Whenever we see a button, we want to press it because we know that something will happen.This is true in most cases, for example, on a doorbell.But some buttons are actually fake (假的), like the “close” button on a lift.

Many people are in the habit of pressing the “close” button because they don't have the patience to wait.But lifts' “close” buttons are a complete trick, at least in the US—the doors will not close any faster no matter how hard you press.

It started in the 1990s when the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in the US, making sure that all lifts stayed open long enough so that people with disabilities could enter safely.Only repair workers can use the buttons to speed up the door­closing process if they have special keys.

But to normal lift riders, the buttons aren't completely useless.According to psychologists, fake buttons can actually make you feel better by offering you a sense of control.

“A sense of control is very important.It reduces stress and increases well­being，” said Ellen J．Langer，a psychology professor at Harvard University.Experts also added that a lot of buttons that don't do anything exist in our lives for this same purpose.

For example, pedestrian crosswalk buttons don't live up to their names either.Pressing them used to help make the traffic signals change faster, but that was before computer­controlled traffic signals were introduced.

But psychologists found it interesting that even when people are aware of these little “white lies”， they still continue to push fake buttons because as long as the doors eventually close, it is considered to be worth the effort.

1. What is the author's purpose in writing the text?

A．To describe different fake buttons.

B．To explore the functions of fake buttons.

C．To analyze various habits of pushing buttons.

D．To explain the disadvantages of fake buttons.

2. What can we learn about the “close” buttons on a lift in America?

A．They work when people press them hard.

B．They were designed for a sense of control.

C．They never speed up the door­closing process.

D．They take the safety of the disabled into account.

3. What can we infer about pedestrian crosswalk buttons?

A．They can make people feel better.

B．They help computers work faster.

C．They can control the traffic signals.

D．They help pedestrians cross safely.

When I was in college, I spent a semester studying abroad at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. In my brief time there, I came to love Scotland for its local culture, food and scenery.

You might think, “Scotland isn’t so different from the US; they still speak English there!” But when I stepped off the plane, I was greeted by a gruff-voiced (声音粗哑的) lady at customs. “You’ll be coming from America, then?” She asked me, and I nodded. “But all of our guys are leaving Glasgow for the States!” Her thick Scottish English and sense of humor were obvious right away. I was not in the US any more, where customs agents never joke around.

As I settled in at the university, I could feel myself getting used to hearing—and even speaking—the Scottish English of my customs agent. In classroom discussions, people would say “em” when they couldn’t think of what to say instead of “um”, which was great fun. After the first few weeks, I stopped chuckling about this. Strathclyde students stayed up late into the night, running around campus and shouting, “Go! Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go [curse word] Glasgow!” Pretty soon, I was no longer saying “thanks” at the supermarket—instead, I said “cheers”.

My Scottish friends drank whiskey and ate haggis (羊杂碎布丁). I drank plenty of whiskey but felt ashamed to admit that I wasn't brave enough to try haggis. Scottish bakeries usually sell bridies (肉馅饼). Add a cup of tea—though I usually Americanized it by choosing coffee instead—and a bridie makes for a delicious breakfast.

Every time I took a train anywhere in Scotland, I’d gaze out at the rolling hills and wonder if grass was greener than anywhere else in the world. Then I’d reflect that there’s a reason this country was the birthplace of golf.

4. What did the author think of the lady at customs?

A．Impolite.	B．Friendly.
C．Serious.	D．Calm.

5. Which of the following can replace the underlined word “chuckling” in Paragraph 3?

A．Talking loudly.	B．Comparing.
C．Laughing quietly.	D．Hearing.

6. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?

A．To explain why Scotland was famous for golf.

B．To promote the development of Scottish catering trade.

C．To introduce different pronunciations of “em”and “um”.

D．To share his experiences in Scotland as an exchange student.

Summer Camps in Season!

STEM Camp July 10 to August 14, Cost: $180

90% of the jobs in the future will require STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) education. We find ways to make learning fun and exciting for students to help ensure their futures. Campers take part in fun and engaging STEM activities! Register: www. stemcamp. ca or call 519-475-6600.

Kandalore June 15 to 28, Cost: $2,340

The finest traditional camp in Canada, provides the best of both canoe (独木舟) adventures and in-camp activities. For more than 65 years, Kandalore has given campers the opportunity to know and be themselves. We create a warm and supportive environment where kids can express their unique self, grow in self-confidence and build lifetime friendships. Register: www. kandlore. com or call 416-322-9735.

ESL Summer Camp June 25 to July 21, Cost: $5,500

Pickering College has an exciting ESL summer camp for students aged 12-18 who want to learn English and experience the wonders of summer at our 42-acre campus; students enjoy the excellent dormitory, dining, academic, and social facilities of one of Canada’s oldest independent schools. Register: www. pickeringcollege. on. ca or call 905-175-8900.

DEEP Summer Academy August 16 to 26, Cost: $465

We provide highly motivated high school students from across the world with the opportunity for advanced study in a variety of engineering, technology, business and science subjects. Organized by University of Toronto, DEEP is one of the most diverse pre-university engineering programs all over the world with scholarships. Register: www. outreach. engineering. utoronto. ca or call 416-946-0816.

7. Which number should you call if you want to improve your English?

A．519-475-6600.

B．416-322-9735.

C．416-946-0816.

D．905-175-8900.

8. When will the shortest camp start?

A．On July 10.

B．On June 15.

C．On June 25.

D．On August 16.

9. Where can you go if you are interested in the experience of adventure?

A．Kandalore.

B．STEM Camp.

C．ESL Summer Camp.

D．DEEP Summer Academy.

10. How similar are STEM Camp and DEEP Summer Academy?

A．They both offer scholarships for students.

B．They provide the same courses for students.

C．They both prepare students for their development.

D．They are both designed for international students.

Choosing the right college for you is not so easy. You should have a general idea of what you want and don’t want. The idea can guide you to find what fits your needs best.    11    

Think about what major you want to study in college. If you know that, just look at colleges that have your major.    12    So think carefully about your major and interests before choosing one.

Where the college is located matters. Anyone who tells you the location isn’t important is lying.    13    If you look forward to working in the publishing industry, New York may be your best bet. If your parents want you to stay close to home, please don’t consider anywhere that requires a plane ticket to get to.

Think about how much you can afford. Are your parents paying for your education? If so, how much are they willing to spend? Do you have to contribute anything? Financial aid and scholarship exist, but don’t count on anything.    14    These are all things to consider before you fall in love with a college.

Make sure you’re going to spend time with the right people.The cool thing about college is that each different one attracts different kinds of people. For the first thing in your life, you get to choose where you get to spend your time and who you get to spend it with.    15    Make sure that the people you’re with for four years are your kind of people.

A．College is about learning what you love.

B．You’d better choose a major that is popular.

C．Go to the college with some people you like.

D．Are you willing to go into major debt over a school?

E．Remember, above all, it’s the people that make the place.

F．If you don’t like cold weather, stay away from northern schools.

G．These guidelines will help figure out what college you want to go to.