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CLOSE TEST& READING COMPREHENSION
1,
In early civilization, citizens were educated informally, usually within the family unit.
Education meant simply learning to live. As civilization became more complex, however,
education became more formal, structured, and comprehensive. Initial efforts of the ancient
Chinese and Greek societies concentrated solely on the education of males. The postBabylonian Jews and Plato were exceptions to this pattern. Plato was apparently the first
significant advocate of the equality of the sexes. Women, in his ideal state, would have the
same rights and duties and the same educational opportunities as men. This aspect of Platonic
philosophy, however, had little or no effect on education for many centuries, and the concept
of a liberal education for men only, which had been espoused by Aristotle, prevailed.
In ancient Rome, the availability of an education was radually extended to women, but
they were taught separately from men. The early Christians and medieval Europeans
continued this trend, and single-sex schools for the privileged through classes prevailed
through the Reformation period. Gradually, however, education for women, in a separate but
equal basis to that provided for men, was becoming a clear responsibility of society. Martin
Luther appealed for civil support of schools for all children. Al the Council of Trent in the 16 th
century, the Roman Catholic Church encouraged the establishment of free primary schools for
children of all classes. The concept of universal primary education, regardless of sex, had
been born, but it was still in the realm of the single-sex school.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, co-education became a more widely applied
principle of educational philosophy. In Britain, Germany, and the Soviet Union the education
of boys and girls in the same classes became an accepted practice. Since World War II, Japan
and the Scandinavian countries have also adopted relatively universal co-educational systems.
The greatest negative reaction to co-education has been felt in the teaching systems of the
Latin countries, where the sexes have usually been separated at both primary and secondary
levels, according to local conditions.
A number of studies have indicated that girls seem to perform better overall and in
science in particular. In single-sex classes, during the adolescent years, pressure to conform to
stereotypical female gender roles may disadvantage girls in traditionally male subjects,
making them reluctant to volunteer for experimental work while taking part in lessons. In
Britain, academic league tables point to high standards achieved in girls’ schools. Some

educationalists, therefore, suggest segregation of the sexes as a good thing, particularly in
certain areas, and a number of schools are experimenting with the idea.


Câu 37: Ancient education generally focused its efforts on __________.
A. young people only B. on male learners

C. both sexes

D. female learners

Câu 38: Education in early times was mostly aimed at __________.
A. teaching skills

B. learning new lifestyles

C. learning to live

D. imparting survival skills

Câu 39: The first to support the equality of the sexes was __________
A. the Chinese

B. the Jews

C. Plato

D. the Greek

Câu 40: The word “informally” in this context mostly refers to an education occurring

__________.
A. in a department

B. in classrooms

C. ability

D. outside the school

Câu 41: When education first reached women, they were __________.
A. separated from men

B. locked up in a place with men

C. deprived of opportunities

D. isolated from a normal life

Câu 42: When the concept of universal primary education was introduced, education
__________.
A. was intended for all the sexes

B. was intended for all the sexes

C. was given free to all

D. focused on imparting skills

Câu 43: Co-education was negatively responded to in __________.
A. conservative countries

B. Japan

C. South American countries

D. the Scandinavian countries

2,

Here are tips that help succeed in your job interview

Always arrive early. If you do not know (46) _________ the organization is located, call for exact
directions (47) ____________ advance. Leave some extra time for any traffic, parking, or unexpected
events. If you are running late, call right away and let someone know. The best time to arrive is
approximately 5 - 10 minutes early. Give yourself the time to read your resume one more time, to
catch your breath, and to be ready for the interview. Once you are at the office, treat everyone you
encounter with respect. Be (48) _________ to everyone as soon as you walk in the door.
Wear a professional business suit. This point should be emphasized enough. First (49) ____________
are extremely important in the interview process. Women should (50)_________ wearing too much
jewelry or make up. Men should avoid flashy suits or wearing too much perfume. It is also important
that you feel comfortable. While a suit is the standard interview attire in a business environment, if
you think it is an informal environment, call before and ask. Regardless, you can never be overdressed
if you are wearing a tailored suit.
Câu 46:
Câu 47:
Câu 48:

A. when
A. with
A. happy

B. why
B. in
B. pleasant

C. where
C. on
C. disappointed

D. that
D. for
D. excited


Câu 49:
Câu 50:

A. attendances
A. avoid

B. attentions
B. suggest

C. impressions
C. enjoy

D. pressures
D. mind

3,

When you first apply for a job, you (1)………….not succeed in getting it. It’s always a good
(2)……………..to ask them to explain to you what prevent you from beating the other
candidates. Don’t complain about the situation, but ask them to advise you (3)
……………….whta you can do better next time. Perhaps the interviewer disapproved of or
disagree with something you said. Perhaps they just glanced at your application and saw
something that made it easy to choose between you and another candidate. Don’t regard it as
a failure, but recognize it as a chance to learn more. (4) ……………….you don’t worry too
much about it and continue to believe in yourself, you’ll eventually find the chance you’ve
been waiting for. Then, your family and friends will be able to (5)…………..you on your
success.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

A. might
A. means
A. about
A. As far as
A. encourage

B. wouldn’t
B. opinion
B. of
B. By far
B. congratulate

C. won’t
C. idea

C. over
C. So far
C. promote

D. must
D. method
D. in
D. As long as
D. depend

4,
Telecommuting is some form of computer communication between employees’ homes and
offices. For employees whose job involve sitting at a terminal or word processor entering data
or typing reports, the location of the computer is of no consequence. If the machine can
communicate over telephone lines, when the work is completed, employees can dial the office
computer and transmit the material to their employers. A recent survey in USA Today
estimates that there are approximately 8,7 million telecommuters. But although the numbers
are rising annually, the trend does not appear to be as significant as predicted when Business
Week published “The Portable Executive” as its cover story a few years ago. Why hasn’t
telecommuting become more popular?
Clearly, change simply takes time. But in addition, there has been active resistance on the part
of many managers. These executives claim that supervising the telecommuters in a large work
force scattered across the country would be too difficult, or, at least, systems for managing
them are not yet developed, thereby complicating the manager’s responsibilities.
It is also true that employees who are given the option of telecommuting are reluctant to
accept the opportunity. Most people feel that they need regular interaction with a group, and


many are concerned that they will not have the same consideration for advancement if they
are not more visible in the office setting. Some people feel that even when a space in their

homes is set aside as a work area, they never really get away from the office.
1. With which of the following topics is the passage primarily concerned?
A. An overview of telecommuting.
B. The failure of telecommuting.
C. The advantages of telecommuting.
D. A definition of telecommuting.
2. How many Americans are involved in telecommuting?
A. More than predicted in Business Week.
B. More than 8 million.
C. Fewer than last year.
D. Fewer than estimated in USA Today.
3. The phrase “of no consequence” means…………………
A. of no use
B. irrelevant
C. of no good
D. unimportant
4. The author mentions all of the following as concerns of telecommuting,
EXCEPT……………
A. the opportunities for advancement.
B. the different system of supervision.
C. the lack of interaction with a group.
D. The work place is in the home.
5. The word “them” in the second paragraph refers to…………………..
A. telecommuters B. systems
C.executives
D. responsibilities
6. The reason why telecommuting has not become popular is that the employees
A. need regular interaction with their families.
B. are worried about the promotion if they are not seen at the office.
C. feel that a work area in their home is away from the office.

D. are ignorant of telecommuting.
7. The word “reluctant” in the third paragraph can best be replaced by
A. opposite
B. willing
C. hesitant
D. typical
5,
The three phases of human memory are the sensory memory, the short-term memory, and the
long- term memory. This devision of the memory into phases is based on the length of time
of the memory.
Sensory memory is instantaneous memory. It is an image or memory that enters your mind
only for a short period of time; it comes and goes in under a second. The memory will not last
longer than that unless the information enters the short-term memory.
Information can be held in the short-term memory for about twenty seconds or as long as you
are actively using it. If you repeat a fact to yourself, that fact will stay in your short-term
memory as long as you keeprepeating it. Once you stop repeating it, either it is forgotten or it
moves into long term memory.
Long-term memory is the huge memory tank that can hold ideas and images for years and
years. Information can be added to your long-term memory when you actively try to put it
there through memorization or when an idea or image enters your mind on its own.
1. The best title for this pasage would be……………………
A. The difference between sensory and short-term memory.
B. How long it takes to memorize.


C. The stages of human memory.
D. Human phases.
2. The three phases of memory discussed in the pasage are differentiated according
to……………
A. The location in the brain

B. The period of time it takes to remember something
C. How the senses are involved in the memory.
D. How long the memory lasts.
3. The expression “is based on” in the first paragraph could be best replaced

4.
5.

6.

7.

by…………….
A. Is on the top of B. is at the foot of C. depends on
D. is below
According to the passage, which type of memory is the shortest?
A. Sensory memory
B. Active memory
C. Short-term memory
D. Long-term memory
According to the passage, when will information stay in your short-term memory?
A. For as long as twenty minutes
B. As long as it is being used.
C. After you have repeated it many times.
D. When it has moved into long-term memory.
All of the following are TRUE about long – term memory EXCEPT that…………………
A. it has a very large capacity.
B. it can hold information.
C. it is possible to put information into it through memorization.
D. memorization is the only way that information can get there.

he expression “on its own” in the last sentence can be best replaced by

“……………………..”
A. by itself
B. in it own time
C. with its possessions D. in only one way
8. It can be inferred from the passage that if a person remembers a piece of information for
two days, this is probably…………………
A. three phases of memeory
B. the sensory memory
C. the short-term memory
D. the long-term memory
6,
Because writing has become so important in our culture, we sometimes think of it as more real
than speech. A little thought, however, will show w hy speech is primary and writing secondary to
language. Human beings have been writing (as far as we can tell from surviving evidence) for at least
5000 years; but they have been talking for much longer, doubtless ever since there have been human
beings.
When writing did develop, it was derived from and represented speech, although imperfectly.
Even today there are spoken languages that have no written form. Furthermore, we all learn to talk
well before we learn to write; any human child who is not severely handicapped physically or
mentally will learn to talk: a normal human being cannot be prevented from doing so. On the other
hand, it takes a special effort to learn to write. In the past many intelligent and useful members of
society did not acquire the skill, and even today many who speak languages with writing


systems never learn to read or write, while some who learn the rudiments of those skills do
so only imperfectly.
To affirm the primacy of speech over writing is not, however, to disparage the latter. One
advantage writing has over speech is that it is more permanent and makes possible the records that

any civilization must have. Thus, if speaking makes us human, writing makes us civilized.
Câu 43: We sometimes think of writing as more real than speech because ______.
A. writing is secondary to language
B. human beings have been writing for at least 5000 years
C. it has become very important in our culture
D. people have been writing since there have been human beings
Câu 44: The author of the passage argues that ______.
A. speech is more basic to language than writing
B. writing has become too important in today’s society
C. everyone who learns to speak must learn to write
D. all languages should have a written form
Câu 45: According to the passage, writing ______.
A. is represented perfectly by speech
C. developed from imperfect speech

B. represents speech, but not perfectly
D. is imperfect, but less so than speech

Câu 46: Normal human beings ______.
A. learn to talk after learning to write

B. learn t o write before learning to talk

C. learn to write and to talk at the same time

D. learn to talk before learning to write

Câu 47: Learning to write is ______.
A. easy

B. too difficult

C. not easy

D. very easy

Câu 48: In order to show that learning to write requires effort, the author gives the example
of
______.
A. people who learn the rudiments of speech B. severely handicapped children
C. intelligent people who couldn’t write

D. people who speak many languages

Câu 49: In the author’s judgment, ______.
A. writing has more advantages than speech
B. writing is more real than speech
C. speech conveys ideas less accurately than writing does
D. speech is essential but writing has important benefits
Câu 50: The word “advantage” in the last paragraph most closely means ______.
A. “rudiments”

7,

B. “skill”

C. “domination”

FAMILY LIFE IN THE UNITED STATES

D. “benefit”


Family life in the United States is changing. Fifty or sixty years ago, the wife was
called a “housewife”. She cleaned, cooked, and cared for the children. The husband earned the mo
ney for the family. He was usually out working all day. He came home tired in the evening, so he did
not do much housework. And he did not see the children very much, except on weekends.
These days, however, more and more women work outside the home. They cannot stay with
the children all day. They, too, come home tired in the evening. They do not want to spend the evening
cooking dinner and cleaning up. They do not have time to clean the house and do the laundry. So who
is going to do the housework now? Who is going to take care of the children?
Many families solve the problem of housework by sharing it. In these families, the husband
and wife agree to do different jobs around the house, or they take turns doing each job. For example,
the husband always cooks dinner and the wife always does the laundry. Or the wife cooks
dinner on some nights and the husband cooks dinner on other nights.
Then there is the question of the children. In the past, many families got help with child care
from grandparents. Now families usually do not live near their relatives. The grandparents are often
too far away to help in a regular way. More often, parents have to pay for child care help. The help
may be a babysitter or a day-care center. The problem with t his kind of help is the high cost. It is
possible only for couples with jobs that pay well.
Parents may get another kind of help form the companies they work for. Many companies now
let people with children work part-time. That way, parents can spend mo re time with their
children. Some husbands may even stop working for a while to stay with the children. For these men
there is a new word: they are called “househusbands”. In the USA more and more men are
becoming househusbands every year.
These changes in the home mean changes in the family.

Fathers can learn to

understand their children better, and the children can get to know their fathers better. Husbands and

wives may also find changes in their marriage. They, too, may have a better understanding of each
other.
Câu 36: Sixty years ago, most women ____________
A. went out to work

B. had no children

C. did not do much housework

D. were housewives

Câu 37: Nowadays, there are __________.
A. more women going out to work than before
B. more and more women staying with the children all day
C. more work outside the home than before
D. more housewives than before
Câu 38: The word “laundry” in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to ___________
A. tidying up

B. cooking and washing up

C. washing and ironing

D. shopping

Câu 39: It can be inferred from paragraph 4 that__________.


A. couples with low-paid jobs can’t afford the cost of a babysitter or a day-care center
B. grandparents can help care the children in a regular way

C. all couples with jobs can pay for help from a babysitter or a day-care center
D. in the past, grandparents did not help the couples with child care
Câu 40: The word “they” in paragraph 5 refers to _______________
A. husbands who stop working to stay with the children
B. fathers who spend more time with their children
C. parents who work part-time
D. children who spend more time with fathers than mothers
Câu 41: The changes in the American home mentioned in this passage may ___________
A. help families

B. not happen

C. cause problems for a marriage

D. not change the children at all

Câu 42: This article is about ________
A. American men as househusbands

B. housewives in America

C. how more American women are working D. how family life in America is changing

8,
In Germany, it's important to be serious in a work situation. They don't mix work and play so
you shouldn't make jokes (31) _______ you do in the UK and USA when you first
meet people. They work in a very organized way and prefer to do one thing at a time.
They don't like• interruptions or (32)_______ changes of schedule. Punctuality is very
important so you should arrive on time for appointments. At meeting, it's important to
follow the agenda and not interrupt (33) _______ speaker. If you give a presentation, you

should focus (34) _______ facts and technical information and the quality of your company's
products. You should also prepare well, as they may ask a lot of questions. Colleagues
normally use the family names, and title - for example 'Doctor' or 'Professor', so you shouldn't
use first names (35) _______ a person asks you to.
Question 31:

A. while

B. as if

C. such as

D. as

Question 32:

A. sudden

B. suddenly

C. abruptly

D.

Question 33:

A. other

B. others

C. another

D. the other

Question 34:

A. on

B. to

C. at

D. in

Question 35:

A. if only

B. as

C. unless

D. since

promptly

9,


For many people who live in cities, parks are an important part of the landscape. They

provide a place for people to relax and play sports, as well as a refuge from the often
harsh

environment of

a city. What people often overlook is that parks also provide

considerable environmental benefits.
One benefit of parks is that plants absorb carbon dioxide—a key pollutant—and emit oxygen,
which humans need to breathe. According to one study, an acre of trees can absorb the
same amount of carbon dioxide that a typical car emits in 11,000 miles of driving. Parks also
make cities cooler. Scientists have long noted what is called the Urban Heat Island Effect:
building materials such as metal, concrete, and asphalt absorb much more of the sun’s heat
and release it much more quickly than organic surfaces like trees and grass. Because city
landscapes contain so much of these building materials, cities are usually warmer than
surrounding rural areas. Parks and other green spaces help to mitigate the Urban Heat Island
Effect.
Unfortunately, many cities cannot easily create more parks because most land is already being
used for buildings, roads, parking lots, and other essential parts of the urban environment.
However, cities could benefit from many of the positive effects of parks by encouraging
citizens to create another type of green space: rooftop gardens. While most people would not
think of starting a garden on their roof, human beings have been planting gardens on rooftops
for thousands of years. Some rooftop gardens are very complex and require complicated
engineering, but others are simple container gardens that anyone can create with the
investment of a few hundred dollars and a few hours of work.
Rooftop gardens provide many of the same benefits as other urban park and garden
spaces, but without taking up the much-needed land. Like parks, rooftop gardens help to
replace carbon dioxide in the air with nourishing oxygen. They also help to lessen the Urban
Heat Island Effect, which can save people money. In the summer, rooftop gardens prevent
buildings from absorbing heat from the sun, which can significantly reduce cooling bills.

In the winter, gardens help hold in the heat that materials like brick and concrete radiate so
quickly, leading to savings on heating bills. Rooftop vegetable and herb gardens can also
provide fresh food for city dwellers, saving them money and making their diets healthier.
Rooftop gardens are not only something everyone can enjoy, they are also a smart
environmental investment.
Question 36: Based on its use in paragraph 2, it can be inferred that mitigate belongs to
which of the following word groups?
A. exacerbate, aggravate, intensify

B. obliterate, destroy, annihilate

C. allay, alleviate, reduce

D. absorb, intake, consume


Question 37: Using the information in paragraph 2 as a guide, it can be inferred that
_______.
A. cities with rooftop gardens are cooler than those without rooftop gardens
B. some plants are not suitable for growth in rooftop gardens
C. most people prefer parks to rooftop gardens
D. most people prefer life in the country over life in the city
Question 38: Based on the information in paragraph 3, which of the following best describes
the main
difference between parks and rooftop gardens?
A. Parks are expensive to create while rooftop gardens are not.
B. Parks are public while rooftop gardens are private.
C. Parks absorb heat while rooftop gardens do not.
D. Parks require much space while rooftop gardens do not.
Question 39: The author claims all of the following to be the benefits of rooftop gardens

except _______.
A. increased space for private relaxation

B. savings on heating and cooling costs

C. better food for city dwellers

D. improved air quality

Question 40: According to the author, one advantage that rooftop gardens have over parks is
that they
_______.
A. decrease the Urban Heat Island Effect

B. replenish the air with nourishing

oxygen
C. do not require the use of valuable urban land

D. are less expensive than traditional

park spaces
Question 41: The author’s tone in the passage is best described as _______
A. descriptive

B. passionate

C. informative

D. argumentative

Question 42: It can be inferred from the passage that the author would most likely endorse
a program that
_______.
A. permitted the construction of buildings in city park land provided they have rooftop
gardens
B. extended discounts on plants to customers who use them to create rooftop gardens
C. offered free admission to schools willing to take their students on field trips to the city
park


D. promised vacation getaways to cooler destinations for those trapped in the city at the
peak of summer
10,
One of the most interesting authors of the twentieth century, J.R.R Tolkien, achieved
fame through his highly inventive trilogy, The Lord of the Rings. Born in 1892,
Tolkien received his education from Oxford and then served in World War I. After the war,
he became a professor of Anglo -Saxon and English language and literature at Oxford
University.
Although published in 1965, the three books that comprise the Lord of the Rings
were written in
intervals from 1936 to 1949. This was mainly due to Tolkien's responsibilities as a
professor and the outbreak of World War II. By the late 1960s, this fascinating trilogy had
become a sociological phenomenon as young people intently studied the mythology and
legends created by Tolkien.
The trilogy is remarkable not only for its highly developed account of historical fiction
but also its
success as a modern heroic epic. The main plot describes the struggle between good and evil
kingdom as they try to acquire a magic ring that has the power to rule the world. The novels,
which are set in a time called Middle Earth, describe a detailed fantasy world.

Established before humans populated the Earth, Middle Earth was inhabited by good and
evil creatures such as hobbits, elves, monsters, wizards, and some humans. The characters
and the setting of Middle Earth were modeled after mythological stories from
Greece and Northern Europe.
Although readers have scrutinized the texts for inner meaning and have tried to
connect the trilogy with Tolkien's real life experiences in England during World War II, he
denied the connection. He claims that the story began in his years as an undergraduate student
and grew out of his desire to create mythology and legends about elves and their
language.Tolkien was a masterful fantasy novelist who used his extensive knowledge of
folklore to create a body of work that is still read and enjoyed throughout the world today.
Question 43: What can we assume is NOT true about Middle Earth?
A. Middle Earth was based on European folktales

B. Middle Earth was a fictional

world
C. The good and evil kingdom fought for the power
Earth

D. People

dominated Middle


Question 44: The word "scrutinized" in the fourth paragraph could be replaced by_______.
A. examined

B. denied

C. enjoyed

D. criticized

Question 45: What does this paragraph mainly discuss?
A. J.R.R Tolkien's work as a professor

B. All of J.R.R Tolkien's fantasy books

C. J.R.R Tolkien and his trilogy

D. The popularity of J.R.R Tolkien

Question 46: According to the passage, when did "the Lord of the Rings" trilogy become
popular with
young people?
A. In the late 1960s

B. After World War II

C. In 1892

D. Between 1936 and 1946

Question 47: When did Tolkien begin to create this trilogy?
A. When he was a student

B. During World War I

C. When he was a professor

D. During World War II

Question 48: What does the word "trilogy" in the first paragraph mean?
A. A specific type of fantasy novel

B. A long novel

C. A group of three literary books

D. An unrelated group of books

Question 49: What is the setting of Tolkien's trilogy?
A. Modern - day Greece

B. England in the 1800's

C. Oxford University

D. Middle Earth

Question 50: The word "fascinating" in the second paragraph could be replaced by _______.
A. thrilling

B. extremely interesting

C. boring

D. terrifying

11,

Our classes take place for three hours every morning from Monday to Friday. The
(31)_________ class size is twelve and the average is ten. We use modern methods
(32)_________ teaching and learning, and the school has a language laboratory, a video
camera and recorders. You will only be successful in improving your English; however, if you
work hard and practise speaking English as much as you can. You will take a short
(33)_________ in English as soon as you arrive. In this way, we can put you in a
(34)_________ at the most suitable level.
The emphasis is on oral communication practice in a wide (35)_________ of
situations at the advanced knowledge. You will learn how to use language correctly and
appropriately when you talk to native speakers. In addition, you will develop such study skills
as reading efficiently, writing articles and reports, and note-taking from books and lectures.
Question 31: A. maximum

B. minimum

C. small

D. large


Question 32: A. in

B. of

C. on

D. for

Question 33: A. test

B. exam

C. course

D. lesson

Question 34: A. form

B. class

C. grade

D. course

Question 35: A. variety

B. amount

C. number

D. lot

12,
Over the past 600 years, English has grown from a language of few speakers to
become the dominant language of international communication. English as we know it
today emerged around 1350, after having incorporated many elements of French that were
introduced following the Norman invasion off 1066. Until the 1600s, English was, for the
most part, spoken only in England and had not expanded even as far as Wales, Scotland, or
Ireland. However, during the course of the next two century, English began to spread around
the globe as a result of exploration, trade (including slave trade), colonization, and missionary

work. Thus, small enclaves of English, speakers became established and grew in various parts
of the world. As these communities proliferated, English gradually became the primary
language of international business, banking, and diplomacy.
Currently, about 80 percent of the information stored on computer systems worldwide
is in English. Two thirds of the world's science writing is in English, and English is the main
language of technology, advertising, media, international airport, and air traffic controllers.
Today there are more than 700 million English users in the world, and over half of these are
non-native speakers, constituting the largest number of non-native users than any other
language in the world.
Question 36: What is the main topic of the passage?
A. The number of non-native users of English.
B. The French influence on the English language.
C. The expansion of English as an international language.
D. The use of English for science and technology.
Question 37: In the first paragraph, the word "emerged" is closest in meaning to
A. appeared

B. hailed

C. frequented

D. engaged

Question 38: In the first paragraph, the word "elements" is closest in meaning to
A. declaration

B. features

C. curiosities

D. customs


Question 39: Approximately when did English begin to be used beyond England?
____________ .
A. In 1066

B. around 1350

C. before 1600D. after 1600

Question 40: According to the passage, all of the following contributed to the spread of
English around the world except ____________ .
A. the slave trade

B. the Norman invasion

C. missionaries

D. colonization

Question 41: In the second paragraph, the word "stored" is closest in meaning
to____________ .
A. bought

B. saved

C. spent

D. valued

Question 42: According to the passage, approximately how many non-native users of English
are there in the world today ? ____________ .
A. a quarter million

B. half a million

C. 350 million

D. 700 million

13,
Rachel Carson was born in 1907 in Springsdale, Pennsylvania. She studied biology at
college and zoology at Johns Hopkins University, where she received her master’s degree in
1933. In 1936, she was hired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where she worked most of
her life.
Carson’s first book, Under the Sea Wind, was published in 1941. It received excellent
reviews, but sales were poor until it was reissued in 1952. In that year she published The Sea
Around Us, which provided a fascinating look beneath the ocean’s surface, emphasizing
human history as well as geology and marine biology. Her imagery and language had a poetic
quality. Carson consulted no less than 1,000 printed sources. She had voluminous
correspondence and frequent discussions with experts in the field. However, she always
realized the limitations of her nontechnical readers.
In 1962, Carson published Silent Spring, a book that sparked considerable
controversy. It proved how much harm was done by the uncontrolled, reckless use of
insecticides. She detailed how they poison the food supply of animals, kill birds and fish, and
contaminate human food. At the time, spokesmen for the chemical industry mounted personal
attacks against Carson and issued propaganda to indicate that her findings were flawed.
However, her work was proved by a 1963 report of the President’s Science Advisory
Committee.

(Source: TOEFL Reading)

Question 43: The passage mainly discusses Rachel Carson’s work ______________.
A. as a researcher

B. at college

C. at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

D. as a writer

Question 44: According to the passage, what did Carson primarily study at Johns Hopkins
University?
A. oceanography B. zoology

C. literature

D. history

Question 45: When she published her first book, Carson was closest to the age of
A. 26

B. 29

C. 34

D. 45

Question 46: It can be inferred from the passage that in 1952, Carson’s book Under the Sea
Wind ______________.
A. was outdated

B. became more popular than her other books

C. was praised by critics

D. sold many copies

Question 47: Which of the following was NOT mentioned in the passage as a source of
information for The Sea Around Us?
A. printed matter

B. talks with experts

C. a research expedition

D. letters from scientists

Question 48: The word “reckless” in line 11 is closest in meaning to ______________.
A. unnecessary

B. limited

C. continuous

D. irresponsible

Question 49: The word “flawed” in line 14 is closest in meaning to ______________.

A. faulty

B. deceptive

C. logical

D. offensive

Question 50: Why does the author of the passage mention the report of the President’s Science
Advisory Committee (lines 14-15) ?
A. To provide an example of government propaganda.
B. To support Carson’s ideas.
C. To indicate a growing government concern with the environment.
D. To validate the chemical industry’s claims.


14,
The warming of the Pacific Ocean has created weather pattern (31)_______ strongly affect
the world. When the water is warm, the amount of rainfall in Indonesia and the surrounding
regions decreases. Australia could (32)_______ experience a drought in many parts. On the
other hand, Chile (which borders the Pacific Ocean) is preparing for severe rainstorms. In
Pakistan and northwestern India, the weather pattern makes the rainy season weaker and
makes the area much drier.
This happening is called El Nino and is used (33)_______ weather forecasters to make longrange weather predictions. They also know that El Nino will bring unusually rain to the
southwestern part of the United States and make the central part of the country drier at the
same time.
According to research, weather forecasters (34)_______ know about the coming weather with
certainty. Now everything has become completely different.
El Nino itself used to be predictable. It would occur every two to seven years. But now this
weather pattern is becoming more frequent. We cannot say when and how often tornadoes or

cyclones occur. Scientists are unsure of the reason for this (35)_______ on the global scale
either.
Question 31:

A. what

B. when

C. that

D. whether

Question 32:

A. even

B. ever

C. nevertheless

D. however

Question 33:

A. on

B. by

C. to

D. at

Question 34:

A. used to

Question 35:

A. change

B. get used to
B. transfer

C. are used to

D. used to be

C. transformation

D. shift

15,

5

Horace Pippin, as an African-American soldier during World War I, was wounded
in his right arm. He discovered, however, that by keeping his right wrist steady with his


left hand, he could paint and draw. Pippin was not trained, but his artistic sensitivity

and intuitive feel for two-dimensional design and the arrangement of colour and
patterns made him one of the finest Primitive artists America has produced.
Pippin did a series of paintings on the abolitionist John Brown and one on his war
experiences, but he shied away from social issues for the most part and achieved his
10

greatest success with scenes of the people and places of his hometown of West
Chester, Pennsylvania. His Domino Players, featuring four women gathered around a
wooden table in a simple kitchen setting, is an excellent example of his rural domestic
scenes.

Question 36: According to the passage, which of the following is NOT true about primitive
art?
A. It’s two-dimensional
B. Colours and patterns are important
C. Artists do not have to be trained for it
D. It is used mainly for painting portraits
Question 37: Horace Pippin discovered he could paint and draw
A. during Word War I
B. when he completed his training
C. when someone reminded him of his artistic sensitivity
D. by holding his right wrist steady with his left hand
Question 38: Where in the passage is the name of Pippin’s hometown mentioned?
A. Line 6

B. line 10

C. Line 4

Question 39: It may be inferred from the passage that Pippin

D. line 11


A. had a simple a simple upbringing

B. was obsessed with the subject of

abolition
C. was destroyed by his war experiences

D. wanted nothing to do with his past

Question 40: The word “arrangement” in line 5 could best be replaced by which of the
following?
A. purpose

B. feature

C. mixture

D. production

Question 41: With which of the following statements would the author agree?
A. Horace Pippin was a poorly trained ordinary artist
B. Primitive art is an excuse for lack of training and latent
C. Horace Pippin made an important contribution to American art
D. Horace Pippin placed too much emphasis on social issues in his work.
Question 42: The passage would most likely be required reading in which course?
A. Biology

B. Drama

C. Literature

D. Art History

16,
It is hard to think of a world without gas or electricity. Both are commonly used for lighting and
heating today. We now can instantly flick a lighter or strike a match to make a flame. But it was not
long ago that there were no such things as matches or lighters. To make fire, it was necessary to strike
a piece of iron on flint for sparks to ignite some tinder. If the tinder was damp, or the flint old, you had
to borrow some fire from a neighbor.
We do not know exactly when or how people first used fire. Perhaps, many ages ago, they found
that sticks would burn if they were dropped into some hole where melted lava from a volcano lay
boiling. They brought the lighted sticks back to make their fire in a cave. Or, they may have seen trees
catch fire through being struck by lightning, and used the trees to start their own fires.
Gradually people learned they could start a fire without traveling far to find flames. They rubbed
two pieces of wood together. This method was used for thousands of years.


When people became used to making fires with which to cook food and stay warm at night, they
found that certain resins or gums from trees burnt longer and brighter. They melted resins and dipped
branches in the liquid to make torches that lit their homes at night. Iron stands in which torches used to
be fixed can still be seen in old buildings of Europe.
There was no lighting in city streets until gas lamps, and then electric lamps were installed. Boys
ran about London at night carrying torches of burning material. They were called torch boys, or link
boys, and earned a living by guiding visitors to friends’ houses at night.
For centuries homes were lit by candles until oil was found. Even then, oil lamps were no more
effective than a cluster of candles. We read about the splendors and marvels of ancient palaces and

castles, but we forget that they must have been gloomy and murky places at night.
Question 43: What does “they” refer to?
A. people

B. ages

C. sticks

D. trees

Question 44: According to the passage the first fire used by people was probably obtained ______.
A. from the sun’s heat through glass B. by rubbing wood together
C. from heat or fire caused by nature D. by striking iron against flint
Question 45: It is stated in the passage that torches for lighting were made from ______.
A. the wood of gum trees

B. iron bars dipped in melted resins

C. wooden poles dipped in oil

D. tree branches dipped in melted resins

Question 46: It is mentioned in the passage that before the electric lamp was invented
A. oil lamps and then candles were used
B. candles and oil lamps appeared about the same time
C. candles and then oil lamps were used
D. people did not use any form of lighting in their houses
Question 47: The word “splendors” in the passage could be best replaced by which of the following?
A. expensive objects

B. places of scenic beauty


C. achievements

D. the beautiful and impressive features

Question 48: According to the passage, which of the following sentence is NOT true?
A. We know exactly when and how people first used fire.
B. Before gas lamps and electric lamps appeared, streets were lit by torches.
C. We can make a fire by striking a piece of iron on flint to ignite some tinder.
D. Matches and lighters were invented not long ago.
Question 49: The word “gloomy” in the passage is closest in meaning to
A. nearly dark

B. badly decorated

C. containing a lot of white

D. mysterious

Question 50: What form of street lighting was used in London when link boys used to work there?
A. Gas lighting

B. No lighting at all.

C. Electric lighting.

D. Oil lighting.

17,
In a small village in North Yorkshire, there is a big old farmhouse ______(31) three families
live together. Alice and George and their three children, Joe and Pam and their two children,
and Sue and her baby daughter. The adults divide up the work between them. George does the
cooking, Joe and Sue do almost the housework. Pam looks after the shopping and ______(32)
the repairs, and Alice takes care of the garden.
Alice, George and Sue go out to work. Joe works at home ______(33) computer
systems, and Pam, who is a painter, looks after the baby during the day. Two of the children
go to school in the village, but the three oldest ones go by bus to the secondary school in the
nearest town, ten miles away.
The three families get ______(34) well, and enjoy their way of life. There are a few
difficulties, of course. Their biggest worry at the moment is money- one of the cars needs
replacing, and the roof needs some expensive repairs. But this isn't too serious- the bank has
agreed to a loan, which they expect to be able to pay back in three years. And they all say they


would much rather go on living in their old farmhouse ______(35) move to a luxury flat in a
big city.
Question 31: A. that

B. where

C. in where

D. which

Question 32: A. does

B. makes

C. prepares

D. fulfils

Question 33: A. designs

B. and design

C. designing

D. who

Question 34: A. on

B. off

C. with

D. in

Question 35: A. then

B. than

C. to

D.

designs

therefore
18,
The Hindu cultural celebrates marriage as a pure and pristine rite enabling two
individuals start their journey of life together. It puts emphasis on the values of happiness,
harmony and growth and could be traced back from the Vedic times.
Months before the wedding ceremony, an engagement is held which is called
"mangni". The couple is blessed here with gifts, jewelry and clothes. Another important ritual
is the "mehendi" which is a paste made from the leaves of henna plant. It is the traditional art
of adorning the hands and the feet of the bride with mehendi and the name of the groom is
also hidden in the design.
On the day of marriage, the couple exchanges garlands as a gesture of acceptance of
one another and a pledge to respect one another as partners which is known as "jaimala". This
is followed by "kanyadaan", where the father of the bride places her hand in the groom's hand
requesting him to accept her as an equal partner.
Another ritual is the "havan" in which the couple invokes Agni, the god of Fire, to
witness their commitment to each other. Crushed sandalwood, herbs, sugar rice and oil are
offered to the ceremonial fire. The "gath bandhan" takes place where scarves of the bride and
groom are tied together symbolizing their eternal bonThis signifies their pledge before God to
love each other and remain loyal. The couple then takes four "mangal pheras" or walk around


the ceremonial fire, representing four goals in life: "Dharma", religious and moral duties;
"Artha", prosperity; "Kama" earthly pleasures; "Moksha", spiritual salvation.
The couple also takes seven steps together to begin their journey, called the
"saptapardi". Then the ritual of "sindoor" takes place where the groom applies a small dot of
vermilion, a red powder to the bride's forehead and welcomes her as his partner for life. This
signifies the completion of the marriage. The parents of the bride and the groom then give
their blessings, "ashirwad" to the newlywed couple as they touch the feet of their parents.
Question 36: What might be the most suitable title for this reading passage?
A. The Hindu culture

B. The Hindu religion

C. The Hindu wedding

D. The Hindu tradition

Question 37: What does the word magni stand for?
A. the wedding
B. the paste made from the leave of one another
C. the engagement
D. the gesture of acceptance of one another
Question 38: What do the Hindu people think about marriage?
A. It is entirely a spiritual traditional ritual allowing two individuals to live together.
B. It is a belief in the growth of a family newly formed by two individuals.
C. It is a wish of happiness and harmony to come to two individuals.
D. It is just a living-together announcement of two individuals.
Question 39: What can the word adorning be best replaced by?
A. decorating

B. painting

C. repairing

Question 40: What can the word invokes be best replaced by?

D. dying


A. tells

B. says

C. prays

D. talks

Question 41: Why does the couple exchange garlands?
A. to do a ritual
B. to show both their acceptance of and the swear to respect the partner.
C. to express their acceptance of one another and a wish of happiness.
D. to express their vow to respect each other for the whole life.
Question 42: When is the wedding ceremony completed?
A. When the parents of the bride and the groom give their blessings to the couple.
B. When the couple touches their parents' feet.
C. When the couple makes seven steps together.
D. When the groom applies a small dot of vermillion of the bride's forehead.

19,
A Japanese construction company plans to create a huge independent city-state, akin
to the legendary Atlantis, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The city, dubbed “Marinnation”,
would have about one million inhabitants, two airports, and possibly even a space port.
Marinnation, if built, would be a separate country but could serve as a home for international
organisations such as the United Nations and the World Bank.
Aside from the many political and social problems that would have to be solved, the
engineering task envisaged is monumental. The initial stage requires the building of a circular
dam eighteen miles in diameter attached to the sea bed in a relatively shallow place in
international waters. Then, several hundred powerful pumps, operating for more than a year,
would suck out the sea water from within the dam. When empty and dry, the area would have
a city constructed on it. The actual land would be about 300 feet below the sea level.

According to designers, the hardest task from an engineering point of view would be to ensure
that the dam is leak proof and earthquake proof.


If all goes well, it is hoped that Marinnation could be ready for habitation at the end of
the second decade of the twenty-first century. Whether anyone would want to live in such an
isolated and artificial community, however, will remain an open question until that time.
Question 43: According to the text, Marrination, when built, will be a(an)__________ city.
A. underwater

B. underground

C. marine

D. legendary

Question 44: The word ‘akin’ in paragraph 1 could be best replaced by __________.
A. likely

B. close

C. next

D. similar

Question 45: Which of the following would NOT be a problem for the construction plan?
A. social

B. political

C. engineering

D. financial

Question 46: Which of the following is NOT true according to the text?
A. Marinnation would have about one million inhabitants.
B. Marinnation will be built in a deep place in the Pacific Ocean.
C. Marinnation will be located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
D. Marinnation could be served as home for international organisations.
Question 47: The word ‘monumental’ in Paragraph 2 means __________.
A. important and difficult

B. like a large monument

C. important and historic

D. serving as a monument

Question 48: The phrase ‘suck out’ in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to which of the
following?
A. draw out

B. dry up

C. take out

D. pull out

Question 49: According to the text, people could come to live in the future city in the year
__________.

A. 2002

B. 2012

C. 2010

D. 2020


Question 50: What does the author imply in the last sentence of the passage?
A. People will ask an open question about living in Marinnation.
B. The construction of Marinnation could never be completed in time.
C. People might not want to live in an isolated and artificial community.
D. People will ask how they can live in such an isolated and artificial city.
20,
Scientists do not yet thoroughly understand just how the body of an individual becomes
sensitive to a substance that is harmless or even wholesome for the average person. Milk,
wheat, and egg, for example, rank among the most healthful and widely used foods. Yet these
foods can cause persons sensitive to them to suffer greatly. At first, the body of the individual
is not harmed by coming into contact with the substance. After a varying interval of time,
usually longer than a few weeks, the body becomes sensitive to it, and an allergy has begun to
develop. Sometimes it's hard to figure out if you have a food allergy, since it can show up so
many different ways. Your symptoms could be caused by many other problems. You may
have rashes, hives, joint pains mimicking arthritis, headaches, irritability, or depression. The
most common food allergies are to milk, eggs, seafood, wheat, nuts, seeds, chocolate,
oranges, and tomatoes. Many of these allergies will not develop if these foods are not fed to
an infant until her or his intestines mature at around seven months. Breast milk also tends to
be protective. Migraines can be set off by foods containing tyramine, phenathylamine,
monosodium glutamate, or sodium nitrate. Common foods which contain these are chocolate,
aged cheeses, sour cream, red wine, pickled herring, chicken livers, avocados, ripe bananas,

cured meats, many Oriental and prepared foods (read the labels!). Some people have been
successful in treating their migraines with supplements of B-vitamins, particularly B6 and
niacin. Children who are hyperactive may benefit from eliminating food additives, especially
colorings, and foods high in salicylates from their diets.
Question 36: The topic of this passage is______________.
A. reactions to foods B. food and nutrition

C. infants and allergies

D. a good

diet
Question 37: According to the passage, the difficulty in diagnosing allergies to foods is due to
______________.
A. the vast number of different foods we eat
B. lack of a proper treatment plan
C. the similarity of symptoms of the allergy to other problems