Đề thi môn Tiếng Anh - Đọc hiểu (trình độ C)

Nội dung text: Đề thi môn Tiếng Anh - Đọc hiểu (trình độ C)

1. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C READING TEST – LEVEL C I. TRUE/FALSE 1. Test 1: The hardest language People often ask which is the most difficult language to learn, and it is not easy to answer because there are many factors to take into consideration. Firstly, in a first language the differences are unimportant as people learn their mother tongue naturally, so the question of how hard a language is to learn is only relevant when learning a second language. A native speaker of Spanish, for example, will find Portuguese much easier to learn than a native speaker of Chinese, for example, because Portuguese is very similar to Spanish, while Chinese is very different, so first language can affect learning a second language. The greater the differences between the second language and our first, the harder it will be for most people to learn. Many people answer that Chinese is the hardest language to learn, possibly influenced by the thought of learning the Chinese writing system, and the pronunciation of Chinese does appear to be very difficult for many foreign learners. However, for Japanese speakers, who already use Chinese characters in their own language, learning writing will be less difficult than for speakers of languages using the Roman alphabet. Some people seem to learn languages readily, while others find it very difficult. Teachers and the circumstances in which the language is learned also play an important role, as well as each learner's motivation for learning. If people learn a language because they need to use it professionally, they often learn it faster than people studying a language that has no direct use in their day to day life. Apparently, British diplomats and other embassy staff have found that the second hardest language is Japanese, which will probably come as no surprise to many, but the language that they have found to be the most problematic is Hungarian, which has 35 cases (forms of nouns according to whether it is subject, object, genitive, etc). This does not mean that Hungarian is the hardest language to learn for everyone, but it causes British diplomatic personnel, who are generally used to learning languages, the most difficulty. However, Tabassaran, a Caucasian language has 48 cases, so it might cause more difficulty if British diplomats had to learn it. Different cultures and individuals from those cultures will find different languages more difficult. In the case of Hungarian for British learners, it is not a question of the writing system, which uses a similar alphabet, but the grammatical complexity, though native speakers of related languages may find it easier, while struggling with languages that the British find relatively easy. No language is easy to learn well, though languages which are related to our first language are easier. Learning a completely different writing system is a huge challenge, but that does not necessarily make a language more difficult than another. In the end, it is impossible to say that there is one language that is the most difficult language in the world. Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 1. The question of how hard a language is to learn is relevant to both first and second language acquisition. A. True 1
2. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C B. False 2. Portuguese is definitely easier than Chinese. A. True B. False 3. A Japanese speaker may well find the Chinese writing system easier than a speaker of a European language. A. True B. False 4. Hungarian has as many cases as Tabassaran. A. True B. False 5. Hungarian is the hardest language in the world. A. True B. False 6. The writer thinks that learning new writing systems is easy. A. True B. False 2. Test 2 The First Computer Programmer Ada Lovelace was the daughter of the poet Lord Byron. She was taught by Mary Somerville, a well-known researcher and scientific author, who introduced her to Charles Babbage in June 1833. Babbage was an English mathematician, who first had the idea for a programmable computer. In 1842 and 1843, Ada translated the work of an Italian mathematician, Luigi Menabrea on Babbage's Analytical Engine. Though mechanical, this machine was an important step in the history of computers; it was the design of a mechanical general- purpose computer. Babbage worked on it for many years until his death in 1871. However, because of financial, political, and legal issues, the engine was never built. The design of the machine was very modern; it anticipated the first completed general- purpose computers by about 100 years. When Ada translated the article, she added a set of notes which specified in complete detail a method for calculating certain numbers with the Analytical Engine, which have since been recognized by historians as the world's first computer program. She also saw possibilities in it that Babbage hadn't: she realised that the machine could compose pieces of music. The computer programming language 'Ada', used in some aviation and military programs, is named after her. Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 7. Ada Lovelace's teacher introduced her to Charles Babbage. A. True B. False 8. Babbage programmed the first computer. A. True B. False 2
3. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C 9. Ada finished translating the article in 1842. A. True B. False 10. Luigi Menabrea designed the first computer. A. True B. False 11. Ada wrote military and aviation computer programs. A. True B. False 3. Test 3 Visit Angkor Wat Siem Reap is a small town near the world famous temple of Angkor Wat. The town is charming and worth exploring, with some fine examples of Khmer and French colonial architecture set among the more modern developments. Nowadays, visitors are flocking in, using it as a base for visits to the nearby temples. A Carved City From the 9th to the 14th centuries, when Europe was still struggling out of the Dark Ages, the Cambodian Empire of Angkor covered most of present-day Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. The heart of this empire during the 12th century was the ancient capital of Angkor Thom, near present day Siem Reap, the site of the world’s largest temple complexes, which were rediscovered in 1861. This spectacular city was built over 30 years under the reign of King Suryavarman II (1113-1150). The area covers about 400 square kilometres and is full of the finest examples of Khmer art and architecture. Tourists are always amazed at the scale of the place. In Angkor Wat you will find more than 100 stone monuments and temple buildings, each of which contains countless statues, sculptures and reliefs that have weathered extremely little over the last 800 years. To see the whole thing can take several days. The most important temples to visit in the area are Angkor Wat, especially at sunrise or sunset; Angkor Thom, the remains of the capital; Ta Prohm, a palace overgrown by jungle; and Bayon. Getting a visa Visas are required to enter Cambodia. You can obtain one on arrival at Siem Reap International Airport for $20, and 1 passport photo is required per person. You will also need another passport photo for the Angkor Temple Entrance Pass. Please ensure you take comfortable walking shoes, light clothing and plenty of water to drink as it is very hot there. The most commonly accepted currency in Cambodia is the US dollar. Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 12. Most people visit Siem Reap because of the temples in the area. A. True B. False 13. In the 9th to the 14th centuries, Europe was more advanced than Cambodia. 3
4. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C A. True B. False 14. The stonework of Angkor Wat is in poor condition today. A. True B. False 15. You must get a visa before flying to Siem Reap. A. True B. False 16. You will need a couple of passport photos. A. True B. False 17. The US dollar is widely accepted in Cambodia. A. True B. False 4. Test 4 Charlie Chaplin's Early Life He was believed to have been born on April 16, 1889. There is some doubt whether April 16 is actually his birthday, and it is possible he was not born in 1889. There is also uncertainty about his birthplace: London or Fontainebleau, France. There is no doubt, however, as to his parentage: he was born to Charles Chaplin, Sr. and Hannah Harriette Hill (aka Lily Harley on stage), both Music Hall entertainers. His parents separated soon after his birth, leaving him in the care of his increasingly unstable mother. In 1896, Chaplin's mother was unable to find work; Charlie and his older half- brother Sydney Chaplin had to be left in the workhouse at Lambeth, moving after several weeks to Hanwell School for Orphans and Destitute Children. His father died an alcoholic when Charlie was 12, and his mother suffered a mental breakdown, and was eventually admitted temporarily to the Cane Hill Asylum at Coulsdon (near Croydon). She died in 1928 in the United States, two years after coming to the States to live with Chaplin, by then a commercial success. Charlie first took to the stage when aged five, he performed in Music Hall in 1894, standing in for his mother. As a child, he was confined to a bed for weeks due to a serious illness, and, at night, his mother would sit at the window and act out what was going on outside. In 1900, aged 11, his brother helped him get the role of a comic cat in the pantomime Cinderella at the London Hippodrome. In 1903 he appeared in 'Jim, A Romance of Cockayne', followed by his first regular job, as the newspaper boy Billy in Sherlock Holmes, a part he played into 1906. This was followed by Casey's 'Court Circus' variety show, and, the following year, he became a clown in Fred Karno's 'Fun Factory' slapstick comedy company. According to immigration records, he arrived in the United States with the Karno troupe on October 2, 1912. In the Karno Company was Arthur Stanley Jefferson, who would later become known as Stan Laurel. Chaplin and Laurel shared a room in a boarding house. Stan Laurel returned to England but Chaplin remained in 4
5. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C the United States. Chaplin's act was seen by film producer Mack Sennett, who hired him for his studio, the Keystone Film Company. Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 18. Chaplin might have been born some years earlier than is currently believed. A. True B. False 19. Chaplin's mother died before her son was successful. A. True B. False 20. Chaplin first performed on the stage after he arrived in the United States. A. True B. False 21. His first serious job was delivering newspapers. A. True B. False 22. His first partner on the stage was the actor, Stan Laurel. A. True B. False 23. He was discovered while working for an organisation in London. A. True B. False 5. Test 5 Three men chased a mugger into East Putney station, London, after he punched and kicked an elderly woman, but were turned back at the barrier because they had no tickets, it was stated at the Central Criminal Court yesterday. They were refused use of a telephone to call the police, so they bought platform tickets, went into the station and caught the attacker, a youth of 17. One of the pursuers had to go outside to make a 999 call. Mr Justice Melford Stevenson said the incident deserved to be brought to the attention of the railway authorities. He sent the mugger to jail for five years. Terry Tailor earlier had admitted assaulting Mrs Margaret Percy, aged 67, with intent to rob her. Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 24. Terry Tailor denied that he had robbed someone before. A. True B. False 25. Three men were stopped by the police for trying to catch a train without tickets. A. True B. False 5
6. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C 26. According to the Judge, railway authorities deserve more attention in emergencies. A. True B. False 27. An old lady was attacked and injured near a railway station in London. A. True B. False 28. The railway staff didn't let the pursuers make an emergency call. A. True B. False 29. Barriers are mostly used to prevent crimes at East Putney station. A. True B. False 6. Test 6 Everybody loves a good wedding and I am no exception. I have been to a load of them in my native Britain and I must say that I usually have a great time. I have also been to a few abroad, including the Caribbean and Spain, and most recently (last week in fact) to one in the mountains of Sardinia. No two weddings are ever the same and I really enjoyed this one for one or two of the differences from those in the UK. First, the two families spent at least three weeks before the big day preparing all the food, from wonderful home-made delicacies to simple traditional breads and pastas. In my experience, in the UK that onerous task is left to the caterers! In the week leading up to the wedding there is a dinner or some form of celebration every day - training for the stomach I guess. I know that we have the traditional Bachelor party and Bachelorette party, but this is more family orientated and certainly a little less rowdy. This particular ceremony was in a beautiful country church and afterwards the couple was driven to the reception in a wonderfully decorated classic Fiat 500, which was really similar to what happens in the UK, even down to the string of tin cans trailing behind the car! The reception itself was also very similar until I realized that the seven tables in the hall each sat sixty guests (that is four hundred and twenty, for those of you who did not study Math), an average number for Sardinia but would be considered a very large wedding where I am from. The wine flowed, as did the chatter - the famous Italian exuberance showing itself to the full. There were the five or six courses of wonderful food, screaming kids running wild, the ceremonial cutting of the cake by the bride and groom - but no speeches! Not one. In the UK, it is traditional for the father of the bride to propose a toast, followed by the groom and finishing up with that of the best man. It is meant to be the highlight of the lunch/dinner, generally having a good laugh at the groom's expense, but here the groom was spared that particular discomfort. Instead there was a delightful custom which I had never seen before, in which six or seven of the male guests pass round the hall banging trays, drums, pots, pans or basically anything that makes a horrendous noise, selling pieces of the groom's tie which has been cut into tiny bits. The money raised is then given to the happy couple 6
7. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C to help them set up their new life together. Really nice! Finally the evening saw a lot of traditional dancing, a little disco dancing and some karaoke. Pretty much the part I like best, and again I was not disappointed. Can't wait for the next one! Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 30. The writer generally likes weddings. A. True B. False 31. He didn't particularly enjoy the Sardinian one. A. True B. False 32. The families helped the caterers to prepare the food. A. True B. False 33. There is usually a dinner the night before the wedding. A. True B. False 34. The groom meets the bride outside the church. A. True B. False 35. UK wedding receptions are often a lot smaller than Sardinian ones. A. True B. False 36. The writer found it hard to understand the speeches. A. True B. False 37. The staff of the reception hall cut the cake for the guests. A. True B. False 38. There is an auction to sell the groom's tie. A. True B. False 39. The money from this helps to pay for the reception. A. True B. False 7. Test 7 An Ipswich mother, who allowed her son to go on holiday during school term, has been fined £400 after her son repeatedly refused to go to school. The 36-year-old mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before South East Suffolk Magistrates Court yesterday where magistrates heard her 14-year- old son was currently on holiday in Spain. She told that court: "He just does not like going to school. Although he is getting better now and seems to be enjoying it." 7
8. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C The boy has had 145 unauthorised absences between October 15 last year and March 22 this year. His absences were blamed on a late-night life style. The mother has been attending parenting classes voluntarily and told the court that she thought they were helping her. Out of the last eight school sessions - there are two a day - he has attended five. Chairman of the bench David Coe asked her if she thought she could get her son to school in future. "Yes I think I can with some help," she said. She told the court that he was on holiday during the time other pupils were doing work experience because he had not been given a place. On sentencing Mr Coe said: "He is not in school and then he disappears on holiday. We would expect the local authority to bring this back to court quickly if there are further problems." She was fined £400 and ordered to pay £50. Yesterday's case is the second to be dealt with by southeast Suffolk magistrates recently. Last month a 37-year-old was fined £50 after her son had attended just 16 out of 182 sessions. And the cases follow national concern after Oxfordshire mother Patricia Amos was jailed for allowing her children to miss school. She was originally sentenced to 60 days' jail, but this was reduced on appeal. Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 40. The boy had returned to school when his mother was in court. A. True B. False 41. The main reason for his absences was the fact that he went out late every night. A. True B. False 42. The mother has to go to parenting classes. A. True B. False 43. The mother claims her son is not currently missing school lessons. A. True B. False 44. The mother may find herself in court again soon. A. True B. False 45. There have been other similar cases nationwide but this is the first in this area. A. True B. False 46. There was national support for the tough treatment of Patricia Amos. A. True 8
9. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C B. False 8. Test 8 The Wild Life Long before the arrival of Europeans on the Canadian prairie (the wide grasslands of what is now called Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba), the First Nations people lived in a harmonious relationship with their natural surroundings. Every item of their culture, from sewing needles to homes was obtained from nature. Their homes were called teepees and were like large tents made from the skins of deer. These people - tribes with names like the Blackfoot, the Peigan and the Blood people - were nomadic, which means that they travelled from place to place following the animals they hunted or the growth of the berries and fruits on the bushes and trees. They had horses, although horses came to North America after escaping from the Spanish explorers who brought them here to explore the areas around Mexico and Texas. Boys and girls were both expert riders. They did not use saddles or reins or stirrups; they rode "bareback". Their clothes were made from deer skins and buffalo skins and decorated with the parts of other animals - tails from squirrels and gophers, quills from porcupines and the delicate bones of birds. These children of nature did not ever have to go to school. They did not have to study to get into a prestigious college, nor did they have to worry about finding a job after graduation. This does not mean their life was easy. The winters were very long and very cold and there were sometimes wars between tribes. There were also the very great dangers involved in the buffalo hunt. Warriors rode at top speed (with no saddle) beside the huge buffalo shooting arrows to bring them down. The chances of a buffalo turning suddenly or of falling off the horse were very great. We must remember that there were also no hospitals in those days. Even so, the young people of the tribes must have enjoyed a very pleasant lifestyle: fishing and gathering berries in summer, hunting in the forests in the early morning, dancing around the fire at night and listening to the old people tell stories and legends from long ago. Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 47. Riding "bareback" means riding without any equipment on the horse. A. True B. False 48. First Nations people never killed deer. A. True B. False 49. First Nations people had no enemies. A. True B. False 50. Mathematics was not a priority for the kind of life they led. A. True B. False 51. The First Nations people did not develop a written language. A. True 9
10. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C B. False 52. People were rarely killed while hunting buffalo. A. True B. False 9. Test 9 The Presidential Campaign I am an American. Perhaps that makes me a little biased, but I believe that the American presidency is the most important job in the world. It’s a job that goes up for grabs every four years. The candidate who wins in November of 2000 will take office the following January and be the first new U.S. president of the twenty- first century. The election campaign is a long one. Some say it begins right after the election and goes on for the next four years. That’s probably an exaggeration, but it does last a long time. Those who have their eyes on the job have to start gathering support and building campaign organizations early. Some believe that the campaign for president should be shorter. I disagree. A long campaign is an endurance contest. It gives the candidates a chance to show their strengths and forces them to betray their weaknesses. The extended scrutiny makes it much less likely that the voters will accidentally choose an unqualified candidate to be their leader. Personally, I enjoy the contest. It’s a marathon that produces a winner who may have a profound effect on all our lives. You can have your playoffs and your championships; the debates, primaries, conventions, and November election are the sporting events that really matter! Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: According to the author . 53. America has lost its importance in the world. A. True B. False 54. The U.S. presidential election should be limited to six months. A. True B. False 55. Political debates are always boring. A. True B. False 56. Longer campaigns produce more qualified winners. A. True B. False 57. Sometimes it takes time to make a good choice. A. True B. False 58. Politics can be entertaining. A. True 10
11. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C B. False 10. Test 10 In the past 25 years, Nike has grown into one of the world's most successful companies. This is due to its powerful marketing strategies. In 1971, the Oregon-based company founded by Phil Knight paid a local student $35 to create a logo for the company. That $35 investment turned out to be the well-known Nike "swoosh." In 1973, Nike created its first marketing campaign by hiring star runner, Steve Prefontaine, to wear and endorse Nike running shoes. Since then, athlete endorsement has been a strategy that Nike has defined and redefined over the years. In 1985, Nike signed rookie basketball star Michael Jordan to endorse the first line of Air Jordan shoes. Jordan went on to make over 35 Nike ads on his way to becoming the most popular athlete in the world. Nike has continued to hire the very best athletes, early in their careers, to be product endorsers. Nike does not limit itself to the U.S. market, nor to American athletes. It signs the very best young athletes in each sport around the world. For example, Nike hired rookie of the year baseball player Hideo Nomo to pitch Nike products in Japan. The company sponsored the entire Brazilian soccer team that won the World Cup championship in 1994. And it has German Formula One racecar champion Michael Schumacher under contract in Europe. Nike endorsement campaigns have several unique and defining characteristics. For example, the ads almost never pitch the product itself or even mention Nike's name. Rather, they create a mood and an attitude and then associate the product with that feeling. Nike isn't just about shoes; it's about entertainment and fashion. Nike is the definition of what today's young consumers consider cool, and it has become a status symbol around the world. Nike does not simply market shoes and sports apparel; it sells the athletic ideals of determination, individuality, and victory by associating its products with high-profile athletes who have competitive attitudes and charismatic personalities. Nike pays as much as $100 million a year in player endorsements. In 1996, it paid 20-year-old golfing star Tiger Woods over $40 million for his endorsement services. But, there is no doubt that Nike's endorsement strategy works. It has earned them an overall 35 percent market share, and today Nike is a $6.5-billion company with net profits over $550 million. Nike founder Phil Knight has come a long way. His 35 percent of Nike stock makes him the sixth richest person in America, worth over $5.3 billion. Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 59. Nike paid a well-known marketing company to design the famous "swoosh" logo. A. True B. False 60. The first star athlete to endorse Nike products was Michael Jordan. A. True B. False 11
12. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C 61. Michael Jordan has made over 35 ads for Nike. A. True B. False 62. Nike likes to hire athletes early in their careers. A. True B. False 63. Nike's marketing strategy is focused almost entirely on the U.S. market. A. True B. False 64. Hideo Nomo endorses Nike products in Brazil. A. True B. False 65. Nike's ads give detailed information about each of its products. A. True B. False 66. Today, Nike controls over one-third of the market for athletic shoes and sportswear. A. True B. False 11. Test 11 Getting a Good Night's Sleep Did you sleep well last night? Or did you wake up feeling fatigued and sluggish - - perhaps even wondering if you really slept at all? Getting a good night's sleep requires more than crawling into bed and closing your eyes. Understanding your sleep behavior and preparing for a sound slumber can help make sure every night is a good night for sleeping. The amount of sleep the average adult needs each night varies. Some people may be fine with six hours sleep, while others need up to nine hours per night. Dr. Carol Landis points out that those who follow a regular sleep schedule are more apt to function better on fewer hours, but she adds that most adults need at least six hours of sleep each night. "A person's sleeping patterns aren't set in concrete," Landis stresses. Gradually altering the timing of sleep can help change sleep patterns. An "evening person" who needs to get to work early in the morning can try upping the time they go to bed by 30 minutes every few days. Within a few weeks, this slow adjustment will help "reset" the internal body clock. In addition to maintaining a regular daily sleep schedule, Landis offers the following tips on practicing good sleep hygiene: • Avoid stimulants including cigarettes, caffeinated beverages and food such as chocolate in the late afternoon and evening. • Avoid alcohol in the evening. This can have a rebounding effect, causing a person to wake up a few hours into sleep and disturb sleep patterns. 12
13. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C • Finish exercising at least two hours before going to sleep. Exercise increases body temperatures and has an arousing effect, making it more difficult to easily fall asleep. • Don't sleep in a warm environment. A drop in a person's body temperature is important at the onset of deep sleep. People who sleep in a well-heated room or use an electric blanket may not sleep as soundly. • Catch up on missed sleep when you have the opportunity. Busy work schedules or weekend activities often make it difficult to get as much sleep as we'd like each night. To reduce this sleep debt, try taking a 30-minute nap during the day before 4 p.m. or sleeping in on weekends when you have a chance. • "Instead of getting a coffee during a work break, people can get energy by taking a 15 or 30-minute nap instead," Landis points out. "You'll feel better in the long run." Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 67. Everyone needs at least 8 hours of sleep a night to feel rested. A. True B. False 68. Following a regular sleep schedule will help you get better rest. A. True B. False 69. It's a good idea to avoid strenuous exercise right before bedtime. A. True B. False 70. A cool room may be better for sound sleep than a hot room. A. True B. False 71. A cup of hot chocolate before bed can help you fall asleep. A. True B. False 72. A drink of wine in the evening will help you get a good night's rest. A. True B. False II. CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWER 12. Test 12 HALLOWEEN AT THE TIME OF THE CELTS Halloween was celebrated among the Celts 2,000 years ago in what is now England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Northern France. Samhain was the god of the dead, and the Celtic druids used to honour him on the evening of October 31st and the following day. On that very special night, Samhaim, who controlled the spirits of the dead, could either allow them to rest in peace or make them to go wild HALLOWEEN TODAY 13
14. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C 1) Hollowing a pumpkin People carve and hollow out a pumpkin. If you put a candle inside, you get a 'Jack o' lantern'. 2) Trick or treat Children, dressed up in scary costumes go "trick-or-treating" to various homes. By saying "Trick or treat", they offer adults an alternative: a trick (a mischief they will do to adults) or a "treat" such as sweets or candy (something the adults can give to keep the children from doing any mischief.) Of course adults never expect any "trick", and the children always get a "treat". 3) Bobbing for apples: You must put apples in a large bowl filled with water. Then you have to grab one of the apples out of the water without using your hands. You must only use your mouth. FUN JOKE (witch 1) Where do ghosts go shopping? (witch 2) In Boo- tiques Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 73. How long ago was Halloween initially celebrated? A. after the time of the Celts B. 2000 years ago C. a long time ago D. 2,000 years ago 74. Who used to honour Samhain on the evening of October 31st? A. the spirits of the dead B. the king of the Celts C. the Celtic Druids D. the dead 75. How long did Halloween last at the time of the celts? A. 2 weeks B. two days C. several hours D. two months 76. What could the spirits do? A. sleep for ever B. go wild C. rest in peace or go wild D. pray Samhain 77. How can you make a Jack o' lantern? A. light it with a lighter. B. you need two candles. C. you must carve and hollow a pumpkin out, then put a candle inside. D. you must carve and hollow a melon out, then put a candle inside. 78. Why do children say "Trick or treat" to adults? 14
15. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C A. because they are mischievous. B. they expect adults will give them sweets or something nice like candy. C. to do a trick. D. because they want to do some mischief. 79. Who was the God of the Dead? A. Sam Haim B. Haimsam C. Samhain D. Celtus 80. On which part of the day was Halloween actually started every year? A. in the morning B. in the afternoon C. in the evening D. at midday 81. What can people do with a pumpkin nowadays? A. eat it B. a jack o' lantern C. peal it D. cook it 82. Which part of the body cannot be used when bobbing for apples? A. your teeth B. your mouth C. your feet D. your hands 83. Which explanation of the joke is correct? A. there is an amusing spelling mistake. B. Ghosts cannot read or spell correctly. C. The word boutique is oddly spelt. D. "Boo!" is a word that ghosts typically say, and a "Boutique" is where you go shopping. 84. Where did the Celts mostly live 2,000 years ago? A. in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Northern France B. in England, Ireland, Finland, Wales and Northern France C. in England, Iceland, Scotland, Wales and Northern France D. in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Southern France 13. Test 13 Understanding Speed Reading Speed reading is not just a parlor trick you can use to impress your friends and family. For many it’s a necessary tool for managing time and information in the fast- paced business world, and for many others, specifically students, it’s the only way to get through reading-heavy class loads. 15
16. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C The practiced speed reader can pick up a lengthy document or a thick stack of papers and use their skill to get at the meat of the subject by skimming for the most important details and information. Without developing the ability to speed read, this time-saving technique is merely flipping through pages fast. Speed reading, or increasing the rate at which you read text, is linked to increasing the rate at which you understand what you’re reading. The key to successful speed reading is increasing your understanding of the text as you increase the rate at which you read the words. It takes training and practice, but don’t be intimidated by the idea of a challenge. Think of it as the next, natural step to your reading development. Once you’ve mastered it, it’s a skill that will stick with you for the rest of your life. As a child, when you began to learn to read, chances are you began with the alphabet and the specific sounds each letter makes. Then you learned how to combine and blend letter sounds to decipher words. It’s called letter-by-letter reading. Then something clicked and you began to recognize words without having to sound out each letter one at a time and you graduated to word-by-word reading. With continued practice common words and sentence structure became more familiar and because your brain was tuned and ready, your eye started taking in blocks of words at a time. The difference between average readers and speed readers is in the blocks of words their eyes take in at one time. The larger the blocks, the faster your eye moves through the text. Speed reading teaches you how to take your reading and your comprehension to the next level. The techniques used in teaching speed reading focus on your individual abilities, namely where you are right now and what might be keeping you from progressing. For example, if you are a slow reader, factors that hold you back may include, but are not limited to, moving your lips or reading out loud or holding the text too close to your eyes. If you are in the practice of moving your lips, or speaking or whispering while you read, you’re slowing yourself down dramatically. Your lips can only move so fast. You should be able to read at least two or three times faster than you can speak. In effect, you’re keeping yourself at that word-by-word stage that children generally grow out of in elementary school. Having the ability to speed read can make a significant difference in your life, especially if reading is a strong component of your work. Implementing some simple techniques can get you reading faster and more efficiently in no time at all. Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 85. Why is speed reading useful for students? A. They have a large amount of reading to do. B. They can impress their friends. C. They have difficulty managing their time. 86. Speed reading decreases your understanding of the text because you are skimming. A. True B. False 16
17. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C 87. What is the difference between someone who reads at an average speed and a speed reader? A. The average reader recognizes words. B. The average reader takes in fewer blocks of words at a time. C. The average reader moves faster through the text. 88. Which of the following can keep you from reading quickly? A. Moving your lips whilst you read B. Reading out loud C. Whispering while reading D. All of the above 89. You should be able to read at least twice as fast as you talk. A. True B. False 14. Test 14 Presidential Elections This year Americans elect on a new president on November 4th. It's an important event that happens once every four years. Currently, the president is always elected from one of the two main parties in the United States: the Republicans and the Democrats. There are other presidential candidates. However, it is unlikely that any of these "third party" candidates will win. It certainly hasn't happened in the last one hundred years. In order to become the presidential nominee of a party, the candidate must win the primary election. Primary elections are held throughout each state in the United States in the first half of any election year. Then, the delegates attend their party convention in order to nominate their chosen candidate. Usually, as in this election, it's clear who will be the nominee. However, in the past parties have been divided and choosing a nominee has been a difficult process. Once the nominees have been selected, they campaign throughout the country. A number of debates are usually held in order to better understand the candidates' points of view. These points of view often reflect their party's platform. A party platform is best described as the general beliefs and policies a party holds. Candidates cross the country by plane, bus, train or by car giving speeches. These speeches are often called 'stump speeches'. In the 19th century candidates would stand on tree stumps to deliver their speeches. These stump speeches repeat the candidates’ basic views and aspirations for the country. They are repeated many hundreds of times by each candidate. Many people believe that campaigns in the United States have become too negative. Each night you can see many attack ads on the television. These short ads contain sound bites which often distort the truth, or something the other candidate has said or done. Another recent problem has been voter turnout. There is often less than 60% turnout for national elections. Some people don't register to vote, and some registered voters don't show up at the voting booths. This angers many citizens who feel that voting is the most important responsibility of any citizen. Others point out that not voting is expressing an opinion that the system is broken. 17
18. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C The United States maintains an extremely old, and some say inefficient, voting system. This system is called the Electoral College. Each state is assigned electoral votes based on the number of senators and representatives that state has in Congress. Each state has two Senators. The number of representatives is determined by the states’ population but is never less than 1. The electoral votes are decided by the popular vote in each state. One candidate wins all of the electoral votes in a state. In other words, Oregon has 8 electoral votes. If 1 million people vote for the Republican candidate and one million and ten people vote for the Democratic candidate ALL 8 electoral votes go to the democratic candidate. Many people feel that this system should be abandoned. Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 90. How often does the United States hold presidential elections? A. every two years B. every four years C. every six years 91. How many times has a third party won in the last 100 years? A. Once B. Twice C. Never 92. Where is the nominee chosen? A. The Electoral College B. At the party convention C. On the campaign 93. What is a stump speech? A. A special speech for a particular group B. The standard speech given by a nominee many times C. A speech about the forest 94. Which statement is false? A. Many people feel that voting is a responsibility of citizens. B. Many people feel that not voting is expressing an opinion. C. Voting is required by law. 95. Which statement is true? A. In a state with 12 electoral votes, the majority of the popular vote takes all 12 electoral votes. B. In a state with 12 electoral votes, the minority of the popular vote takes all 12 electoral votes. C. In a state with 12 electoral votes, the electoral votes are split evenly based on the popular vote. 96. What is the 'third party'? A. The Republicans B. The Democrats C. Neither of the two main parities 97. What must a person do to become a presidential nominee? 18
19. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C A. Win the general election B. Win a primary election C. Decide to run for president 98. What is the main purpose of the debates? A. To show their points of view B. To know the candidate’s standpoints C. To attract advertising 99. What is the party platform? A. The belief of a specific presidential nominee B. The general beliefs and policies of the party C. The place where the party is held 100. What do many people believe about the campaigns? A. They are not positive. B. They are not negative. C. They are perfect. 101. Which statement is true? A. American voters elect their president directly. B. American voters elect their president indirectly. C. American voters have no say in the choice of a president. 15. Test 15 The Summer Olympic Games The Summer Olympic Games will be held in Beijing, China from August 8 to August 24. Competitors from around the world will compete for the gold, silver or bronze medals. For some athletes, winning is not a real possibility. However, they will strive to set personal and/or national bests in their events. Of course, many world records will also be broken during these games. The intensely competitive nature of the games, the strong national pride involved and the challenge in facing the best athletes from around the world combine to demand the top performances from each individual. In a world where soccer (football), basketball, golf and tennis dominate television broadcasts, the Summer Olympic Games provide a chance to observe sports not usually covered. When was the last time you watched water polo, or fencing? Chances are you watched them during the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Greece. In this age when many people are fortunate enough to have cable TV connections, spectators can watch a wide variety of athletic competitions. Athletics and wrestling are probably the oldest sports in the Olympic Games. The tradition of these sports goes back to the original games held in ancient Greece over 2500 years ago. Some of my favorite events include the javelin throw, the high jump and the pole vault, as well as the hurdles. There will also be a wide variety of water sports that include canoeing, sailing and diving. Naturally, swimming is probably the most popular water sport with a wide variety of competitive events including backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle and more. 19
20. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C The summer games also include a number of events that have recently been introduced to the games. Kayaking and mountain biking, baseball and beach volleyball are just a few. I certainly haven't mentioned all the sports - who would want to miss gymnastics - but you get the idea. Turn on your TV, relax and enjoy a moment of peace and togetherness in this struggling world of ours. The Summer Olympic Games provides an example that we all should follow: competition with respect. Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 102. What goal do many competitors who probably won't win medals have? A. Break the world records B. Win advertising contract C. Set their best personal or national results D. No goals 103. Which is NOT mentioned as a motivation for top performance? A. National pride B. Financial gain C. Intensely competitive nature of the games 104. Which type of sport generally doesn't dominate broadcasts? A. Fencing B. Soccer C. Basketball 105. Which reason does the author give for the wide variety of viewing opportunities? A. The newspaper B. National pride C. Cable TV 106. Which sport is not listed as one of the oldest Olympic events? A. Wrestling B. Kayaking C. Athletics 107. Which example do the Olympic Games set? A. Win at all costs B. National pride above everything C. Fair competition D. Competition with respect 16. Test 16 Social Networks Do the names MySpace, Facebook, Orkut, etc. ring a bell? They probably do because they are some of the most popular sites on the internet today. These sites are all called 'social networking' sites because they help people meet and discuss things online. Each of these social networking sites has its own strengths: MySpace is especially popular among teenagers, Facebook is popular with college age people, Orkut is especially loved in Brazil, and CyWorld is the site to visit in South Korea. 20
21. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C The common thread between all of these social networks is that they provide a place for people to interact, rather than a place to go to read or listen to 'content'. Web 2.0 Social networks are considered to be web 2.0. What does this mean? To understand this, it's important to understand what the original web did (often called web 1.0). Back in the nineties, the internet - or web - was a place to go to read articles, listen to music, get information, etc. Most people didn't contribute to the sites. They just 'browsed' the sites and took advantage of the information or resources provided. Of course, some people did create their own sites. However, creating a site was difficult. You needed to know basic HTML coding (the original language the internet uses to 'code' pages). It certainly wasn't something most people wanted to do as it could take hours to get a basic page just right. Things began to get easier when blogs (from web log) were introduced. With blogs, many more people began writing 'posts', as well as commenting on other people's blogs. MySpace Surprises Everybody In 2003 a site named MySpace took the internet by storm. It was trying to mimic the most popular features of Friendster, the first social networking site. It quickly became popular among young users and the rest was history. Soon everyone was trying to develop a social networking site. The sites didn't provide 'content' to people, they helped people create, communicate and share what they loved including music, images and videos. The key to the success of these sites is that they provide a platform on which users create the content. This is very different from the beginning of the internet which focused on providing 'content' for people to enjoy. Key to Success Relying on users to create content is the key to the success of web 2.0 companies. Besides the social networking sites discussed here, other huge success stories include: Wikipedia, Digg.com and the latest success - Twitter. All of these companies rely on the desire of users to communicate with each other, thereby creating the 'content' that others want to consume. Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 108. Which social networking site was not mentioned in the reading? A. MySpace B. LinkedIn C. Facebook 109. Where is Orkut especially popular? A. In Japan B. In South Korea C. In Brazil 110. What was the original web mainly used for? A. Interacting with other people B. Browsing content C. Creating pages in HTML 111. What do web 2.0 sites rely on? A. Articles written by professional journalists B. Users creating content 21
22. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C C. Fast internet connections 112. What is considered the latest success of social networking site? A. Myspace B. Wikipedia C. Twitter 113. Why didn't many people create web pages in the beginning? A. They didn't like communicating with others. B. They didn't feel comfortable coding HTML pages. C. They didn't know they could create web pages. 114. What is Facebook? A. A blog B. A content site C. A social networking site 115. Which phrase best describes what people do at social networking sites? A. They interact with other people. B. They browse articles and other content. C. They code pages in HTML. 116. What is the first social networking site? A. Myspace B. Frendster C. Wikipedia 117. Which is the best description of web 2.0 sites? A. They are content driven sites. B. They are platforms for interaction. C. They are like blogs, but better. 118. What is most important for these new sites? A. Users' desire to communicate with each other B. Users' desire to read interesting content written by professionals C. Users' desire to learn coding 119. What is the main idea of this reading A. The importance of social networking site B. The development of social networking site C. How you could join social networking site 17. Test 17 Airbus crisis over Airbus says it has turned the corner after a crisis connected to production problems and turmoil in the boardroom at its A380 super-jumbo project that has gone on for the past year. Speaking at the Paris air show, Louis Gallois, CEO of the European planemaker, said, "Airbus is back." 22
23. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C Airbus, which announced a raft of orders on the first day of the show, is competing with Boeing, its American rival, for the title of the largest planemaker in the world. Boeing is expected to reveal the numbers of orders for its 787 Dreamliner soon. Airbus orders unveiled on Monday included Qatar Airways confirming a $16bn order for 80 A350 Airbus planes and ordering 3 A380 super-jumbos for about $750m. Boeing and Airbus are also competing for orders from aircraft leasing firms. Orders from these companies - who rank highly among the biggest global buyers of aircraft - are often regarded as an indication of how successful a model will be in the long term. Airbus also secured orders from US Airways that are worth $10bn for 22 of its A350 jets, 60 A320s and 10 of its A330-200 wide-body planes. A few months ago, Airbus unveiled a major cost-cutting programme aiming to reduce the workforce in Europe by 10,000, as well as announcing a group restructuring. "I can tell you with full confidence that Airbus is back and fully back, as you have started noting yesterday as demonstrated by our first day announcements," said Mr. Gallois on the second day of the air show. However, Boeing also announced a deal with General Electric (GE) on the show's first day. GE's commercial aviation services placed an order for six 777 Boeing freighters valued at around $1.4bn, to be delivered in the last quarter of 2008. A Wall Street Journal website report, quoting the Delta operating chief yesterday said that Delta Air Lines were on the verge of ordering as many as 125 Boeing 787 jetliners by the end of this year. However, a spokesman for Delta later said that it had been having conversations "with several aircraft makers" and that "no final decision" had been made on future fleet purchases. Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 120. The problems at Airbus ___. A. have been resolved completely B. are well on their way to being sorted out C. are far from resolved 121. Airbus announced ___. A. a large number of orders on the first day of the show B. some orders on the first day of the show C. a few orders on the first day of the show 122. Qatar Airways ordered ___. A. 83 super-jumbos on Monday B. 80 super-jumbos on Monday C. 3 super-jumbos on Monday 123. US Airways ___. A. placed an order for the new super-jumbo B. didn't place an order for the new super-jumbo C. may have placed an order for the new super-jumbo 124. Boeing ___. A. announced sales of the Dreamliner 23
24. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C B. may sell some Dreamliners to General Electric C. may sell some Dreamliners to Delta Air Lines 125. The Wall Street Journal website report ___. A. was definitely correct B. was possibly correct C. was definitely wrong 18. Test 18 Sequoyah was a young Cherokee Indian, son of a white trader and an Indian squaw. At an early age, he became fascinated by "the talking leaf," an expression that he used to describe the white man's written records. Although many believed this "talking leaf" to be a gift from the Great Spirit, Sequoyah refused to accept that theory. Like other Indians of the period, he was illiterate, but his determination to remedy the situation led to the invention of a unique 86-character alphabet based on the-sound patterns that he heard. His family and friends thought him mad, but while recuperating from a hunting accident, he diligently and independently set out to create a form of communication for his own people as well as for other Indians. In 1821, after twelve years of work, he had successfully developed a written language that would enable thousands of Indians to read and write. Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 126. What is the most important reason that Sequoyah will be remembered? A. California redwoods were named in his honor. B. He was illiterate. C. He created a unique alphabet. D. He recovered from his madness and helped mankind. 127. How did Sequoyah's family react to his idea of developing his own "talking leaf"? A. They arranged for his hunting accident. B. They thought he was crazy. C. They decided to help him. D. They asked him to teach them to read and write. 128. What prompted Sequoyah to develop his alphabet? A. People were writing things about him that he couldn't read. B. He wanted to become famous. C. After his hunting accident, he needed something to keep him busy. D. He wanted the history of his people preserved for future generations. 129. The word "illiterate" means most nearly___. A. fierce B. poor C. abandoned D. unable to read or write 130. How would you describe Sequoyah? 24
25. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C A. determined B. mad C. backwards D. meek 131. Which of the following is not true? A. Sequoyah developed a form of writing with the help of the Cherokee tribe. B. Sequoyah was a very observant young man. C. Sequoyah spent twelve years developing his alphabet. D. Sequoyah was honored by having some trees named after him. 19. Test 19 LADIES FIRST It is the custom in America to give women special treatment. Although there was a time when they were denied the right to vote and their proper place was considered to be in the home, they were always looked upon as the "fair sex." A man's job was seen as that of the breadwinner; a woman's position was that of the homemaker. The man brings home the bacon and the woman takes care of the nest. Along with this subservient role came certain privileges. A woman was given a priority in various social situations and treated with both reverence and respect. This respect she justly earned if she were both a caring mother and a faithful wife. In the past it has been the gentleman's responsibility to be her protector and escort. Even today a man with proper breeding and good manner will politely open the door for a lady, help her on with her coat when necessary and escort her to the door of her home after a date, making sure she is safely within the confines of her home. Likewise, when a man takes a woman out for dinner, it is considered polite to assist her with her chair when she gets up or sits down. On a crowded train or bus, it is altogether proper for a man to offer a woman his seat especially if she is elderly or pregnant. This respect for women dates back perhaps to the time of chivalry when men fought duels for the hand of a fair maiden. The ritual of courtship involved the endurance of great hardships, the demonstration of valiant courage and the courtesy of good manners. Even when it comes to shaking hands ladies come first. It is considered impolite for a man to extend his hand to a woman for a handshake upon first greeting. This remains the woman's option. If a woman does not extend her hand to the man first, then the man should refrain from offering his. In this sense the woman's choice comes first. Not only do ladies come first, but if she is the wife of the president, she is called the "First Lady" and women continue to break new "first" categories by entering into fields of social service once considered exclusively the realm of men. America now has had a first woman Secretary of State in the person of Madeline Albright and a "first" woman president may not be far off in the future. There is no doubt that the Women's liberation movement has put women on an equal footing with men with respect to jobs and career opportunities. There can also be no denying that many women today prefer to be treated the same as men in every way. Yet, in spite of their 25
26. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C new freedom and social equality none of them seem to object to the rule of "ladies first." Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 132. In the family what was considered to be the traditional position of women? A. They were subservient and had no power. B. They were the homemakers. C. They were the breadwinners. D. They brought home the bacon. 133. Which of the following would be considered a privilege of women? A. To be the breadwinner. B. To become the one who brings home the bacon. C. To be treated with respect in certain situations. D. To be looked upon as the 'fair sex.' 134. Which of the following would a man NOT do on a serious date with a woman in a restaurant? A. Help her with her coat. B. Pay for the bill. C. Tell her to escout him to the door of his home. D. Assist her with her chair. 135. What would a man of proper breeding do for a woman on a crowded bus? A. Offer her his seat if she were standing. B. Pay her bus fare. C. Help her with her coat. D. Hold open the door of the vehicle. 136. What often happened in the time of chivalry? A. The ritual of courtship was complicated. B. Good manners created hardships for all. C. Men fought duels for the hand of a woman in marriage. D. A woman's hand was that of a fair maiden. 137. When shaking hands with a woman what is considered rude? A. To make eye contact. B. To offer one's hand first if one is a man. C. To wait for the woman to offer her hand. D. To smile while shaking hands. 20. Test 20 Culture Shock Psychologists tell us that there are four basic stages that human beings pass through when they enter and live in a new culture. This process, which helps us to deal with culture shock, is the way our brain and our personality reacts to the strange new things we encounter when we move from one culture to another. If our culture involves bowing when we greet someone, we may feel very uncomfortable in a culture that does not involve bowing. If the language we use when talking to someone in our 26
27. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C own culture is influenced by levels of formality based on the other person's age and status, it may be difficult for us to feel comfortable communicating with people in the new culture. Culture begins with the "honeymoon stage". This is the period of time when we first arrive in which everything about the new culture is strange and exciting. We may be suffering from "jet lag" but we are thrilled to be in the new environment, seeing new sights, hearing new sounds and language, eating new kinds of food. This honeymoon stage can last for quite a long time because we feel we are involved in some kind of great adventure. Unfortunately, the second stage of culture shock can be more difficult. After we have settled down into our new life, working or studying, buying groceries, doing laundry, or living with a home-stay family, we can become very tired and begin to miss our homeland and our family, girlfriend/boyfriend, pets. All the little problems that everybody in life has seem to be much bigger and more disturbing when you face them in a foreign culture. This period of cultural adjustment can be very difficult and lead to the new arrival rejecting or pulling away from the new culture. This "rejection stage" can be quite dangerous because the visitor may develop unhealthy habits (smoking and drinking too much, being too concerned over food or contact with people from the new culture). This can, unfortunately lead to the person getting sick or developing skin infections or rashes which then make the person feel even more scared and confused and helpless. This stage is considered a crisis in the process of cultural adjustment and many people choose to go back to their homeland or spend all their time with people from their own culture speaking their native language. The third stage of culture shock is called the "adjustment stage". This is when you begin to realize that things are not so bad in the host culture. Your sense of humor usually becomes stronger and you realize that you are becoming stronger by learning to take care of yourself in the new place. Things are still difficult, but you are now a survivor! The fourth stage can be called "at ease at last". Now you feel quite comfortable in your new surroundings. You can cope with most problems that occur. You may still have problems with the language, but you know you are strong enough to deal with them. If you meet someone who has just arrived from your country, you can be the expert on life in the new culture and help them to deal with their culture shock. There is a fifth stage of culture shock which many people don't know about. This is called "reverse culture shock". Surprisingly, this occurs when you go back to your native culture and find that you have changed and that things there have changed while you have been away. Now you feel a little uncomfortable back home. Life is a struggle! Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 138. When does culture shock happen? A. When you reach your teens B. When you move to a big city C. When you meet foreign people for the first time D. When you go to live in a foreign culture 139. How do you feel during the first stage of culture shock? A. lonely and depressed 27
28. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C B. bored and homesick C. happy and excited D. angry and frustrated 140. How do you feel during the second stage? A. homesick and afraid B. interested and amused C. stressed, but positive D. you have no particular feelings 141. How could the third stage be described? A. adjustment B. rejection C. enthusiasm D. anger 142. How do you feel during the fourth stage of culture shock? A. tense, but positive B. relaxed C. negative and stressed D. afraid 143. Why might reverse culture shock be a problem? A. It hardly ever happens. B. It is extremely stressful. C. Most people do not expect it. D. It only happens to young people. 144. The four basic stages of culture shock are___. A. honeymoon, rehearsal, memorization and return B. honeymoon, rejection, adjustment, at ease at last C. honeymoon, rejection, reverse, at ease at last D. honeymoon, rehearsal, rejection, at ease at last 145. What is the mysterious fifth stage of culture shock called? A. rehearsal culture shock B. reverse culture shock C. foreign culture shock D. unknown culture shock 146. Why would people in the second stage of culture shock choose to spend all their time with people from their homeland? A. They are afraid to risk being uncomfortable with strangers and it is easier to stay with people from their own culture. B. They are afraid of skin diseases and want to hide from contact with foreigners. C. They feel that they can learn the new language by themselves and don't need contact with people from the new culture. D. They are only interested in going home. 28
29. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C 147. In the third stage, you ___. A. know more humorous people B. must take care yourself C. can’t survive D. find everything easier 21. Test 21 Communications Many years ago, near the beginning of this century, when the mayor of Boston was shown a telephone for the first time, he was so impressed that he declared: "In fifty years, there will be one of these in every American city!" Others predicted that the telephone would make writing to friends, at least, unnecessary because instant person-to-person communication would be possible. Typically, they also predicted the end of postal services altogether and the death of the skill of letter writing. The advantages of the telephone over sending a letter were so obvious that nothing could stop this process. Both these predictions proved to be wrong in their own ways, of course, but there is no doubt that our habits did change with the arrival of the telephone and will change again as new media come into use. On the plus side, the telephone has two obvious advantages. Firstly, it frees us from the difficulties of writing formal letters. We don’t have to remember when to use ‘Dear Sir’, and when to finish with ‘Yours sincerely’, ‘Yours faithfully’ or ‘Yours truly’, where to put the address and date or to learn all the other rules of formal letter writing. Secondly, the telephone allows us to get our message across in real time, without having to wait days, and, in the case of some international mail, weeks, for a reply. Simultaneously, then, the telephone frees us from restrictions of both style and time. However, the use of the telephone also has disadvantages and there are many times that writing a letter is preferable to making a call. In the first place, a telephone call is sometimes disturbing. The ringing of the telephone sometimes interrupts something, even if it is a welcome interruption, so almost calls begin rather apologetically. How many calls do you make beginning with phrases like: ‘Sorry to get you at home ’ or ‘Oh, hi, have you got a minute?’ and so on. We are never sure about whether we should be calling at this particular time and never know whether the person we have called is ready to talk to us. For this reason, we listen out for the tone of voice to reassure ourselves that the call really is welcome and that we haven't interrupted a meal, a conversation or a favourite television programme. Letters from friends, on the other hand, are almost always welcome and can't interrupt anything because we can read them when we want and respond them when we like. Unlike telephone conversations, too, we can also re-read them, of course, and choose not to respond at all if we don't want to. In addition, when writing a letter, you can organise your thoughts more carefully and say what you really want to say without having to ‘think on your feet' and running the risk of saying the wrong things. In addition to the phone and the postal service now, of course, we have electronic mail - e-mail - which seems to combine the advantages of both letter writing and using the telephone. We can compose e-mail messages cautiously and slowly, making sure that we choose our words with care and we can read and re-read them just as carefully 29
30. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C before responding. In these ways, sending an e-mail message is just like sending a letter but even easier because we can use much less formal language and we don't have to buy a stamp or leave the house to post it. However, unlike old-fashioned letters, e- mail messages are usually delivered virtually instantly, just like using the telephone. E- mails also have advantages over the use of telephones as well. When you send an e- mail, there is no need to check your watch to make sure it's a suitable time of day, no need to make small talk to apologise for disturbing people and no need to respond immediately to awkward questions. The best of both worlds! Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 148. One disadvantage of writing formal letters is that___. A. we need to buy a stamp for them B. they are very slow C. we can't really get our message across D. we have to remember lots of rules about how to write them 149. Telephones are disturbing because ___. A. we don't know when they are going to ring B. we have to apologise when we speak C. they sometimes interrupt something D. they sometimes ring unexpectedly 150. Letters are sometimes better than making telephone calls because ___. A. we have to respond carefully B. they are always welcome C. we don't have to think quickly D. they are less carefully written 151. Sending an e-mail message is ___. A. just the same as writing a letter B. easier than writing a letter C. quicker than writing a letter D. quicker than telephoning 152. We listen carefully on the telephone because ___. A. we have to apologise for disturbing people B. we don't have the chance to get things repeated C. we want to know how the other person feels D. we don't want to interrupt a television programme 153. When we send an e-mail message, ___. A. we will get an answer immediately B. the time of day doesn't matter C. it always arrives instantly D. we usually write formally 22. Test 22 30
31. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C Thomas Edison 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 born 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 care 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. A stock-ticker is a machine that automatically prints stock prices on a tape. He was then able to build his first shop in Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Edison was totally deaf in one ear and hard of hearing in the other, 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 called himself a "two-shift man" because he worked 16 out of every 24 hours. Sometimes he worked so intensely that his wife had to remind him to sleep and eat. Thomas Edison died at the age of 84 on October 18, 1931, at his estate in West Orange, New Jersey. He left numerous inventions that improved the quality of life all over the world Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 154. How often did Edition create a new thing? A. Per day B. Per week C. Per half a month D. Per month 155. 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. 156. Edison considered his deafness A. a disadvantage B. a blessing C. something from a priest 31
32. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C D. a necessity 157. 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 158. 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. 23. Test 23 English for Business It is said that English speakers fall into three groups: those that have learnt it as a mother tongue, those that have learnt it as a second language through exposure in a society where it is spoken, and those that are forced to use it for administrative, professional or educational purposes. This third group, along with the supremacy of English over German in the business world, has created a boom in institutions offering English for Business. However, the average business person, while happily accepting the challenge, does not have any idea how long the process may take. Duncan Ford, a specialist in language teaching theory, partly puts the blame on misleading publicity and says that you have to think in terms of hundreds of hours while people still think learning a language is a three-hour-a-week job. According to him, the key is lots of variety of the activities and adapting to the dynamics of the class. The communicative approach has replaced the old-fashioned note-taking method and for those who think that a couple of hours with their latest CD-ROM is a substitute for English classes, they should think again. While seen as a useful back-up, they are no teacher replacement. Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 159. How do people in the second group learn to speak English? A. It is a natural process, because they live in a place where English is a usual language. B. They have to learn it by studying and going to school. C. People in the second group don't learn English because they don't need it. D. They have to use it for varied reasons, such as getting a job or studying at a university, and learn it by means of teachers. 160. Is learning English a short process? Why? A. Yes, because there are lots of institutions offering it. B. No, specialists say you need hundreds of hours. 32
33. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C C. Yes, if you use the most recent CD-ROMs. D. Yes, with a communicative approach. 161. A student of English in a secondary school is included in the first group. True or False? A. False. The text says the first group is for those that have learnt it as a mother tongue. B. True. But only if that student lives in a society where English is spoken. C. False. According to the text, that student is not forced to use it for administrative, professional or educational purposes. D. True. The text says that the first group is for those that have learnt it as a second language through exposure in a society where English is spoken. 162. Mr. Ford considers three lessons a week is enough to learn a language. True or False? A. False. The text says that the key is lots of variety of the activities and adapting to the dynamics of the class. B. True. According to the text, Mr Ford is a specialist in language teaching theory. C. False. According to the text, the communicative approach has replaced the old-fashioned note-taking method. D. False. According to the text, you have to think in terms of hundreds of hours while people still think learning a language is a three-hour-a-week job. 163. Listening to a CD-ROM for two hours is enough to learn English. True or False? A. False. The text says that those who think that a couple of hours with their latest CD-ROM is a substitute for English classes, they think well. B. True. According to the text, the latest CD-ROM is a substitute for English classes. C. False. According to the text, for those who think that a couple of hours with their latest CD-ROM is a substitute for English classes, they should think again. D. True. The text says that CD-ROMs are seen as a useful back-up, but they are no teacher replacement. 24. Test 24 33
34. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 164. In the section titled “Worms,” the word energetic means ___. A. lively B. cute C. free D. nervous 34
35. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C 165. Which sentence from the flyer best shows that Kate is trying to persuade the reader? A. Need worms for fishing? B. You’ve decided to buy the best fishing line. C. You’ve spared no expense to make sure you’ll have the best fishing trip. D. We offer the finest worms available. 166. Which word in the section titled “Photographs” helps the reader know what extraordinary means? A. permanently B. relive C. capture D. remarkable 167. The reader can conclude that Kate offers customers’ friends a discount on purchases___. A. because she values friendship B. to allow people to buy fewer worms C. to encourage people to spread the word about her business D. because she has too many worms to sell 168. What is the souvenir mentioned in Kate’s flyer? A. fish B. letter C. photograph D. An advertisement 169. From the reading above, the reader can guess that Kate ___. A. will be lonely without her best friend B. wishes that she got a larger allowance C. does not like to have new responsibilities D. is enthusiastic about her business 25. Test 25 Halloween Fun by Makoto Nakazawa Halloween is one of the most famous holidays in the U.S., and it is on October 31. People carve pumpkins and make funny faces on them. These are called "Jack-O- Lanterns." On October 31, children wear a special costume such as a witch, ghost, or clown. They go to many houses and they knock on the door saying, "Trick or Treat!" It means that if people don't give them a treat, they will play some kind of trick on the household. So, usually people give candy to them. I carved my first Halloween pumpkin at my Friendship Family's house. First, I cut open the top of the pumpkin and pulled the seeds out. It was not good for me because it was sticky and smelled bad. I had never carved a pumpkin, so it was interesting for me. Next, I carved the eyes and the mouth. I wanted to make a face like a pirate. When I finished making the face, I put a candle inside. It was very beautiful, so I was happy. 35
36. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C I had a good experience because I learned one new idea about American culture by taking part in it. I think Halloween is an interesting American holiday which involves all family members and neighbors too! Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 170. When is Halloween celebrated? A. At the beginning of October B. During the Fall C. About 3 months before Christmas D. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas E. In Winter 171. Which is true about Halloween? A. Children rarely say, "Trick or Treat!" B. Children receive gifts from their parents. C. A witch or ghost may come to your door. D. Stores sell many costumes, pumpkins and candles. E. Children usually don't eat much candy on this holiday. 172. Which is NOT true about a Jack-O-Lantern? A. It is made from a pumpkin. B. You should have a knife to make it. C. You might smell something bad when you make it. D. You should light a candle inside it to make it beautiful. E. You fill it with treats for children. 173. What is the first step in making a Jack-O-Lantern? A. Carve the face. B. Pull out the seeds. C. Put a candle inside. D. Cut open the top of the pumpkin. E. Make a face like a pirate 174. Makoto Nakazawa didn’t like to carve a pumpkin because it was sticky and smelled bad. A. True B. False 26. Test 26 Just before Christmas in 1944, a letter arrived at our house in Philadelphia. The postmark was from Tuskegee, Alabama, so we all knew who it was from. We excitedly gathered around Mother as she opened it at the kitchen table. My Dear Mother, I did not get the leave I expected for Christmas. I will miss all of you. Please leave the Christmas tree up until I make it back. I hope to be home by March. Love from your son, Clifton 36
37. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C I was 17-years-old at the time. My heart sank. I felt a profound sadness about my favorite brother not being home for Christmas. He was one of the Tuskegee Airmen and was responsible for maintaining the airplanes flying off to fight in World War II. My mother, being the optimist she always was, said, “Well, it looks like we’ll get to have two Christmases this year!” After Christmas, my sister and I worked together to make sure we kept that Christmas tree looking as pretty as possible. This was no easy feat. By mid January, the branches drooped so low to the ground that they became a sliding board for the decorations. Each day, there were brand new sprinklings of pine needles all over the wooden floor. My sister and I took turns sweeping them up. We repositioned the ornaments to the stronger branches on the tree, hoping they would stay on. Each time we freshened that tree up, my sister and I were full of thoughts about Clifton and how happy we would be to see him again. It made us feel that he was close by, even though he was hundreds of miles away. On March 5, the doorbell rang. We ran to the door and gave Clifton a big hug. As he hugged my Mother, I could see him peak over her head at the Christmas tree. “It’s beautiful,” he said. “Thank you.” Clifton opened his presents and told us all sorts of stories about his work in Tuskegee. That night as we slept, we heard a crash in the living room. We all ran to see what had happened. The tree had toppled onto the sofa and there were needles and broken ornaments everywhere. We all had a good laugh. It was fortuitous Clifton got home when he did! Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 175. How did the writer's mood shift after Clifton's letter was read to the family? A. from grand to humble B. from jubilance to anger C. from uncertainty to clarity D. from excitement to disappointment 176. The mother is an optimist. This means she___. A. is not easily upset B. upholds high standards C. maintains a positive viewpoint D. considers all outcomes before making a decision 177. Which word best describes the work the sisters did to help keep the tree looking pretty? A. It was an miracle. B. It was a debacle. C. It was a discovery. D. It was a collaboration. 178. What did caring for the tree come to represent for the sisters? A. a continual hardship B. a way of being close to their brother C. a hope that the war would end soon 37
38. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C D. an indication that they did not know when Clifton would return 179. How does Clifton seem to feel when he sees the Christmas tree? A. Appreciative B. Disappointed C. Estranged D. Tired 27. Test 27 Passage 1: Dear Subscriber, The enclosed monthly statement shows the charge for your World Report subscription that started up five issues ago. We have sent magazines each week since your order arrived, but have received no reply to the bills we have mailed to you. Now, post office and auditing rules require that we stop sending copies unless and until payment is made. Please forgive this notice if you already have mailed your payment. If you have, it has reached us too late to be reflected on this statement. If not, we would appreciate hearing from you today or tomorrow. Sincerely yours, Madeline Harris Customer Relations Office. Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 180. What is the purpose of this letter? A. To announce a discount B. To renew the subscription C. To settle an account D. To apologize for poor service 181. How often is World Report issued? A. Daily B. Weekly C. Monthly D. Semiannually Passage 2: COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT EXHIBITION CARACAS, VENEZUELA JUNE 2~27 Rapid economic development, high oil revenues, few trade barriers, and geographic proximity make Venezuela an extremely attractive market for US manufacturers of communications equipment. Sales of these products are projected to climb from $191 million this year and peak at nearly $600 million in five years, reflecting not only large increases in the amount and variety of equipment purchased, but also significant upgrading of current installations. Call 721-6389 for more information. 38
39. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 182. For whom is this notice intended? A. United States manufacturers B. Venezuelan distributors C. Manufacturers from all Latin American countries D. United States importers 183. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a key factor in making Venezuela an attractive market? A. A lack of trade restrictions B. A nationwide communications system C. Accelerated economic growth D. Significant revenues from oil 184. When are sales expected to level off? A. This year B. Next year C. In two years D. In five years Passage 3: AGREEMENT I certify that answers given herein are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize investigations of all statements contained in this application for employment as may be necessary in arriving at an employment decision. In the event of employment, I understand that false or misleading information given in my application or interview(s) may result in discharge. I understand, also, that I am required to abide by all rules and regulations of the company. Signature of Applicant Date FOR PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT USE ONLY Arrange Interview Yes? No? Remarks ___ interviewer Date Employed Yes ? No ? Date of Employment Job Title Hourly Rate ___ Department ___ By ___ Name/title Date Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 185. What does the job applicant agree to do? A. Arrive at work on time B. Meet with the head of the personnel department 39
40. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C C. Submit to a background investigation D. Take a lie detector test 186. What Information is the personnel department NOT required to supply? A. When the interview took place. B. What the salary is. C. Who gave the interview. D. What the company regulations are. 28. Test 28 Passage 1: Mr. George Mackie IFS Freight Forwarding 8471 S. Eastern Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 Dear Mr. Mackie, We have just received a complaint about a mishandled delivery from one of our trusted customers, Mr. C. Benson of Butterfly Beauty Care in Dubuque, Iowa. Apparently, a member of your staff delivered two cartons of goods to the Butterfly Beauty Care facility despite the fact that the items they contained had been damaged in transit. Enclosed you will find a copy of the transmittal form signed by Mr. Benson, on which he clearly indicated that he noticed the damage while your driver was still on the premises. Mr. Benson reports that the driver refused to take the goods back contrary to your company's stated policy. Furthermore, the driver indicated that our packing was responsible for the breakage. We can assure you that these boxes were packed with the usual care, and left our warehouse in perfect condition. We can only conclude that they were damaged during shipment. We expect you to pick up the boxes immediately at absolutely no cost to Mr. Benson or Smooth Skin. We are far from satisfied with the actions of your employee, and in view of the fact that this is the third complaint we have received in six months, my further incidents of this nature will force us to reconsider the renewal of our contract with your firm. Sincerely, Peggy S. Rolf Smooth Skin Shipping Manager Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 187. What was sent to Mr. Mackie with this letter? A. A check B. Two cartons C. A new contract D. A shipping document 188. According to the letter, what did the delivery driver indicate? 40
41. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C A. Smooth Skin was responsible for the damage. B. Butterfly Beauty should file a complaint. C. The shipment was damaged in transit. D. IFS should refund the customer's money. 189. Ms. Rolf refers to the IFS policy about___. A. shipping charges. B. returns C. weight limits D. travel expenses 190. How does Ms. Rolf want the firm to respond to her teller? A. By contacting her directly B. By renewing the contract C. By retrieving the goods D. By paying for the damage Passage 2: Softwind's technical support staff provides free telephone assistance to registered Softwind users. In order to receive this free assistance, you must first register your product with Softwind. To do this, you fill in the enclosed registration card, including the name of the retail outlet where you purchased this product. Softwind will then send you a personal identification number (PIN), which must be supplied to support staff whenever you request assistance. Registering your product will also enable us to send you timely information on updates and future releases. Before calling technical support, please try to find the answer to your question in the handbook that accompanies that product. In particular, we recommend that you check the section on frequently asked questions that begins on page 2155. Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 191. Who were these instructions written for? A. Technical support staff B. Softwind engineers C. Retail sales personnel D. Softwind customers 192. What information is necessary in order to register this product? A. The name of the store that sold the product B. The user's personal identification number C. The dates of future releases D. The user's forwarding address 193. How can you receive a PIN? A. By requesting one from support staff B. By telephoning technical support C. By mailing in the registration card 41
42. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C D. By signing up for one at a retail outlet 194. What should you do first if you have a problem with the product? A. Read the manual B. Change your PIN C. Telephone technical support D. Request updated instructions 29. Test 29 Kleanit Bravo Morillo, 320 Portal 4-2, 28020 Madrid Spain Dear fellow computer user, A word of advice. It's time to clean out your computer. If you're like me, you do not remove document that are no longer necessary from your computer. You never know when you need a file, so you don't throw it away. Right? Electronic mail messages pile up, too, creating a huge warehouse of obscure file names. I found that a simple software package called Kleanit gets rid of everything I don’t need and keep the things I do. I was so impressed with this package that I decided to share it with others. No longer do those bothersome extra messages and computer files waste processing time and cause my computer to perform inefficiently. Kleanit makes sure that the only files in my computer are files that relate to my current projects or routine tasks. Why don’t you try it? I’ll send you trial copy and if you aren’t satisfied, send it back. If you are, and you will be, send your check for $32.50 at your earliest convenience. Have a nice day, Robert Horstma CEO Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 195. According to the fax, what prompted Mr. Horsta to sell Kleanit? A. His e-mail responses B. His poor computer skills C. His need for money D. His satisfaction with the product 196. What suggestion is made in this letter? A. To buy new computers B. To send less mail C. To print out documents D. To purchase new software 197. Besides documents, what else clutters memory on most computers? 42
43. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C A. Operating instructions B. Help files C. Electronic mail messages D. Directories 198. What effect does clutter have on a computer? A. The computer operates slowly. B. The computer runs out of space. C. The computer stops working. D. The computer erases files. 199. Which documents should be in your computer? A. Duplicate files B. Current and routine files C. Files from last year D. Files others have sent you 30. Test 30 Passage 1: Classic Tour Luggage We ask you to keep luggage down to one medium-sized suit case per person, but a small holdall can also be taken on board of the coach. Seat allocation Requests for particular seats can be made on most coach breaks when booking, but since allocations are made on a first come first served basis, early booking is advisable. When bookings are made with us, you will be offered the best seats that are available on the coach at that time. Travel documents When you have paid your deposit we will send to you all the necessary documents and labels, so that you receive them in good time before the coach break departure date. Certain documents, for example, air or boat tickets, may have to be retained and your driver or courier will then issue them to you at the relevant point. Special diets If you require a special diet, you must inform us at the time of booking with a copy of the diet. This will be notified to the hotel or hotels on our coach break, but on certain coach, breaks the hotels used are tourist class and whilst offering for money within the price range, they may not have the full facility to cope with special diets. Any extra costs incurred must be paid to the hotel by yourself before departure from the hotel. Accommodation Many of our coach breaks now include, within the price, accommodation with private facilities, and this will be indicated on the coach break age. Other coach breaks have a limited number of rooms with private facilities which, subject to availability, can be reserved and guaranteed at the time of booking – the supplementary charge shown in the price panel will be added to your account. 43
44. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C On any coach break, there are only a limited number of single rooms. When a single room is available, it may be subject to a supplementary charge and this will be shown on the brochure page. Entertainment Some of our hotels arrange additional entertainment which could include music, dancing, film shows, etc. The nature and frequency of the entertainment presented is at the discretion demand or insufficient numbers in the hotel. Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 200. If you want to sit at the front of the coach,___. A. ask them when you get on the coach B. arrive early on the departure date C. book your seat well in advance D. avoid traveling at peak times 201. Your air tickets___. A. will be sent to your departure point B. must be collected before leaving C. will be enclosed with other documents D. may be held by your coach driver 202. If you need a special diet, you should___. A. inform the hotel when you arrive B. pay extra with the booking C. tell the coach company D. book tourist class 203. It may be necessary to pay extra for___. A. a bathroom B. boat tickets C. additional luggage D. entertainment 204. Entertainment if available___. A. at all hotels B. if there is the demand C. upon the coach’s request D. for an additional cost 205. With every booking Classic Tours guarantee, you will be able to___. A. request high quality meals B. take hand luggage on the coach C. use your own personal bathroom D. see a film if you want to Passage 2: World's Largest Pancake Breakfast A Local Legacy 44
45. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C When you think of pancakes, you might think of the kind served in America, hot with melted butter and maple syrup. But in reality, people around the world love pancakes. As a result, there are lots of different kinds. In America, pancakes are made with buttermilk and served for breakfast. In Russia, pancakes are called blinis, and are made from buckwheat flour and often served with caviar and sour cream. The Chinese use wheat flour and hot water to make pancakes in dozens of ways. In France, pancakes come in the form of a lacy crepe. In India, there's the Gujarati pancake. Crispy and wafer-thin, it comes stuffed with spicy potatoes and yogurt. Did you know there were so many ways to make and serve pancakes? In 1986, an event that bills itself as the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast was revived for the 350th anniversary of Springfield, Massachusetts. The breakfast has been held every year since then. Hundreds of volunteers help with the event. In 1999, more than 71,233 servings of pancakes were served to more than 40,000 people. If you stacked up all those pancakes, they'd be more than 2 miles high! Lựa chọn câu trả lời ĐÚNG (T) hoặc SAI (F): 206. Only people in America eat pancakes. A. True B. False 207. In China, pancakes come in the form of a lacy crepe. A. True B. False 208. In India, pancakes come stuffed with spicy potatoes and yogurt. A. True B. False 209. In Russia, pancakes are called Gujarati A. True B. False 31. Test 31 Sound on the Underground There is an old verb "to busk", meaning "to improvise", and it is from this word that "busker" is derived to describe a street musician or performer. There have been buskers on the London Underground for as long as anyone can remember. You do not always see them but you can hear them: the sound travels for miles along the subterranean tunnels. Some are serious musicians attracted by near-perfect acoustics. Others are little more than beggars who see it as an easy way of making money. The guitar is probably the most common choice of instrument but you can also hear American banjos and Irish bagpipes. Busking on the Underground is always illegal, it does not matter which instrument you play. Fines, which can be anything up to 200 pounds, are regularly imposed by the London Transport Police. Why it is illegal is unclear. The police maintain that buskers obstruct the corridors and their music interferes with information from the loudspeakers. Buskers say that they help passengers in difficulty and make women travelling alone feel more secure. 45
46. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 210. Is to become a busker a matter of money? Why? A. Yes. Because when you listen to music on the underground you have to give the musician a little money. B. Not always. Some musicians play on the underground because it is a good place to hear the music well. C. No. Because buskers help people in danger if they are paid for it D. Yes. They want passengers to give them some coins. E. Never. Because if they get money the London Transport Police take them to prison. 211. What do the London Transport Police do if they catch a busker? A. The police take him/her to court or directly to prison. B. Nothing, because busking is not illegal. C. It depends on the instrument you play, because some buskers interfere with information from the loudspeakers. D. They impose a fine on the busker. E. Nothing, because the police know that buskers help people in difficulty. 212. How could passengers benefit from buskers? A. Buskers can help people on the underground. Anyway, listening to music is entertaining! B. Passengers usually get money from buskers. C. They can get information about the weather. D. No way, because most buskers are sent to prison as soon as the police see them E. Getting free tickets for the underground. 213. Find in the text one synonym for "election". A. information B. choice C. matter D. beggar E. bagpipe 214. Find in the text the word which has the following definition: "Sum of money that must be paid as a punishment for breaking the law of rule". A. difficulty B. pounds C. performer D. matter E. fine 215. Find in the text the word which has the following definition: "A long passage which has been made under the ground". A. acoustics B. performer C. tunnel 46
47. Đọc hiểu – Trình độ C D. corridor E. busker 32. Test 32 Reality Television Reality television is a genre of television programming which, it is claimed, presents unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and features ordinary people rather than professional actors. It could be described as a form of artificial or "heightened" documentary. Although the genre has existed in some form or another since the early years of television, the current explosion of popularity dates from around 2000. Critics say that the term "reality television" is somewhat of a misnomer and that such shows frequently portray a modified and highly influenced form of reality, with participants put in exotic locations or abnormal situations, sometimes coached to act in certain ways by off-screen handlers, and with events on screen manipulated through editing and other post-production techniques. Part of reality television's appeal is due to its ability to place ordinary people in extraordinary situations. For example, on the ABC show, The Bachelor, an eligible male dates a dozen women simultaneously, travelling on extraordinary dates to scenic locales. Reality television also has the potential to turn its participants into national celebrities, outwardly in talent and performance programs such as Pop Idol, though frequently Survivor and Big Brother participants also reach some degree of celebrity. Some commentators have said that the name "reality television" is an inaccurate description for several styles of program included in the genre. In competition-based programs such as Big Brother and Survivor, and other special-living-environment shows like The Real World, the producers design the format of the show and control the day-to-day activities and the environment, creating a completely fabricated world in which the competition plays out. Producers specifically select the participants, and use carefully designed scenarios, challenges, events, and settings to encourage particular behaviours and conflicts. Mark Burnett, creator of Survivor and other reality shows, has agreed with this assessment, and avoids the word "reality" to describe his shows; he has said, "I tell good stories. It really is not reality TV. It really is unscripted drama." Lựa chọn đáp án đúng nhất: 216. In the first line, the writer says 'it is claimed' because___. A. they agree with the statement B. everyone agrees with the statement C. no one agrees with the statement D. they want to distance themselves from the statement 217. Reality television has___. A. always been this popular B. has been popular since approximately 2000 C. has been popular since well before 2000 D. has only been popular since 2000 218. People have criticised reality television because___. 47