About ten percent of spending on primary and secondary education in the United States comes from the federal government{#blank#}1{#/blank#} States have been required to show progress through yearly testing.

    But states say testing tells only part of the story about efforts by schools and students to improve. So the Obama administration has eased the limits in states in measuring performance.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} This new measurement tool is called the Colorado Growth Model. The ideas is to show academic growth, not just achievement on tests. It combines test scores, family income levels, school size, the ethnicity of the student and many other factors.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} The graph shows a school's average score on standardized tests as well as its academic growth.

    On average, students enter sixth grade at WEST Denver Prep performing below grade level{#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    The new assessment(评价) method shows that, each year, the average West Denver Prep student learns more math than ninety-four percent of all the students in Colorado{#blank#}5{#/blank#}

    Josh Smith says perhaps the most important thing they should learn is to believe in themselves.

A. The results from schools across the state are shown online on a graph.

B. Reading and writing scores also show growth.

C. For ten years now, federal law has tied this spending to student performance.

D. Therefore, the government feels it a great pressure.

E. But three years later, most are outperforming other students across the state.

F. However, the limits don't work at all.

G. The western state of Colorado, for example, has a new assessment method.

                                                                                                   Money Matters

    Parents should help their children understand money. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} So you may start talking about money when your child shows an interest in buying things, candy or toys, for example.

    ⒈The basic function of money

    Begin explaining the basic function of money by showing how people trade money for goods or services. It is important to show your child how money is traded for the things he wants to have. If he wants to have a toy, give him the money and let him hand the money to the cashier (收银员). {#blank#}2{#/blank#} When your child grows a bit older and understands the basic function of money, you can start explaining more complex ways of using money.

    ⒉Money lessons

    Approach money lessons with openness and honesty. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} If you must say no to a child's request to spend money, explain, “You have enough toy trucks for now.” Or, if the request is for many different things, say, “You have to make a choice between this toy and that toy.”

    ⒊{#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    Begin at the grocery store. Pick out two similar brands of a product— a name-brand butter and a generic (无商标产品)，for example. You can show your child how to make choices between different brands of a product so that you can save money.{#blank#}5{#/blank#} If he chooses the cheaper brand, allow him to make another purchase with the money saved. Later, you may explain how the more expensive choice leaves less money for other purchases.

A. Wise decisions.

B. The value of money.

C. Permit the child to choose between them.

D. Tell your child why he can —or cannot — have certain things.

E. Ask yourself what things that cost money are most important to you.

F. Talk about how the money bought the thing after you leave the toy store.

G. The best time to teach a child anything about money is when he shows an interest.

                                                                        How to read more and learn more

    Today, more and more Chinese people enjoy sending and receiving messages on the phone. It can help them to get some information and communicate with friends. But I think I should read more books besides the textbooks, the more, the better. It can broaden（扩大）my mind and improve my language skills. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Here are some tips for you.

    Clear your purpose for reading.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Most people read for two main reasons, pleasure or knowledge. Clearing about your reading purpose can not only help you choose the books you really need to read, but also remind you why reading the book is important to you.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    No matter what you are reading, it is important to enjoy what you read. Although your friends like reading some kinds of books, those books might not be the ones you enjoy.

    Give up books that you don't enjoy.

    You may have chosen books that you are interested in, and they are right purpose. But while you are reading them, there may still be some books that you don't enjoy reading. Whenever you realize that you aren't enjoying the book you are reading, give it up. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    Set a reading goal.

    It is interesting that I read the books borrowed from libraries faster than than those I bought. The reason is the books I bought don't have a due date! I don't need to return those books. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Before you read each book, ask yourself what time you need to complete this book by.

A. Read only what you are interested in.

B. Read the books borrowed from others.

C. Remember reading shouldn't be a chore (烦恼事).

D. Of course, it also can help me to get good grades.

E. We need to get the latest news and communicate with friends.

F. Before you start reading, ask yourself why you are reading this book.

G. Having a reading goal helps you work out how much reading you need to do in a week or even a day.

    May the first is an important date in the college admission process in the United States. This is the last day for high school seniors to accept or reject offers of admission in the fall. But according to a recent report, there is a great change. Acceptance rates at the top colleges this year were lower than ever. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    These days, college applicants are applying to more colleges because online and common applications make the process easier. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}On the other hand, deciding students for top colleges to accept can be difficult because it takes much time. Students may not like being put on waiting lists. Also, common colleges work more to get the students they accept to accept them. Some colleges hold visiting days that offer a chance to attend classes and stay overnight. Some universities send gifts. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    For many families, the most important thing colleges can do is show them the money, especially this year; the weak economy makes parents nervous. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}The recent problems that spread from the housing market to credit markets have even affected student's loans. So lately, top schools have to spare lots of money to increase their financial aid for students. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} The Education Department expects the number of high school graduates to start to go down. This will happen as the last of the children of the baby boom generation finishes high school. The number is not expected to start rising again until 2019.

A. What contributes to it?

B. Besides, top colleges are facing changes in the population.

C. But a mistake can be costly if it happens.

D. It can mean several acceptances to choose from.

E. They have international students who know English.

F. But top colleges ignore them.

G. They cannot afford college as planned.

    12 months ago, we tested most of the drone (无人机) models on the market. Typically models under $100 were very difficult to control even in light wind. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} However in the last few months, a cheap drone model called the DroneX pro has been receiving a lot of praise among experts.

    Why is this extremely high quality drone so cheap?

    The DroneX Pro was designed by two engineers and drone lovers. They did lots of research and came to a shocking conclusion. The high-quality technology in most expensive brand drones comes mostly from the SAME supplier companies and was quite inexpensive. In other words? {#blank#}2{#/blank#} it's because the cost of advertising the brand name itself is very high.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    Intelligent flight modes enable the drone to land safely and make 3D spins & other cool flips.

    The high-quality hidden 3-axis gimbal (三轴万向节)is able to stabilize the camera even at high speed for sharp images and jitter-free video. Even with wind, the videos are razor-sharp in real-time transmission from your environment -like a HD live stream.

    The wide-angle lens provides 100mbps ultra-HD images for wonderful and crystal clear images.

    When folded up, the drone is barely larger than a fist. It fits in every belt bag and in every backpack! You do not need a film crew when flying the DroneX Pro.

Why is this drone so popular?

    This drone costs only a small part of the price of professional brand drones. It comes in a sleek and compact design and can be taken anywhere. It is also quiet in the air and has an improved flight time.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Flying feels very natural. Even a first time drone flyer can learn to use it in a matter of minutes. It is unbelievable how easy to fly the drone is thanks to its included controller.

    Our conclusion

    This brilliant new drone is taking the world by storm. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} the best el ling gift in 2019.

A. This cheap drone might be the best selling gift in 2019.

B. Their camera also struggles to deliver high-quality photos and videos.

C. Is this inexpensive drone really as good as the experts are saying?

D. What makes the DroneX Pro so special?

E. That means they're able to offer a world class quality drone at an incredibly low price.

F. The reason why brand name drones are so expensive isn't because of their technology.

G. This drone makes beginners look like professionals.

The Importance of Learning a Second Language

In today's globalized world, learning a second language has become an essential skill. It offers numerous benefits that can enhance both personal and professional aspects of life. 

{#blank#}1{#/blank#} Through the process of learning a new language, one can gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and traditions. This can lead to greater empathy and appreciation for diversity. 

Additionally, bilingual(双语的) individuals often have better cognitive abilities. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Studies have shown that they are better at multitasking, problem- solving, and decision- making compared to monolinguals(单语的). This is because the brain is constantly engaged in managing two languages, which strengthens its overall function. 

{#blank#}3{#/blank#} In many professional fields, being proficient in more than one language can open up job opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable. Many companies prefer to hire candidates who can communicate with international clients or partners. 

Moreover, learning a second language can significantly enhance travel experiences. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Communicating in the local language can lead to more meaningful interactions and a deeper connection with the place and its people. 

Finally, the process of learning a new language itself can be incredibly (不可置信地) rewarding. 

{#blank#}5{#/blank#} This sense of achievement can boost confidence and motivate individuals to tackle other challenges in life. 

Overall, the advantages of learning a second language are clear. It not only broadens one's horizons but also equips them with skills that are valuable in an increasingly interconnected world. 

A. It allows travelers to guide new environments with ease and enjoy genuine cultural experiences. 

B. The effort and devotion required to master a new language can get a strong sense of accomplishment. 

C. Bilingualism can delay the onset of dementia(痴呆症) and other age- related cognitive declines. 

D. One of the most significant advantages is the ability to connect with people from different backgrounds. 

E. Fluency in multiple languages is often associated with higher salaries and better career prospects. 

F. They tend to have improved memory, attention span, and analytical skills. 

G. Another major benefit is the improvement in job prospects and career advancement.