Birth order—does it matter? Are you different because you are the first, second, or third child in your family—or maybe the last of nine?

A study found that first-borns have an average IQ that is three points higher than people who fall into a different place in the birth order, perhaps because first-borns often help younger brothers and sisters, which improves their own skills. In 2007, an international organization of CEOs found that 43% of CEOs are first-borns, 33% are middle children, and 23% are last-borns. First-borns are more likely to be doctors and astronauts and get higher pay.

If first-borns are more successful, last-borns are generally more agreeable. They are also more likely to be funny, possibly to get attention from all the bigger people at the dinner table. Mark Twain and Stephen Colbert were both the youngest in large families, and Jim Carrey was the youngest of four. According to a 2007 Time magazine article, “The power of Birth Order.” last-borns are more likely to be artists and successful businessmen.

Then there are the middle children: we have not ignored (忽视) them! Many middle children are short of one-on-one time with their parents. They often feel short-changed: the oldest gets more rights, and the youngest is spoiled (宠坏的). Though they may be ignored, middle children are more likely to grow into easy-going adults.

Many factors make us who we are, but if the research is correct, birth order may be one of the most important factors.

1.Who is most likely to be a CEO?

A.A first-born. B.A second-born. C.A third-born. D.A last-born.

2.What can we learn about Jim Carrey?

A.He is a middle child. B.He is likely to be serious.

C.He is a successful businessman. D.He is likely to be agreeable.

3.What does the underlined sentence mean?

A.They are usually controlled. B.They are always spoiled.

C.They are often popular at home. D.They are often treated unfairly.

4.What can we learn from the 4th paragraph?

A.Middle children often get more attention from parents.

B.Middle children usually communicate with others well.

C.Middle children are more likely to get on well with others.

D.Middle children are usually famous artists and businessmen.

5.What would be the best title for the text?

A.What makes you powerful B.How you can be a CEO

C.What influence birth order has on you D.How you can grow up

China is a nation of etiquette(礼仪).Chinese people are among the most hospitable people in the world.If foreigners visit a Chinese family, they would be surprised at the warmth that they would receive as guests.

When you visit a Chinese family, the host usually makes tea for you.Then he will serve you snacks(小吃) like biscuits or candy Someone in the family will also chat with you, never letting you feel lonely.

At the same time, other family members will prepare a meal for you.Chinese people treat(款待)their guests with a big meal.They always present more food than the guest can eat.On the table, the guests must be the first to eat.Perhaps one of the things that surprises a western guest most is that the Chinese host likes to pick food for visitors, which won’t happen at western tables.The Chinese family go out of their way to make you feel at home. As you are done eating, the host usually says, “It seems that you didn't eat much. Please have more. Although you tell them you are full, they still put more food in your bowl.

Being warm and hospitable has long been an important part of Chinese culture and tradition.As Confucius(孔子) said thousands of years ago:

To meet friends from afar

How happy we are!

1.The underlined word “hospitable” means “_________” in Chinese.

A.好客的 B.勤劳的 C.朴实的 D.节俭的

2.As a guest in a Chinese family, you are usually offered________by the host.

A.coffee and snacks B.juice and snacks

C.tea and snacks D.coffee and cakes

3.A western visitor feels surprised when the host picks food for him because________.

A.he thinks it's not polite B.he thinks it's not necessary

C.it wont happen in western countries D.he doesn’t like the food

4.What the Chinese family do for the guests is to________.

A.make them feel at home B.show their wealth

C.make them feel uncomfortable D.make them hungry

5.What's the meaning of the words by Confucius at the end of the passage?

A.学而时习之,不亦说乎? B.有朋自远方来,不亦乐乎?

C.人不知而不愠,不亦君子乎? D.温故而知新,可以为师矣。

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