― I had no idea baseball was popular in Japan，‖ replied Alex. A few hours later, the Itos and the Godfreys were seated inside the stadium among a crowd of excited fans. "Are those cheerleaders?" asked Emily. She was pointing to a group of men on the ball field who led the crowd in chants and cheers. Mrs. Ito nodded，― I forget that Americans don't have cheerleaders for baseball games. That's the difference between American and Japanese baseball culture.―

― Baseball isn't my cup of tea，but today's game promises to be a good one. The two teams are the best in Japan, ― Mr. Ito added. Once the game began, Emily and Alex found the game itself didn't seem much different at all from the American baseball games. They were surprised，though，to see people waving American flags from time to time.

Mr. Ito explained, ―Japanese teams are each allowed to have three foreign players. When American players come up to bat，their fans show support by waving your country's flag."

At the end of the game, Alex and Emily were tired, but their minds were racing with all they had seen in the game.

―Did you have a good day, kids?" asked Mrs. Godfrey, turning to Alex and Emily. They nodded. ― After today, I have a feeling that American baseball may never be quite as interesting again. " said Emily. 44. Why did Alex and Emily go to Japan? A. To teach English. B. To watch a baseball game.

C.To live in the country. D. To visit their mother's friend. 45. What did Alex and Emily find about baseball in Japan?

A. Baseball was unpopular in the country.

B. Japanese teams had no foreign players. C. Japanese had cheerleaders for baseball games. D. Japanese had different rules of baseball games. 46. How did Alex and Emily feel when they saw American flags? A. Surprised. B. Proud. C. Excited. D. Nervous. 47. What can we learn from the passage?

A. Mr. Ito was a baseball fan.

B. Alex and Emily enjoyed the game.

C. Alex and Emily knew nothing about baseball. D. Emily thought American baseball more interesting.

C

Technology has become a necessary and important part of our lives. It has changed our lives greatly. In many ways, it makes life more convenient for us： we can send messages quickly through the Internet, cook meals in a few minutes in a microwave, and book train tickets online instead of walking to the station. However, in our increasingly technology-driven world, have we become technology?