reading comprehension tasks

READING COMPREHENSION TASK A number of factors related to the voice reveal the personality of the speaker The first is the broad area of communication, which includes imparting information by use of language, communicating with a group or an individual and specialized communication through performance A person conveys thoughts and ideas through choice of words, by a tone of voice that is pleasant or unpleasant, gentle or harsh, by the rhythm that is inherent within the language itself, and by speech rhythms that are flowing and regular or uneven and hesitant, and finally, by the pitch and melody of the utterance When speaking before a group, a person's tone may indicate uncertainty or fright, confidence or calm At interpersonal levels, the tone may reflect ideas and feelings over and above the words chosen, or may belie them Here the participant’s tone can consciously or unconsciously reflect intuitive sympathy or antipathy, lack of concern or interest, fatigue, anxiety, enthusiasm or excitement, all of which are usually discernible by the acute listener Public performance is a manner of communication that is highly specialized with its own techniques for obtaining effects by voice and /or gesture The motivation derived from the text, and in the case of singing, the music, in combination with the performer's skills, personality, and ability to create empathy will determine the success of artistic, political, or pedagogic communication Second, the voice gives psychological clues to a person's self-image, perception of others, and emotional health Self-image can be indicated by a tone of voice that is confident, pretentious, shy, aggressive, outgoing, or exuberant, to name only a few personality traits Also the sound may give a clue to the facade or mask of that person, for example, a shy person hiding behind an overconfident front How a speaker perceives the listener's receptiveness, interest, or sympathy in any given conversation can drastically alter the tone of presentation, by encouraging or discouraging the speaker Emotional health is evidenced in the voice by free and melodic sounds of the happy, by constricted and harsh sound of the angry, and by dull and lethargic qualities of the depressed Question What does the passage mainly discuss? A The function of the voice in performance B Communication styles C The connection between voice and personality D The production of speech Question What does the author mean by staring that, "At interpersonal levels, tone may reflect ideas and feelings over and above the words chosen" in lines 8- 9? A Feelings are expressed with different words than ideas are B The tone of voice can carry information beyond the meaning of words C A high tone of voice reflects an emotional communication D Feelings are more difficult to express than ideas Question The word "Here" in line refers to…………… A interpersonal interactions B the tone C ideas and D words chosen feelings Question The word "derived" in line 13 is closest in meaning to……… A discussed B prepared C registered D obtained Question Why does the author mention "artistic, political, or pedagogic communication" in line 14-15? A As examples of public performance B As examples of basic styles of communication C To contrast them to singing D To introduce the idea of self-image Question According to the passage, an exuberant tone of voice may be an indication of a person's……… A general physical B personality C ability to D vocal quality health communicate Question According to the passage, an overconfident front may hide………… A hostility B shyness C friendliness D strength Question The word "drastically" in line 21 is closest in meaning to…………… A frequently B exactly C severely D easily Question The word "evidenced" in line 22 is closest in meaning to…………… A questioned B repeated C indicated D exaggerated Question 10 According to the passage, what does a constricted and harsh voice indicate? A Lethargy B Depression C Boredom D Anger Ques Key C B A D B B B C C 10 D TASK Butterflies are among the most extensively studied insects—an estimated 90 percent of the world's species have scientific names As a consequence, they are perhaps the best group of insects for examining patterns of terrestrial biotic diversity and distribution Butterflies also have a favorable image with the general public Hence, they are an excellent group for communicating information on science and conservation issues such as diversity Perhaps the aspect of butterfly diversity that has received the most attention over the past century is the striking difference in species richness between tropical and temperate regions For example, in 1875 one biologist pointed out the diversity of butterflies in the Amazon when he mentioned that about 700 species were found within an hour's walk, whereas the total number found on the British islands did not exceed 66, and the whole of Europe supported only 321 This early comparison of tropical and temperate butterfly richness has been well confirmed A general theory of diversity would have to predict not only this difference between temperate and tropical zones, but also patterns within each region, and how these patterns vary among different animal and plant groups However, for butterflies, variation of species richness within temperate or tropical regions, rather man between them, is poorly understood Indeed, comparisons of numbers of species among the Amazon basin, tropical Asia, and Africa are still mostly "personal communication" citations, even for vertebrates, In other words, unlike comparison between temperate and tropical areas, these patterns are still in the documentation phase In documenting geographical variation in butterfly diversity, some arbitrary, practical decisions are made Diversity, number of species, and species richness are used synonymously; little is known about the evenness of butterfly distribution The New World butterflies make up the preponderance of examples because they are the most familiar species It is hoped that by focusing on them, the errors generated by imperfect and incomplete taxonomy will be minimized Question 1: Butterflies are a good example for communicating information about conservation issues because they……… A are simple in structure B have been given scientific names C are viewed positively by people D are found mainly in temperate climates Question 2: The word "consequence" in line is closest in meaning to…………… A result B explanation C analysis D requirement Question 3: The word "striking" in line is closest in meaning to……………… A physical B confusing C noticeable D successful Question 4: Which aspect of butterflies does the passage mainly discuss? A Their physical characteristics B Their adaptation to different habitats C Their names D Their variety Question 5: All of the followings are mentioned as being important parts of a general theory of diversity EXCEPT…………… A differences between temperate and tropical zones B patterns of distribution of species in each region C migration among temperate and tropical zones D variation of patterns of distribution of species among different animals and plants Question 6: The word “exceed” in line 10 is closest in meaning to……………… A locate B allow C go beyond D come close to Question 7: The word "generated" in line 24 is closest in meaning to……… A requested B caused C assisted D estimated Question 8: The author mentions tropical Asia in lines 16-17 as an example of a location where…… A butterfly behavior varies with climate B a general theory of butterfly diversity has not yet been firmly established C butterflies are affected by human populations D documenting plant species is more difficult than documenting butterfly species Question 9: Which of the following is NOT well understood by biologists? A European butterfly habitats B Differences in species richness between temperate and tropical regions C Differences in species richness within a temperate or a tropical region D Comparisons of behavior patterns of butterflies and certain animal groups Ques Key C A C D C C D D D TASK Feminism, collective term for systems of belief and theories that pay special (1) to women’s rights and women’s position in culture and society The term tends to be used for the women’s rights movement, which began in the late 18th century and continues to campaign for complete political, social, and economic equality between women and men This article (2) _ specifically with the development of the ideas behind that movement and their (3) _ and impact Feminists are united by the idea that women’s position in society is unequal to (4) _ of men, and that society is structured in such a way as to benefit men to the political, social, and economic (5) _ of women However, feminists have used different theories to explain these (6) _ and have advocated different ways of redressing inequalities, and there are marked geographic and historical variations in the nature of feminism Historically, feminist thought and activity can be divided into two waves The first wave, which began in about 1800 and (7) until the 1930s, was largely concerned with gaining equal rights between women and men The second wave, which began in the late 1960s, has continued to fight for (8) but has also developed a (9) of theories and approaches that stress the difference between women and men and that draw attention to the (10) _ needs of women Question 1: A notice Question 2: A deals Question 3: A pressure Question 4: A most Question 5: A detriment Question 6: A difference Question 7: A widened Question 8: A freedom Question 9: A kind Question 10: A definite B attention B tends B problem B those B benifit B attention B spent B independence B sort B specific Ques Key D B A C A C benefit C develops C variation C that C position C equalities C lasted C tradition C range C vague D C D equality D initiates D influence D which D advocate D inequalities D lengthened D equality D type D general D C 10 B TASK The biologist's role in society as well as his moral and ethical responsibility in the discovery and development of new ideas has led to a reassessment of his social and scientific value systems A scientist can no longer ignore the consequences of his discoveries; he is as concerned with the possible misuses of his findings as he is with the basic research in which he is involved This emerging social and political role of the biologist and all other scientists requires a weighing of values that cannot be done with the accuracy or the objectivity of a laboratory balance As a member of society, it is necessary for a biologist now to redefine his social obligations and his functions, particularly in the realm of making judgments about such ethical problems as man's control of his environment or his manipulation of genes to direct further evolutionary development As a result of recent discoveries concerning hereditary mechanisms, genetic engineering, by which human traits are made to order, may soon be a reality As desirable as it may seem to be, such an accomplishment would entail many value judgments Who would decide, for example, which traits should be selected for change? In cases of genetic deficiencies and disease, the desirability of the change is obvious, but the possibilities for social misuse are so numerous that they may far outweigh the benefits Probably the greatest biological problem of the future, as it is of the present, will be to find ways to curb environmental pollution without interfering with man's constant effort to improve the quality of his life Many scientists believe that underlying the spectre of pollution is the problem of surplus human population A rise in population necessitates an increase in the operations of modern industry, the waste products of which increase the pollution of air, water, and soil The question of how many people the resources of the Earth can support is one of critical importance Although the solutions to these and many other problems are yet to be found, they indicate the need for biologists to work with social scientists and other members of society in order to determine the requirements necessary for maintaining a healthy and productive planet For although many of man's present and future problems may seem to be essentially social, political, or economic in nature, they have biological ramifications that could affect the very existence of life itself Question 1: According to the passage, a modern scientist should be more concerned about A his basic research B the development of new ideas C his manipulation of genes D the consequences of his discoveries Question 2: The pronoun "it" in paragraph refers to A a reality B an accomplishment C genetic engineering D hereditary mechanism Question 3: It is implied in the passage that genetic engineering A may us more harm than good B is no longer desirable C is the most desirable for life D will change all human traits Question 4: The pronoun "they" in paragraph refers to A discoveries concerning hereditary mechanisms B effects of genetic engineering misuse C cases of genetic deficiencies D possibilities for genetic deficiencies Question 5: What is probably the most important biological problem mentioned in the passage? A social and economic deficiencies B manipulation of genes C genetic engineering misuse D environmental pollution Question 6: The word "which" in paragraph refers to A activities of an overpopulated society's industry B the waste products dumped into our environment C activities of surplus human population D serious environmental pollution Question 7: The word "underlying" in paragraph could best be replaced by " " A noticing B causing C finding D depriving Question 8: According to the passage, to save our planet, biologists should work A harder and harder B accurately and objectively C on social and political purposes D with other social scientists Question 9: Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word "ramifications" in paragraph 4? A useful experiments B effective techniques C harmful consequences D latest developments Question 10: What is the author's purpose in this passage? A To conduct a survey of the biologist's role in society B To urge biologists to solve the problem of surplus human population C To emphasize the biologist's role in solving the world's problems D To advise biologists to carry out extensive research into genetic engineering Ques Key D C A B D A B D C 10 C TASK In early civilizations, citizens were educated informally, usually within the family unit Education meant simply learning to live As civilizations became more complex, however, education became more formal, structured, and comprehensive Initial efforts of the ancient Chinese and Greek societies concentrated solely on the education of males The postBabylonian Jews and Plato were exceptions to this pattern Plato was apparently the first significant advocate of the equality of the sexes Women, in his ideal state, would have the same rights and duties and the same educational opportunities as men This aspect of Platonic philosophy, however, had little or no effect on education for many centuries, and the concept of a liberal education for men only, which had been espoused by Aristotle, prevailed In ancient Rome, the availability of an education was gradually extended to women, but they were taught separately from men The early Christians and medieval Europeans continued this trend, and single-sex schools for the privileged classes prevailed through the Reformation period Gradually, however, education for women on a separate but equal basis to that provided for men was becoming a clear responsibility of society Martin Luther appealed for civil support of schools for all children At the Council of Trent in the 16th century, the Roman Catholic Church encouraged the establishment of free primary schools for children of all classes The concept of universal primary education, regardless of sex, had been born, but it was still in the realm of the single-sex school In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, co-education became a more widely applied principle of educational philosophy In Britain, Germany, and the Soviet Union the education of boys and girls in the same classes became an accepted practice Since World War II, Japan and the Scandinavian countries have also adopted relatively universal co-educational systems The greatest negative reaction to co-education has been felt in the teaching systems of the Latin countries, where the sexes have usually been separated at both primary and secondary levels, according to local conditions A number of studies have indicated that girls seem to perform better overall and in science in particular in single-sex classes: during the adolescent years, pressure to conform to stereotypical female gender roles may disadvantage girls in traditionally male subjects, making them reluctant to volunteer for experimental work while taking part in lessons In Britain, academic league tables point to high standards achieved in girls' schools Some educationalists therefore suggest segregation of the sexes as a good thing, particularly in certain areas, and a number of schools are experimenting with the idea Question 1: Ancient education generally focused its efforts on A on male learners B both sexes C female learners D young people only Question 2: Education in early times was mostly aimed at A teaching skills B learning to live C learning new lifestyles D imparting survival skills Question 3: The first to support the equality of the sexes was A the Chinese B the Greek C Plato D the Jews Question 4: The word "informally" in this context mostly refers to an education occurring A in classrooms B outside the school C in a department D ability Question 5: When education first reached women, they were A locked up in a place with men B isolated from normal life C deprived of opportunities D separated from men Question 6: When the concept of universal primary education was introduced, education A was given free to all B.was intended for all the sexes C focused on imparting skills D was intended to leave out female learners Question 7: The word "espouse" is contextually closest in meaning to " " A to introduce B to put off C to give D to induce Question 8: Co-ed was negatively responded to in A Japan B the Scandinavian countries C South American countries D conservative countries Question 9: The word "tables" is closest in meaning to " " A shapes B meeting tables C personalities D figures Question 10: The word "segregation" may be understood as " " A grouping B mixture C separation D extraction Ques Key A B C B D B A C D 10 C TASK What is meant by the term economic resources? In general, these are all the natural, man-made, and human resources that go into the (1) _of goods and services Economic resources can be broken down into (2) _ general categories: property resource – land and capital, and human resources – labor and entrepreneurial skills What economists mean (3) land? Much more than the non-economist, land refers to all the natural resources (4) are usable in the production process: arable land, forests, mineral and oil deposits, and (5) on What about capital? Capital goods are all the man-made aids to producing, storing, transporting, and distributing goods and (6) Capital goods differ from consumer goods in that (7) satisfy wants directly, while the former so indirectly by facilitating the production of consumer goods It should be noted that capital as defined here does not (8) _ to money Money, as such, produces nothing The term labor refers to the physical and mental talents of humans used to produce goods and services (with the exception of a certain set of human talents, entrepreneurial skills, which will be considered separately because of their special significance) Thus the services of a factory worker or an office worker, a ballet (9) _ or an astronaut all fall (10) the general heading of labor Question 1: A production B plant C using D doing Question 2: A many B six C two D some Question 3: A by B using C calling D with Question 4: A these B they C what D that Question 5: A so B come C such D go Question 6: A money B machines C crops D services Question 7: A later B lately C the latter D the latest Question 8: A come B go C speak D refer Question 9: A performance B director C writer D dancer Question 10: A into C under D to Ques Key 10 A C B from A D A D C D D 10 C A a series of events at several forts B a series of forts C a series of events at one fort D a single event at one fort All of the following are true about Fort Jefferson EXCEPT that A it is in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico B it was built because of its strategic location C it is on an island D it has been compared with an island at the opening of the Mediterranean The word “hexagonal” in paragraph is closest in meaning to A eight-sided B irregular in shape C seven-sided D six-sided The pronoun “it” in paragraph refers to A shape B ford C moat D circumference All of the following are stated about Dr Samuel Mudd EXCEPT that A he was most likely guilty of Lincoln’s assassination B he cared for Lincoln’s assassin C he was imprisoned at Fort Jefferson D he was a medical doctor How was Fort Jefferson most likely used in 1865? A As a destination for tourists B As a penal institution C As a regularly functioning naval base D As a strategic defensive unit of the U.S military “Yellow fever” in paragraph is most likely A a mental illness B a contagious disease C an enemy military force D a prison regimen What is implied about Fort Jefferson today? 22 A It is a relatively quiet place B It is a thriving community C It remains in good condition D It is still in use by the U.S military Where in the passage does the author describe an injury to the man who shot Lincoln? A Lines 15-16 B Lines 5-7 C Lines 17-18 D Lines 13-15 10 The information in the passage is presented A in spatial order B in chronological order C by listing examples of a concept D by arguing for a hypothesis Ques Key C A D B A B B A D 10 B TASK 14 The nuclear family, consisting of a mother, father, and their children, may be more an American ideal than an American reality Of course, the so-called traditional American family was always more varied than we had been led to believe, reflecting the very different racial, ethnic, class, and religious customs among different American groups, but today the diversity is even more obvious The most recent government statistics reveal that only about one third of all current American families fit the traditional mold of two parents and their children, and another third consists of married couples who either have no children or have none still living at home Of the final one third, about 20 percent of the total number of American households are single people, usually women over sixty-five years of age A small percentage, about percent of the total, consists of unmarried people who choose to live together; and the rest, about percent, are single parents, with at least one child There are several reasons for the growing number of single-parent households First, the number of births to unmarried women has increased dramatically In addition, a substantial number of adults become single parents as a result of divorce Finally, a small 23 percentage of deaths result in single-parent families Today, these varied family types are typical, and therefore, normal In addition, close friends have become a more important part of family life than ever before The vast majority of Americans claim that they have people in their lives whom they regard as family although they are not related A view of family that only accepts the traditional nuclear arrangement not only ignores the reality of modern American family life, but also undervalues the familiar bonds created in alternative family arrangements Apparently, many Americans are achieving supportive relationships in family forms other than the traditional one The passage mainly discusses A the family types which are better than the traditional one B the traditional family types in modern American society C the nuclear family compared with new family types D the family types in the American society today The word “reveal” in paragraph can be best replaced by “ ” A estimate B integrate C disclose D conceal It can be inferred from the passage that the American nuclear family A consists of only people – two parents and their children B counts half of the American families these days C is not as traditional as it should be D has more customs than other kinds of family The word “none” in paragraph refers to “ ” A unmarried couples B families C children D parents According to the passage, nuclear families represent about A 30 percent of households B 20 percent of households C 27 percent of households D 33 percent of households According to the passage, the number of one-member families is A lower that that of nuclear families B the same as that of single-parent families 24 C the smallest compared with other kinds of family D the highest compared with other kinds of family The word “substantial” in paragraph is closest in meaning to “ ” A distinctive B decreasing C subsequent D remarkable According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a cause for the growing number of single-parent families? A High divorce rate B Births to unmarried women C Moving for jobs D Deaths The word “whom” in paragraph refers to “ ” A people’s lives B people C close friends D family 10 It can be inferred from the passage that A most Americans not think that good friend can share their family life B more and more unmarried people decide to live together C the various customs of racial, ethnic, and religious groups have reduced the number of nuclear families D the value of close friends has been highly appreciated Ques Key D C C C D A D C C 10 D TASK 15 In the United States, presidential elections are held in years evenly divisible by four (1888, 1900, 1964, etc.) Since 1840, American presidents elected in years ending with zero have died in office, with one exception William H Harrison, the man who served the shortest term, died of pneumonia only several weeks after his inauguration Abraham Lincoln was one of four presidents who were assassinated He was elected in 1860, and his untimely death came just five years later James A Garfield, a former 25 Union army general from Ohio, was shot during his first year in office (1881) by a man to whom he wouldn't give a job While in his second term of office (1901), William McKinley, another Ohioan, attended the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York During the reception, he was assassinated while shaking hands with some of the guests John F Kennedy was assassinated in 1963 in Dallas only three years after his election Three years after his election in 1920, Warren G, Harding died in office Although it was never proved, many believe he was poisoned Franklin D Roosevelt was elected four times (1932, 1936, 1940 and 1944), the only man to serve so long a term He had contracted polio in 1921 and eventually died of the illness in 1945 Ronald Reagan, who was elected in 1980 and reelected four years later, suffered an assassination attempt but did not succumb to the assassin's bullets He was the first to break the long chain of unfortunate events Will the candidate in the election of 2020 also be as lucky? Question All of the following were election years EXCEPT A 1860 B 1960 C.1888 D.1963 Question Which president served the shortest term in office? A Abraham Lincoln B Warren G Harding C William McKinley D.William H Harrison Question Which of the following is true? A All presidents elected in years ending in zero have died in office B Only presidents from Ohio have died in office C Franklin D Roosevelt completed four terms as president D Four American presidents have been assassinated Question How many presidents elected in years ending in zero since 1840 have died in office? A B C D Question The word "inauguration" in the first paragraph means most nearly the same as A election B acceptance speech C swearing-in ceremony D campaign Question All of the following presidents were assassinated EXCEPT A John F Kennedy B Franklin D Roosevelt C Abraham Lincoln D James A Garfield Question The word "assassinated" in the second paragraph is closest in meaning to A murdered B decorated C honored D sickened Question The word "whom" in the second paragraph refers to 26 A Garfield B Garfield's assassin C a Union army general D McKinley Question In the third paragraph, "contracted" is closest in meaning to A communicated about B developed C agree about D notified Question 10 How long did Warren G, Harding work as a president? A years B months C years D years Ques Key D D D A C B A B B 10 C TASK 16 Is your company a sitting duck for hackers? When did you last change your password? How complete are your security systems? Have you ever been broken into before? According to IANS, the International Association for Network Security, there’s a new breed of hackers out there And, there’s also a new target In the past, hackers gained notoriety from breaking into big companies’ networks In fact, the bigger the company, the bigger the success when hackers broke into Informix’s notoriously secure system 1999, they made headline news around the world The big “success” came with a major drawback This headline break-in came with international teams of investigators and serious criminal charges Several former famous hackers are now sitting behind bars or working overtime to pay off hefty fines in penalties and damages So, hackers of a new decade have turned to a new target: smaller companies Smaller companies often spend less on their security systems if they have never been broken into before, they may be lulled into a feeling of security They are often lax about changing their password frequently enough And that spells trouble Also, a breach system in a smaller company may attract little public attention Investigations may be brief and superficial, as overloaded investigators pursue bigger problems But if you fall victim to hackers, it will definitely attract your own attention These thieves can gain access to your files, destroying, copying, or altering them They can create havoc with your data And if they do, you’ll surely wish you had changed your password once more often 27 Question 1: The phrase “sitting duck for hackers” at the beginning of the passage most probably means _ A target to be attacked by hackers in the future B duck which is sitting near or among hackers C duck which conducts hackers to their desired seat D bench of a duck shape available for hackers to sit on Question 2: What might have been one motive for hackers of Informix’s network? A money B power C fun D fame Question 3: The phrase “breaking into big companies’ networks” in the second paragraph of the passage can probably be rephrased as A stopping the work of big companies by using a brake B secretly entering the networks of big companies without permission C allowing the employees of all big companies to have a break time D destroying the work of big companies by breaking it into pieces Question 4: What has happened to some big-name hackers? A They’re in jails B Nothing at all C They’ve got better jobs D They are paying their victims Question 5: Which is likely a victim for the new breed of hackers? A large companies B international companies C small companies D companies with security Question 6: What might have helped hackers to succeed? A They’ve never broken into any company before B Their targeted networks are old and not updated C They feel secure when entering people’s networks D Their targets rarely change their secret codes Question 7: Why are modern hackers no longer interested in big companies? A They have become more dangerous to hack B They have less money than small ones 28 C They are too easy to be broken into D They don’t have much interesting data as before Question 8: The word “overloaded” in the end of paragraph is closest in meaning to “having too much to cope with at the same time” A work B news C data D jobs Question 9: What is not mentioned as a result of hackers’ work? A ruined files B stolen soft wares C replicated documents D jumbled data Question 10: Which of the followings is probably the most suitable title for the reading passage above? A Is your business likely to be considered a sitting duck? B What is your security system like at the moment? C Are you the new target for modern generation hackers? D Who can be the next victims of big-name hackers? Ques Key A D B A C D A A B 10 C TASK 17 Any change in one part of an ecosystem can causes changes in other parts Drought, storms, and fires can change ecosystems Some changes (1) ecosystems If there is too little rainfall, plants will not have enough water to live If a kind of plant dies (2) , the animals that (3) it may also die or move away Some changes are good for ecosystems Some fine forests need (4) for the pine trees to reproduce The seeds are sealed inside pinecones Heat from a forest fire melts the seal and lets the seeds (5) 29 Polluting the air, soil, water can harm ecosystems Building (6) on rivers for electric power and irrigation can harm ecosystems (7) the rivers Bulldozing wetlands and cutting down (8) destroy ecosystems Ecologists are working with companies and governments to find better ways of (9) fish, cutting down trees, and building dams They are looking for ways to get food, lumber, and other products for people (10) causing harm to ecosystems Question 1: A harmless B harms C harm D harmful Question 2: A forever B away C over D off Question 3: A fed with B feed C fed up with D feed on Question 4: A flame B blaze C burning D fires Question 5: A go B in C fly D out Question 6: A dams B moats C bridges D ditches Question 7: A around B under C over D on Question 8: A forests B jungle C wood D hills Question 9: A catching B holding C taking D carrying Question 10: A avoid B no C without D not Ques Key C D D D D A A A A 10 C TASK 18 As heart disease continues to be the number-one killer in the United States, researchers have become increasingly interested in identifying the potential risk factors that trigger heart attacks High-fat diets and ‘life in the fast lane” have long been known to contribute to the high incidence of heart failure But according to new studies, the list of risk factors may be significantly longer and quite surprising Heart failure, for example appears to have seasonal and temporal patterns A higher percentage of heart attacks occur in cold weather, and more people experience heart failure on Monday than on any other day of the week In addition, people are more susceptible to heart attacks in the first few hours after waking Cardiologists first observed this morning phenomenon in the mid-1980s and have since discovered a 30 number of possible causes An early-morning rise in blood pressure, heart rate, and concentration of heart-stimulating hormones, plus a reduction of blood flow to the heart, may all contribute to the higher incidence of heart attacks between the hours of 8:00 A.M and 10 A.M In other studies, both birthdays and bachelorhood have been implicated as risk factors Statistics reveal that heart attack rates increase significantly for both females and males in the few days immediately preceding and following their birthdays And unmarried men are more at risk for heart attacks than their married counterparts Though stress is thought to be linked in some way to all of the aforementioned risk factors, intense research continues in the hope of further comprehending why and how heart failure is triggered Question 1: What does this passage mainly discuss? A Diet and stress as factors in heart attacks B Rick factors in heart attacks C Seasonal and temporal patterns of heart attacks D Cardiology in 1980s Question 2: In the first paragraph, the word "potential" could be best replaced by which of the following? A unknown B primary C possible D harmful Question 3: The word “trigger” as used in the first paragraph in closest in meaning to which of the following? A affect B encounter C involve D cause Question 4: What the second and third paragraphs of the passage mainly discuss? A Age and gender factors in heart attacks B Myths about lifestyles and heart attacks C Unusual risk factors in heart attacks D The link between heart attacks and marriage Question 5: The author uses the word "temporal" in the second paragraph to mean A affected by 31 B expected C of a certain date D regularly Question 6: The phrase "susceptible to" in the second paragraph to mean A prone to B aware of C affected by D accustomed Question 7: According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a possible cause of any heart attacks? A increase in hormones B lower heart rate C increased blood pressure D decreased blood flow to the heart Question 8: Which of the following is NOT cited as a possible risk factor? A getting married birthday B eating fatty food C being under stress D having a Question 9: Which of the following does the passage infer? A We have not identified many risk factors associated with heart attacks B We now fully understand how risk factors trigger heart attacks C We recently began to study how risk factors trigger heart attacks D We not fully understand how risk factors trigger heart attacks Question 10: As used in the third paragraph, which of the following could best be replaced the word “reveal”? A explain Ques Key B B mean C D C show C C A D observe B A D 10 C TASK 19 The Thames is the longest and best-known river in Britain It is 210 miles/338 kilometres _(1) _ and flows from the Cotswolds in central England to the North Sea after through London Other famous towns on the river _(2) _ Oxford, Windsor 1, Henley and Greenwich _(3) _ bridges across the Thames in London are London Bridge, Tower Bridge and Westminster Bridge Large ships can sail _(4) _ the Thames _(5) _ London and smaller ones a further 86 miles/138 kilometres A 32 large area in the east of London was formerly a major port on the river, but in recent times this Docklands area has been _(6) _ The Thames Barrier is a large barrier _(7) _ across the River Thames at Woolwich, east of London, to prevent London from being flooded It was completed in 1982 and _(8) _ opened in 1984 It consists of ten gates, which _(9) _ on the bottom of the river when the barrier is not required If there is a danger of flooding, the gates rise to form a solid _(10) _ 50 feet/15 metres high Question 1: A longevity B long C length D lengthen Question 2: A consist B involve C contain D include Question 3: A Well-known B Unknown C Knowing D Knowledgeable Question 4: A to B on C up D around Question 5: A as long as B as soon asC as much as D as far as Question 6: A revitalized B revamped C reintroduced D redeveloped Question 7: A built B building C to build D to be built Question 8: A legitimately B formerly C ceremoniously D officially Question 9: A lie B lay C lain D laid Question 10: A fence B boundary C periphery D wall Ques Key B D A C D D A D A 10 D TASK 20 In the West, cartoons are used chiefly to make people laugh The important feature of all these cartoons is the joke and the element of surprise which is contained Even though it is very funny, a good cartoon is always based on close observation of a particular feature of life and usually has a serious purpose Cartoons in the West have been associated with political and social matters for many years In wartime, for example, they proved to be an excellent way of spreading propaganda Nowadays cartoons are often used to make short, sharp comments on politics and governments as well as on a variety of social matters In this way, the modern cartoon has become a very powerful force in influencing people in Europe and the United States Unlike most American and European cartoons, however, many Chinese cartoon drawings in the past have also attempted to educate people, especially those who could 33 not read and write Such cartoons about the lives and sayings of great men in China have proved extremely useful in bringing education to illiterate and semi-literate people throughout China Confucius, Mencius and Laozi have all appeared in very interesting stories presented in the form of cartoons The cartoons themselves have thus served to illustrate the teachings of the Chinese sages in a very attractive way In this sense, many Chinese cartoons are different from Western cartoons in so far as they not depend chiefly on telling jokes Often, there is nothing to laugh at when you see Chinese cartoons This is not their primary aim In addition to commenting on serious political and social matters, Chinese cartoons have aimed at spreading the traditional Chinese thoughts and culture as widely as possible among the people Today, however, Chinese cartoons have an added part to play in spreading knowledge They offer a very attractive and useful way of reaching people throughout the world, regardless of the particular country in which they live Thus, through cartoons, the thoughts and teachings of the old Chinese philosophers and sages can now reach people who live in such countries as Britain, France, America, Japan, Malaysia or Australia and who are unfamiliar with the Chinese culture Until recently, the transfer of knowledge and culture has been overwhelmingly from the West to the East and not vice versa By means of cartoons, however, publishing companies in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore are now having success in correcting this imbalance between the East and the West Cartoons can overcome language barriers in all foreign countries The vast increase in the popularity of these cartoons serves to illustrate the truth of Confucius’s famous saying “One picture is worth a thousand words.” Question 1: Which of the following clearly characterizes Western cartoons? A Originality, freshness, and astonishment B Humour, unexpectedness, and criticism C Enjoyment, liveliness, and carefulness D Seriousness, propaganda, and attractiveness Question 2: Chinese cartoons have been useful as an important means of A educating ordinary people B spreading Western ideas C political propaganda in wartime D amusing people all the time Question 3: The major differences between Chinese cartoons and Western cartoons come from their A purposes B nationalities C values D styles 34 Question 4: The pronoun “this” in paragraph mostly refers to A a propaganda campaign B a piece of art C an educational purpose D a funny element Question 5: The passage is intended to present A a contrast between Western cartoons and Chinese cartoons B an opinion about how cartoons entertain people C a description of cartoons of all kinds the world over D an outline of Western cartoons and Chinese cartoons Question 6: Which of the following could be the best title for the passage? A A Very Powerful Force in Influencing People B Cartoons as a Way of Educating People C Chinese Cartoons and Western Cartoons D An Excellent Way of Spreading Propaganda Question 7: In general, Chinese cartoons are now aiming at A illustrating the truth of Chinese great men’s famous sayings B bringing education to illiterate and semi-literate people in the world C spreading the Chinese ideas and cultural values throughout the world D disseminating traditional practices in China and throughout the world Question 8: The word “imbalance” in paragraph refers to A the mismatch between the East cartoons and the West cartoons B the influence of the East cartoons over the West cartoons C the dominant cultural influence of the West over the East D the discrimination between the West culture and the East culture Question 9: Which of the following is most likely the traditional subject of Chinese cartoons? A The stories and features of the lives of great men the world over B The illiterate and semi-literate people throughout China C Jokes and other kinds of humour in political and social matters D The philosophies and sayings of ancient Chinese thinkers Question 10: According to the passage, which of the following is true? A Western cartoons always have a serious purpose B Cartoons will replace other forms of writing C Cartoons can serve various purposes D Language barriers restricted cartoons 35 Ques Key 36 B A A D A C C C D 10 C [...]... not their primary aim In addition to commenting on serious political and social matters, Chinese cartoons have aimed at spreading the traditional Chinese thoughts and culture as widely as possible among the people Today, however, Chinese cartoons have an added part to play in spreading knowledge They offer a very attractive and useful way of reaching people throughout the world, regardless of the particular... a Way of Educating People C Chinese Cartoons and Western Cartoons D An Excellent Way of Spreading Propaganda Question 7: In general, Chinese cartoons are now aiming at A illustrating the truth of Chinese great men’s famous sayings B bringing education to illiterate and semi-literate people in the world C spreading the Chinese ideas and cultural values throughout the world D disseminating traditional... is not mentioned as a result of hackers’ work? A ruined files B stolen soft wares C replicated documents D jumbled data Question 10: Which of the followings is probably the most suitable title for the reading passage above? A Is your business likely to be considered a sitting duck? B What is your security system like at the moment? C Are you the new target for modern generation hackers? D Who can be... feature of life and usually has a serious purpose Cartoons in the West have been associated with political and social matters for many years In wartime, for example, they proved to be an excellent way of spreading propaganda Nowadays cartoons are often used to make short, sharp comments on politics and governments as well as on a variety of social matters In this way, the modern cartoon has become a very... Which paragraph describes the predecessor to Esperanto? A The first paragraph B The second paragraph C The third paragraph D The fourth paragraph Question 9: The passage would most likely be assigned reading in a course on A European history B English grammar C world government D applied linguistics Question 10: The paragraph following the passage most likely discusses A how current supporters of Esperanto... criticism C Enjoyment, liveliness, and carefulness D Seriousness, propaganda, and attractiveness Question 2: Chinese cartoons have been useful as an important means of A educating ordinary people B spreading Western ideas C political propaganda in wartime D amusing people all the time Question 3: The major differences between Chinese cartoons and Western cartoons come from their A purposes B nationalities... looking to make some easy money The public should not (8) these people with the real science of professional astrology There are many professional astrologists who (9) high quality (10) readings, however We could combine their work with modern psychology to offer the best possible service to the modern public,” says Dr Burke 1 A irrelevancy B irrelevance C irrelevantly D irrelevant 2