10 bài tập luyện nghe (kèm link)

Listen and fill in the gaps (xem đáp án trang sau)
Exercise 1
Link nghe: />worlds_tallest_building.mp3
The world's tallest building __________________ Dubai on January the 4th. The
height of the 828-metre Burj Khalifa was __________________ the opening
ceremony. It is twice the height of New York’s Empire State Building. Another big
surprise at the opening __________________ the tower. The building had always
been called Burj Dubai. However, Dubai’s ruler announced it would now be called
Burj Khalifa __________________ Abu Dhabi, Dubai’s neighbour. The oil-rich
emirate of Abu Dhabi helped save Dubai ____________________ collapse. The
chairman of the company that built the Burj, Mohamed Alabbar, said the building
gives "hope and optimism". He added: “The world has gone through …difficult
times… this is the beginning __________________ forward.”

It is likely the Burj __________________ world’s tallest building for a while to
come. Since the 2008 global financial crisis, there seems to be
__________________ ambitious construction projects from property developers.
The Burj’s owners, however, are confident the building will be a success. More than
90 per cent __________________ been sold. It cost $22 billion to build and has
broken many records. The opening celebrations included the world’s highest
fireworks, which __________________ the world’s tallest fountain. The building
houses the world’s highest mosque and swimming pool, __________________ 158
and 76. Burj Khalifa has 1,044 luxury apartments, 49 __________________ and
the 160-room Armani hotel. Around 12,000 people will live and work in the tower.
The world's tallest building officially opened in Dubai on January the 4th. The height
of the 828-metre Burj Khalifa was kept a secret until the opening ceremony. It is

twice the height of New York’s Empire State Building. Another big surprise at the
opening was the renaming of the tower. The building had always been called Burj
Dubai. However, Dubai’s ruler announced it would now be called Burj Khalifa after
the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Dubai’s neighbour. The oil-rich emirate of Abu Dhabi helped
save Dubai from possible financial collapse. The chairman of the company that built
the Burj, Mohamed Alabbar, said the building gives "hope and optimism". He
added: “The world has gone through …difficult times… this is the beginning of a
gradual move forward.”
It is likely the Burj will remain as the world’s tallest building for a while to come.
Since the 2008 global financial crisis, there seems to be little appetite for ambitious
construction projects from property developers. The Burj’s owners, however, are
confident the building will be a success. More than 90 per cent of the space has

been sold. It cost $22 billion to build and has broken many records. The opening
celebrations included the world’s highest fireworks, which lit up the sky above the
world’s tallest fountain. The building houses the world’s highest mosque and
swimming pool, located on floors 158 and 76. Burj Khalifa has 1,044 luxury
apartments, 49 floors of offices and the 160-room Armani hotel. Around 12,000
people will live and work in the tower.
Exercise 2 />lifes_greatest_pleasures.mp3
British people have voted a ____________________ as life's "greatest little
pleasure". The Batchelors Cup-A-Soup company conducted a survey into what gave
Britons most pleasure. Bed activities ____________________ top ten spots.
Cuddling a loved one in bed came third, ____________________ fifth and sleeping
in freshly-washed sheets sixth. Finding £10 ($16) in your pocket was life’s second

greatest pleasure for Brits. Also in the top ten were ____________________,
making someone smile and catching up with an old friend. There were
____________________ list that most people around the world would agree with.
These include realizing that your queue in the supermarket is the one moving
fastest, and at number 50, ____________________.
Batchelors spokesman Rob Stacey ____________________ the findings of the
survey, which 3,000 Britons did. He said: "It's often the little things that
____________________, like getting into bed after a long day. You
____________________.” Mr. Stacey observed that almost all of the things in the
top fifty didn’t need money. He stated: “Often ____________________ as a quick
cuddle or a compliment can really help to cheer someone up if they are having a
bad day, and can even be more welcome than ____________________ expensive

presents.” He added that it was “often the smaller things that can make a big
difference”. Stacey may be happy that ____________________ with a good book
and a hot drink (or soup) came thirteenth in the poll.
British people have voted a good night's sleep as life's "greatest little pleasure". The
Batchelors Cup-A-Soup company conducted a survey into what gave Britons most
pleasure. Bed activities filled four of the top ten spots. Cuddling a loved one in bed
came third, having a lie-in was fifth and sleeping in freshly-washed sheets sixth.
Finding £10 ($16) in your pocket was life’s second greatest pleasure for Brits. Also
in the top ten were crying with laughter, making someone smile and catching up
with an old friend. There were plenty of things in the list that most people around
the world would agree with. These include realizing that your queue in the
supermarket is the one moving fastest, and at number 50, popping bubble wrap.

Batchelors spokesman Rob Stacey gave his thoughts on the findings of the survey,
which 3,000 Britons did. He said: "It's often the little things that brighten up life,
like getting into bed after a long day. You can't beat that feeling.” Mr. Stacey
observed that almost all of the things in the top fifty didn’t need money. He stated:
“Often the little gestures such as a quick cuddle or a compliment can really help to
cheer someone up if they are having a bad day, and can even be more welcome
than splashing out on expensive presents.” He added that it was “often the smaller
things that can make a big difference”. Stacey may be happy that curling up on the
sofa with a good book and a hot drink (or soup) came thirteenth in the poll.
Exercise 3 />missile_defense_shield.mp3
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin __________________ that America’s anti-

missile shield is preventing a new arms deal on reducing nuclear weapons. The USA
and Russia are __________________ to hammer out a successor to the 1991
Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. A reporter asked Mr Putin what
__________________ was. He replied: "What is the problem? The problem is that
our American partners are building an anti-missile shield and we are not building
one." Mr Putin added that America’s defense shield plan is a __________________
works for global weapons cuts. He said it would create a very
__________________ power, which would force Russia to __________________
better long-range missiles.
The U.S. missile shield has __________________ Russia’s side since George W.
Bush proposed it. It soured relations between Washington and Moscow for a
decade. Russia saw the shield as __________________ territory. Bush assured

then president Putin the shield was to protect U.S. interests against attacks from
Iran. President Barack Obama has __________________ Russia’s fears. He
assured Russia he would scrap much of Bush’s plans. One of President Obama’s
election promises was also to __________________ America’s nuclear stockpile.
He said he wanted to “reset” relations with Russia. Putin asked Washington to share
its missile shield __________________ Russian concerns. He
__________________, saying negotiations were "developing positively".
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has told reporters that America’s anti-missile
shield is preventing a new arms deal on reducing nuclear weapons. The USA and
Russia are currently in talks to hammer out a successor to the 1991 Strategic Arms
Reduction Treaty. A reporter asked Mr Putin what the biggest obstacle was. He
replied: "What is the problem? The problem is that our American partners are

building an anti-missile shield and we are not building one." Mr Putin added that
America’s defense shield plan is a spanner in the works for global weapons cuts. He
said it would create a very lopsided balance of power, which would force Russia to
develop more and better long-range missiles.

The U.S. missile shield has been a thorn in Russia’s side since George W. Bush
proposed it. It soured relations between Washington and Moscow for a decade.
Russia saw the shield as a threat to its territory. Bush assured then president Putin
the shield was to protect U.S. interests against attacks from Iran. President Barack
Obama has attempted to erase Russia’s fears. He assured Russia he would scrap
much of Bush’s plans. One of President Obama’s election promises was also to
drastically reduce America’s nuclear stockpile. He said he wanted to “reset”

relations with Russia. Putin asked Washington to share its missile shield plans to
ease Russian concerns. He was also upbeat, saying negotiations were "developing
positively".
E4 />Scottish singing sensation Susan Boyle will __________________ Japanese TV
show on New Year’s Eve. This is __________________ popularity in the Far East.
The singer is set to sing on the traditional singing competition ‘Kohaku Uta Gassen’.
This __________________ popular singers into teams of men and women. It is the
most popular New Year programme on TV and is ____________________. It is
unusual for non-Japanese artists to perform. A news source said: "Susan has been
practicing a Japanese folk song called ‘Wings To Fly’, which she is hoping
__________________ for the first time.” The tune was a bonus track on the
Japanese version of her debut album ‘I Dreamed A Dream’. The album

__________________ in Japan’s music charts.
Susan Boyle ___________________ appearing on a British show called ‘Britain’s
Got Talent’. She sang ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ from the musical ‘Les Miserables’. The
YouTube video of her performance became the __________________ of 2009. She
released her first CD in November 2009 and it __________________ album charts
in many countries around the world. In Britain, it is outselling albums by Lady Gaga
and Kings of Leon. Ms Boyle said she __________________ success: "The album
being so well received is humbling and I'm so grateful. It's been an absolutely
brilliant year and I can't thank everyone enough for the support I've been given."
Susan has not let the success __________________. She still lives in the family
home in Scotland she has __________________.
Scottish singing sensation Susan Boyle will appear on a popular Japanese TV show

on New Year’s Eve. This is set to boost her popularity in the Far East. The singer is
set to sing on the traditional singing competition ‘Kohaku Uta Gassen’. This yearly
contest divides popular singers into teams of men and women. It is the most
popular New Year programme on TV and is watched by millions. It is unusual for
non-Japanese artists to perform. A news source said: "Susan has been practicing a
Japanese folk song called ‘Wings To Fly’, which she is hoping to perform live for the
first time.” The tune was a bonus track on the Japanese version of her debut album
‘I Dreamed A Dream’. The album reached number one in Japan’s music charts.

Susan Boyle shot to fame after appearing on a British show called ‘Britain’s Got
Talent’. She sang ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ from the musical ‘Les Miserables’. The
YouTube video of her performance became the most watched video of 2009. She

released her first CD in November 2009 and it quickly topped the album charts in
many countries around the world. In Britain, it is outselling albums by Lady Gaga
and Kings of Leon. Ms Boyle said she was amazed by its success: "The album being
so well received is humbling and I'm so grateful. It's been an absolutely brilliant
year and I can't thank everyone enough for the support I've been given." Susan
has not let the success go to her head. She still lives in the family home in Scotland
she has lived in for decades.
E5 />Most Europeans pray for a white Christmas. This year they have a little more
_________________ than they hoped for. Freezing cold weather and snow have
brought death and disruption across the continent. Over 100 people have
_________________ temperatures. The icy conditions have brought chaos from
Moscow to Milan. People _________________ in their cars or lost their lives in

traffic accidents on roads that resemble skating rinks. The arctic weather has come
at the _________________. Millions of people are heading places for Christmas.
With _________________ to the big chill, many people are going to be stranded
this holiday time. Moscow was hit very hard. Muscovites experienced the worst
snowfall in their city _________________.
Travellers trying _________________ of Britain are particularly angry. They are
furious that a little snow has _________________ to trains, planes and
automobiles. Winter storms closed down the Eurostar trains connecting London to
Paris and Brussels for three days. Tens of thousands of passengers
_________________ train stations with nowhere to stay. The situation was no
better at the airports, with many closing and hundreds of flights cancelled. The
roads did not _________________. Thousands of drivers abandoned their vehicles

by the side of the road because it was too dangerous to drive. Canadian
_________________ understand. Shane Lansdon from Toronto said he failed “to
see how just five centimetres of snow can bring a whole ___________________”.
Most Europeans pray for a white Christmas. This year they have a little more of the
white stuff than they hoped for. Freezing cold weather and snow have brought
death and disruption across the continent. Over 100 people have died in the sub-
zero temperatures. The icy conditions have brought chaos from Moscow to Milan.
People have frozen to death in their cars or lost their lives in traffic accidents on
roads that resemble skating rinks. The arctic weather has come at the worst
possible time. Millions of people are heading places for Christmas. With no end in
sight to the big chill, many people are going to be stranded this holiday time.
Moscow was hit very hard. Muscovites experienced the worst snowfall in their city

for over a century.

Travellers trying to get in or out of Britain are particularly angry. They are furious
that a little snow has brought a halt to trains, planes and automobiles. Winter
storms closed down the Eurostar trains connecting London to Paris and Brussels for
three days. Tens of thousands of passengers were stranded at train stations with
nowhere to stay. The situation was no better at the airports, with many closing and
hundreds of flights cancelled. The roads did not escape the turmoil. Thousands of
drivers abandoned their vehicles by the side of the road because it was too
dangerous to drive. Canadian tourists did not quite understand. Shane Lansdon
from Toronto said he failed “to see how just five centimetres of snow can bring a
whole country to its knees”.

E6 />Autism among children in the USA is rising. This _________________ new report
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It estimates
_________________ in the United States suffers from the developmental disorder.
It also says boys are four times more ___________________ autism than girls.
Researchers compared _________________ 2002 report into autism with figures
for 2006. Lead author of the report Dr Catherine Rice gave one possible reason for
the increase. She said: “Some of the increases _________________ detection,
particularly among children who may not have come to our attention in the past.”
She had no simple explanation for the rise and added that “a true
_________________ cannot be ruled out”.
Autism has been the cause _________________ for many years now. The disease
can hold back learning and have _________________ on a child’s social

interaction. Scientists understand very little about it compared with other medical
conditions. It is extremely difficult to diagnose because it means
_________________ a child’s behaviour. Different tests on the same child can
___________________. Autism specialist Geraldine Dawson said more money was
needed to better understand autism. She explained: “The point is that we need to
better explore _________________ genetics and environment, and how they may
interact with each other.” She was worried that no one _________________ the
large increase in autism.
Autism among children in the USA is rising. This is according to a new report from
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It estimates that 1 in 110 children
in the United States suffers from the developmental disorder. It also says boys are
four times more likely to suffer from autism than girls. Researchers compared the

statistics of a 2002 report into autism with figures for 2006. Lead author of the
report Dr Catherine Rice gave one possible reason for the increase. She said:
“Some of the increases are due to better detection, particularly among children who
may not have come to our attention in the past.” She had no simple explanation for
the rise and added that “a true increase in risk cannot be ruled out”.

Autism has been the cause of great concern for many years now. The disease can
hold back learning and have a negative impact on a child’s social interaction.
Scientists understand very little about it compared with other medical conditions. It
is extremely difficult to diagnose because it means a careful analysis of a child’s
behaviour. Different tests on the same child can produce varying results. Autism
specialist Geraldine Dawson said more money was needed to better understand

autism. She explained: “The point is that we need to better explore both the role of
genetics and environment, and how they may interact with each other.” She was
worried that no one had answers for the large increase in autism.
E7 />Over 1,000 members of a religious group ___________________ marry sex
workers. The Dera Sacha Sauda says it has almost 1,200 “wedding volunteers”
___________________ prostitutes out of their industry by marrying them. The
sect’s spokesperson Dr Aditya Insan told the ‘Indian Express’ newspaper that
___________________ on these women. Many of the men have signed promises
with financial and personal details. Dr Insan said: “___________________
volunteers coming forward….We are determined to succeed.” Some of these men
include Indian sports stars. One of them said: “___________________, especially
my father (who is a manager with Delhi Tourism), were ___________________

decision. But it didn’t take long for them to be happy. They have faith.”
The leader of the sect, guru Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, started the campaign
___________________ in November. He told his followers that "all women
___________________ prostitutes are my daughters". One volunteer explained: “I
am not marrying a sex worker; I am marrying the daughter of our sect
head There’s ___________________ I can look forward to.” Another follower,
business graduate Ashish Sachdeva, explained why he became a wedding
volunteer. He believes it is ___________________ his debt to humanity and
society. "I am very well settled and it ___________________ honour for me to
respond to Guru-ji's call," he said. Dr Insan explained that the biggest challenge
was for the women. He said they needed a lot of courage to come
___________________ a husband.

Over 1,000 members of a religious group have promised to marry sex workers. The
Dera Sacha Sauda says it has almost 1,200 “wedding volunteers” who want to take
prostitutes out of their industry by marrying them. The sect’s spokesperson Dr
Aditya Insan told the ‘Indian Express’ newspaper that society looked down on these
women. Many of the men have signed promises with financial and personal details.
Dr Insan said: “There are so many volunteers coming forward….We are determined
to succeed.” Some of these men include Indian sports stars. One of them said: “At
first my parents, especially my father (who is a manager with Delhi Tourism), were
taken aback by my decision. But it didn’t take long for them to be happy. They
have faith.”

The leader of the sect, guru Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, started the campaign in a

speech he made in November. He told his followers that "all women forced to live
as prostitutes are my daughters". One volunteer explained: “I am not marrying a
sex worker; I am marrying the daughter of our sect head There’s no better match
I can look forward to.” Another follower, business graduate Ashish Sachdeva,
explained why he became a wedding volunteer. He believes it is his chance to repay
his debt to humanity and society. "I am very well settled and it will be the greatest
honour for me to respond to Guru-ji's call," he said. Dr Insan explained that the
biggest challenge was for the women. He said they needed a lot of courage to come
forward and ask for a husband.
E8 />Things aren’t _____________________ at the United Nations climate summit in
Copenhagen. There is _____________________ between the poorer and rich
nations. On Monday, the poor countries walked out of the talks. They were very

unhappy with what they saw _____________________. In particular, they said the
aid offers from rich countries were not good enough. They also thought there was
too much attention on a power struggle between the USA and China. Another huge
sticking _____________________ happen after the Kyoto Protocol runs out. This
treaty does not _____________________ from the USA or China, which together
produce 40 per cent of the world’s pollution. Poorer nations are worried that richer
countries want to let the Kyoto Protocol finish and not _____________________
anything.
Most of the participants in Copenhagen believe the final treaty will be a
_____________________ is needed. The big questions will probably remain
unanswered. The richest countries _____________________ much they have to
cut their emissions and how much they _____________________ help developing

countries. Brazil's ambassador for climate change Sergio Serra said: "Maybe the
result you get from here is going _____________________ than we would like. But
it would be better than nothing.” The U.S. climate envoy Todd Stern agreed. He
said: “We don't have very much time. The clock _____________________.” An
official from Nigeria attacked the European Union for not offering enough financial
aid. He called their offer “pathetic” and asked them _____________________.
Things aren’t going so smoothly at the United Nations climate summit in
Copenhagen. There is a lot of mistrust between the poorer and rich nations. On
Monday, the poor countries walked out of the talks. They were very unhappy with
what they saw as a lack of progress. In particular, they said the aid offers from rich
countries were not good enough. They also thought there was too much attention
on a power struggle between the USA and China. Another huge sticking point was

what would happen after the Kyoto Protocol runs out. This treaty does not require
emission cuts from the USA or China, which together produce 40 per cent of the
world’s pollution. Poorer nations are worried that richer countries want to let the
Kyoto Protocol finish and not replace it with anything.

Most of the participants in Copenhagen believe the final treaty will be a weaker
version of what is needed. The big questions will probably remain unanswered. The
richest countries do not agree on how much they have to cut their emissions and
how much they have to pay to help developing countries. Brazil's ambassador for
climate change Sergio Serra said: "Maybe the result you get from here is going to
be less ambitious than we would like. But it would be better than nothing.” The U.S.
climate envoy Todd Stern agreed. He said: “We don't have very much time. The

clock is definitely ticking.” An official from Nigeria attacked the European Union for
not offering enough financial aid. He called their offer “pathetic” and asked them to
be more realistic.
E9 />The Tiger Woods saga continues following more ___________________ of affairs.
He has just announced on his website that he is “taking a hiatus from golf” and
does ___________________ will return. At the same time, his sponsors are pulling
back from supporting him. They are worried his now less-___________________
image will no longer help sell their products. The global management consulting
company Accenture has removed ___________________ of Woods from its
website. Experts believe Accenture may find it ___________________ its “Go on,
be a Tiger” slogan following revelations about Woods’ many girlfriends. It seems
Nike, one of Woods’ biggest sponsors, ___________________ man, for now.

Woods’ life and career ___________________ on November 27 when he had a
minor car accident near his home. He needed ___________________ cuts to his
face. Newspapers soon reported his wife chased the car and hit it with a golf club.
The media followed this ___________________ a number of extramarital affairs
Woods had. More then ten women ___________________ newspapers the story of
their relationship with him. The golfing great said: "It may not be possible to repair
the damage I've done, but I want to do my best to try…After
___________________, I have decided to take an indefinite break from
professional golf. I need to focus my ___________________ a better husband,
father and person."
The Tiger Woods saga continues following more details of his string of affairs. He
has just announced on his website that he is “taking a hiatus from golf” and does

not know when he will return. At the same time, his sponsors are pulling back from
supporting him. They are worried his now less-than-squeaky-clean image will no
longer help sell their products. The global management consulting company
Accenture has removed some of its images of Woods from its website. Experts
believe Accenture may find it difficult to keep its “Go on, be a Tiger” slogan
following revelations about Woods’ many girlfriends. It seems Nike, one of Woods’
biggest sponsors, is sticking with their man, for now.

Woods’ life and career turned upside down on November 27 when he had a minor
car accident near his home. He needed hospital treatment for cuts to his face.
Newspapers soon reported his wife chased the car and hit it with a golf club. The
media followed this with speculation about a number of extramarital affairs Woods

had. More than ten women are currently telling newspapers the story of their
relationship with him. The golfing great said: "It may not be possible to repair the
damage I've done, but I want to do my best to try…After much soul searching, I
have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my
attention on being a better husband, father and person."
E10 />Two mothers in England ___________________ shop for selling too many pink
toys. They have called for a boycott of the store because of the ‘pinkification’ of
girls' Christmas presents. They say the ___________________ cute and can hold
girls back in later life. Twin sisters Abi and Emma Moore have started a Facebook
page ___________________ that pink toys send "narrow and damaging"
messages. Abi Moore told reporters that encouraging shoppers
___________________ “beauty is valued over brains”. Their Facebook campaign is

called ‘Pink Stinks’. They ___________________ are educational toys for boys on
everything from action and adventure to science. They contrast this with the 'much
more limited - and ___________________.
___________________ pink toys has started a nationwide debate in Britain. They
have been supported by British Justice Minister Bridget Prentice. She agreed that
the Early Learning Centre encouraged ___________________ girls must like pink
things. A spokeswoman for the Early Learning Centre ___________________.
"Customers can choose a red kitchen, a blue kitchen, ___________________, a
yellow dolls house or a gorgeous farm," she said. Britain’s Daily Telegraph
rubbished the campaign, saying: “It really is difficult to think
___________________. Little girls like pink; it is part of their innocent charm, not
an indication that they plan ___________________ in "pretty-pretty jobs",

whatever they might be.”
Two mothers in England are angry at a toy shop for selling too many pink toys.
They have called for a boycott of the store because of the ‘pinkification’ of girls'
Christmas presents. They say the pink gifts are overly cute and can hold girls back
in later life. Twin sisters Abi and Emma Moore have started a Facebook page to let
people know that pink toys send "narrow and damaging" messages. Abi Moore told
reporters that encouraging shoppers to buy pink means “beauty is valued over
brains”. Their Facebook campaign is called ‘Pink Stinks’. They point out that there
are educational toys for boys on everything from action and adventure to science.
They contrast this with the 'much more limited - and limiting' choices for girls.

The sisters’ criticism of pink toys has started a nationwide debate in Britain. They

have been supported by British Justice Minister Bridget Prentice. She agreed that
the Early Learning Centre encouraged sexist ideas that little girls must like pink
things. A spokeswoman for the Early Learning Centre rejected the criticism.
"Customers can choose a red kitchen, a blue kitchen, a blue cash register, a yellow
dolls house or a gorgeous farm," she said. Britain’s Daily Telegraph rubbished the
campaign, saying: “It really is difficult to think of a sillier cause. Little girls like
pink; it is part of their innocent charm, not an indication that they plan to waste
their lives in "pretty-pretty jobs", whatever they might be.”