The following Mini Course will give you lots of ideas on how you can turn your favorite hobby into a business. Just choose the hobby that interests you from the following, and enjoy reading through the articles and information on your favourite topics.
Dog ownership, training and care. Dog ownership can be both a hobby and a lifestyle decision. There are many different types of dogs in this series of articles.
Cat ownership and care. Owning a cat can also be both a hobby and a lifestyle choice. If you want to know more things about your furry friend before you buy a cat, please read this section of the website.
Blogging. Blogging is a big business these days and it is one of the fastest growing hobbies today. But what exactly is a blog? In this series of articles, we’ll look at blogs and they will make you interested in blogs.
Chess. Chess is a very popular hobby. You can get tips and ideas about chess after you read this series of articles, which can help you win at chess.
Fishing. As a global pastime and hobby to millions, fishing is a big business. There are many fishing techniques and much information in this series of articles. Please try. Maybe you can catch a big fish next time.
【小题1】The Mini Course will offer you the following except___________.

The following Mini Course will give you lots of ideas on how you can turn your favorite hobby into a business. Just choose the hobby that interests you from the following, and enjoy reading through the articles and information on your favourite topics.
Dog ownership, training and care. Dog ownership can be both a hobby and a lifestyle decision. There are many different types of dogs in this series of articles.
Cat ownership and care. Owning a cat can also be both a hobby and a lifestyle choice. If you want to know more things about your furry friend before you buy a cat, please read this section of the website.
Blogging. Blogging is a big business these days and it is one of the fastest growing hobbies today. But what exactly is a blog? In this series of articles, we’ll look at blogs and they will make you interested in blogs.
Chess. Chess is a very popular hobby. You can get tips and ideas about chess after you read this series of articles, which can help you win at chess.
Fishing. As a global pastime and hobby to millions, fishing is a big business. There are many fishing techniques and much information in this series of articles. Please try. Maybe you can catch a big fish next time.

1. 1.

   The Mini Course will offer you the following except___________.

   1. A.
      information about dogs
   2. B.
      websites about cat ownership
   3. C.
      articles about hobbies
   4. D.
      advice on reading
2. 2.

   The articles about dogs may tell us________.

   1. A.
      how to make a decision
   2. B.
      where to buy a dog
   3. C.
      differences between dogs
   4. D.
      how to develop a hobby
3. 3.

   The underlined word “pastime” means __________in Chinese.

   1. A.
      过时
   2. B.
      消失
   3. C.
      消遣
   4. D.
      运动
4. 4.

   The similarity(相似性)of blogging and fishing is that___________.

   1. A.
      they are big businesses
   2. B.
      they are growing fast
   3. C.
      neither of them is popular
   4. D.
      neither of them needs equipment（设备）

Ivan Fletcher loves crazy invention. He writes a Weekly magazine column called "Unbelievable Inventions"

   "One of my favorite inventions is the Butter Stick. It looks like a Stick of glue ( 胶 ), but it's butter. You rub it on the bread instead of using a knife," he says. Another cool invention is Duster Slippers for pets. You put these special shoes on your dog or cat. As the animal runs around your house, it collects dust from the floor. Very useful!" A lot of these inventions come from Japan m the home of the crazy invention.

   Ivan says that the British also invent a lot of crazy things. "The other day I found an invention called a Cat Seat Saver," he says. "The Cat Seat Saver looks exactly like a sleeping cat but it isn't real. You put it on your scat if you have to go to the restroom. No one will sit on your seat because they think there's a sleeping cat on it. Pretty cool!"

  However, does anyone buy these things? Yes. Lucy Wade from the shopping website crazygadgcts.com says that their customers are young, professional people.

  "They buy these small things mostly for fun," she says. "They arc usually looking for a present for a friend's birthday or a silly gift for a colleague."

   If you have an idea for an amazing invention, send it to Lucy at lucyw@crazygadgets.

   Fish Radio

   This useful radio is completely waterproof, so you can listen to it in the shower. Simply stick it on the bathroom wall and sing along to your favorite songs as you shower!

   Watch Your Back Mirror

   Don't get caught surfing the Internet or sending e-mails to your friends. Attach (附上) this mirror to your computer screen and you'll be able to see when the boss is coming!

1. You put the Watch Your Back Mirror

      A. on your bathroom wall                 B. next to your boss

      C. on your desk                         D. on your computer screen

2. One of the inventions that Ivan Fletcher likes best is

      A. the Fish Radio                       B. the Butter Stick

      C. the Watch Your Back Mirror             D. the Cat Seat Saver

3. The Cat Seat Saver

      A. is a real cat                           B. is a pillow for cats

      C. looks like a real cat                    D. collects dust from the floor

4. You put the Duster Slippers

      A. on your pet’s feet                      B. on your feet

      C. on your pet’s head                     D. on the floor

5. Why is the Fish Radio useful?

      A. You can listen to it in the shower.      B. It is small enough to put in the bathroom.

      C. it is shaped like a fish.               D. It sings your favorite songs.

When Kyle walked into Paul’s Pet World, he looked very anxious. He walked quickly to the store owner, Paul. Paul jumped out of his seat to greet Kyle. He was the store’s first customer of the day.
“Good morning, sir!” Paul said. “What can I help you with?”
“Well, I…,” Kyle started to say.
“Wait, don’t tell me,” Paul stopped him. “You are looking for a…a new dog… for your daughter’s birthday. Right?”
“Not really, I just…”
Paul didn’t let him finish. “Ah, I’ve got it. You just opened a new business, and you want some fish for your office. I have some very nice goldfish over here.”
“Actually, I…” Kyle was starting to look very anxious. His face had a strange look on it.
“No fish? Ah, a cat! You look like a cat person. At Paul’s Pet World, we have the best cats. Take a look at this cat---- long, white hair. She is looking at you. She is thinking, “Take me home. Take me home.” Would you like some cat food and toys as well?”
“No, thank you,” Kyle said. By this time, he had a pained look on his face. “Really, I’m no interested in cats or fish or dogs.”
“What do you want, then?” Paul asked.
Kyle looked like he was going to cry. “I just want to know if I can use your restroom!” he finally said.

【小题1】Paul didn’t advise Kyle to buy ____________.