol extraction. With global warming on the minds of politicians and voters, bio diesel in and important issue, both for the upcoming election and for environmental reasons. As corn has gained prominence as a producer of bio fuel, corn stocks have skyrocketed as people race to buy into it. (a) may cause global warming (b) are being modified into energy crops (c) are being replaced by corn (d) are being refined to provide wholesome food 11. A recent recall on precut baby carrots has left consumers even more frightened about the foods they consume. This was the third in a series of recalls on packaged vegetables sold in grocery store produce departments. These recalls have made consumers more aware of where their food is coming from, which, in many cases, is miles and miles away. For the most part, very little of the produce available at grocery stores _________________________. What this means is that it has been grown, packaged, and shipped in massive quantities, often picking up bacteria somewhere along the way. (a) needs to be transported (b) comes from abroad (c) has been recalled (d) is produced locally 12. November 7, 2007 To Mr. J. Kelley, This is a final notice. Your September bill of $64.07 is overdue, and must be paid in full immediately. Failure to pay will result in your cellular phone services being disconnected. Once it is disconnected, you will be required to pay $50.00 for reconnection services, if you so desire. If there are any discrepancies in our records, please inform us immediately. If we have not received payment by November 18, 2007, _________________________. Rayman Cellular Services Customer Service Department (a) you should settle the account (b) you will hear from our lawyer (c) we will clear your account (d) we will disconnect your phone 13. Knitting has become a fashionable craft amongst younger women. In cities across North America, 'knitting circles' can be seen in cafes and small pubs. 2007 ' The Year of the Craft' has helped to popularize some older crafts such as knitting, and introduce them to a younger generation. Many young women say they find knitting to be relaxing, which may account for its popularity. Another factor may be the shift in the style industry this year to chunky-knit scarves and toques. As opposed to paying $60 for a hand-knit scarf in a boutique store, young women __________________________. (a) are simply knitting the scarves themselves (b)don't like to get their hands dirty (c) love to show their sensitive, feminine side (d) prefer to buy cheaper machine-knit one 14. Maintaining a proper diet is nearly impossible considering the number of mixed messages coming out of the dieting industry. Diet books are one of the best selling genres of writing. It's not surprising then that the general public is bombarded with __________________. From low fat to low carbohydrate diets, nearly every diet on the market presents a different idea of 'healthy eating.' While many diets are effective in the short-term, very few are sustainable for the long-term. The result is that people find themselves trapped in a cycle of weight loss and weight gain. (a) wholesome, light, fun ways to eat (b) good nutrition and a balanced diet (c) cheap quick-fix diet products (d) so many conflicting messages 15. In local news, an elderly couple walking through South Pleasant Park this afternoon spotted a black bear on the pathway. Thankfully, no one was hurt in the encounter, as the bear simply passed by, but the couple appeared to be slightly shaken up. The man had a cellular phone on hand, and was able to call 911 immediately. Police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, and even two helicopters were sent to the scene immediately. _____________________, all of the commotion appeared to scare the bear into a protected woodland area, and authorities were unable to locate him. Residents have been warned to take extra precaution when walking through the park. (a) At the same time (b) Indeed (c) In addition (d) However 16. Chicken pox is an infectious disease that is commonly caught in childhood. It is not a serious disease and nearly all children experience it. However, adult chicken pox can be much more severe. For this reason, parents often intentionally put their children in close proximity to a child with chicken pox, which increases the chances that they will catch it. Chicken pox is also easily spread as a result of its 10-15 day incubation period. _______________________, chicken pox is in its most infectious stage before the carrier has any visible signs of the disease. (a) That is (b) Thus (c) Conversely (d) Rather 17. As mega-stores such as Wal-Mart spread to more cities and towns, smaller stores are increasingly unable to compete. Often referred to as 'big box stores,' corporations like Wal-Mart have immense buying ower based on the size of stores as well the number of stores worldwide. It is almost impossible for smaller businesses to offer prices as low as the big companies. Many communities have attempted to ban the building of 'big box stores' in their towns in an effort to protect independent businesses. Q: What is the main idea of this passage? (a) A welcoming of large corporations (b) A review of Wal-Mart's profits (c) Responses to mega-store development (d) A critique of independent businesses 18. Some of the most sophisticated bank robberies in England were recently uncovered. London police say they were baffled by the sophistication of the thieves. An ATM machine was ripped off early in the year, with the thieves getting away with over half a million pounds. Officers said that the thieves were utilizing advanced technology which was unknown to them. All of the suspected thieves are facing trial, and up to 35 years in prison if convicted. Q: What is the best title for the above passage? (a) Advanced ATM Technology (b) Suspected Bank Espionage (c) A London Robbery (d) Imprisoned Thieves 19. Singer and songwriter Jewel has just re-released her 1994 album 'Pieces of You' with enhanced sound and production. The album is being sold for $25.99 at all HMV Music stores as a special collector's edition. When initially released in 1994, the album sold millions of copies and boosted Jewel to international fame. Some fans are critical of the re-release, seeing it simply as a moneymaking ploy by Jewel's managers. Jewel is expected to release her 8th new album in the fall of 2009. Q: What is the passage mainly about? (a) The release of a collector's CD (b) The announcement of a music tour (c) Jewel's break with her managers (d) Jewel's 2009 album re-release 20. Film piracy persists to be a problem in the United States, as people continue to illegally download movies, dramatically cutting into box-office sales. A new plan is underway to counter this trend. The plan involves a law that bans the use of video recording devices in theaters. At this time, anyone caught with such a device has simply been asked to leave the theater, but has not been charged with any offence. That may be changing soon if new laws are put into effect. Q: What is the main idea of the passage? (a) Box-office sales have been low and plans are in place to remedy this (b) A new regulation is intended to deter illegal movie recording (c) Video recording devices will be allowed in theaters soon. (d) Illegally downloaded movies account for billions in lost revenues. 21. The city of Bend, Oregon, is internationally renowned for its pristine mountain biking trails. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or an advanced rider, you'll find trails in Bend to suit your ability. In addition, Bend offers some of the best restaurants in the state, with award winning chefs working out of a number of the high-end hotels. For more information, contact Discover Bend at 1-800-534-1212, and ask for a brochure on travel to Oregon. Q: What is the main idea of this passage? (a) Bend , Oregon, is a great tourist destination. (b) There are a number of good restaurants in the state. (c) Only advanced mountain bikers should use the trails. (d) Oregon is not well known to international travelers 22. Airlines remain strict on security regulations, and the limitations on what can be brought on the plane in carry-on luggage seem to be tightening. Many air travelers have been experiencing frustration as water bottles and bottles of shampoo are confiscated at security. Part of the frustration comes from different airlines implementing different regulations, leaving passengers confused as to what they can and cannot pack. The best idea for travelers is to call the airline a day earlier just to confirm what the rules are at present. Q: What is the best title for the passage? (a) A Reduction in Airport Security Personnel (b) Confusion Regarding Security Regulations (c) Baggage Weight Restrictions on Airplanes (d) Heightened Incidents of Theft in Airports 23. December 5, 2007 Notice to all tenants: On Thursday, December 14th we will be fumigating the building for silverfish. Due to the toxicity of the fumigation, no one will be allowed into the building between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Plese have all food products removed from your suites, or safely stored in the refrigerator or freezer. If you have any concerns, I am happy to address them, and can be reached at (514) 555-9649 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Darryl White AAA- Bug Services Q: Which of the following is NOT included in the notice? (a) The date of the fumigation (b) The type of insect infestation (c) The hours of building closure (d) Mr. White's after-hours number 24. Escape Getaways offers the ideal family vacation, with resorts in Cancun, Cozumel, and Puerto Vallarta. From June 1 to September 1, children stay for free! This offer applies to one child per family, and is based on double room occupancy. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other. Additional children can stay for $220/week. Escape Getaways also provides inexpensive daycare facilities, allowing parents to take a break and relax. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the passage? (a) The offer only applies to resorts in Puerto Vallarta. (b) Activities for children are provided for $220/week. (c) Daycare facilities are provided by Escape Getaways free of charge. (d) Parents bringing more than one child must pay an additional cost. 25. Author Pete McCarthy has received prasise for his humorous travel novel McCarthy's Bar. Pete McCarthy writes in a style similar to Bill Bryson, offering the knowledge of a well-read traveler coupled with the clever insights of a humor writer. The novel follows McCarthy as he travels through Ireland, uncovering friends and family from his ch9ildhood vacations spent in the country. McCarthy draws his readers in, making them feel as though they were on the trip with him. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the passage? (a) Pete McCarthy wrote with Bill Bryson in Ireland. (b) McCarthy's writing lacks the structure of an experienced writer. (c) Bill Bryson writes in an analogous manner to McCarthy. (d) McCarthy's Bar follows McCarthy on his first journey through Ireland. 26. A reporter for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) remains in captivity 45 days after he was kidnapped at gunpoint by militants. The reporter was the only western journalist permanently posted in the Gaza Strip. Today, a video appeared on a militant webpage showing the reporter in good health, and declaring that he has faced no violence or ill treatment from his captors. While the video is uplifting for those close to him, there is no way of knowing when the video was recorded. Friends and family are pleading for the reporter's immediate release. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the passage? (a) An American reporter was captured by militants (b) No other journalists set foot in the Gaza Strip. (c) The militants released a video of the captive (d) The reporter has already been released at this time 27. From: Holiday Plaze To: Mary Jane Date: June 12, 2007 3:18 PM Subject: Confirmation This message is to confirm your accommodations at the Holiday Plaza from Wednesday, June 19th to Sunday, June 23rd. We have you booked in a double room, with two queen-sized beds and a foldout couch. The total cost of your stay will be $542.08. We will not process your payment until you have checked in. Any changes or cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 1-888-555-7643 if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Guest Management Holiday Plaza Q: Which of the following is correct according to the e-mail? (a) The Holiday Plaza charges $542.08 per night. (b) Changes must be made at least two days prior to check in. (c) Mary Jane's accommodations have been cancelled. (d) The foldout couch is available for an additional charge. 28. The game of 'Word Match' was initially released in 1938, popularized in the 1970s, and is now owned by 1 in 4 families in North America. The game combines spelling and vocabulary with an element of luck, which might account for its popularity across such a wide range of players. This year, a commemorative edition will be released, including the original tile design from the 1938 edition. Pre-orders are already being taken, and it is expected that stores will sell out within hours. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the passage? (a) The game is popular amongst a small group of people. (b) The commemorative edition varies greatly from the original. (c) The game 'Word Match' has lost its popularity. (d) The new edition is expected to be well received. 29. The weather should be looking up this week, with temperatures expected to reach 32 degrees by Tuesday, and a high of 34 degree on Wednesday. Later in the week, temperatures should cool to the high 20s, with a mix of sun and clouds. Over the weekend we may see some rain, as a low-pressure system is expected to travel east a cross the province. The showers should pass by Sunday afternoon, and the sun will likely return. Check back on the website anytime for your up-to-the-minute weather forecast. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the forecast? (a) Temperatures will drop by mid-week (b) There may be rain on Saturday. (c) The weather is entirely unpredictable (d) Tuesday will be warmer than Wednesday. 30. Critter's Camping offers 19 spacious campsites on beautiful Long Beach in Tofino. Each campsite is equipped with a fire pit, a picnic table, and a space to set up one family-sized tent. Bathroom and shower facilities are available, as well as a kitchen and dish washing area. Critter's is open 365 days a year, and campsites cost $14.00 a night for up to two people, plus $2.00 a night for each additional person. Call today to make a reservation, and ask about our weeklong discount rates. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the passage? (a) The cost of campsites increases for more than two people. (b) Critter's does not accept reservations without a deposit (c) Rates are discounted for stays less than one week. (d) Picnic tables are available for a reasonable cost. 31. The American Cancer Society is looking for a Senior Fundraising Coordinator. The suitable applicant will have a minimum of 3-5 years experience working with a not-for-profit community organization. An undergraduate degree in the Social Sciences is required, and preference will be given to anyone with a Master's degree. A vehicle will be provided as the position involves travel within the region, but a driver's license is a requirement. This position may involve evening and weekend work. Q: Which is correct about the position advertised? (a) The successful candidate needs only a high school diploma. (b) It requires less than three years experience in non-profit organization. (c) It needs someone willing to work evenings and weekends. (d) It requires less than five years experience in fundraising coordination. 32. Suggestion of fixed elections in the developing world has garnered the attention of the media across Western Europe. One critical element of any country claiming to be a democracy is a free election process. Free elections are something that a large number of people in the developed world simply take for granted, to the extent that voter turnout is less than 67% in most first world countries. however when it comes to free elections in developing countries, or the lack thereof, a powerful group of countries in Western Europe have taken notice. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the article? (a) Voter turnout is over 50% in the developed world. (b) There are no free elections in the developing world. (c) Democracy exists in very few countries. (d) 67% of people voted for free elections. 33. Homelessness is becoming an increasing problem around the world. While exact numbers are nearly impossible to locate, it is estimated that over 100 million people around the world are homeless . What this means is that these people are without a stable, fixed address. In many North American cities, the response to the problem of homelessness has been to create shelters, offering people a safe place to sleep. Unfortunately, is many cases these shelters have become permanent solutions, which was never the intention. The result has been a cycle of homelessness; a cycle almost impossible to break out of. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the article? (a) Homelessness is an international problem. (b) Shelters are a viable long-term solution. (c) The cycle of homelessness is simple to break. (d) Exactly 100 million people are homeless. 34. Both the Toronto and the New York bourses experienced turmoil on Friday as the threat of a market fallout loomed. In NYC, the index dropped by 300 points mid-afternoon, causing a panic at the exchange. By close, fortunately, the index was up 200.76 points at 12,799.08-- balancing out with Thursday's slight increase. At the end of the day, the biggest gains were seen in IT stocks, health care, and the energy sector. The Dow Jones industrial average lost more than 400 points in just a few minutes of trading, but rose again by close time. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the passage? (a) IT and energy sector stocks dropped on Friday. (b) There was a commotion at the stock exchange (c) On Thursday, the index decreased. (d) Trading only opened for a few minutes. 35. From an environmental perspective, plastic is one of the worst materials ever made. Travel to parts of Asia, and you'll see countless plastic bags littering the streets. Often times these bags have been used for a single purpose, and then simply tossed away. The city of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has taken a stand on this issue, and banned the use of plastic bags entirely. The North Eastern regions of India have followed suit and implemented the same ban. It is hoped that this will catch on around the world, as the problem goes far beyond Asia. Q: What can be inferred from the passage? (a) Plastic waste is only an issue on the Asian continent. (b) Dhaka's ban on plastic bags has been widely criticized. (c) Banning plastic bags addresses the littering problem. (d) Plastic bags in India are reused a number of times 36. Working nine to five is no longer the norm for many young adults in their late 20s and early 30s. Placing a greater importance on their leisure time, a large number of young adults are negotiating flexible hours with their employers. This is not to say that they are working fewer hours, or even that they are less committed to their work. Instead, they are simply trying to find a good work-life balance, wherein they work hard, but resist the rigid boundaries to which their parents' generation subscribed. Q: What can be inferred from the passage? (a) Young adults are lazy and don't want to work. (b) Many young adults value flexibility in their work. (c) Most young adults do not find jobs until later in life. (d) Overall, most young adults work less than a 40-hour week 37. Singer and songwriter Sarah Kelly will be performing on August 16th at the Ironwood Saloon. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, and it is expected that they will sell out quickly. Tickets are available at a cost of $64.95 both at the Ironwood, and by phone through 'Ticketmaster.' Sarah Kelly is a native of the Toronto area, and has been performing since she was just 14 years old. This show marks the end of her 2007 North American CD release tour. Q: What can be inferred from the passage? (a) The musician has little performance experience. (b) The Toronto show kicks off the North American tour. (c) Singer and songwriter Sarah Kelly has a large fan base. (d) Kelly's CDs are available through 'Ticketmaster' for $64.95. 38. An increase in traffic accidents on US motorways has forced officials to look into the reasons for this sudden surge. (a) One explanation may be the large amount of traffic on nearly motorways-- more cars on the roads mean a greater potential for collisions. (b) Another explanation focuses on distractions to drivers, which could be anything from cell phones to children in the car to large billboards on the side of the road. (c) A third explanation is that the number of fatalities of traffic accidents decreased compared to last year. (d) A final reason that officials are examining is referred to as 'road rage,' which is connected to frustration with slow moving traffic causing drivers to act irrationally and possibly dangerously. 39. A 'power smoothie' requires only a few simple ingredients, and a blender. (a) An easy recipe for a strawberry banana smoothie is as follows: two small bananas, one cup frozen strawberries, one tablespoon soy protein powder mixed with 3/4 cup soy milk (serves two). (b) This is a basic recipe, but you can make any number of additions such as throwing in blueberries, raspberries, oranges, or even peaches. (c) You can also substitute the soymilk with rice milk or skim milk. (d) A smoothie is a great healthy breakfast alternative to toast or cereal. 40. Montara Beach in California has been a popular destination for American tourists ever since the 1950s. (a) However, with the Canadian dollar holding strong against the US dollar, the number of Canadian tourists has skyrocketed this summer. (b) Canadians often avoid cross-border travel when a poor exchange rate means that they will lose nearly 30 cents to every dollar. (c) Since January, the Canadian dollar has been almost on par with the US dollar. (d) At Montara Beach, this means more American tourist dollars are being spent this summer.

Local press coverage of Wake Up Wal-Mart's Moth...

The world's biggest retailer eyes big sales it one of the world's fastest growing economies MOREINFO: Customers like the variety on offer. Officials say the Wal-Mart spread is good for global trade. SCRIPT: Wal-Mart China style where customers scoop up deep fried prawns and pork is a staple meat. The world's largest retailer will soon open 100th store in China further boosting Walmarts global profile. U.S. commerce secretary Carlos Guiterrez says the spread of Wal-Mart in China is good for the global economy: (SOUNDBITE):Carlos Guiterrez, U.S. Commerce minister, saying (English): "President Hu, has often talked the needs to increase Chinese consumption as a means to address a bilateral trade imbalance and to shift China's economy away focusing primarily on exports." Wal-Mart has invested over about $230 million in China and formed a retail chain covering over 50 cities. High tech scanners are used to pay for food....even Christmas decorations show the western influence of the shopping experience. So far consumers seem happy with the variety on offer. (SOUNDBITE) Shopper saying (Mandarin with English translation): "Shopping environment here is good. For me, the prices here are acceptable. You have choices of goods in different prices. It's good here." Wal-Mart's international sales growth far outstrips domestic sales. The firm says it will keep expanding in one of the world's most rapidly growing economies. Tara Joseph-Hui reports.

Clinton Remained Silent As Wal-Mart Fought UnionsTapes Reviewed by ABC News Show Clinton As a Loyal Company WomanBy BRIAN ROSS, MADDY SAUER and RHONDA SCHWARTZJan. 31, 2008—In six years as a member of the Wal-Mart board of directors, between 1986 and 1992, Hillary Clinton remained silent as the world's largest retailer waged a major campaign against labor unions seeking to represent store workers.Clinton has been endorsed for president by more than a dozen unions, according to her campaign Web site, which omits any reference to her role at Wal-Mart in its detailed biography of her.Wal-Mart's anti-union efforts were headed by one of Clinton's fellow board members, John Tate, a Wal-Mart executive vice president who also served on the board with Clinton for four of her six years.Tate was fond of repeating, as he did at a managers meeting in 2004 after his retirement, what he said was his favorite phrase, "Labor unions are nothing but blood-sucking parasites living off the productive labor of people who work for a living."Wal-Mart says Tate's comments "were his own and do not reflect Wal-Mart's views."But Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton and other company officials often recounted how they relied on Tate to lead the company's successful anti-union efforts.An ABC News analysis of the videotapes of at least four stockholder meetings where Clinton appeared shows she never once rose to defend the role of American labor unions.The tapes, broadcast this morning on "Good Morning America," were provided to ABC News from the archives of Flagler Productions, a Lenexa, Kan., company hired by Wal-Mart to record its meetings and events.A former board member told ABCNews.com that he had no recollection of Clinton defending unions during more than 20 board meetings held in private.The tapes show Clinton in the role of a loyal company woman. "I'm always proud of Wal-Mart and what we do and the way we do it better than anybody else," she said at a June 1990 stockholders meeting.Clinton would not agree to be interviewed on the subject but now says she no longer shares Wal-Mart's values and believes unions "have been essential to our nation's success."The videotapes do show that Clinton used her role to push for more environmentally friendly policies and better treatment of women."We've got a very strong-willed young woman on our board now; her name is Hillary," said Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton at a 1987 stockholders meeting in describing Clinton's role in pushing for more women to be hired in management positions.Critics say Clinton's efforts produced few tangible results, and Wal-Mart is now defending itself in a lawsuit brought by 16 current and former female employees."I don't doubt the sincerity of her efforts, but we don't see much evidence that conditions for women at Wal-Mart changed much during the late 1980s and early 1990s," said Joe Sellers, one of the lawyers suing Wal-Mart on behalf of the women.Wal-Mart declined to comment to ABC News about the lawsuit, but the company has said previously that it is confident it did not discriminate against female employees.According to the New York Times, Sen. Clinton "maintains close ties to Wal-Mart executives through the Democratic Party and the tightly knit Arkansas business community." The May 20, 2007 article also reported that her husband, former President Clinton, "speaks frequently to Wal-Mart's current chief executive, H. Lee Scott Jr." and held a private dinner at the Clinton's New York home in July 2006 for him.He did not directly respond when asked why she did not quit the board over the conpany's anti-union efforts. "Wal-Mart was Arkansas's largest employer when Sam Walton asked Sen. Clinton to join the board," he said. "As the first woman to join Wal-Mart's board, she worked hard to make it a better corporate citizen."In its statement, Wal-Mart described Sen. Clinton as "a valuable contributor" who "pushed us to be a better company."