Working Christmas Day It was unusually quiet in the emergency room on December25. I didn't think the——青夏教育精英家教网—

Working Christmas Day
It was unusually quiet in the emergency room （急诊室） on December25.
I didn't think there would be any patients, complaining about having to work on. Just then five people showed up at my desk, a pale woman and four small children.
"Are you all sick?" I asked doubtfully.
"Yes," she said weakly and lowered her head.
But when it came to descriptions of their problems, things got a little unclear. Two of the children had headaches, but I couldn't find any normal body language of holding the head or trying to keep it still. Two children had earaches, but only one could tell me which ear was hurting. The mother complained of a cough but seemed to work to produce it.
Something was wrong, but I didn't say anything but explained that it might be a little while before a doctor saw her. She replied, "Take your time; it's warm in here."
I checked the form after the admitting clerk had finished her work with the family. No address — they were homeless. The waiting room was warm.
I looked out at the family standing by the Christmas tree. The youngest one was pointing at the television and shouting something to her mother. The oldest one was looking at the colorful Christmas tree.
I went back to the nurses' station and mentioned we had a homeless family in the waiting room. The nurses, complaining about working Christmas, turned to pity for a family just trying to get warm on Christmas. The team went into action, much as we do when there's a medical emergency. But this one was a Christmas emergency.
We were all offered a free meal in the hospital dining hall on Christmas Day, so we prepared a big one for our Christmas guests. We needed presents, too. We put together oranges and apples in a basket. We collected from different departments candies, crayons and other things that could be presents. As seriously as we met the physical needs of the patients that came to us that day, our team worked to meet the needs, and beyond the expectations, of a family who just wanted to be warm on Christmas Day.
Later, as the family walked to the door to leave, the four-year-old came running back, gave me a hug and whispered, "Thanks for being our angels today."
小题1:Why did the family come to the hospital?

A．They were sick.	B．They were cold and hungry.
C．They wanted to visit friends.	D．They got all their money lost.

小题2:How did the writer and her workmates help the family?

A．They offered a free meal to them.

B．They bought some presents for them.

C．They sent for a doctor for them.

D．They asked them to stay overnight in the hospital.

小题3:What can we learn from the passage?

A．The mother was seriously ill.

B．The family were driven out of the hospital.

C．The writer and her workmates always liked to work on Christmas.

D．The family thanked the writer and her workmates for their kindness.

These days when you go on vacation, you spend most of your money just getting there. Travel is expensive, but don't stay home only because you are short of money! Here is some advice:
* Travel during off-season if possible. Flights and hotels are very cheaper when tourism is low.
* Choose a hotel that's a little farther from popular attractions. If you're staying several days,
check out prices on vacation homes — it can end up being cheaper than a hotel.
* Take public traffic, such as buses or subway, instead of taking a taxi.
* Plan your meals, and eat like locals. Don't waste money at expensive hotel restaurants or
fast-food chains. Depending on where you stay, it may be cheaper to make food on your own.
* Check online for special discount （折扣） — if you're a student, the old or the parents
traveling with children, you could get discounts! A little research could save you a lot of money.
Whether you're backpacking alone or going on a family vacation, your trip doesn't have to break the bank. The key is to plan ahead and write down what you spend. Then put the money you save toward your next trip!
小题1:Is travel expensive now?

小题2:How many suggestions are given to save money?

小题3:Which is cheaper, staying at a hotel or a vacation home?

小题4:Who could get discounts?

小题5:What is the passage mainly about?

Nelson Mandela, the first black President of South Africa, passed away at his home. He is one of the greatest people in the 20^th century. The whole world mourned the father of new South Africa. His life is full of stories.

Nelson Mandela’s Life
Time	Events
July18, 1918	Was born in a rich family in South Africa
1944	Became a member of ANC
October15,1962	Was put into prison for opposing the white only government
February10, 1990	Was set free---got out of the prison
1992	Visited China for the first time
1993	Won the Nobel Prize for Peace
May9, 1994	Became the first black president of South Africa
December5, 2013	Died at his home