C

Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the guestroom. Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement. As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older relied, “Things aren’t always what they seem.”

The next night, the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing the little food they had, the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night’s rest. When the sun came up the next  morning, the angels found the farmer and his tears--their only cow, whose milk had been their main income, lay dead in the field. The young angel didn’t understand and asked the older how he could let that happen. “The first man had everything, you helped him.” he accused, “The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die.”

“Things aren’t always what they seem,” the older angel replied. “When we stayed in the basement of the building, I noticed there was a gold treasure. I sealed(封堵) the wall so he wouldn’t find it. Then last light, as we slept in the farmer’s bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead. Things aren’t always what they seem.”

( )53. Which is true about the first family?

A. They didn’t let the angles in.    B. They had a lot of wealth but a cold heart.

C. They gave the angles a nice treat.   D. There was a big hole in the wall of their guest room.

( )54. The second family ______.

A. was ready to share everything    B. was very wealthy

C. was unwilling to help others    D. had a gold treasure in the basement

( )55. Why did the cow die?

A. Because the angel of death came for the  cow.

B. Becaus e the angel of death came for the husband.

C. Because only that way, the wife could be saved.

D. Because the angel of death came for the younger angel.

( )56.What does the passage want to tell us?

A. We should be ready to help angels.    B. Things are not always what they seem.

C. Wealthy people usually refuse to help others.  D. Poor people are always warm-hearted.

D

Technology is creating big changes in the music industry. Music lovers can listen to and buy music on the Internet. They can watch  live concerts of their favorite artists online. And music makers as well as music industry officials use social media to reach and increase public interest.

Nick Sherwin who set up the famous band—Suburban Skies. He says 21st Century technology make it possible for a band to control its own future. "Social media is a wonderful thing, and being able to control your own art and not be signed by a record label(唱片公司)—to be your own record label is free." Sherwin says the Internet and social media have created possibilities for musicians. He says the new way to success is to give visitors more types of experience.

During an international meeting in Los Angeles, music industry officials said musicians are choosing to perform live across the country, with the drop in CD sales in the United States. Along with the popularity of live music  there has been an increase in the number of music festivals, these events are advertised on social media. "Someone could make it in their bedroom and put it out online. Musicians can attract fans that way, online without anyone's help.” said Rotella.