READING COMPREHENSION (20)
C1. All spiders spin webs. That's because webs help spiders. Webs help spiders do three things. Webs help
spiders hold eggs. Webs help spiders hide. And webs help spiders catch food. Webs help spiders hold
eggs. Many spiders like to lay their eggs in their webs. The webs help keep the eggs together. Webs help
spiders keep their eggs safe. Webs help spiders hide. Most spiders are dark. They are brown, grey, or
black. But spider webs are light. They are white and cloudy. When spiders hide in their webs, they are
harder to see. Webs help spiders catch food. Spider webs are sticky. When a bug flies into the web, it gets
stuck. It moves around. It tries to get out. But it can't. It is trapped! Spiders can tell that the bug is trapped.
That's because spiders feel the web move. And the spider is hungry. The spider goes to get the bug. As
you can see, webs help spiders hold eggs. Webs help spiders hide. And webs help spiders catch food.
Without webs, spiders would not be able to live like they do. Spiders need their webs to survive.
1) This passage is mostly about
A. spider colors
B. spider webs
C. spider eggs
2) Spider webs help spiders
I. hold eggs - II. catch food - III. find water
A. I only
B. I and II only
C. I, II, and III
3) As used in paragraph 4, the word trapped most nearly means.
A. stuck
B. hidden
C. eaten
4) How can spiders tell when something is trapped in their web?
A. They hear it.
B. They smell it.
C. They feel it.
5) As used in the last sentence of the passage, the word survive means to stay
A. alive
B. hidden
C. caught
C2. Most human beings are awake during the day and sleep all night. Owls live the opposite way. Owls
are nocturnal. This means that they sleep all day and stay awake at night. Because owls are nocturnal, this
means they must eat at night. But finding food in the dark is difficult. To help them, they have special eyes
and ears. Owls have very large eyes. These eyes absorb more light than normal. Since there is little light
during the night, it is helpful to be able to absorb more of it. This helps owls find food in the dark. Owls
also have very good hearing. Even when owls are in the trees, they can hear small animals moving in the
grass below. This helps owls catch their prey even when it is very dark. Like owls, mice are also nocturnal
animals. Mice have an excellent sense of smell. This helps them find food in the dark. Being nocturnal
helps mice to hide from the many different animals that want to eat them. Most of the birds, snakes, and
lizards that like to eat mice sleep at night—except, of course, owls! Some animals are nocturnal. This
means they are active at night. The owl and the mouse are good examples of nocturnal animals that use
their senses to find food in the dark.
1) The word diurnal is the opposite of the word nocturnal. Using information in the passage as a guide, we
can understand that an animal that is diurnal ________________.
A. sleeps at night and is awake during the day
B. hunts during the day and is awake at night
C. sleeps every other night and is awake during the day
D. doesn’t sleep at night or day.
2) Based on paragraph 2, it can be understood that an animal with small eyes ________.
A. must be diurnal.
B. has trouble seeing in the dark.
C. can see very well at night.
D. has poor eyesight.
3) In paragraph 3, the author writes, "This helps owls catch their prey even when it is very dark." What is
prey?
A. a noise that an animal makes during the night.
B. a small animal such as a pet dog or cat.
C. an animal that is hunted by other animals.
D. an animal that hunts other animals.
4) According to the passage, mice sleep during the day in order to __________________.
A. find food that other animals can not.
B. keep themselves safe.
C. store energy for night time activities.
D. protect themselves from the humidity of the day.
5) Using information in the final paragraph, it can be understood that ________________.
A. owls hunt mice.
B. mice can hide from owls.
C. mice and owls both hide from birds, snakes, and lizards.
D. owls are smarter than mice.
6)According to the passage, owls can find food in the dark using their sense of
I.sight
II.sound
III.smell
A.l only
B.I and II only C.II and III only
D.I, II, and III
C3. When we are young, we learn that tigers and sharks are dangerous animals. We might be scared of
them because they are big and powerful. As we get older; however, we learn that sometimes the most
dangerous animals are also the smallest animals. In fact, the animal that kills the most people every year is
one that you have probably killed yourself many times: the mosquito. While it may seem that all
mosquitoes are biters, this is not actually the case. Male mosquitoes eat plant nectar. On the other hand,
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female mosquitoes feed on animal blood. They need this blood to live and produce eggs. When a female
mosquito bites a human being, it transmits a small amount of saliva into the blood. This saliva may or may
not contain a deadly disease. The result of the bite can be as minor as an itchy bump or as serious as death.
Because a mosquito can bite many people in the course of its life, it can carry diseases from one person to
another very easily. Two of the most deadly diseases carried by mosquitoes are malaria and yellow fever.
Mosquitoes have many natural enemies like bats, birds, dragonflies, and certain kinds of fish. Bringing
more of these animals into places where mosquitoes live might help to cut down the amount of mosquitoes
in that area. This is a natural solution, but it does not always work very well. Mosquitoes can also be killed
with poisons or sprays. Even though these sprays kill mosquitoes, they may also harm other plants or
animals.
1.
a.
b.
c.
d.
2.
i.
ii.
iii.
According to the author, some people are more afraid of tigers and sharks than mosquitoes because tigers
and sharks . . .
Kill more people than mosquitoes
Are big and powerful
Are found all over the world
Have no natural enemies
Based on the information in paragraph 2, we can understand that . . .
Male mosquitoes and female mosquitoes have different eating habits
Male mosquitoes are harmless to humans
Female mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting diseases to humans
a. I only
b. I and II only
c. II and III only
d. I, II, and III
3.
a.
b.
c.
d.
In paragraph 2 the author writes, "This saliva may or may not contain a deadly disease." The purpose of
this statement is to . . .
Oppose a previous argument
Question an upcoming conclusion
Confirm a hypothesis
Support a later statement
4.
Which of the following best summarizes the information in paragraph 4?
a. Mosquito nets provide adequate protection from deadly mosquitoes
b. Poisons and sprays provide adequate protection from deadly mosquitoes
c. The introduction of the mosquito's natural enemies provides adequate protection from deadly mosquitoes
d. There is no perfect solution to the mosquito problem
5) Which of the following words best describes the author's overall attitude towards the prospect of solving
the mosquito problem?
A. despondent, meaning hopeless or dejected
B. exasperated, meaning extremely irritated or annoyed
C. equivocal, meaning doubtful or uncertain
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D. optimistic, meaning hopeful or taking a favorable view
6)As used in paragraph 2, minor most nearly means
A.insignificant
B.deadly
C.frustrating
D.dangerous
7)Based on information in paragraph 3, it can be understood that if you get sick with malaria or
yellow fever, your chances of survival are
A.terrible
B.mediocre
C.good
D.excellent
8)It can be understood that the introduction of dragonflies might reduce the number of flies in a
given area because dragonflies
A.work together with mosquitoes
B.kill mosquitoes
C.cannot be killed by poisons or sprays
D attract bats
C4. Rainforests circle the globe for twenty degrees of latitude on both sides of the equator. In that
relatively narrow band of the planet, more than half of all the species of plants and animals in the world
make their home. Several hundred different varieties of trees may grow in a single acre, and just one of
those trees may be the habitat for more than ten thousand kinds of spiders, ants, and other insects. More
species of amphibians, birds, insects, mammals, and reptiles live in rainforests than anywhere else on
earth. Unfortunately, half of the world’s rainforests have already been destroyed, and at the current rate,
another 25 percent will be lost by the year 2030. Scientists estimate that as many as fifty million acres are
destroyed annually. In other words, every sixty seconds, one hundred acres of rainforest is being cleared.
By the time you finish reading this passage, two hundred acres will have been destroyed! When this
happens, constant rains erode the former forest floor, the thin layer of soil no longer supports plant life,
and the ecology of the region is altered forever. Thousands of species of plants and animals are
condemned to extinction and since we aren’t able to predict the ramifications of this loss to a delicate
global ecology, we don’t know what we may be doing to the future of the human species as well.
1.
2.
3.
The author of this passage believes that
A. the rainforest will survive.
B. preserving the rainforest is important to the global ecology.
C. he can predict the future of global ecology.
D. the extinction of species is a natural process.
According to the passage, more than half of all the species of plants and animals
A. live in twenty rainforests.
B. live in several hundred different varieties of trees.
C. live in a forty-degree band of latitude.
D. live in areas where the rainforest has been cleared.
The word “relatively” in line 2 is closest in meaning to ___________.
A. temporarily
B. typically
C. comparatively (correct)
D. extremely
4.
The word “this” in line 13 refers to ___________.
A. the destruction of the acres
B. the reading of the passage
C. the erosion of the forest floor
D. the constant rains
5.
What will NOT happen if the rainforest continues to be cleared?
A. The land will be eroded by the rains.
B. The rainforest will grow, but at a much slower rate.
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C. The future of the human species may be changed.
D. Many species of plants and animals that depend on the rainforest will become extinct
3) What is the meaning of the word “just” in line 3?
A. fairly
B. only
C. correctly
D. precisely
4) How many of the world’s rainforests are projected to be destroyed if the current rate
continues?
A. All of them will be gone by the year 2000. B. Three-quarters of them will be gone by the
year 2000.
C. Half of them will be gone by the year 2000. D. One-quarter of them will be gone by the year
2000.
5) What is the current rate of destruction?
A. One acre per minute.
B. One acre per second.
C. One hundred acres per minute.
D. Two hundred acres per hour
C5. Should women find their happiness inside or outside the home? In the United States people used to
believe the saying, “A woman’s place is in the home.” But now both women and society are changing.
More than fifty percent of American women continue their work even after they are married. What has
brought about these changes? What is happening to the American family today? Up until the 1950’s a
typical American woman got married in her early 20’s. In those days she quit her job and became a
mother. “A woman’s place is in the home” was a popular saying. Most women felt that taking care of their
home and family was their full-time job. But times have changed. Women are getting married later these
days and more have chosen to stay single. Others get married but decide not to have any children. Today
more than fifty percent of all married women work full-time. Many others run businesses in their homes.
What has caused these major changes? One reason is economic necessity. It may be that the husband has
lost his job and the wife must support the family. Or even if the husband is working, some families say
they can’t survive on only one paycheck. But probably a more important influence has been the “women’s
liberation movement.” Women are being told in many magazines and TV programs: “You can be
successful on your own. Don’t be satisfied with just being a wife and mother. Use your intelligence and
talents to do something bigger. And you should be paid as much as a man.”
No doubt this movement has accomplished much good. But it has also contributed to a selfish “me first”
attitude that is breaking up many families. Sometimes women who are happy staying at home feel that
working women look down on them. There are no easy answers to these problems. But certainly women’s
influence will continue to grow in business, education and politics.
1. It is obvious that the major influence that has brought about a change in women’s role in
society come from…..
A. the women ‘s liberation movement
B. magazines and TV programs
C. women who chose to stay single
D. men who are unemployed or underpaid
2. In the US nowadays , women who continue to work after they get married…..
A. are in minority
B. account for more than half of all women
C. are doing so unwillingly
D. because their husbands want them to
3. Which of the following is NOT true?
A. Up untill the 1950’s, “A woman’s place is in the home.” was a popular saying
B. The American women who continue to work after married are more than fifty percent
C. People used to believe that women should work as hard as men and be paid as much as
men
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D. It seems that women’s influence and role in American society will increase in the near future
4. According to the passage , the women’s liberation movement…….
A. encourages the “ me first” attitude which may threaten to break up the family
B. looks down on women who don’t work
C. has less influence than it once did
D. has succeeded in solving social problems
C6. When John Mills was going to fly in an aeroplane for the first time, he was frightened. He did not like
the idea of being thousands of feet up in the air. “I also didn’t like the fact that I wouldn’t be in control,”
says John. “I’m a terrible passenger in the car. When somebody else is driving, I tell them what to do. It
drives everybody crazy”. However, John couldn’t avoid flying any longer. It was the only way he could
visit his grandchildren in Canada. To get ready for the flight John did lots of reading about aeroplanes.
When he booked his seat, he was told that he would be flying on a Boeing 777, which is better known as a
jumbo jet. “I needed to know as much as possible before getting on that plane. I suppose it was a way of
making myself feel better. The Boeing 777 is the largest passenger aircraft in the world at the moment.
Even though I had discovered all this very interesting information about the jumbo, when I saw it for the
first time, just before I was going to travel to Canada, I still couldn’t believe that something so enormous
was going to get up in the air and fly. I was even more impressed when I saw how big it was inside with
hundreds of people!”. The biggest surprise of all for John was the flight itself. “The take-off itself was
much smoother than I expected although I was still quite scared until we were in the air. In the end, I
managed to relax, enjoy the food and watch one of the movies and the view from the window was
spectacular. I even managed to sleep for a while! Of course,” continues John, “the best reward of all was
when I arrived in Canada and saw my son and his family, particularly my beautiful grandchildren.
Suddenly, I felt so silly about all the years when I couldn’t even think of getting on a plane. I had let my
fear of flying stop me from seeing the people I love most in the world. I can visit my son and his family as
often as I like now!”
1. Why did John Mills fly an airplane?
A. He wanted to try it.
B. He wanted to go on holiday.
C. He wanted to see his family.
D. He had to travel on business.
2. Why did John read about airplanes?
A. He wanted to know how they work.
B.It made him feel safer.
C.It was his hobby.
D.He had found a book on them.
3. What happened when he saw the jumbo jet for the first time?
A. He felt much safer.
B.He couldn’t believe how big it was.
C.He liked the shape of it.
D.He thought the wings were too small to carry the
fuel.
4. How did John feel when the airplane was taking off?
A.excited
B.happy
C.sad
D.frightened
5. What surprised John most about the flight?
A .That he liked the food.
B. That there were movies being shown.
C.That he was able to sleep. D.That the view was good.
6. How did John feel about his fears in the end?
A. He thought he had wasted time being afraid.
B. He realized it was ok to be afraid.
C. He hoped his grandchildren weren’t afraid of flying. D. He realized that being afraid kept
him safe
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C7. With the onset of the winter season, man’s natural enemies, the common cold and the flu, arrive with
full force. It seems that the fluctuations in temperature and weather are guarantees that coughs and sneezes
will spread infecting germs among family and friends. More than 100 different types of bacteria can
cause a cold, and doctors sometimes use antibiotics to treat bacterial colds. However, there are an equal
number of viruses that can cause influenza, and modern science offers no drug capable of curing viral
infections. In most cases, the best advice is the usual prescription: get plenty of rest, drink lot fluids, and
be prepared to suffer for three to ten days. Some home cures help to relieve the symptoms of colds and
flus. Mother’s chicken soup, rich in fats and oils, helps to revitalize a tired body and to soothe a sore
throat. Garlic, containing the active ingredient allicin, has long been used to fight off the effects of
bacteria and viruses. Hot toddies consisting of small amounts of liquor mixed with honey, sugar, and
lemon juice can relieve soreness and draw out cold germs. Finally, recent evidence suggests that large
doses of vitamin C not only boost the immune system before a cold arrives, but also relieve cold
symptoms after they have set in.
1: What is the main idea of this passage?
a.
Man's natural enemies
b.
The nature of colds and flu
c.
Fluctuations in temperature
d.
The onset of winter
2: It can be inferred from the passage that germs are spread
a. through the air
b. only in winter weather
c. when the temperature
d. with great force
3: In line 3, the word "infecting" can best be replace by
a. escaping
b. unavoidable
c. contaminating
d. debilitating
4: It can be inferred from the passage that antibiotics
a. have been on the market for a short time
b. are not yet effective on bacterial colds
c. may kill beneficial organisms
d. cannot be used to treat influenza
5.
It can be inferred from the passage that chicken soup it good for a sore
throat because…
a. It can eliminate symptoms
b. Mothers depend on it
c. It does not cause flu symptoms
d. The fats and oils have soothing qualities
C8. Today’s cars are smaller, safer, cleaner, and more economical than their predecessors, but the car of
the future will be far more pollution-free than those on the road today. Several new types of automobile
engines have already been developed that run on alternative sources of power, such as electricity,
compressed natural gas, methanol, steam, hydrogen, and propane. Electricity, however, is the only zeroemission option presently available. Although electric vehicles will not be truly practical until a powerful,
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compact battery or other dependable source of current is available, transportation experts foresee a new
assortment of electric vehicles entering everyday life: shorter-range commuter electric cars, three-wheeled
neighborhood cars, electric delivery vans, bikes, and trolleys. As automakers work to develop practical
electric vehicles, urban planners and utility engineers are focusing on infrastructure systems to support and
make the best use of the new cars. Public charging facilities will need to be as common as today’s gas
stations. Public parking spots on the street or in commercial lots will need to be equipped with devices that
allow drivers to charge their batteries while they shop, dine, or attend a concert. To encourage the use of
electric vehicles, the most convenient parking in transportation centers might be reserved for electric cars.
Planners foresee electric shuttle buses, trains, buses, and neighborhood vehicles all meeting at transit
centers that would have facilities for charging and renting. Commuters will be able to rent a variety of
electric cars to suit their needs: light trucks; one-person three-wheelers; small cars; or electric, gasoline
hybrid cars for longer trips, which will no doubt take place on automated freeways capable of handling
five times the number of vehicles that can be carried by a freeway today.
1: The following electrical vehicles are all mentioned in the passage EXCEPT
A. vans
B. trains
C. planes
D. trolleys
2: The author’s purpose in the passage is to
A. criticize conventional vehicles
B. support the invention of electric cars
C. narrate a story about alternative energy vehicles
D. describe the possibilities for transportation in the future
3: The passage would most likely be followed by details about
A. automated freeways
B. pollution restrictions in the future
C. the neighborhood of the future
D. electric shuttle buses
4. The word “compact” in the second paragraph is closest in meaning to
A. long-range B. inexpensive
C. concentrated
D. squared
5: In the second paragraph, the author implies that
A. a dependable source of electric energy will eventually be developed.
B. everyday life will stay much the same in the future.
C. a single electric vehicle will eventually replace several modes of transportation
D. electric vehicles are not practical for the future
6: According to the passage, public parking lots of the future will be
A. more convenient than they are today
B. equipped with charging devices
C. much larger than they are today
D. as common as today’s gas stations
7: The word “charging” in this passage refers to
A. electricity
B. credit cards
C. aggression
D. lightning
8: The word “foresee” in this passage could best be replaced with
A. count on
B. invent
C. imagine
D. rely on
9: The word “commuters” in paragraph 4 refers to
A. daily travelers
B. visitors
C. cab drivers
D. shoppers
10: The word “hybrid” in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to
A. combination
B. hazardous
C. futuristic
D. automated
C9. Being able to forecast the weather isn’t just to do with informing people about whether or not they can
go to the beach or have a picnic. When there are going to be severe weather conditions, the ability to
prepare for them can be a matter of life or death. A hurricane needs certain weather conditions to start
forming: warm tropical oceans with moisture and heat above them. The centre of the hurricane is very
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calm and it is called the “eye”, but the most violent activity takes place in the area immediately around the
eye which is called the “eyewall”. When hurricanes move onto the land from the sea, the heavy rain,
strong winds and huge waves can cause unbelievable damage to buildings and trees, and cars can be
picked up and thrown like matchboxes. The greatest danger, however, is in the rise in the sea level as it
hits the land. This is called the ‘storm surge’ and can be catastrophic. To measure how powerful an
approaching hurricane is, meteorologists use something called the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. This
means that a hurricane coming towards the land is given a number from 1 to 5 depending on how fast its
winds are. The calmest hurricane is given the number 1 on the scale. As technology has developed and we
can now forecast the weather, it has meant that the advance warnings given have greatly reduced the
number of deaths caused by hurricanes. However, the damage to property, which cannot be avoided, still
costs billions of dollars to repair.
1. According to the text, weather forecast is exceptionally crucial when the weather is becoming
A. moderate
B. severe
C. uneasy
D. pleasant
2. What does “them” in line 3 refer to?
A. hurricanes
B. weather forecasts
C. picnics
D. extreme weather conditions
3. Hurricanes in the Indian Ocean is usually referred to as
A. storms
B. tornados
C. typhoons
D. cyclones
4. Which is the least active part of a hurricane?
A. the eyewall
B. the eye
C. the storm surge
D. the winds
5. At which point is the hurricane most dangerous?
A. when it has an eye
B. when it moves out to sea
C. when it knocks down trees
D. when it moves onto to land
6. The word “catastrophic” in line 21 can be best replaced by
A. bearable
B. disastrous
C. considerate
D. modest
7. Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is used to
A. evaluate the power of a hurricane
B. forecast the number of hurricanes expected
C. measure how big the waves are
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D. track the way a hurricane is moving
8. Being able to forecast hurricanes has
A. reduced damage to property
B. saved government money
C. reduced the number of people killed
D. helped protect trees and bushes.
10. According to the text, the forming of a hurricane starts
A. on islands
B. in tropical forests
C. near the beaches
D. in the ocean
C10. To be successful, a business traveler must be able to maintain contact with the office, no matter what
the time or place. Negotiations often involve decisions based on the latest figures. New
telecommunications products and services now on the market make staying in touch easier than ever
before. The most widespread device is the cellular telephone, the price of which has dropped from several
thousand dollars to a few hundred, including installation. There are over two million mobile cellular
phones in use today, including both car phones and cordless transportable units. Car phones have proven
indispensable for road emergencies as well as routine business transactions. Phone service is also available
on airplanes and on the rails. Recently introduced pocket-size organizers help business travelers with
heavy schedules keep track of clients. These are tiny computers that can store all kinds of information.
They can serve as phone and address directories, calendars, electronic memo pads, and calculators, among
other uses. Another invaluable telecommunications tool is smaller, lighter fax machines that plug into any
standard electrical outlet and phone line. The devices allow instantaneous transmission of hard copy to
any location having a compatible fax machine. It is expected that faxing will soon become the primary
means of sending and receiving short documents requiring prompt action.
1. What is the best title for passage ?
A. New Telecommunications Products and Services
B. The Business Traveler
C.Office Communications
D. Computers and Businessmen
2. According to the passage, why do business travelers need to keep in touch with the office?
A. They may not know where they are
B. Company guidelines require frequent contact
C. They must have the latstest information for negotiations
D. So many new products and services are on the marker
3. According to the passage, mobile phone service
A. is very useful in the case of road accidents
B. still cost several thousands of dollars
C. is not yet available on trains and airplanes
D. does not come in transportable form
4. In line 12, the word” these” refers to
A. clients
B. schedules
B. organizers
D. travelers
5. Pockect- sized compters are especially useful for business who
A. have to maintain frequent contact with the office
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B. have very busy itineraries
C.are unable to afford cellular phones
D. do not have too many clients to deal with
6. In line 15, the word “ invaluable” most closely means
A. reasonable in price
B. newly developed
C. cheaply made
D . very practical
7. It can inferred from the passage that fax machines probably
A. will eventually replace mail delivery of short documents
B. are still far from becoming a standard business tool
C. cannot be used in conjunction with phone service
D. are now as small and light as they can ever be
8. What does the paragraph following the passage most probably discuss?
A. Types of hard copy
B. Compatibility among fax machines
C. Handling documents in a timely fashion
D. Another practical telecommunications device
9. Where do you think the passage is taken from ?
A. a newspaper
B. a guidebook
C. a magazine for businessman
D. a technology magazine
10. Which one below is not mentioned as a telecommunication tool in the passage?
A. cellular telephone
B. pocket size organizer
C. fax machine
D. calculator
C11. During the nineteenth century, women in the United States organized and participated in a large
number of reform movements, including movements to reorganize the prison system, improve education,
ban the sale of alcohol, grant rights to people who were denied them, and, most importantly, free slaves.
Some women saw similarities in the social status of women and slaves. Women like Elizabeth Cady
Stanton and Lucy Stone were not only feminists who fought for the rights of women but also fervent
abolitionists who fought to do away with slavery. These brave people were social leaders who supported
the rights of both women and blacks. They were fighting against a belief that voting should be tied to land
ownership, and because land was owned by men, and in some cases by their widows, only those who held
the greatest stake in government, that is the male landowners, were considered worthy of the vote. Women
did not conform to the requirements. A number of male abolitionists, including William Lloyd Garrison
and Wendell Phillips, also supported the rights of women to speak and to participate equally with men in
antislavery activities. Probably more than any other movement, abolitionism offered women a previously
denied entry into politics. They became involved primarily in order to better their living conditions and
improve the conditions of others. However, they gained the respect of those they convinced and also
earned the right to be considered equal citizens. When the civil war between the North and the South
ended in 1865, the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution adopted in 1868 and 1870
granted citizenship and suffrage to blacks but not to women. Discouraged but resolved, feminists worked
tirelessly to influence more and more women to demand the right to vote. In 1869, the Wyoming Territory
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had yielded to demands by feminists, but the states on the East Coast resisted more stubbornly than before.
A women’s suffrage bill had been presented to every Congress since 1878, but it continually failed to pass
until 1920, when the Nineteenth Amendment granted women the right to vote.
1. With what topic is the passage primarily concerned?
A. The Wyoming Territory.
B. The Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments.
C. Abolitionists.
D. Women’s suffrage.
2: The word “ban” in line 3 most nearly means to ...
A. encourage
B. publish
C. prohibit
D. limit
3: The word “supported” in line 5 could best be replaced by...
A. disregarded
B. acknowledged
C. contested
D. promote
4: According to the passage, why did women become active in politics?
A. To improve the conditions of life that existed at the time.
B. To support Elizabeth Cady Stanton for president.
C. To be elected to public office.
D. To amend the Declaration of Independence.
5: The word “primarily” in line 9 is closest in meaning to ...
A. above all
B. somewhat
C. finally
D. always
6: What had occurred shortly after the Civil War?
A. The Wyoming Territory was admitted to the Union.
B. A women’s suffrage bill was introduced in Congress.
C. The eastern states resisted the end of the war.
D. Black people were granted the right to vote.
7: The word “suffrage” in line 12 could best be replaced by which of the following?
A. pain
B. citizenship
C. freedom from bondage
D. the right to vote
8: What does the Nineteenth Amendment guarantee?
A. Voting rights for blacks
B. Citizenship for blacks
C. Voting rights for women
D. Citizenship for women.
9: The word “it” in line 16 refers to...
A. bill
B. Congress
C. Nineteenth Amendment
D. vote
10: When were women allowed to vote throughout the United States?
A. after 1866
B. after 1870
C. after 1878
D. after 1920
C12. The first settlers who came to America were not rich. The ships, food, tools and weapons necessary
for voyage to America and new life there were financed by companies in England. One person’s voyage to
the New World cost about ten pounds. Settlers also needed help until they harvested crops. The total cost
was probably more than ten thousand dollars, in today’s dollars, for each settler. Settlers had to find out
how to repay this debt. Almost all the settlers became farmers and raised food and made material for their
clothes. They also produced raw materials which they could send back to England. In the South, in such
colonies as Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina, tobacco was found most profitable. In South Carolina
and Georgia, rice was the most popular crop. Slaves worked in the tobacco and rice fields on large
12
plantations. There were also some independent farms which raised them. On farms from New York to
Pennsylvania, settlers produced large quantities of grain, beer, beef and pork, and they exported them to
England and the West Indies. They also exported large quantities of furs, which they received in trade
from Indians. Settlers in New England had a hard time at the beginning. Raising crops in the stony soil
was difficult, so they had to find other means to make a profit. They depended on lumber and other natural
resources. They had to use the sea to make a living. They did ship-building, fishing and trading.
C13. Thomas Alva Edison lit up the world with his invention of the electric light. Without him, the world
might still be a dark place. However, the electric light was not his only invention. He also invented the
phonograph, the motion picture camera, and over 1,200 other things. About every two weeks he created
something new. Thomas A. Edison was bom in Milan, Ohio, on February 11, 1847. His family moved to
Port Huron, Michigan, when he was seven years old. Surprisingly, he attended school for only two
months. His mother, a former teacher, taught him a few things, but Thomas was mostly self-educated. His
natural curiosity led him to start experimenting at a young age with electrical and mechanical things at
home. When he was 12 years old, he got his first job. He became a newsboy on a train that ran between
Port Huron and Detroit. He set up a laboratory in a baggage car of the train so that he could continue his
experiments in his spare time. Unfortunately, his first work experience did not end well. Thomas was fired
when he accidentally set fire to the floor of the baggage car. Thomas then worked for five years as a
telegraph operator, but he continued to spend much of his time on the job conducting experiments. He got
his first patent in 1868 for a vote recorder run by electricity. However, the vote recorder was not a success.
In 1870, he sold another invention, a stock-ticker, for $40,000. Thomas Edison was totally deaf in one ear
and hard of hearing in the ether, but thought of his deafness as a blessing in many ways. It kept
conversations short, so that he could have more time for work. He left numerous inventions that improved
the quality of life all over the world.
1. Thomas Edison did things in this order:
A. he became a telegraph operator, a newsboy, and then got his first patent
B. he became a newsboy, got his first patent, and then became a telegraph operator
C. he got a patent, became a telegraph operator, and then became a newsboy
D. he became a newsboy, a telegraph operator, and then got a patent
2.. Edison considered his deafness:
A. a disadvantage
B. a blessing
C. something from a priest
D. a necessity
3.. Of all the inventions, __________ was probably the most important for civilization.
A. the vote recorder
B. the stock ticker
C. the light bulb
D. the motion picture camera
4.. The main idea of this passage is:
A. Thomas Edison was always interested in science and inventions, and he invented many important
things.
B. Thomas Edison could not keep a job.
C. Thomas Edison worked day and night on his experiments.
D. Deaf people make good inventors because they can focus without the distraction of spoken
conversation.
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5. He left numerous inventions that improved the quality of life all over the world
a. numbered
b. many
c. wellknown
d. modern
6. Thomas Edison received his first patent for inventing what item?
A. An electric light.
B. A phonograph.
A. An electric vote recorder.
B. A stock-ticker.
7. The word laboratory means
A. The last car in a train.
B. A place for doing scientific research.
C. A school for inventors.
D. A type of dog.
8. His mother, a former teacher, taught him a few things, but he was mostly self-educated.
A. taught himself
B. born a genius
C. loved school
D.thought
himself.
of
C14. Have you ever heard someone use the phrase “once in a blue moon?” People use this expression to
describe something that they do not do very often. For example, someone might say that he tries to avoid
eating sweets because they are unhealthy, but will eat chocolate “once in a blue moon.” Or someone who
does not usually like to go to the beach might say “I visit the shore once in a blue moon.” While many
people use this phrase, not everyone knows the meaning behind it. The first thing to know is that the moon
itself is never actually blue. This is just an expression. The phrase “blue moon” actually has to do with the
shape of the moon, not the color. As the moon travels around the earth, it appears to change shape. We
associate certain names with certain shapes of the moon. For example, when we can see a small part of the
moon, it is called a crescent moon. A crescent is a shape that looks like the tip of a fingernail. When we
cannot see the moon at all, it is called a new moon. When we can see the entire moon, it is called a full
moon. Usually, there is only one full moon every month. Sometimes, however, there will be two full
moons in one month. When this happens, the second full moon is called a “blue moon.” Over the next 20
years, there will only be 15 blue moons. As you can see, a blue moon is a very rare event. This fact has led
people to use the expression “once in a blue moon” to describe other very rare events in their lives.
1)Which of the following would be a good example of someone doing something “once in a blue
moon”?
A.Mary likes to go to the mountains every weekend. Mary goes to the mountains once in a blue
moon.
B.Tom rarely remembers to take out the trash. Tom takes out the trash once in a blue moon.
C.Cindy hates to wash the dishes. Nevertheless, she does it every day. Cindy washes the dishes
once in a blue moon.
D.Ming sometimes forgets to do his homework. Ming forgets to do his homework once in a blue
moon.
2)When does a blue moon happen in nature?
A.when there are two full moons in one month
B.when the moon has a blue color
C.when we cannot see the moon at all
D.when we can only see a small part of the
moon
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3) Using the passage as a guide, it can be understood that which of the following sentences does
not contain an expression ?
A. Thomas has lost his mind.
B. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
C. I'll mow the grass after I finish my homework.
D. It's never a bad time to start
something new.
4)As describedin paragraph 3, what is another example of something that has a crescent shape?
A.your thumb B.a distant star
C.the letter “C”
D.the letter "H"
5)In the final paragraph, the author states: “Over the next 20 years, there will only be 15 blue
moons.” This means that over the next 20 years, a blue moon will happen
A.once a year
B.less than once a year
C.more than once a year D.not enough information is provided
6) As used in the final paragraph, which is the best antonym for rare?
A.common
B.strange
C.colorful
D.infrequent
7) In the final paragraph the author writes, "As you can see, a blue moon is a very rare event."
The purpose of this statement is to
A.answer an earlier question
B.provide an example
C.support an upcoming conclusion
D.challenge a previous statement
C15. Many people like to eat pizza, but not everyone knows how to make it. Making the perfect pizza can
be complicated, but there are lots of ways for you to make a more basic version at home. When you make
pizza, you must begin with the crust. The crust can be hard to make. If you want to make the crust
yourself, you will have to make dough using flour, water, and yeast. You will have to knead the dough
with your hands. If you do not have enough time to do this, you can use a prepared crust that you buy
from the store. After you have chosen your crust, you must then add the sauce. Making your own sauce
from scratch can take a long time. You have to buy tomatoes, peel them, and then cook them with spices.
If this sounds like too much work, you can also purchase jarred sauce from the store. Many jarred sauces
taste almost as good as the kind you make at home. Now that you have your crust and your sauce, you
need to add the cheese. Cheese comes from milk, which comes from cows. Do you have a cow in your
backyard? Do you know how to milk the cow? Do you know how to turn that milk into cheese? If not, you
might want to buy cheese from the grocery store instead of making it yourself. When you have the crust,
sauce, and cheese ready, you can add other toppings. Some people like to put meat on their pizza, while
other people like to add vegetables. Some people even like to add pineapple! The best part of making a
pizza at home is that you can customize it by adding your own favorite ingredients.
1) The author's main purpose in writing this passage is to
A.describe the history of pizza B.teach a healthier way to make pizza
C.outline steps to make a basic pizza at home
D. provide tips about how to make your pizza especially delicious
2)As used in paragraph 1, which word means the opposite of complicated ?
A. difficult
B. simple
C.easy
D.manageable
3)As used in paragraph 3, which is the best synonymfor purchase?
A.forget
B.buy
C.ask
D.cook
4)In paragraph 3, the author writes, "Many jarred sauces taste almost as good as the kind you
make at home." The purpose of this statement is to
A.clarify a later statement
B.provide an example
C.clarify an earlier statement
D.support the previous paragraph
5) In paragraph 4, the author asks a series of questions in order to
15
A.support the idea that most people cannot make homemade cheese
B.reinforce the idea that most people probably live on farms
C.prove that store-bought cheese tastes better than homemade cheese
D.emphasize the superiority of homemade cheese over store bought cheese
6)As used in paragraph 5, which is the best definition for customize?
A.to make personal
B.to prepare for more than one
C.to eat while hot
D.to desire
7)According to the author, which of the following ingredients do you need to have ready before
you can add the toppings?
I.crust
II.sauce
III.cheese
A.I only
B.I and II only
C.II and III only
D.I, II, and III
8)Which of the following words best describes how the author feels about making a pizza from
scratch?
A.helpful
B.understanding C.enthusiastic D.negative
9)Which of the following conclusions would work best at the end of this passage.
A.Although the crust, sauce, and toppings are all important ingredients in pizza, it is clear that the
cheese is most important. Therefore, be sure your cheese is homemade.
B.It can be understood that making your pizza from scratch should be avoided at all costs. Use
store bought
ingredients and save yourself a heap of trouble.
C.As you can see, cooking a pizza can be fun, but it can also be very expensive. But, as you can
see, the best things are worth paying for.
D.Once you have prepared the crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings, you are ready to bake
your pizza. I think you will see that making pizza at home can be a good alternative to
purchasing it from the store
C16. When you imagine the desert, you probably think of a very hot place covered with sand. Although
this is a good description for many deserts, Earth’s largest desert is actually a very cold place covered with
ice: Antarctica. In order for an area to be considered a desert, it must receive very little rainfall. More
specifically, it must receive an average of less than ten inches of precipitation—which can be rain, sleet,
hail, or snow—on the ground every year. Antarctica, the coldest place on earth, has an average
temperature that usually falls below the freezing point. And because cold air holds less moisture than
warm air, the air in Antarctica does not hold much moisture at all. This is evident in the low precipitation
statistics recorded for Antarctica. For example, the central part of Antarctica receives an average of less
than 2 inches of snow every year. The coastline of Antarctica receives a little bit more—between seven
and eight inches a year. Because Antarctica gets so little precipitation every year, it is considered a
desert.When precipitation falls in hot deserts, it quickly evaporates back into the atmosphere. The air over
Antarctica is too cold to hold water vapor, so there is very little evaporation. Due to this low rate of
evaporation, most of the snow that falls to the ground remains there permanently, eventually building up
into thick ice sheets. Any snow that does not freeze into ice sheets becomes caught up in the strong winds
that constantly blow over Antarctica. These snow-filled winds can make it look as if it is snowing. Even
though snowfall is very rare there, blizzards are actually very common on Antarctica.
1)The main purpose of paragraph 1 is to
A.accept a conclusion
B.introduce an argument
C.provide a brief history
D.deny a common belief
2)The best title for this passage would be
16
A. Earth’s Many Deserts
B. Antarctica: The Coldest Place on Earth
C. A Desert of Ice
D.Unusual Blizzards
3)Africa’s Sahara Desert is the second-largest desert on earth. Based on the information in the
passage, what characteristic must the Sahara share with Antarctica?
A. low temperatures
B. high temperatures
C. frequent blizzards
D. low precipitation
4) As used in paragraph 2, which is the best definition for precipitation?
A. moisture in the air that falls to the ground
B. any type of weather event
C. weather events that only happen in very cold areas
D. a blizzard that occurs in areas with limited snowfall
5) In paragraph 2 the author writes, "And because cold air holds less moisture than warm air, the
air in Antarctica does not hold much moisture at all." Using this information, it can be understood
that
A.air in Africa holds more moisture than the air in Antarctica
B.air surrounding a tropical island holds less moisture than the air in Antarctica
C.air in the second floor of a house is typically warmer than air on the first floor
D.air at the mountains is typically colder than the air at the beach
6)According to the final paragraph, any snow that falls over Antarctica
I. becomes part of the Antarctic ice sheet
II. is blown around by strong winds
III. evaporates back into the atmosphere
A. l only
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. I, II, and III
7) Based on the information in the final paragraph, it can be understood that blizzards in
Antarctica are mainly the result of
A. freezing cold temperatures
B. large amounts of snowfall
C.low amounts of precipitation
D. strong winds
C17. A recent survey of crime statistics shows that we are all more likely to be burgled now than 20 years
ago and the police advise everyone to take a few simple precautions to protect their homes. The first fact
is that burglars and other intruders prefer easy opportunities, like a house which is very obviously empty.
This is much less of a challenge than an occupied house, and one which is well-protected. A burglar will
wonder if it is worth the bother. There are some general tips on how to avoid your home becoming another
crime statistic. Avoid leaving signs that your house is empty. When you have to go out, leave at least one
light on as well as a radio or television, and do not leave any curtains wide open. The sight of your latest
music centre or computer is enough to tempt any burglar. Never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding
place. The first place a burglar will look is under the doormat or in a flower pot and even somewhere more
‘imaginative’ could soon be uncovered by the intruder. But if your house is in a quiet, desolate area be
aware that this will be a burglar’s dream, so deter any potential criminal from approaching your house by
fitting security lights to the outside of your house. But what could happen if, in spite of the
aforementioned precautions, a burglar or intruder has decided to target your home. Windows, no matter
how small, are usually the first point of entry for many intruders. For extra security, fit window locks to
the inside of the window.
1 well-protected house:
A is less likely to be burgled.
C is a lot of bother to maintain.
B is regarded as a challenge by most criminals.
D is very unlikely to be burgled.
17
2 According to the writer, we should:
A avoid leaving our house empty.
B only go out when we have to.
C always keep the curtains closed.
D give the impression that our house is occupied when we go out.
3 The writer thinks that hiding a key under a doormat or flower pot:
A is a predictable place to hide it. B is a useful place to hide it.
C is imaginative.
D is where you always find a spare key.
4 The \'aforementioned precautions\' refer to steps that:
A will tell a burglar if your house is empty or not.
B are the most important precautions to take to make your home safe.
C will stop a potential burglar.
D will not stop an intruder if he has decided to try and enter your home.
5 Gaining entry to a house through a small window:
A is surprisingly difficult.
B is not as difficult as people think.
C is less likely to happen than gaining entry through a door. D is tried only by very determined
burglars.
6 According to the writer, window locks, security locks and burglar alarms:
A cost a lot of money but are worth it.
B are good value for money.
C are luxury items.
D are absolutely essential items.
7 The writer argues that fitting a chain and an eye hole:
A will prevent your home being burgled.
B avoids you having to invite people into your home.
C is only necessary for elderly people.
D gives you time to check if the visitor is genuine.
8 The best title for the text is:
A Increasing household crime.
B Protecting your home from intruders
C What to do if a burglar breaks into your home. D Burglary statistics.
C18. Today, Mike and his mom are going to the library. Mike wants to find a book to read. His mom
wants to use a computer there. When they get to the library, Mike finds a book about detectives. He also
finds a book with chapters about a friendly ghost. Finally, he finds a book about a man who lives in the
woods without food or water. He puts the books on the front desk and waits for his mom.
Mike's mom sits at one of the computers in the library. She checks her email and looks at pictures of
flowers on the internet. Then she reads a news article on a website. Mike's mom leaves the computer and
walks over to Mike, holding up something out for him. Mike looks at her quizzically. It takes him a
moment to recognize what she is holding. “I got that movie for us to watch tonight," says Mike's mom.
“Are you ready to leave?”. "Sure," Mike says, now holding the movie out in front of him. He reads the
18
cover while walking back to the library entrance. He puts his books and the movie on the front desk to
check out. A librarian stands behind the counter holding an electronic scanner. "How long can we keep
them?" Mike asks her. "Three weeks," says the librarian. "Cool," says Mike. Suddenly, Mike is surprised.
His mother is checking out something else that is too big to put on the desk. It’s a picture of the ocean.
"What is that for?" Mike asks. "To put on our wall at home," says Mike's mom. "You can do that?" Mike
asks. Mike's mom smiles at the librarian. "Yes," she says, "but we have to return it in three months".
1 well-protected house:
A is less likely to be burgled.
B is regarded as a challenge by most criminals.
C is a lot of bother to maintain. D is very unlikely to be burgled.
2 According to the writer, we should:
A avoid leaving our house empty.
B only go out when we have to.
C always keep the curtains closed.
D give the impression that our house is occupied when we go out.
3 The writer thinks that hiding a key under a doormat or flower pot:
A is a predictable place to hide it.
B is a useful place to hide it.
C is imaginative.
D is where you always find a spare key.
4 The \'aforementioned precautions\' refer to steps that:
A will tell a burglar if your house is empty or not.
B are the most important precautions to take to make your home safe.
C will stop a potential burglar.
D will not stop an intruder if he has decided to try and enter your home.
5 Gaining entry to a house through a small window:
A is surprisingly difficult.
B is not as difficult as people
think.
C is less likely to happen than gaining entry through a door.
D is tried only by very
determined burglars.
6 According to the writer, window locks, security locks and burglar alarms:
A cost a lot of money but are worth it.
B are good value for money.
C are luxury items.
D are absolutely essential items.
7 The writer argues that fitting a chain and an eye hole:
A will prevent your home being burgled.
B avoids you having to invite people into your
home.
C is only necessary for elderly people.
D gives you time to check if the visitor is
genuine.
8 The best title for the text is:
A Increasing household crime.
B Protecting your home from intruders
C What to do if a burglar breaks into your home. D Burglary statistics.
C19. Although Edgar Allan Poe is recognized as the originator of the mystery story genre and as a master
of the short story, literary critics and the general public have debated the extent of both his genius and his
madness since his death in 1849. Poe rose from destitute beginnings as an orphan to a childhood of
relative comfort when a wealthy businessman took him in. As a young man, however, he descended
through poverty and mental illness to an early death at the age of forty. In his short career, he produced
dozens of poems, stories, and critical essays that reflect his brilliant creative intellect. At twenty, Poe
moved to Baltimore to live with his impoverished aunt and her daughter, where he eventually married his
fourteen-year-old cousin, Virginia. Poe was obviously devoted to his young wife, and idealized images of
19
her appear in many of his female characters. It is difficult to suppose, however, that they had a close
relationship, since she was many years younger than he was and chronically ill with tuberculosis.
Although Poe wrote for various newspapers and magazines during this time, making great strides in
literary criticism and developing his short-story style, he achieved no monetary success. His sensitive
personality and a hereditary tendency to neurosis contributed to a tragic mental decline; however, this only
seems to have reinforced the brilliant imagery and fascinating morbidity that he achieved in his tales.
Many critics speculate that Poe also suffered from alcoholism and opium addiction. The fantastical quality
of his work earned him a devoted posthumous following in France, but he was generally disparaged by his
American contemporaries.
2. According to the passage, some of the women in Poe’s works were inspired by his..
a.
Daughter
b.
Mother
c.
Cousin
d.
Aunt
3. What does the author claim strengthened the imagery of Poe’s tables?
a.
His mental deterioration
b.
His interest in literary criticism
c.
His alcoholism and opium addiction
d.
His posthumous following in France
4. According to the author, critics disagree about..
a.
Poe’s relationship with his wife
b.
The degree of Poe’s talent
c.
Whether Poe was better as a critic than as a poet
d.
The meaning or the fantastic images in Poe’s works
5. When Poe wrote for magazine, he …
a.
Became ill with tuberculosis
b.
Became popular in France
c.
Was financially successful
d.
Improved his writing technique
6. Just after Poe’s death, his repulation as a writer was better…
a.
In France than in the U.S
b.
In the U.S than in the France
c.
Than it is now
d.
Amongst critics than the general public
7. Contemporaries means:
a.
Irregular
b.
Destructive
c.
Determinate
d.
Co-existing
8. Recognize means:
a.
Conclude
b.
Uncrown
c.
Decide
d.
know
20
C20. I’ve always been a bit of an entertainer and played the funny man. I was a part-time comedian for
years, so I learned how to stand in front of audiences. It made me sure of myself. I like being liked and I
love making everyone smile. I’ve lived in London all my life and have just moved to a larger house with
my wife Clare and our two children, Jimmy and Madeleine. We spend a lot of time just singing and
dancing around the house. I grew up with music because my dad is the pianist, Chester Harriott - who’s
still playing, by the way. My working day is divided between television and writing cook books, though
TV takes most of my time. I spend about five days a fortnight working on the cooking programmes I
appear in. I eat all sorts of things at home but I only buy quality food. When I’m cooking, I experiment
with whatever is in the fridge - it’s good practice for my TV series. I’m a football fan and enjoy going to
matches, but I’m a home-loving person really. I don’t like going to the pub but we do go out to eat about
twice a month. There’s nothing better than a night at home playing with the children. I rarely go to bed
before midnight. Late evening is when fresh thoughts on cooking usually come to me, so I often write or
plan my programmes then. When I eventually get to bed, I have no trouble sleeping!
1.What is the writer's main purpose in writing the text?
A.to describe how he lives
B. to explain how he started in TV
C.to say what makes him laugh
D.to talk about his cooking ideas
2. What should the reader learn about Ainsley from the text?
A.He enjoys spending time with his family.
B.He is a very good musician.
C.He is nervous about performing on stage.
D.He likes to plan the family meals.
3. What does the writer say about himself?
A.He enjoys being popular.
B.He is very similar to his father.
C.He loves going out and meeting people.
D.He should go to bed earlier.
4. What does he say about his working life?
A.He gets his best ideas at certain times.
B.He prefers being comedian.
C.He should practise cooking more.
D.He would like to appear less on TV.
5. Which of the following is the best description of the writer?
A.The cook and comedian who takes great care about the way he cooks his food and enjoys
listening to
B.The popular TV comedian who enjoys cooking, watching football, and having a busy
social life.
C.The singing TV cook who likes making jokes, playing with his children, and having an
early night.
D.The TV cook who loves making people laugh, watching football and, above all, having a
happy family
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