HCĐH READING COMPREHESION 2017

PART 2: READING PASSAGES
In this section you will find each of the passages a number of questions or unfinished statements about the
passage, each with four suggested answers or ways of finishing. You must choose the one which you think
fits best. Read each passage right through before choosing your answers.

Practice 1

Questions 1-5 refer to the following passage.
I bought a $600 digital camera in May of 2003 at Future Shop in Kitchener, ON. In
December of that same year, while using the camera, the screen went totally blank. I
went directly to the store where I bought the camera. They connected it to an outside
power source and determined that the camera wasn’t getting any power but could not
explain why. They then offered to send it to somewhere in BC for me but would not talk
to me about the fact that the camera was barely 7 months old and that they had never
seen this particular model have this problem. Nor did they offer any type of
compensation by way of a loaner.
The camera was sent on December 21, 2003. In Feb of 2004 I began calling the store to
find out how long it would be, I was given a run-around every time. “I’ll call you back”, “I
don’t have that information for you”, etc. I never got any calls back. I finally spoke to a
young man on the last day of March 2004, who I bothered enough to give me the
number of the place they had sent my camera to. I had been told several times that they
were not allowed to give this number out. I called myself on March 30 and was told that
they had just received my bill of sale for proof of warranty 6 days before I called. The
camera is now fixed and on it’s way back to me. Future Shop is essentially at fault for me
having to wait over 3 months for a camera that only took 1 week to fix. They will not talk
to me about this either.


1. When did the customer send the camera for repair?
A. May, 2003

B. December, 2003
C. February, 2004
D. March, 2004
2. What was wrong with the camera?
A. The pictures were not clear.
C. The screen went totally blank.

B. The flash did not work.
D. The zoom function did not work.

3. What was the customer given every time he called the store?
A. He was given a true answer.
B. He was given a clear explanation.
C. He was given a vain promise or an irresponsible answer.
D. He was given necessary information.

4. What was he told when he called himself on March 30?
A. He was told that his camera had been fixed 6 days before.
B. He was told that he had to send his bill of sale for proof of warranty.
C. He was told that his guarantee had been lost.
D. He was told that they had received his bill of sale 6 days before he called.
5. Who does the customer blame for long delay?
A. Himself for being disorganized.
B. B. Future Shop for making him wait.
C. The repair shop for taking too long


Questions 6-10 refer to the following passage.
Online shoppers count on free shipping
Expect more promotions this holiday season than ever before

This month, Kristen Roswell is planning to buy most of her Christmas presents
online at her computer. She says one thing that really impresses her is: free
shipping. “Free shipping is a huge bonus,” said the 35-year-old mother. “I will
always choose a retailer that has free shipping when buying something.”
According to a study released by Shop.org, an organization of online
retailers, this holiday season 83 percent of online retailers surveyed plan
to provide free shipping promotions. Two years ago, only 64 percent of
online retailers offered free shipping.
Three-fourths of shoppers surveyed said free shipping offers are one of the
most important factors when they decide where to buy online. Consumers are
expected to spend as much as $32 billion online this holiday season, up 18
percent from 2005.
“Online retailers see free shipping as a necessary evil during the holidays,” said
Ellen Davis, spokeswoman for Shop.org. “They know it motivates customers.”
Retailers also justify free shipping by imposing conditions for the deals,
requiring customers to meet certain minimums to get the offer. Consequently
people tend to spend more and make unplanned purchases to qualify for free
shipping. Most free shipping offers end in mid-December, so people who want
to take advantage of the discounts need to shop early, she said.


6. What is one of Kristen Roswell’s reasons to buy items online?
A. Free gifts
B. Discount offers
C. Convenience
D. Free shipping
7. How many businesses offered free shipping two years ago
A. Nearly half of online retailers
B. 83 percent of online retailers
C. 18 percent of online retailers

D. 64 percent of online retailers
8. What is cited (viện dẫn) as a consequence of free shipping offers?
A. More discount offers
B. Impulse buying
C. Decreasing customers purchasing online
D. Quick purchase
9. What do people tend to do when online retailers have free shipping?
A. People tend to buy more without planned purchases.
B. People tend to pay minimums to get the offer.
C. People tend to go shopping early.
D. People tend to buy more to get gifts.
10. What is Ellen Davis’s recommendation for shoppers?
A. Take quick action
B. Take advantage of discounts


Practice 2

Questions 1-5 refer to the following passage.

McDowell Publishing plans to merge with Harvey Media this January, a
spokesman for McDowell Publishing said. The new company will be called
McDowell and Harvey Media. The decision comes after both companies
experienced their third straight year of losses. Both companies have
struggled to compete with the world’s largest publishing company, Watson
Media Inc., which accounts for about 75 percent of the market. Since
Watson Media Inc. was founded by Charles Duvet Jr. in 1999, the
company has successfully forced ten other small publishing companies to
declare bankruptcy. According to a spokesman from Harvey Media, after
the merger is completed, the new company will launch a 3-million-dollar

marketing campaign. Jackson Polkins, the famous children’s writer, has
already announced he will be leaving Watson Media Inc. to pursue a
contract with the new company.


1. The word losses in line 4 is closest in meaning to
A. deficits
B. fortunes
C. properties
D. resources
2. According to the article, why are the two companies making the change?
A. To induce voluntary retirement
B. To hire more employees
C. To reduce operation costs
D. To remain competitive
3. According to the article, what happened in 1999?
A. Watson Media Inc. went bankrupt.
B. Charles Duvet Jr. started a company.
C. Harvey Media introduced a new campaign.
D. Jackson Polkins published a book.
4. What can be inferred from the newspaper article?
A. The new company will lay off many workers.
B. McDowell Publishing will invest considerable money.
C. Watson Media Inc. is a huge company.
D. Harvey Media will change locations.
5. What is Jackson Polkins’s occupation?
A. Company spokesman
C. Children’s writer

B. Financial advisor

D. Publishing assistant


Questions 6-10 refer to the following passage.
The Grant Corporation plans to open a new factory by the end of 2008, a
company spokesman said. The new factory is scheduled to be built in Dobson
County and will create approximately 1,000 new jobs for the local community.
The mayor of Dobson County, Frank Ploy, said the new factory will be a positive
addition to the town, and that the town will support all efforts to construct the
factory as planned. The Grant Corporation is the world’s largest producer of
airplane parts, and is renowned for its strict environmental policies. In 2007, the
company received the prestigious Better Business Award for implementing a
new waste management program that decreased the amount of industrial waste
it produced by nearly 25 percent. Currently, the company owns four other
factories, and has been very successful at securing the support of all the
communities it affects. Just last March, the factory in Trenton, New Jersey,
sponsored a charity event that raised 2 million dollars for a local elementary
school. The residents of Dobson County hope to receive the same benefits
from the new factory. The Grant Corporation plans to build the new facility on
the grounds of the old Milner Factory. Milner Automobiles abandoned the
factory last year after it built a bigger factory in Michelan, a city about thirty five
miles north of Dobson County. According to a company spokesman, the old
factory will be demolished before construction on the new facility begins.


6. What will probably happen in Dobson County by the end of 2008?
A. An elementary school will be built.
B. More jobs will be generated.
C. A tax cut will be introduced.
D. A mayoral election will be held.

7 The word renowned in line 6 is closest in meaning to
A. Obscure (không rõ ràng)
B. Eminent (kiệt xuất)
C. Anonymous (vô danh)
D. Complicated

8. According to the article, what was one benefit of the company’s award-winning
program?
A. It increased production capacity.
B. It created more industrial facilities.
C. It reduced environmental damage.
D. It decreased operation costs.

9. How did the Grant Corporation help Trenton residents?
A. It opened a new factory.
B. It held an educational seminar.
C. It bought local products.
D. It sponsored a fundraiser.
10. Why did the Milner Factory most probably close?
A. The company went out of business.
B. The facility did not meet environmental standards.
C. The company moved to a different location.
D. The factory had to be renovated.


Practice 3

Questions 1-3 refer to the following passage.
Companies who are looking to establish a new headquarters or other facilities
must consider location very carefully. The match, or lack of it, between the

company’s requirements and the available human and natural resources in the
area can be crucial. A company’s future growth and prosperity depends on a
successful match of needs and resources.
Different companies, of course, have different needs. Some are looking for a
good climate and sound infrastructure, like public transportation, schools,
and other facilities for their employees. Others are seeking affordable office
space and a large workforce. Still others want a low cost of living and access to
cultural or outdoor activities to keep their employees happy. But the one
common denominator must be a pro-business attitude in the community.
If the citizens do not want commercial enterprises in their neighborhood, a
company should consider another location.


1. What must companies look for when choosing a location?
A. Abundant natural resources.
B. The desires of the board.
C. A match between needs and resources.
D. A range of different needs.

2. What possible requirement is NOT mentioned in the article?
A. Affordable office space.
B. Tax advantages.
C. Sound infrastructure.
D. Climate.
3. What is essential for success in all cases?
A. Low cost of living.
B. Access to cultural activities.
C. A large workforce.
D. A pro-business attitude.

Questions 4-7 refer to the following passage.
The Organization of Responsible Executives was founded five years ago to provide
support and assistance for member executives who are looking for better ways to
solve their problems. ORE concentrates on finding solutions that are
environmentally and socially responsible. “If you need suggestions on non-polluting
alternatives to chemicals, or want to know the pros and cons of setting up a day care
center for your working parent, then we are the group to call,” says director David
Anderson. “If we don’t have the information on hand, we’ll find it for you.” It is this
kind of responsiveness that has made ORE the fastest-growing business organization
to come along in years. It provides a one-source solution for executives who are trying
to help the company without hurting the world.
4.Who belongs to ORE?
A. Secretaries.
B. Executives.
C. Parents.
D.Researchers.
5.What is the purpose of ORE?
A. To provide responsible solutions.
B. To introduce executives to each other.
C. To make lots of money.
D. To arrange mergers.


6. How long has ORE been operating?
A. For one year.
B. For two years.
C. For four years.
D. For five years.
7. What shows that ORE is successful?

A. It has large offices.
B. It has high profits.
C. It has grown fast.
D. It has a good director
Questions 8-10 refer to the following passage.
NOTICE:
To make your shopping at Harold’s as easy as possible, you are invited to use our
concierge services at the Concierge desk. The Concierge Desk is located on the main
level, beside the Gourmet Food Shop. We offer a range of shopper services including
public transportation schedules, direct lines to taxi services, and package mailing. We
also have a complete database of merchandise in our stores, so that we can direct you to
the store that will best suit your needs. You may visit the Concierge Desk in person, or
you may call from the direct-line telephone at any of the lighted directory maps in the
mall.


8. What does the Concierge Desk provide?
A. Directions to tourist attractions.
B. Advice on fashion.
C. Information for the hotel guest.
D.Services for the shopper.
9. Where is the Concierge Desk located?
A. In a hotel.
B. By the Gourmet Food Shop.
C. At the tourist bureau.
D.In an airport.
10. What is one way to get in touch with Concierge Desk?
A. Stop one of their representatives.
B. Page them from a store.
C. Write a letter.

D.Use the direct phone.


Practice 4

Questions 1-5 refer to the following passage.
Since 1913 the Federal Reserve System has served as the central bank for the United
States. It consists of twelve District Reserve Banks and their branch offices, along with
several committees and councils. The most powerful body is the seven-member Board
of Governors in Washington, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
The System’s primary function is to control monetary policy by influencing the cost
and availability of money and credit through the purchase and sale of government
securities. If the Federal Reserve provides too little money, interest rates tend to be
high, borrowing is expensive, business activity slows down, unemployment goes up,
and there is a danger of recession. If there is too much money, interest rates decline,
and borrowing can lead to excess demand, pushing up prices and fueling inflation.
1. Which of the following would be the most appropriate title for his passage?
A. Banking.
B. Monetary Policies.
C. The Board of Governors.
D. The Federal Reserve System.
2. The principal responsibility of the Federal Reserve System is
A. to regulate monetary policies.
B. to borrow money.
C. to print government securities.
D. to appoint the Board of Governors.


3. The word “securities” in “The System’s primary function is to control monetary
policy by influencing the cost and availability of money and credit through the purchase

and sale of government securities.” is intended to mean
A. debts
B. bonds
C. protection
D. confidence
4. What happens when the Federal Reserve provides too little money?
A. Demand for loans increases.
B. Unemployment slows down.
C. Interest rates go up.
D. Businesses expand.

•According to the information in this passage, what causes inflation?
A. High unemployment rates.
B. Too much money in the economy.
C. Very high fuel prices.
D. A limited supply of goods.


Questions 6-10 refer to the following passage.
Making the most of the food already in your kitchen
This cooking class focuses on using those food items which seem to have been in your
kitchen forever, and never get eaten. Do you have a lot of different leftover uncooked
pasta in your cupboard? Consider a mixed pasta salad! Remember that different types
of pasta need to be cooked separately, but once that is done they can be mixed together
and used with any pasta salad recipe. Also, overripe bananas can be used to make
delicious banana bread! Check out the recipe on our website, www.eatit.com.
Dispose of old materials in your workshop
The old paint cans and other chemicals lying around in your basement or garage are a
fire hazard, and they are also hazardous to your health. You should call your local
chemical disposal department to request detailed information about how to dispose of

these items. They may have questions about what ingredients are inside each container.
And as for the bits of wood left over from that last construction project? If you have
kids, you may want to suggest that they get creative and build things like birdfeeders
and footstools (under your careful supervision of course). If the leftovers are really of
no use to you, you should contact your local landfill to see if there are recycling options
available.


6. What kinds of tips are given in this notice?
A. Childhood development tips.
B. Health tips.
C.Household tips.
D. Business tips.
7. What must people do when making a mixed pasta salad?
A. Cook each kind of pasta separately first.
B. Choose a recipe carefully.
C. Make sure all of the pasta is the right kind.
•Divide the pasta into separate types after cooking.
8. Who should people contact about leftover paint in their household?
A. The web site.
B. The local landfill.
•The chemical disposal department. D. A health expert.
9. What type of old fruit may still be useful?
•Kiwi fruit.
B. Bananas.
C. Apples
D. Pears.

10. Which word in the passage means to get rid of?
A. to consider

B. to check out
C. to contact
D. to dispose of


Practice 5

Questions 1-5 refer to the following passage.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
All passengers who are nationals of countries other than the United States or
Canada must complete an Immigration Form before arrival in the U.S. Fill out
one for each family member. Do not write on the back. Write in English in all
capital letters. Keep the form until your departure from the United States. Use
the white
I-94 form if you have a valid U.S. visa. Use the green I-94W form if you hold a
passport from one of the 22 countries participating in the visa-waiver program
and do not have a valid U.S. visa. Use the blue I-94T form if you are only
making an in-transit stop en route to another country.
All passengers (or one passenger per family) are required to complete a
Customs Declaration Form prior to arrival. Complete it in English and in
capital letters. Be sure to sign your name on the back of the form.


1. How many Immigration Forms must be filled out by a family of two adults and one
child who are not U.S. or Canadian nationals?
A.None
B. One
C. Two
D. Three
2. What should a traveler do with the Immigration Form?

A. Give it to an immigration agent.
B. Keep it until leaving the U.S.
C. Fill it out after arrival.
D. Give it to a U.S. Customs agent.
3. If you are changing planes in Miami on a flight from Madrid to Mexico City, which
form should you fill out?
A. A white one
B. A green one
C. A blue one
D. No form is required

4. Who must fill out a Customs Declaration Form?
A. Each passenger, or one passenger per family
B. Everyone except U.S. and Canadian nationals
C. Only U.S. residents
D. Only passengers from one of the 22 designated countries
5. What should passengers write on the back of the Customs Declaration Forms?
A. Nothing
B. Their signatures
C. Their flight number
D. The date


Questions 6-10 refer to the following passage.
Cokesbury Island Conference
Housing and Accommodations

The largest structure on the Cokesbury Island is Oceanbreeze Estate. Built over 120
years ago, Oceanbreeze Estate has a main lobby, dining area, gift shop, and sleeping
quarters, a number of small cottages and several Victorian type units provide additional

guest rooms and conference center rooms.
Expect your accommendations to be very comfortable but not modern. Sleeping
quarters are equipped with some amenities. The rooms have showers but no bathtubs.
Meals are served on a buffet basis. The food is fresh but not fancy.
Low-sodium and vegetarian meals are available for those who request them twenty-four
hours in advance. Individual dietary requests for those on dairy-free or wheat-free diets
cannot be accommodated.

Due to limitations of the island’s electrical systems, we generate our own electricity on
the islands. For this reason, guests are asked not to bring appliances with heating
electronics such as heating pads and hairdryers.


6. What does the brochure imply about the Oceanbreeze Estate?
A. Its guest rooms are recently renovated.
B. It provides high-tech facilities for business conferences.
C. It is a historical building without modern conveniences.
D. It is a popular vacation spot for young professionals.
7. What type of special meals are available?
A. Meals that contain little sodium.
B. Meals that are made without wheat.
C. Meals that have low sugar.
D. Meals that contain no dairy product.
8. What best describes the dining room service at Oceanbreeze Estate?
A. Each guest orders individually from a menu.
B. Guests serve themselves from a buffet table.
C. Each group of guests chooses the meals from their own table.
D. Guests are served as a group menu.
9. What are guests asked for refrain from doing?
A. Taking long showers.

C. Taking room towels to the swimming pool.
10. Which word in the passage means to produce?
A. to serve
C. to generate

B. Using the kitchen facilities.
D. Using their own hairdryers.

B. to provide
D. to build


Practice 6

Questions 1-5 refer to the following advertisement.
JP Store is proud to announce its new catalogue service, which will begin this
September. Each month all customers with a JP Gold Card will receive a free catalogue.
What's so great about the JP Catalogue? You don't have to go to our store to buy your
clothes. You can simply call the customer service hotline and place your order from the
comfort of your own home. Plus, each month's catalogue will include special discounts
on all our clothing. If you have any questions about this special promotion, contact us at
1-800-2365-9864. If you are not a cardholder and would like to become one, then
download an application from our website, www.jpclothes.com. All customers who
apply online before August 15th will receive an additional 20 percent off their first
order.
1. What kind of product does JP Store sell?
A. Home furnishings
B. Kitchenware
C. Clothing
D. Office supplies

2. What will JP Gold Card holders receive?
A. Complimentary catalogues
B. A discount on shipping charges
C. Special coupons for the store
D. An online account


3. How often will cardholders receive the JP Catalogue?
A. Once a week
B. Every two weeks
C. Once a month
D. Once a year

4. How can interested customers apply for a card?
A. Get an application from the store
B. Call customer service
C. Email the company
D. Submit an online application
5. To get more discounts for the first order, the deadline for submitting an online
application is
A.on August 15th
B. by August 15th
C. in August
D. in December


Questions 6-10 refer to the following invoice and e-mail.
NanoMac Inc.
Finance Department

Office # 402
26 Mountain Dr.
Sharonville, SC

Brooks Brothers Marketing
356 Brewster Rd.
Applewood, TN
Att'n: Paul O'Reilly
INVOICE FOR:
1 desktop computer $590.75
1 laser jet printer $195.95
2 cartons glossy 8 X 11 inch copy
100 blue Shic pens $103.96

54.25

GST (Goods and Services Tax) $62.03
TOTAL PAYABLE: $1006.94
Customer Registration No. 878-96854-632
Invoice No. 856
Date of Invoice: July 15, 2007