READING & CLOZE TEST (HK2)+KEY

Grade 12 READING COMPREHENSION
PART A
UNIT 9: DESERTS
A/ Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answer.
desert is a hostile, potentially deadly environment for unprepared humans. In hot deserts, high
temperatures cause rapid loss of water due to sweating, and the absence of water sources with
which to replenish it can result in dehydration and death within a few days. In addition, unprotected
humans are also at risk from heatstroke.
A
Humans may also have to adapt to sandstorms in some deserts, not just in their adverse effects
on respiratory systems and eyes, but also in their potentially harmful effects on equipment such as
filters, vehicles and communication equipment. Sandstorms can last for hours, sometimes even days.
Despite this, some cultures have made hot deserts 'their home for thousands of years, including
the Bedouin, Tuareg tribe, and Pueblo people. Modern technology, including advanced irrigation
systems, desalinization and air conditioning, has made deserts much more hospitable, In the United
States and Israel for example, desert farming has found extensive use.
In cold deserts, hypothermia and frostbite are the chief hazards, as well as dehydration in the
absence of a source of heat to melt ice for drinking. Falling through pack-ice or surface ice layers
into freezing water is a particular danger requiring emergency action to prevent rapid hypothermia.
Starvation is also a hazard; in low temperatures the body requires much more food energy to
maintain body heat and to move. As with hot deserts, some people such as the Inuit have adapted to
the harsh conditions of cold deserts.
1. The text is about ________.
a. troubles that human beings have to face in a desert
b. desert storms and desert inhabitants
c. hot deserts and cold deserts in the United States
d. desert hospitality and environment
2. Which is not a problem for an unprepared man in a hot desert?
a. sandstorm b. loss of water c. irrigation d. heatstroke
3. Sandstorms ________.
a. do no harm to machinery b. have effects only on the eyes

c. never lasts more than one hour
d. have bad effects on both human beings and machinery
4. Which sentence is true?
a. No one can survive in both hot and cold deserts.
b. Modern technology makes deserts more hospitable.
c. In the United States, all deserts are quite uninhabited.
d. There are no deserts in Israel.
5. Which is not a problem in cold deserts?
a. Starvation b. Hypothermia c. Frostbite d. Body heat
B/ Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answer.
pproximately one-third of the Earth's land surface is desert, arid land with meager rainfall that
supports only sparse vegetation and a limited population of people and animals. Deserts have
been portrayed as fascinating environments of adventure and exploration. These arid regions are
A
Page 1
Grade 12 READING COMPREHENSION
called deserts because they are dry. They may be hot. They may be cold. They may be regions of
sand or vast areas of rocks with occasional plants.
Deserts are natural laboratories in which to study the interactions of wind and sometimes water
on the arid surfaces of planets. They contain valuable mineral deposits that were formed in the arid
environment or that were exposed by erosion. Because deserts are dry, they are ideal places for
human artifacts and fossils to be preserved. Deserts are also fragile environments. The misuse of
these lands is a serious and growing problem in parts of our world.
There are many animals in the desert. Some are very large, like the kangaroo or the gazelle.
Both are big and have to travel long distances for water at a spring, or an oasis. Another fairly large
animal is the addax. The addax is a desert antelope. They live in the Sahara Desert. All addaxes are
herbivores. There are less than 200 of them left because of hunting and tourists. Some animals crawl
along. Examples of these are snakes and lizards. Snakes rarely drink water; they get their moisture
from other prey that they eat. So do others, like the kangaroo rat. Lizards are commonly found in the
desert. They stay out of the sun and move as little as possible. There are also other animals in the

desert. The fennec lives in northern Africa in the Sahara Desert. They are a relative of the fox. They
eat mice, small birds, lizards, and insects. When necessary, they will eat fruit. One more desert
animal is the jerboa. The jerboa is a small, long distance jumper that lives in the desert. They are free
drinking animals and they eat plants, seeds, and bugs.
1. Deserts ________.
a. are rare in the world b. are more arid more populous
c. are all hot all the time d. may be both hot and cold
2. The word They refers to ________.
a. deserts b. natural laboratories c. planets d. mineral deposits
3. Which is not true about deserts?
a. arid b. hot c. humid d. dry
4. According to the second paragraph, ________.
a. we should use desert land properly to avoid serious problems
b. we can exploit as much fossil as possible in deserts
c. there are no erosion in deserts d. deserts are ideal places for growing land
5. The last paragraph expresses that ________.
a. none of animals can survive in deserts
b. hunting and tourists cause the decreasing of addaxes in the Sahara Desert.
c. snakes in deserts need more water than any other species
d. addaxes are the most populous species in deserts
UNIT 10: ENDANGERED SPECIES
A/ Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answer.
pecies that belong to an area are said to be native species. Typically, they have been part of a
given biological landscape for a long period, and they are well adapted to the local environment
and to the presence of other native species in the same general habitat. Exotic species are interlopers,
foreign elements introduced intentionally or accidentally into new settings through human activities.
In one context an introduced species may cause no obvious problems and may, over time, be
regarded as being just as "natural" as any native species in the same habitat. In another context,
exotics may seriously disrupt delicate ecological balances and create a cascade of unintended
consequences. The worst of these unintended consequences arise when introduced species put native

S
Page 2
Grade 12 READING COMPREHENSION
species in destruction by preying on them, altering their habitats, or out-competing them in the
struggle for food resources. Although biological introductions have affected environments the world
over, the most destructive, effects have occurred on islands, where introduced insects, cats, pigs,
rats, mongooses, and other nonnative species have caused the grave endangerment or outright
extinction of literally hundreds of species during the past 500 years.
One of other reason to cause species extinction is overexploitation. This word refers to the
utilization of a species at a rate that is likely to cause its extreme endangerment or outright
extinction. Among many examples of severe overexploitation, the case of the great whales stands
out in special relief. By the middle of the 20th century, unrestricted whaling had brought many
species of whales to incredibly low population sizes. In response to public pressure, in 1982 a
number of nations, including the USA, agreed to an international moratorium on whaling. As a
direct result, some whale species which are thought to have been on extinction's doorstep 25 years
ago have made amazing comebacks, such as grey whales in the western Pacific. Others remain at
great risk. Many other species, however, continue to suffer high rates of exploitation because of the
trade in animal parts. Currently, the demand for animal parts is centered in several parts of Asia
where there. is a strong market for traditional medicines made from items like tiger bone and rhino
horn.
1. Native species _______.
a. are not used to the local environment
b. never get along well with other native species in the same environment
c. tend to do harm to exotic species
d. have been part of a given biological landscape for a long period
2. Exotic species _______.
a. do no harm to native species and the local environment
b. may kill native species for food
c. always share the environment peacefully with native species
d. help to make the local environment more ideal to survive

3. According to the first paragraph, _______.
a. non-native species have caused badly damage to native ones
b. introducing new exotic species to local environments is necessary
c. exotic species have never been introduced on islands
d. very few native species have been damaged by exotic species
4. According to the second paragraph, by the middle of the 20 century ___.
a. whale population was the most crowded in marine life
b. whale hunting was illegal
c. whale population increased dramatically d. whaling was not restricted
5. Tiger bone and rhino horn _______.
a. are not popular in Asian markets b. are never in the trade of animal parts
c. are used for making traditional medicines d. cannot be found in Asian markets
B/ Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answer.
lants and animals hold medicinal, agricultural, ecological value. Endangered species must be
protected and saved so that future generations can experience their presence and value. P
Plants and animals are responsible for a variety of useful medications. In fact, about forty
percent of all prescriptions written today are composed from the natural compounds of different
Page 3
Grade 12 READING COMPREHENSION
species. These species not only save lives, but they contribute to a prospering pharmaceutical
industry worth over $40 billion annually. Unfortunately, only 5% of known plant species have been
screened for their medicinal values, although we continue to lose up to 100 species daily. The
Pacific yew, a slow-growing tree found in the ancient forests of the Pacific Northwest, was
historically considered a "trash" tree. However, a substance in its bark was recently identified as one
of the most promising treatments for ovarian and breast cancer. Additionally, more than 3 million
American heart disease sufferers would die within 72 hours of a heart attack without digitalis, a drug
derived from the purple foxglove.
There are an estimated 80,000 edible plants in the world. Humans depend upon only 20 species
of these plants, such as wheat and corn, to provide 90% of the world's food. Wild relatives of these
common crops contain essential disease-resistant material. They also provide humans with the

means to develop new crops that can grow in inadequate lands such as in poor soils or drought-
stricken areas to help solve the world hunger problem. In the 1970s, genetic material from a wild
corn species in Mexico was used to stop a leaf fungus that had previously wiped out 15% of the U.S.
corn crop.
Plant and animal species are the foundation of healthy ecosystems. Humans depend on
ecosystems such as coastal estuaries, prairie grasslands, and ancient forests to purify their air, clean
their water, and supply them with food. When species become endangered, it is an indicator that the
health of these vital ecosystems is beginning to unravel. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
estimates that losing one plant species can triggerthe loss of up to 30 other insect, plant and higher
animal species. The northern spotted owl, listed as threatened in 1990, is an indicator of the
declining health of the ancient forests of the Pacific Northwest. These forests are the home to over
100 other old-growth dependent species, which are at risk due to decades of unsustainable forest
management practices. Pollution off the coast of Florida is killing the coral reefs along the Florida
Keys, which serve as habitat for hundreds of species of fish. Commercial fish species have begun to
decline, causing a threat to the multi-million dollar tourism industry, which depends on the quality of
the environment.
1. Plants and animals _______.
a. contain medicaments
b. will not exist until the future generations can experience their value
c. do some harm to medication d. take no responsibility for medication
2. Plants and animals _______.
a. take up all recent prescriptions are b. play no role in pharmaceutical industry
c. can be used to save lives d. cause difficulty to pharmaceutical industry
3. According to the text, _______.
a. human beings do not like to use plants as medicine
b. human beings depend on plants for food and medicine
c. there is no disease-resistant material in edible plants
d. edible plants do not include wheat and corn
4. Which sentence is true?
a. Humans do not depend on ecosystem.

b. The loss of one species may lead to the 16ss of others.
c. Unsustainable forest management practices have no effects on species.
d. The coast of Florida does not suffer any pollution:
Page 4
Grade 12 READING COMPREHENSION
5. The word trigger has a close meaning to _______.
a. cause b. pollute c. contaminate d. decline
UNIT 11: BOOKS
ooks which give instructions on how to do things are very popular in the United States today.
Thousands of these How-to books are useful. In fact, there are about four thousand books with
titles that begin with the words “How to”. One book may tell you how to earn money, another may
tell you how to save or spend it, and another may explain how to give your money away.
B
Many How-to books give advice on careers. They tell you how to choose a career and how to
succeed in it. If you fail, however, you can buy the book “How to Turn Failure into Success”. If you
would like to become very rich, you can buy the book “How to Make a Millionaire”. If you never
make any money at all, you may need a book called “How to Live on Nothing”.
One of the most popular types of books is one that helps you with personal problems. If you
want to have a better love of life, you can read “How to Succeed in Love every Minute of Your
Life”. If you are tired of books on happiness, you may prefer books which give step-by-step
instructions on how to redecorate or enlarge a house.
Why have How-to books become so popular? Probably because life has become so complex.
Today people have far more free time to use, more choices to make, and more problems to solve.
How-to books help people deal with modern life.
1. From the first paragraph, we know How-to books are ___.
A. only about four thousand copies B. on money
C. very helpful in life D. needed a lot
2. The passage tells us that How-to books sell well on how ___.
A. to succeed in careers B. to solve personal problems
C. to deal with business D. to make money

3. If you often read How-to books, you ___.
A. will be sure to get something you need B. will not know how to help yourself in life
C. will become a man in life D. needn’t think any more in the world
4. How-to books appear only because ___.
A. people have more free time to spend than before
B. people meet more problems than their parents
C. people may have more choices from How-to books than any other books
D. modern life is more difficult to deal with
5. The word “step-by-step” would probably mean ___.
A. little by little B. gradually C. slower and slower D. A & B are correct
good deal of fascinating research has been done about the reading patterns of young people,
and it is surprising to discover at what an early age children start expressing preferences for
particular kinds of books. A recent report which examined in detail the reading habits of primary-
school children showed that even seven-year-old boys and girls have clear views about what they
want to read. Girls, in general, read more, and far more girls than boys preferred reading stories.
Boys were showing a taste for the more instant appeal of picture stories, or else books about their
hobbies.
A
These tastes continue unchanged until girls are teenagers. Apparently girls read more in general,
but more fiction in particular. You could say that there are more opportunities for girls to read
fiction: magazines encourage the fiction habits in girls in their early teens, and by their late teens
Page 5
Grade 12 READING COMPREHENSION
they have probably moved on to the adult women’s magazines. Teenage boys tend to buy magazines
about their hobbies: motorcycles, heavy transport and so on.
Adult reading tastes are also the subject of research. Again the number of women who read for
pleasure is considerably higher than the number of men. It seems that the majority of women still
want love stories. There has also been some analysis of what men actually read. Apparently only 38
percent of men read anything, but 50 percent of what they read is fiction in the form of action-
packed stories of space or gunmen.

1. Recent research into children’s reading has showed that they ___.
A. start to read at a very early age
B. have formed their reading tastes by the time they are seven
C. examine in detail what they read at school
D. can read clearly and distinctly in primary school
2. A close look at the reading habits of boys and girls shows that ___.
A. school gives more encouragement to girls than to boys
B. magazines appeal more to boys than to girls
C. picture stories appeal more to girls than to boys
D. girls are more interested in fictions than boys
3. Research into adult reading habits has showed that ___.
A. the majority of men read nothing at all B. women do not read about their hobbies
C. 38% of men have difficulty in reading D. men prefer to read about current affair
4. According to the passage, ___.
A. far more boys than girls are interested in love stories
B. there are more opportunities for girls to buy magazines than for men
C. children generally don’t care what they should read
D. teenage boys show a taste for magazines about their hobbies
5. The word “fascinating” means most nearly the same as ___.
A. having a lot of action B. having a lot of information
C. having great attraction D. having great pleasure
UNIT 12: WATER SPORTS
ynchronized swimming is water sport in which contestants perform choreographed maneuvers
set to music. Synchronized swimming requires agility, grace, timing, musical interpretation, and
overall body strength.
S
Three competitive synchronized swimming events are recognized internationally: solo, duet, and
team (consisting of eight swimmers), although all three events are not always held at each
competition. In each event, synchronized swimmers compete in three categories: figures, technical
routine, and free routine. All three categories are also not always held at each competition.

In the figures competition, swimmers perform 4 of a possible 20 figures, or combinations of
movements. A panel of judges awards points from 0 to 10 based on the accuracy of the performance
and the timing, height, stability, and control of the figures. In the technical routine, the swimmers
must perform a set list of elements, or combinations of figures and swimming strokes, in a
prescribed order. In the free routine, swimmers can create their own choreography of figures and
strokes. In the technical and free routines, which can last from two to five minutes each, depending
on whether they are solo, duet, or team competition, a panel of judges awards points from 0 to 10 in
the categories of technical merit and artistic impression. Technical merit encompasses the execution,
Page 6
Grade 12 READING COMPREHENSION
synchronization, and difficulty of the elements. Artistic impression includes the choreography,
musical interpretation, and manner of presentation of the performance. Routines are enhanced by
swimmers’ use of original and expressive movements, patterns, and rhythms. The scores for the
figures and the routines are weighed according to a formula and combined for each competitor to
determine the winner.
1. What are the synchronized swimming events recognized internationally?
A. figures, technical routine, and free routine B. solo, duet, and team
C. a set list of elements D. All are correct.
2. What categories do synchronized swimmers compete in each event?
A. grace, timing, musical interpretation
B. choreography of figures and strokes
C. figures, technical routine, and free routine
D. movements, patterns, and rhythms
3. How do judges award points to the performance in the figures competition?
A. based on height, stability
B. based on the accuracy of the performance and the timing
C. based on control of the figures
D. All are correct.
4. How long do the technical and free routines last?
A. They last two minutes each. B. They last five minutes each.

C. They last four minutes.
D. It depends on whether they are in solo, duet, or team competition.
5. What does the manner of presentation of the performance belong to?
A. the accuracy of the performance B. technical merit
C. choreography of figures and strokes D. artistic impression
here is very little documentation about the origins of water polo. It is known, however, that the
sport originated in the rivers and lakes of mid-19th century England as an aquatic version of
rugby. Early games used an inflated rubber ball that came from India known as a "pulu" (the single
Indian word for all "balls"). Pronounced "polo" by the English, both the game and the ball became
known as "water polo." To attract more spectators to swimming exhibitions, the London Swimming
Association designed a set of water polo rules for indoor swimming pools in 1870. At first, players
scored by planting the ball on the end of the pool with both hands. A favorite trick of the players was
to place the five-to-nine inch rubber ball inside their swimming suit and dive under the murky water,
and they would then appear again as close to the goal as possible.
T
The introduction of the rules by Scottish players changed the nature of water polo. It became a game
that emphasized swimming, speed and passing. Scottish rules moved from a rugby variant to a
soccer style of play. Goals became a cage of 10x 3 feet and a goal could be scored by being thrown.
Players could only be tackled when they "held" the ball and the ball could no longer be taken under
water. The small rubber ball was replaced by a leather soccer ball. If the player came up too near the
goal, he was promptly jumped on by the goalie, who was permitted to stand on the pool deck. Games
were often nothing more than gang fights in the water as players ignored the ball, preferring
underwater wrestling matches that usually ended with one man floating to the surface unconscious.
Water polo was first played in the USA in 1888. The game featured the old rugby style of play
which resembled American football in the water. "American style" water polo became very popular
Page 7
Grade 12 READING COMPREHENSION
and by the late 1890's was played in such venues as Madison Square Garden and Boston's
Mechanics Hall, attracting 14,000 spectators to national championship games.
1. According to the text, _______.

A. the origins of water polo are written thoroughly in a lot of documents
B. water polo is an aquatic version of rugby
C. water polo first appeared somewhere outside England
D. people have played water polo since the early 19th century.
2. The present rules of water polo were invented _______.
A. by Scottish players B. by Indian players
C. the London Swimming Association D. in 1870
3. In water polo, the players score a goal by _______.
A. swimming B. passing C. catching D. throwing
4. The present water polo ball is made of _______.
A. rubber B. leather C. bone D. wood
5. Water polo became popular in America in _______.
A. the middle of the 19th century B. in 1870
C. in 1888 D. by the late 1890's
UNIT 13: THE 22
nd
SEA GAMES
he 22
nd
Southeast Asian Games were held in Hanoi, Vietnam from 5 December to 13
December, 2003. The Games were opened by Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai in the
newly constructed My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi. The Games torch was lit by Nguyen Thuy
Hien of Wushu. It was the first time in the SEA Games history that the Games venues were assigned
into two cities namely Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
T
The 22
nd
SEA Games logo designed by painter Nguyen Chi Long is based on a legendary bird
named “Chim Lac”. The bird decorated the Ngoc Lu bronze drum, a typical antiquity of the ancient
Dong Son Vietnamese culture. The Emblem is composed of harmonious and vigorous curves,

creating a feeling of movement and strength which conforms to the Olympic Spirit: “Faster, Higher
and Stronger”. The colorful whirls represent the tough competitiveness in sports
The Games’ hymn was “For the World of Tomorrow”, composed by Nguyen Quang VInh.
Painter Nguyen Thai Hung chose “Trau Vang”, the golden water buffalo as the mascot for the 22nd
SEA Games. With a gentle and harmonious nature, the clever Buffalo has become synonymous with
the water and rice civilization that is so important in Vietnam as well as in other Southeast Asian
countries. To Vietnamese people, the Golden Buffalo symbolizes a golden harvest, prosperity,
happiness, power and the Vietnamese martial spirit.
1. In which cities in Vietnam were the 22nd SEA Games held?
A. in Hanoi B. in Ho Chi Minh City
C. in Hanoi and HCM City D. in Hue
2. What is the 22nd SEA Games logo based on?
A. the Ngoc Lu bronze drum B. the ancient Dong Son Vietnamese culture
C. a legendary bird named “Chim Lac” D. the Olympic Spirit
3. What is the effect of harmonious and vigorous curves of the emblem?
A. to create a feeling of self-confidence
B. to encourage the spirit of fair play
C. to create a feeling of movement and strength
Page 8
Grade 12 READING COMPREHENSION
D. All are correct.
4. What has the mascot for the 22nd SEA Games been associated with?
A. the prosperity B. the water and rice civilization
C. Vietnamese agriculture D. Vietnamese farmers
5. To Vietnamese people, what does the Golden Buffalo symbolize?
A. a golden harvest B. prosperity, happiness, and power
C. the Vietnamese martial spirit D. All are correct.
he 22nd SEA Games were launched by an impressive opening ceremony at Hanoi’s My Dinh
National Stadium on December 5th 2003, in front of over 40,000 awed spectators. On behalf of
the host country, Prime Minister Phan Van Khai declared the 22nd SEA Games open.

T
Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem, Chairman of the National Steering Board for the 22nd
SEA Games, Minister-Chairman Nguyen Danh Thai, and Hanoi Mayor Hoang Van Nghien
presented flowers and banners to the 11 participating sports delegations.
On behalf of the referees and athletes, referee Hoang Quoc Vinh and shooter Nguyen Manh
Tuong swore to an oath of “Solidarity, Honesty and Fair Play”.
After the “ritual” part of the ceremony, a laser light show kicked off the “festival” segment.
More than one thousand artists, dressed in green and sea blue representing the forest and the sea,
then presented the first chapter of the performance, named “The Land of the Dragon and Fairy”.
The scene depicted the legend of Vietnam’s origins, featuring the father–Dragon and mother-
Fairy, and ended with young men and women lining up in an S-shaped pattern, a symbol of Vietnam
as a country.
The second part of the program, named “Cooperation for Peace” featured children holding five
pointed-stars and entering from the stadium’s four gates, representing Hanoi, the capital city with
one thousand years of history. Dancing men and women in traditional costumes of ASEAN members
and East Timor concluded the third segment, named “United ASEAN Looks To The Future”, which
comprised four performances: “Lands by the Pacific Ocean”, “Essential Convergence”, “New
Tune”, and “ASEAN Towards The Future”.
The Games mascot, the Golden Buffalo, and 22 singers (standing for the 22nd Games) then
took center stage, singing the Games official song “For a World of Tomorrow”. The whole show
ended as thousands of flying balls were released and fireworks were fired from places in Hanoi.
1. How many nations took part in the 22nd SEA Games in Vietnam?
A. ten nations B. eleven nations C. twelve nations D. twenty nations
2. The athletes participated in the 22nd SEA Games in the spirit of ___.
A. “Solidarity, Honesty and Cooperation” B. “Development, Honesty and Fair Play”
C. “Solidarity, Honesty and Fair Play” D. “Solidarity, Cooperation and Fair Play”
3. The festival performances of the opening ceremony included ___.
A. “The Land of the Dragon and Fairy”, “Cooperation for Peace”, and “ASEAN Towards The
Future”
B. “The Land of the Dragon and Fairy”, “Cooperation for Peace”, and “Lands by the Pacific

Ocean”
C. “Lands by the Pacific Ocean”, “Essential Convergence”, and “ASEAN Towards The Future”
D. “The Land of the Dragon and Fairy”, “Cooperation for Peace”, and “United ASEAN Looks
To The Future”
4. The festival performances of the opening ceremony represented ___.
Page 9
Grade 12 READING COMPREHENSION
A. the cultural diversity of the ASEAN countries
B. the long history of Vietnamese culture
C. the cooperation among the ASEAN members and their future development
D. All are correct.
5. The Games official song was ___.
A. “For a World of Tomorrow” B. “The Golden Buffalo”
C. “Vietnam – Our Fatherland” D. “The Land of the Dragon and Fairy”
UNIT 14: INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
he United Nations (UN), international organization of countries created to promote world peace
and cooperation. The UN was founded after World War II ended in 1945. Its mission is to
maintain world peace, develop good relations between countries, promote cooperation in solving the
world’s problems, and encourage respect for human rights.
T
The UN is an organization of countries that agree to cooperate with one another. It brings
together countries that are rich and poor, large and small, and have different social and political
systems. Member nations pledge to settle their disputes peacefully, to refrain from using force or the
threat of force against other countries, and to refuse help to any country that opposes UN actions.
UN membership is open to any country willing to further the UN mission and abide by its rules.
Each country, no matter how large or small, has an equal voice and vote. Each country is also
expected to pay dues to support the UN. As of 2004 the UN had 191 members, including nearly
every country in the world.
The UN’s influence in world affairs has fluctuated over the years, but the organization gained
new prominence beginning in the 1990s. It was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001. Still, the

UN faces constant challenges. It must continually secure the cooperation of its member nations
because the organization has little independent power or authority. But getting that support is not
always easy. Many nations are reluctant to defer their own authority and follow the dictates of the
UN.
1. What are the missions of the United Nations?
A. to promote cooperation in solving the world’s problems
B. to encourage respect for human rights
C. to maintain world peace, and develop good relations between countries
D. All are correct.
2. According to the United Nations’ Charter, ___.
A. each country, no matter how large or small, has an equal voice and vote
B. member nations pledge to settle their disputes peacefully
C. member nations pledge to refrain from using force or the threat of force against other
countries, and to refuse help to any country that opposes UN actions
D. All are correct.
3. The United Nations has ___.
A. power over all country members B. no power at all
C. little independent power D. much power over developing countries
4. Why does the UN face constant challenges?
A. Some countries refuse to pay dues to support the UN.
B. There is not much cooperation among its member nations.
C. Some countries do not follow the dictates of the UN.
Page 10
Grade 12 READING COMPREHENSION
D. B & C
5. The word “pledge” would probably be best replaced by ___.
A. claim B. promise C. keep D. require
he United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) encourages and coordinates sound
environmental practices throughout the world. It grapples with ways to approach environmental
problems on an international level, provides expertise to member countries, monitors environmental

conditions worldwide, develops environmental standards, and recommends alternative energy
sources.
T
UNEP’s work is guided by principles adopted at the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and
Development, also known as the Earth Summit. The summit, which took place in Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil, was the largest such conference ever held, attracting with more than 100 national leaders.
The major theme of the 1992 Earth Summit was sustainable economic development, meaning
development that does not use up or destroy so many of the world’s natural resources that it cannot
be sustained over time. The meeting produced an overall plan, called Agenda 21, in which large
developing countries promised to develop their industries with an eye to protecting the environment.
Industrialized countries pledged to help them do that. The Earth Summit also produced major
treaties on biodiversity and global warming, although the latter treaty lacked enforcement
provisions.
In 2002, UNEP sponsored the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg,
South Africa. This conference sought to help developing countries undergo industrialization without
harming the environment. But progress on environmental issues is slow because proposed solutions
continue to pit the interests of poorer developing countries against those of richer industrialized
nations. Most developing countries cannot afford to build an environmentally sound industrial base,
while industrialized countries are unwilling to absorb the entire cost of environmental reform.
What are the aims of the United Nations Environment Program?
A. to encourage developing countries to build an environmentally sound industrial base
B. to encourage and coordinate sound environmental practices throughout the world
C. to encourage developed countries to cut wastes
D. to help developing countries undergo industrialization without harming the environment
2. In the Earth Summit in 1992, what was passed?
A. the aims of UNEP B. the action plans of UNEP
C. the principles of UNEP D. the charters of UNEP
3. What are the major themes of the Earth Summit?
A. Development does not use up or destroy so many of the world’s natural resources that it
cannot be sustained over time.

B. Large developing countries promise to develop their industries with an eye toward protecting
the environment.
C. It produced major treaties on biodiversity and global warming.
D. All are correct.
4. Why is progress on environmental issues slow?
A. Industrialized countries are willing to absorb the entire cost of environmental reform.
B. Most developing countries cannot afford to build an environmentally sound industrial base.
C. Proposed solutions continue to pit the interests of poorer developing countries against those
of richer industrialized nations.
Page 11
Grade 12 READING COMPREHENSION
D. All are correct.
5. What may the phrase “with an eye to” be probably mean?
A. having good eyesight B. having the eye contact
C. with the intention of D. examining something carefully
UNIT 15: WOMEN IN SOCIETY
ntil the 19
th
century, the denial of equal rights to women met with only occasional protest and
drew little attention from most people. Because most women lacked the educational and
economic resources that would enable them to challenge the prevailing social order, women
generally accepted their inferior status as their only option. At this time, women shared these
disadvantages with the majority of working class men, as many social, economic, and political rights
were restricted to the wealthy elite. In the 19th century, as governments in Europe and North
America began to draft new laws guaranteeing equality among men, significant numbers of women
– and some men – began to demand that women be accorded equal rights as well.
U
At the same time, the Industrial Revolution in Europe and North America further divided the
roles of men and women. Before the Industrial Revolution most people worked in farming or crafts-
making, both of which took place in or near the home. Men and women usually divided the

numerous tasks among themselves and their children. Industrialization led male workers to seek
employment outside of the home in factories and other large-scale enterprises. The growing split
between home and work reinforced the idea that women’s “rightful place” was in the home, while
men belonged in the public world of employment and politics.
Organized efforts by women to achieve greater rights occurred in two major waves. The first
wave began around the mid-19th century, when women in the United States and elsewhere
campaigned to gain suffrage – that is, the right to vote. This wave lasted until the 1920s, when
several countries granted women suffrage.
1. Why did the denial of equal rights to women draw little attention from the society until
the 19th century?
A. They could not challenge the prevailing social order.
B. They did not have any other option.
C. Most women lacked the educational and economic resources.
D. All are correct.
2. Until the 19th century, what was the status of the working class men in the society?
A. They had the same rights as women.
B. They had no right at all.
C. They did not have much power compared to the wealthy people.
D. They had much power in the society.
3. When did the women’s movement start in Western countries?
A. in the 18th century B. in the late 18th century
C. in the 19th century D. in the early 20th century
4. What did the effect of the Industrial Revolution in Europe and North America bring about?
A. Male workers tried to seek employment outside of the home.
B. It did not bring the equality to women.
C. Well-educated, upper-class men controlled most positions of employment and power in
society.
Page 12
Grade 12 READING COMPREHENSION
D. All are correct.

5. What was the aim of the women’s movement in the United States in the 1920s?
A. to gain the right to have much power in the society
B. to gain the right to vote
C. to gain the right to go to work in the factory
D. to have the complete equality to men
ince the 1940s, most international women’s rights efforts have been organized by the
Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), an office established in 1947 by the United
Nations (UN). The Commission is the only existing intergovernmental body that issues reports on
and recommendations for the promotion of women’s political, social, economic, and cultural rights.
The CSW also acts as an advocate for women’s rights and can urge immediate international action in
cases of severe violations of women’s rights.
S
The UN encouraged equality in the workplace for men and women when it sponsored the
Convention Concerning Equal Remuneration for Men and Women Workers for Work of Equal
Value in 1953 and the Convention Concerning Discrimination in Respect of Employment and
Occupation in 1960. Over 100 countries ratified these measures. In 1975 the UN launched the
Decade for Women, a ten-year effort to focus on women’s issues. From 1975 to 1985 international
groups formed a series of conferences organized around the themes of equality, development and
peace. The conferences took place throughout the world and drew leaders and delegates from
developing and industrialized nations alike. The Decade for Women culminated in the 1985 UN
Nairobi Conference, held in Nairobi, Kenya, which was attended by 375 delegations of women from
nations around the world.
The United Nations’ Fourth World Conference on Women was held in Beijing, China, in 1995.
Over 17,000 people registered for the event, including delegates from nearly 200 countries. The
Platform for Action that emerged from the conference focused on the removal of obstacles to
women’s equal participation in society. The most controversial sections of the platform concerned
reproductive rights, particularly the right to have an abortion. The final document declared that “the
ability of women to control their own fertility forms, an important basis for the enjoyment of other
rights”, and asserted the right of women and men to have access to all legal methods of fertility
regulation.

1. What are the functions of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)?
A. to urge immediate international action in cases of severe violations of women’s rights
B. to issue reports on and recommendations for the promotion of women’s political, social,
economic, and cultural rights
C. to act as an advocate for women’s rights
D. All are correct.
2. When was the first convention on women’s equality held?
A. in 1940 B. in 1947 C. in 1953 D. in 1975
3. What was the main goal of the Decade for Women?
A. to encourage equality in the workplace for men and women
B. to encourage equality, development, and peace for men and women
C. to remove obstacles to women’s equal participation in society
Page 13
Grade 12 READING COMPREHENSION
D. All are correct.
4. What did the Platform for Action in the World Conference on Women held in Beijing,
China, in 1995 focus on?
A. to encourage equality in the workplace for men and women
B. to remove obstacles to women’s equal participation in society
C. to allow women to control their own fertility forms
D. to solve the most controversial sections of the platform concerned reproductive rights
5. What was the conclusion of the Platform for Action on women’s reproductive rights?
A. to assert the right of women and men to have access to all legal methods of fertility
regulation
B. to allow women to have the ability to control their own fertility forms, an important basis for
the enjoyment of other rights
C. to adopt the right of women to have an abortion
D. All are correct.
UNIT 16: THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS
he seven-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met September 2, 1996, in

Singapore, to discuss how to police the Internet. Although the group agreed on the need to
control the explosion of information available on the Internet, it was unable to reach a common
policy for regulating access to the global computer network.
T
At the end of the three-day meeting, ASEAN government officials and industry experts issued a
statement emphasizing the need to block access to Web sites that run “counter to our cherished
values, traditions and culture”. ASEAN comprises Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The meeting was the first time the Southeast Asian countries had tried to formulate a common
approach to the Internet. Many of the ASEAN-member countries were concerned about the
dissemination of pornography and antigovernment views over the Internet, the influence and
perceived bias of the Western media, and the erosion of Asian values.
The forum, which followed a meeting of ASEAN information ministers earlier in the year,
concluded that each country should develop its own regulatory approach to cyberspace. The ASEAN
delegates agreed to share information and their experiences with national regulations and
“cyberlaws”.
The forum was unable to agree on a regulatory framework for the region because of differing
political views regarding censorship. Singapore, which has an estimated 150,000 Web users, is the
first ASEAN country to impose regulations on access to the Internet. The city-state requires Internet
providers to block access to pornographic sites and regulate political and religious discussion. On the
other hand, the Philippines and Thailand support more liberal policies, calling for self-regulation by
Internet access providers and minimal government intervention.
1. The meeting of the seven-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in
September, 1996, in Singapore issued the statement ___.
A. controlling the explosion of information available on the Internet
B. reaching common policy for regulating access to the global computer network
C. emphasizing the need to block access to Web sites that run “counter to our cherished values,
traditions and culture”
D. All are correct.
Page 14

Grade 12 READING COMPREHENSION
2. The greatest concern of many ASEAN-member countries was ___.
A. the explosion of information available on the Internet
B. the way to police all Western Web sites
C. the dissemination of pornography and antigovernment views over the Internet
D. the shortage of human resources for computing
3. At the end of the forum, the ASEAN delegates came to the conclusion that ___.
A. each country should develop its own regulatory approach to cyberspace
B. each country should share information and their experiences with national regulations and
“cyberlaws”
C. all delegates agreed on a regulatory framework for the region
D. All are correct.
4. The forum was unable to agree on a regulatory framework for the region because ___.
A. each country had different political views on censorship
B. Singapore requires Internet providers to block access to pornographic Web sites
C. The Philippines and Thailand support more liberal policies
D. All are correct.
5. The word “police” may probable mean ___.
A. to go around an area B. to monitor
C. to cancel D. to censor
hailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand (or “Land of the Free”), is a country in Southeast
Asia. The country was an absolute monarchy from 1782 until 1932, when rebels seized power
in a coup and established a constitutional monarchy. Since then, Thailand has come under the rule of
many governments, both civil and military. The country was known as Siam until 1939 (when it was
renamed Thailand), and again for a few years in the late 1940s. in 1949 the name Thailand was
adopted a second time.
T
Central Thailand is dominated by a large fertile plain, formed by the country’s chief river, the
Chao Phraya, and its tributaries. Much of the country’s rice and other crops are grown in this region.
Bangkok, located on the Chao Phraya near the Gulf of Thailand, is Thailand’s capital and largest

city.
Thai people form the large majority of Thailand’s population, and most of them practice
Theravada Buddhism. Other ethnic groups within the population include Chinese, Malays, and
indigenous hill peoples, such as the Hmong and Karen. Thailand is known for its highly refined
classical music and dance and for a wide range of folk arts. Traditionally based on agriculture,
Thailand’s economy began developing rapidly in the 1980s.
The Thai have always been an agricultural people of the lowland valleys and intermountain
basins, where they cultivated wet rice with the use of water buffalo and harvested a wide range of
fish and shellfish from the rivers and the sea. These occupations were often supplemented, especially
in the north and northeast, by the collection of forest products, ranging from timber, such as teak and
bamboo, to foods stored for consumption during the dry season. In the northern mountain valleys,
Tai-speaking peoples developed an intricate system of small-scale irrigation, called muang fai. The
eventual move to the great central plain necessitated the development of canals for transportation
and, from the late 19th century onwards, of much larger irrigation and flood-control systems. Small
nuclear families occupied villages, comprising a wat and wooden houses on stilts. The pattern of life
was governed above all by the seasonal rhythm of the monsoons and by a series of important
Page 15
Grade 12 READING COMPREHENSION
religious festivals. Many of these festivals were closely associated with fertility and the arrival and
ending of the rains.
1. The name of this country in 1948 was ___.
A. Thailand B. Siam
C. the Kingdom of Thailand D. “Land of the Free”
2. Thailand has followed the constitutional monarchy since ___.
A. 1782 B. 1932 C. 1949 D. 1980
3. Thai people are famous for ___.
A. folk dance B. highly refined classical music
C. a wide range of folk arts D. All are correct.
4. People in Thailand develop various kinds of irrigation such as ___.
A. an intricate system of small-scale irrigation, called muang fai, by Tai-speaking peoples

B. the development of canals for transportation in the great central plain
C. large irrigation and flood-control system
D. All are correct.
5. The pattern of life in the country was governed by ___.
A. the cultivation of wet rice
B. the seasonal rhythm of the monsoons and by a series of important religious festivals
C. the harvest of a wide range of fish and shellfish from the rivers and the sea
D. the arrival and ending of the rains
PART B
UNIT 9 (Cloze test 1 ) DESERTS
esert biomes are the (1) _____ of all the biomes. In fact, the most important characteristic of a
desert is that it receives very little (2) _____. Most deserts receive less than 300 mm a year
compared (3) __ rainforests, which receive over 2,000 mm. That means that the desert only gets 10
percent of the rain that a rainforest gets! The temperature in the desert can (4) _____ drastically from
day to night because the air is. (5) _____ dry that heat escapes rapidly at night. The daytime
temperature averages 38°C (6) _____ in some deserts it can get down to -4°C at night. The
temperature also varies greatly depending on the (7) _____ of the desert.
D
Since desert conditions are so severe, the plants that live there need to have (8) _____ to
compensate for the lack of water. Some plants, such as cacti, (9) _____ water in their stems and use
it very slowly, while others like bushes conserve water by growing few leaves or by having large
root systems to gather water or few leaves. Some desert plant species have a short life cycle of a few
weeks that (10) _____ only during periods of rain.
1. a. coldest b. hottest c. driest d. wettest
2. a. rain b. rainfall c. raindrop d. raincoat
3. a. with b. for c. about d. in
4. a. change b. exchange c. transform d. transfer
5. a. such as b. such c. so much d. so
Page 16
Grade 12 READING COMPREHENSION

6. a. when b. while c. as d. because
7. a. part b. region c. area d. location
8. a. adaptations b. agreements c. accepts d. achievements
9. a. place b. put c. store d. hold
10. a. spend b. take c. last d. experience
UNIT 10 (Cloze test 2 ) ENDANGERED SPECIES
he World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is an international (1) _____- governmental
organization for the (2) _____, research, and restoration of the environment. The organization
was (3) _____ as a charitable trust on September 11, 1961, in Morges, Switzerland, under the name
World Wildlife Fund. It was an initiative of Julian Huxley and Max Nicholson.
T
It is the world's largest independent conservation organization with over 5 million (4) _____
worldwide, working in more (5) _____ 90 countries, supporting 100 conservation and environmental
projects around the world. It is a charity, with (6) ____ 9% of its funding coming from voluntary. (7)
___ by private individuals and businesses.
The group says its mission is "to halt and reverse the (8) _____ of our environment". Currently,
much of its work focuses on the conservation of three biomes that contain most of the world's
biodiversity: forests, freshwater ecosystems, and oceans and coasts. Among other issues, it is also
concerned (9) _____ endangered species, pollution, and climate change. The organization (10) ____
more than 20 field projects worldwide. In the last few years, the organization set up offices and
operations around the world.
1. a. non b. not c. no d. nor
2. a. challenge b. keeping c. conservation d. awareness
3. a. produced b. discovered c. used d. formed
4. a. supporters b. residents c. inhabitants d. citizens
5. a. as b. than c. to d. as to
6. a. generally b. individually c. commercially d. approximately
7. a. deposits b. donations c. refunds d. loans
8. a. destroy b. destructive c. destruction d. destroyed
9. a. on b. by c. with d. upon

10. a. goes b. walks c. reaches d. runs
Cloze test 4
SAVING OUR ANIMALS
rom a very early age Cathy had been passionate (1)_____ animals . She used to socialize with
people who (2)_____ the same way as she did . These people were not at all uninteresting or
indeed
F
Supercilious and their main interest in life was to (3)_____ that all animals were well treated .
She soon got to know one of the local big wigs (important people ) in a local organization (4)_____ .
at stopping cruelty to animals . He had been in his hey day (his most successful time ) , an important
(5)_____ in a government department in agriculture . In fact because he had refused to kow tow to
(accept without ) some of the official regulations , he had been forced to take (6)_____ .
Page 17
Grade 12 READING COMPREHENSION
retirement .
But as far (7)_____ . Cathy was concerned , he was the bee’s knees (some one to admire ) and when
she left school , she went to work as his assistant in the Society for the Protection of Animals .Her
parents however were not all pleased (8)_____ where she had decided to work . They lived in a
very attractive house and her father , John Fortune , who was really a very wealthy business man,
thought that all animals (9) _____ was a lot of nonsense . Cathy and her father had several
conversations about her decision but it usually (10 ) _____ up with a lot of arguments .
1. A. of B. to C. about D. through
2. A considered B. held C. approved D. thought
3. A. ensure B. assure C. convince D. convict
4. A. shot B. aimed C. hit D. struck
5. A. character B. puppet C. personage D. figure
6. A. busy B. easy C. early D. quick
7. A. so B more C. than D. as
8. A about B. for C. concerning D. around
9. A. matter B. business C. concerns D. topic

10. A. concluded B. terminated C. ended D. lasted
UNIT 11 : BOOKS (Cloze test 4 )
Read the following passage and choose the best answer for each blank.
Our family has got many books. All the …(1)……… of our family buy books and read them. My
mother says that books help us in self-education. In ancient times books ……(2)…… written by
hand. It was difficult to write a book …(3)……… a pen. Then printing came into our life. Printing
played an important ……(4)…. in the development of literature and culture. Now there are a lot of
books in the shops, there are many books in our flats. But it is difficult to buy all books …(5)………
we want to read. That’s why we get books in public libraries. There are some problems in our life
and sometimes it is difficult to ……(6)… them. I think that books can help us. Last year I read a
very interesting book “ An American Tragedy” by Theodore Dreiser.
This novel was …(7)…… at the beginning of the 20
th
century. The novel ……(8)……. The
tragic fate of a boy and a girl, Clyde and Roberta ……(9)…… name. It is a sad story. This novel
was written many years ago, but it is …(10)……… nowadays. Books must be our friends during our
life.
1. A. members B. partners C. groups D. relates
2. A. are B. were C. have D. had
3. A. in B. by C. with D. at
4. A. step B. stage C. chain D. role
5. A. who B. which C. when D. where
6. A. deal B. imagine C. create D. solve
7. A. published B. presented C. opened D. constructed
8. A. writes B. prescribes C. describes D. mentions
9. A. on B. by C. of D. with
10. A. amazing B. favorite C. popular D. worth
Cloze test 5
Page 18
Grade 12 READING COMPREHENSION

oday we think of books (1)_____ a volume of many sheets of paper (2)______ texts,
illustrations, photographs , ect.… (3)_______ their durability and portability , the main uses of
books are to preserve, and (4)_______ information. In ancients times, people wrote on clay tablets,
wood or bamboo tablets tied with cord , or book rolls to store information . Later , with the
(5)______ of paper , the Chinese had the first books (6)______ Jingangjing ( theDiamond Sutra )
printed in AD 868 . In the 20
th
century, (7)_______ the challenge from other media such as radio or
television and computer, books continued to be a primary (8)_____ for dissemination of knowledge
for instruction and pleasure in skills and arts and for the storage of human’s experience.
T
1) A. as B. as if C. alike D. with
2) A. contains B. contained C. containing D. which containing
3) A. Because B. Because of C. Despite D. Although
4) A. distribute B. supply C. send D. store
5) A. invention B. discovery C. appearance D. formation
6) A. calling B. called C. which called D. were called
7) A. despite B. though C. because of D. with
8) A. sources B. means C. ways D. mean
UNIT 12 : WATER SPORTS ( Cloze test 6 )
Read the following passage and choose the best answer for each blank.
Water polo is a team water sport requiring an ……(1)… to swim. Field players must swim
end to end of a 30-meter pool non-stop many times during a game without touching the ……(2)….
or bottom of the pool. The front crawl stroke used in water polo differs from the usual swimming
……(3)…… in which water polo players swim with the head …(4)……… water at all times to
observe the field. The arm stroke used is also …(5)……… shorter and quicker and is used to protect
the ball at all times. Backstroke is used by ……(6)……. field players to track advancing attackers
and by the …(7)…… to track the ball after passing. Water polo backstroke differs from swimming
backstroke; the players sits almost upright in the water, ……(8)…… eggbeater leg motions with
short arm strokes to the side …(9)……… of long straight arm strokes. This allows the player to see

the play and quickly switch positions. It also allows the player to quickly …(10)……… an on-
coming pass with a free hand.
1. A. emotion B. ability C. impossibility D. encouragement
2. A. sides B. borders C. edges D. rims
3. A. sport B. game C. play D. style
4. A. among B. between C. out of D. beneath
5. A. many B. lots of C. more D. a lot
6. A. defending B. invading C. fighting D. attacking
7. A. striker B. goalie C. guard D. defender
8. A. bearing B. taking C. using D. handling
9. A. despite B. because C. instead D. owing
10. A. catch B. carry C. throw D. touch
UNIT 13 (Cloze test 7 )
Read the passage and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each space.
Page 19
Grade 12 READING COMPREHENSION
t was a well-organized 24
th
SEA Games by the King and the Kingdom of Thailand. It was a
spectacular (1) to the 24
th
SEA Games earlier in the closing ceremony, and then the flag is
passed on to Laos, the host country of the next SEA Games in 2009.
I
It will be Laos’ first time to host the SEA Games. As they (2) the infrastructure and time
span to build the necessary facilities, Laos (3) that only 25 sports will be contested in the
upcoming Games. But if Laos (4) to meet the qualifications to hold the (5) in time,
the games would be moved to Singapore.
1. A. ending B. achievement C. final D. stop
2. A. insufficient B. miss C. lack D. lose

3. A. have told B. have announced C. have required D. have demanded
4. A. missed B. lacked C. refused D. failed
5. A. event B. anniversary C. meeting D. sports
UNIT 14 (Cloze test 8)
Read the passage and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each space.
n 1945, leaders from 51 countries met in San Francisco, California, and organized The United
Nations. World War II had just (1) . Millions of people had died, and there was destruction
everywhere. People hoped they could (2) a future of world peace through this new organization.
I
The main United Nations Organization is in New York City, but the United Nations has a
“family” of its (3) organizations all over the world. These organizations try to provide a better life
for everyone. One example is UNICEF, an organization which provides food, (4) care and many
other services to poor children (5) they live. Another example is the World Health
Organization, which provides medical programs all over the world.
1. A. finished B. ended C. terminated D. stopped
2. A. produce B. construct C. design D. build
3. A. united B. connected C. related D. attached
4. A. medical B. medicinal C. healthy D. hygiene
5. A. any place B. anywhere C. wherever D. everywhere
UNIT 15 (Cloze test 9)
ears ago, in their private family role, women quite often dominate the male members of the
household. Women were quite (41) _____ to their families. However, the public role of women
has changed (42) _____ since the beginning of World War II.
Y
During the war, men were away from home to the battle. As a (43) ____, women were in complete
control of the home. They found themselves doing double and sometimes triple (44) _____. They
began to take over the work of their absent husbands and to work outside. They accounted for 73%
of the industrial labor force. Women were forced by economic realities to work in the factories. The
women who worked there were (45) _____ low wages, lived in crowded and small dormitories. (46)
_____, they found themselves a place as active members of society. Women, although they were

ruthlessly exploited, became the key to the country's success.
1. a. fascinated b. worried c. dedicated d. interested
2. a. unfortunately b. approximately c. nearly d. dramatically
3. a. change b. result c. success d. opportunity
4. a. duty b. job c. requirement d. career
5. a. made b. paid c. created d. delivered
UNIT 16 ( Cloze test 10 )
Page 20
Grade 12 READING COMPREHENSION
ingapore was one of the five original member countries that (1) _____ ASEAN in 1967. (2)
_________ its independence in 1965 , Singapore has become one of the world’s most
prosperous countries . Singapore is highly ranked for its economic competitiveness ,and it was the
world’s most (3) ________ country from 1997 to 1999 as (4) _______ by the World (5)____
S
Forum.
Singapore has (6)______ an impressive recovery after the Asian financial crisis of 1997-1998 .
The government is currently restructuring the economy by promoting higher-value-added activities
in line with a” knowledge-based” economy, and by opening up protected sectors such as financial
services to (7) _____ overall efficiency . Various bilateral free-trade agreements are also being
negotiated to improve market access and (8) _______ foreign investment inflows
1) A. founded B. set for C. establishes D) held
2) A. with B. for C. since D) because of
3) A. competitiveness B. competitor C. competing D) competitive
4) A. ranked B.said C. decided D) founded
5) A. Financial B. Economic C. Economical D) trade
6) A. done B. made C. had D) improved
7) A. go off B. decrease C. increase D) form
8) A. lead B. dispose C. encourage D) call
Page 21