17 Trường THPT chuyên Nguyễn Quang Diệu – Đồng Tháp

in to work. 1. A. moments B. kinds C. ways D. types 2. A. formerly B. lively C. personal D. human 3. A. adapt B. react C. conform D. use 4. A. decide B. wonder C. suppose D. admit 5. A. hazard B. risk C. control D. threat 6. A. measures B. decisions C. chances D. instructions 7. A. vague B. such C. up with D. hundreds 8. A. in existence B. widespread C. through D. extensive 9. A. objections B. appliances C. criticisms D. fears 10. A. wired B. batteries C. plugged D. connected

B. WRITTEN TEST: I. OPEN CLOZE TEST : Read the text below and think of the word which best Fits each space. Use only ONE WORD for each space. CLOZE TEST 1

One of the greatest problems with holidays, (1)……….. from the usual travel complications and accommodation difficulties, is the expectations people have of (2)………... When we go on holiday we expect to leave all the stresses and strains of our daily lives (3)……….. us. We imagine we will be able to escape to such a degree that we even tend to believe, consciously or not, that we can change our own personalities and become completely (4)……….. people. The average business-person, tense, preoccupied, short-tempered, (5)……….. to relax, envisages herself / himself (6)……….. , from the moment of locking the office door, a radically different (7)……….. of person: carefree, good-humoured, ready to relax and enjoy whatever adventures present themselves. In practice, we take ourselves with us wherever we go, and the personality that is shaped (8)……….. years of stress and tension is almost impossible to shake off (9)………..a moment’s notice. It is no wonder so many holidays are a disappointment, no matter how smoothly they go or how lovely the weather is. In fact, the frequent problems that crop (10)……….. during the average holiday are probably a welcome distraction from the nagging feeling that we are not enjoying ourselves as much as we should.

CLOZE TEST 2

Much has been heard recently about possible health hazards, including memory loss and brain tumours, from the use of mobile phones. With the possible half a billion mobile phones in (1)……….. throughout the world, in Britain alone, one person in four owns one, (2)………..is worrying enough, even if, so far, no concrete evidence has come to (3)………... One study by Dr. Alan Preece and his team at Bristol University has shown, however, in a report in the International Journal of Radiation Biology, that tests on volunteers demonstrated no effect on their short-term memory or attention (4)………... Subjects were exposed to microwave radiation for (5)………..to thirty minutes, but the one noticeable effect was positive rather than negative; the subjects reacted more rapidly in one test (6)……….. a visual choice. One explanation of this is that following the transmissions, a warming of the blood led to increased blood flow. For the experiment, places were chosen where the signal was good and the microwave dose light, and then where the signal was poor and the dose (7)……….. higher. The subjects were tested for recall and mental alertness (8)……….. exposure to microwaves characteristic of analogue phones, digital phones or no phones at all, without knowing (9)……….. they were exposed to. It is, of course, early days yet and the sample may not be large enough to generalise (10)……….. . More research needs to be done.

II. WORD FORM PART 1: Complete each sentence, using the correct form of the word in parentheses. 1. She worked...................... to help homeless people. (STINT)

317 2. Apart from so me.............. .........efforts, the government have not yet made a serious attempt to effectively address the Scottish fisheries issue. (HEART) 3. As Tet holiday is coming, we’ve got an ...................... weekend ahead of us. (ACTION) 4. The effects of alcohol misuse spill over from private life into the workplace, causing inefficiency and accidents as well as ................. (ABSENT) 5. There was far too much light and all my photos were....................... (EXPOSURE) 6. The organization works in many war-torn and ..................... countries. (POOR) 7. As an environmentally aware consumer, it is important for you to know in what way you can help to make sure that less ...................material is left on the planet. (DEGRADE) 8...................... has left a lot of workers with the risk of losing their jobs, as they were recruited on a temporary basis. (CASUAL) 9. The waitress came round with a tray of........... .......cream cakes. (MOUTH) 10. He was the perfect son and brother and the pride in him from the family is......................immense. (JUSTICE)

PART 2: Complete the passage with appropriate forms from the words given in the box.

immune form invade introduce populate success assist place effect caution

UNWANTED VISITORS

Loss of habitat poses the single greatest threat, endangering indigenous species. The second largest threat to native flora and fauna would have to be the (1)................. of alien species into an environment other than their own. Alien species are able to cause such cataclysmic damage because they are usually more (2)..................... in competing for food. They introduce diseases to which the local inhabitants do not possess (3)..................Interbreeding has caused the destruction of entire species because the first hybrid generation will eventually (4)................ the parent stock. Hybrid individuals tend to possess greater vigour and will therefore compete more (5).................. with the remaining pure stock. Their offspring may also be infertile, resulting in the (6)....................of an entire species because of a reduction in the number of breeding animals. The (7) ................... of guidelines has been called on to exclude non-native wildlife, contain it where it has a foothold, and eliminate it if possible. The principles call for border controls, (8) .............. in international trade and technical and financial (9)................. to help poor countries detect and combat (10)...................

III. ERROR IDENTIFICATION The following passage contains 10 errors. Identify and correct them.

Severe hurricane force winds buffeted their way across Kent and much of the south-east of England last night, leaving a trail of devastation from their wake. Vast tracts of the county have been flattened, and damage to property estimated at hundreds of millions of pounds.

Yesterday evening there was little warning of what was about to come. Wind began to pick up just after 11 p.m. and by 2 a.m. storm force winds had hit towns on the south coast. Later, the winds increased violence until they eventually reached hurricane force in the early hours of the morning, lashing the country with gusts of over 130 miles an hour. Hospitals were warned to expect casualties.

Kent has been very badly hit. In Sevenoaks, an entire forest was flattened by the blast and uprooted trees were littered over the countryside as matchsticks. Elsewhere there has been considerable damage to crops and buildings. David Hart, from Lamberhurst, awoke to find that his roof had been blown off: “ I was woken up by an incredible noise - it was just like a bomb going off. I could see the roof flapping about in the wind. Then it just flew off, and slates and bricks came to crash down through the ceiling.”

Concern has been risen at the failure of the authorities to provide adequate warning. A spokesperson from the Meteorological Office explained that storm force winds had been forecast, that the hurricane itself

had been caused by a combination of freak weather conditions.

The first priority for Kent County Council is the restoration of communications, and the government is considering giving emergency aid. Therefore, insurance companies are bracing themselves to a deluge of claims that could well run to nearly a billion pounds. 1…………… 2…………… 3…………… 4…………… 5…………… 6…………… 7…………… 8…………… 9…………… 10…………..

IV. SENTENCE TRANSFORMATION Rewrite the following sentences, using the given words. 1. The house shouldn’t be left unlocked for any reason .

Not. .................................. ...................................................................... 2. The restoration of communications and essential services is of prime importance for the council.

The first .................................................................................................. 3. The government have been reviewing their immigration policy for some time.

The government’s.............................................. .................. ................... 4. He declared his disapproval of the behavior of some of his supporters.

He let it .................................................................. .................................. 5. A new flu vaccine has been on trial since the beginning of the year.

They.................................................. ....................................................... 6. They may have escaped through the backdoor. GETAWAY

They........................................................................................................... 7. You've been looking miserable all day. MOON

You’ve ....................................................................................................... 8. Jim knew he would have to go on the business trip at a moment's notice. POISED

Jim ...................................... ........................................................................ 9. The waiters in the new restaurant were very inefficient. SHODDY

We received.............................. .................................................................... 10. Sean did all the illustrations for the book but no one acknowledged his work. CREDIT Sean wasn't...........................................................................................................

319

TRƯỜNG THPT CHUYÊN TRẦN ĐẠI NGHĨA - T P. HỒ CHI MINH

A. MULTIPLE CHOICE (40 PT S) I. WORD CHOICE (5 PTS) Choose the best options to complete the following sentences. 1. The trial has been adjourned because no new and ………….evidence has been uncovered.

A. damning B. flattering C. withering D. prevailing 2. The former leader of the organization has expressed a wish to…………. for his past sins.

A. atone B. annex C. adore D. abridge 3. The ultramodern printers can reproduce photographs with amazing………….

A. felicity B. frugality C. fidelity D. futility 4. With a wide range of qualifications and a wealth of experience, Rosa is………….the most suitable candidate.

A. haphazardly B. begrudgingly C. jovially D. indubitably 5. The………….soil absorbed the rain almost as rapidly as it fell.

A. sinewy B. porous C. fibrous D. prevailing 6. As a dietician, she often …………. the virtues of eating less fat.

A. exiles B. extols C. exudes D. exceeds 7. Salespersons often try to please their customers by using artificial…………..

A. eulogy B. kudos C. flattery D. homage 8. This area is very dangerous. In order not to get………….on their way, women are advised not to go out alone at night.

A. uplifted B. stonewalled C. browbeaten D. waylaid 9. In the morning sermon, the missionary………….talks about his religious beliefs, his face glowing with enthusiasm.

A. dolefully B. insidiously C. zealously D. spasmodically 10. Even though my mother despised her twin sister, she always spoke about her without………….

A. conferment B. sublime C. rancour D. ignominy

II. GRAMMAR AND STRUCTURES (5 PTS) Choose the best options to complete the following sentences. 11…………. , I would give a party.

A. Were she to come next month B. She were to come next month

C. If she comes next month D. Should she come next month 12. On the battle field………….

A. the tanks lay B. did the tanks lie C. lay the tanks D. lied the tanks 13…………., the catfish is prized for its taste.

A. With ugly look B. As ugly looking

C. Ugly looking as it is D. As it is ugly looking 14. The estranged husband desperately tried to get his message across,………….without success.

A. despite B. however C. even though D. albeit 15. Janine’s parents died when she was just a baby, so I………….family she ever had.

A. was all the B. was the whole C. have the whole D. have all the 16. Despite many sophisticated techniques, the simple magnifying glass and gut………….tools for unmasking fake paintings.

A. instinct remains the best B. instinct remain the best

C. instinctive remain the best D. instinctively remains the best 17. Mr. Gump supposes,…………. that he will retire at 60.

A. like most people did B. as most of people

C. like most people do D. as do most people

18………….that Mr. Jones is planning to run for governor this year.

A. Word is it B. Word has it C. Word has D. The words are 19. The endless parade of………….on television has made today’s young girls obsessed with their bodies.

A. celebrities enhancing surgically B. surgically- enhanced celebrities

C. surgical celebrities enhanced D. enhanced surgically celebrities 20. At the stroke of midnight, I’m afraid there………….

A. won’t shops be left open B. won’t be shops left open

C. will be shops left not open D. will be no shops left open

III. PHRASAL VERBS AND PREPOSITIONS (5 PTS) Choose the best options to complete the following sentences. 21. The rebellion took………….the reins of government immediately after the coup.

A. out B. over C. against D. in 22. Such a savage punishment must be abolished as it is abhorrent………….a civilized society.

A. with B. for C. to D. in 23. Dave is not a good boss because he's always palm the worst jobs………….his assistant.

A. out with B. up for C. off on D. into 24. Steve Harvey brought the house down again. He…………. his show………….a lot of jokes.

A. peppered - with B. salted - down C. seasoned - with D. sugared - Ø 25. Her husband walked out…………. her and their three children.

A. on B. of C. to D. from 26. When the book was made into a screenplay, we decided to …………. some of the comical anecdotes.

A. miss out B. amount to C. cutout D. tot up 27. It's hard to find accommodation during the high season, so the whole family were………….up in a small room.

A. penciled B. penned C. papered D. booked 28. A gang of young men were booted …………. the pub for fighting.

A. away from B. up with C. down on D. out of 29. My teacher advises me to juice …………. my presentation with more colorful illustrations.

A. down B. up C. over D. off 30. We are fed up with him. He keeps…………., his new girlfriend.

A. snaking away into B. horsing around with C. rabbiting on about D. ducking out of

IV. COLLOCATIONS & IDIOMS (5 PTS) 31. She is a typical modern woman who ………….the double burden of childcare and full-time work.

A. shoulders B. falls on C. lifts D. lightens 32. I'm going to call George’s………….- I don't believe he’ll really carry out his threat.

A. blood B. bluff C. bid D. brave 33…………..by their new finds, the archeologists say they had made dramatic new finds of Viking settlements.

A. Buoyed up B. Irked out C. Sounded off D. Perked up 34. Sarah looks back at her childhood on a tiny island through………….; she refuses to remember the difficulties she experienced.

A. wishful thinking B. a sweeping statement

C. rose-coloured spectacles D. a mixed blessing 35. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are such permissive parents that their son can………….no matter what he insists.

A. jump on the bandwagon B. go against the grain

C. make their blood boil D. wind them around his little finger 36. The tailor found a………….in making high-quality suits for very tall and very heavy gentlemen.

A. legal tender B. backing store C. niche market D. rummage sale

321 37. You shouldn’t tell the group about Dad’s problems because you don’t………….

A. blow your own trumpet B. go out on a limb

C. air your dirty laundry D. steal his thunder 38. After being woken up by the sound of someone moving around, she returned to bed and went………….

A. under a cloud B. out like a light C. as the driven snow D. like a wind 39. All of these knock-off superhero movies are clearly………….on the back of the original franchise.

A. taking B. getting C. riding D. waking 40. Living apart from each other, Mike and Tara have been talking………….for a year now.

A. off and on B. as a matter of course

C. till the cows come home D. in the least

V. GUIDED CLOZE (10 PTS) Read the texts below and decide which answer best fits each space. PASSAGE A:

Is Prince William an embryonic bard? A research team in Germany claim they have found evidence that he is descended from Shakespeare and may thus have inherited literary genius.

Frustrated by a lack of first-hand evidence, researchers trying to (41) ………….together details of the Bard’s life have long turned to his sonnets as the only words of his that might be autobiographical. For centuries, academics have been trying to solve the (42) ………….riddle of the ‘Dark Lady’, the mystery person to whom Shakespeare addressed his sonnets. Those involved in the most recent detective (43) …… have come up with some evidence that the Bard’s bloodline is linked to the youngest generation of the royal family.

This bold claim is (44)…………. by clues hidden in paintings of a previously unidentified noblewoman, to be named by a German academic team as Shakespeare’s dark-haired lover. They were assisted by forensic experts from the German police.

But who was the Dark Lady? So many (45)………….theories have been advanced that some scholars have abandoned the search. In fact, the answer may be (46)…………. us in the face. According to one eminent academic, a portrait of the mystery woman is on show in Hampton Court Palace in London, (47) …………. it is known as The Persian Lady. She argues that the pregnant woman depicted there is Elizabeth Vernon, a lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth, who, after an illicit affair with Shakespeare, went on to marry his patron. (48) …………. this woman, Elizabeth, third Countess of Southampton, bore Shakespeare a daughter, Penelope, who grew up to tie the (49)………….with William, second Baron spencer, and their descendant was the father of Diana, Princess of Wales and grandfather of Prince William.

So far, Prince William 's talents have shown themselves in the sports field. But who knows? His uncle, Earl Spencer, did after all receive world-wide acclaim for his (50) …………. at the funeral of his sister. 41. A. part B. mold C. piece D. weld 42. A. enticing B. appalling C. tantalizing D. petrifying 43. A. series B. hunt C. wave D. thread 44. A. held up B. rallied round C. backed up D. stuck up for 45. A. rival B. no-nonsense C. holistic D. orthodox 46. A. staring B. looking C. glaring D. ogling 47. A. lest B. where C. for D. while 48. A. Supposedly B. Strangely C. Knowingly D. Seemingly 49. A, loop B. bond C. hitch D. knot 50. A. monologue B. elocution C. oratory D. address

PASSAGE B:

THE CONCEPT OF EVOLUTION Charles Darwin may well be the most controversial scientist who ever lived. Although ‘On the Origin

of Species’ was his highly acclaimed book, he did not invent the concept of evolution. When he was a student in Edinburgh in the late 1820’s, evolution was already the (51)…………of the town. But evolution was rejected by the establishment. Those who (52)………… to evolutionary thinking were called Lamarckists, after the French scientist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck first proposed that species are not static but change over time and give (53) ………… to new species. Lamarck had presented this (54)…………in a book published in 1809. However, a correct mechanism for (55)………… species change into each other was missed out. Later on, the mechanism was discovered first by Charles Darwin and independently by Alfred Russel Wallace. From reading the economist Thomas Malthus’s works, Darwin was aware of the consequences of (56)………… growing populations. Once resources become limited, only a (57)………… of individuals can survive. Additionally, Darwin, as an (58) ………… observer of animal breeders, analysed their (59)…………and studied their results. Slowly but (60)………… , he understood that nature is like a gigantic breeder. 51. A. talk B. topic C. gossip D. subject 52. A. combined B. cohered C. cleaved D. complied 53. A. occasion B. evidence C. raise D. rise 54. A. standpoint B. mindset C. panorama D. vista 55. A. which B. how C. way D. mode 56. A. expressly B. exponentially C. exquisitely D. exclusively 57. A. plethora B. division C. portion D. fraction 58. A. agile B. arduous C. ardent D. amorous 59. A. methodologies B. methods C. manners D. behaviors 60. A. surely B. definitely C. ultimately D. clearly

IV. READING COMPREHENSION (10 PTS) Read the texts below and choose the best answer to each question. PASSAGE A

“PLUM PUDDING” MODEL OF ATOMS

Throughout history, scientists have believed that the atom was the most fundamental unit of matter. However, at the end of the 19th century, new studies in atomic theory revealed that atoms were composed of even more fundamental units, in order to understand these units, scientists first had to construct a new, more comprehensive model of the atom. Because tiny atoms defy any direct observations, even with the most advanced technology or instruments, scientists conducted experiments in which they sought to observe the effects of sub-atomic particles, rather than observing the atoms themselves. The results of such demonstrations eventually helped scientists develop an atomic model with the most specific details about matter’s structure and composition, but it was a process of trial and error; there were many revisions and corrections made along the way. One of the scientists involved in this process of trial and error was J.J. Thomson.

Thomson, an Englishman, developed what came to be known as the “plum pudding” model of atomic structure in 1900 while experimenting with cathode rays. In previous experiments with cathode rays, scientists would propel gases through vacuum tubes and then observe flashes of light; they thought this light came from some nebulous substance that saturated all things. After several similar tests, Thomson determined, that these flashes of light were actually electrified particles, which he first called “corpuscles.” All gases that passed through the tubes gave off these particles, which had negative charges that caused them to glow. Through his observations, Thomson also discovered that, like atoms, these corpuscles were found in all forms of matter, yet they were even smaller than atoms. Essentially, Thomson had found out that the fundamental units of matter were composed of even smaller particles themselves, and Thomson’s corpuscles came to be known as electrons.

Thomson now knew that atoms contained electrons, but he was not certain how electrons were arranged within the atom. Thomson proposed a “plum pudding" model of atoms where several electrons were scattered randomly in a positively charged field, like plums in a pudding. In this model, atoms

323 themselves were mostly empty space because the charged field was not solid, so other particles could pass through it without obstruction. Later studies confirmed that atoms were mostly empty space, but the plum pudding model still had some inaccuracies. For instance, Thomson proposed that atoms were uniform for all elements. He also thought that electrons could move in elliptical orbits that were stabilized by the positively charged field. The further an electron moved from the center, the more the field would pull it back in place.

A decade later, another scientist, Ernest Rutherford, performed experiments that would debunk the “plum pudding” model and correct many of its inaccuracies. Rutherford fired several particles through a thin sheet of gold foil, speculating that they should all pass through or be slightly deflected. While most of the particles did pass, a small number were directly reflected off the sheet. Rutherford concluded that there were small clusters of matter that reflected the particles, so an atom wasn’t completely empty space. It also had a nucleus, or a concentrated center. He also deduced something else: the positive charge wasn’t in an insubstantial energy field but in a relatively dense, central cluster of particles - this meant that electrons were on the outside.

Rutherford’s critical discovery established a different model of the atom, one in which the atom has a nucleus and electron orbits. Rutherford constructed this atomic model based on both his own discoveries and previous atomic models. This new model also compared the nucleus’s pull on electrons to the sun’s gravitational pull on Earth and other planets. Future models would expand upon this concept and figure in quantum factors to electron orbits;- this ultimately led to the realization that only certain amounts of electrons could be placed in certain orbits. Further improvements to the atomic model also established that different elements had different number of electrons, protons, and neutrons. The various models would build upon previous discoveries and inaccuracies in order to advance understanding of atomic theory. 61. The phrase “such demonstrations” in the passage refers to

A. observations B. experiments C. movements D. results 62. According to paragraph 1, what can be inferred about atomic models?

A. They are no longer considered to be of much importance to science.

B. Many early models had to be proven incorrect before a workable model was found.

C. They are inherently inaccurate because they must be based on indirect observations.

D. They developed only as more powerful microscopes became available. 63. The word “nebulous” in the passage is closest in meaning to

A. blazing B. indistinct C. fractured D. limited 64. The word “them” in the passage refers to

A. particles B. gases C. tubes D. charges 65. According to paragraph 2, what was J.J. Thomson’s discovery?

A. the electron B. the cathode ray C. the atom . D. the vacuum tube 66. The word “obstruction” in the passage is closest in meaning to

A. osmosis B. detonating C. interference D. accelerating 67. According to the information in paragraph- 3, what aspect of Thomson’s theory was confirmed by later scientists?

A. Electrons are scattered in atoms. B. Atoms have an outer positive field,

C. Atoms are uniform for all matter. D. Atoms are mostly empty space. 68. The word “debunk” in the passage is closest in meaning to

A. support B. disprove C. amend D. ignore 69. According to paragraph 4, Ernest Rutherford discovered that

A. atoms had mass in their centers. B. electrons had quantum factors,

C. all matter emitted electrons. D. particles always went through atoms. 70. Based on the information in paragraph 5, what can be inferred about Rutherford’s model for the atom?

A. It heavily borrowed details from the “plum pudding” model.

B. It is currently the scientifically accepted model for the atom,

C. It is controversial and competing with other atomic models.

PASSAGE B

SET ASIDE TIME EACH DAY

Most of us can fine 15 minutes or half an hour each day for some specific regular activity. It may be a free period or a regular wait, say in the queue for a bus or meal- even while eating breakfast. One famous surgeon always made it a rule to spend at least 15 minutes on general reading before he went to sleep each night. Whether he went to bed at 10 p.m. or 2-30 a.m. made no difference. Even if you cannot keep to this kind of discipline, it is a good idea to make sure you always have a general interest book in your pocket. Don’t forget it should be a book which entertains you and the English must not be too difficult for you.

Check your progress through pacing

Nearly all speed reading courses have a “pacing” element - some timing device which lets the student know how many words a minute he is reading. You can do this simply by looking at your watch every 5 or 10 minutes and noting down the page number you have reached. Check the average number of words per page for the particular book you are reading. How do you know when 5 minutes have passed on your watch if you are busy reading the book? Well, this is difficult at first. A friend can help by timing you over a set period, or you can read within hearing distance of a public clock which strikes the quarter hours. Pace yourself every three or four days, always with the same kind of easy, general interest book. You should soon notice your habitual w.p.m. rate creeping up.

Check comprehension

Obviously there is little point in increasing your w.p.m. rate if you do not understand what you are reading. When you are consciously trying to increase your reading speed, stop after every chapter (if you are reading a novel) or every section or group of ten or twelve pages (if it is a textbook) and ask yourself a few questions about what you have been reading. If you find you have lost the thread of the story, or you cannot remember clearly the details of what was said, re-read the section or chapter.

“Lightning speed” exercise

Try this from time to time. Take four or five pages of the general interest book you hap pen to be reading at that time. Read them as fast as you possibly can. Do not bother about whether you understand or not. Now go back and read them at what you feel to be your “normal” w.p.m. rate, the rate at which you can comfortably understand. After a “lightning speed” read through (probably around 600 w.p.m.) you will usually find that your “normal” speed has increase – perhaps by as much as 50 -100 w.p.m. This is the technique athlete s use when they habitually run further in training than they will have to on the day of the big race. 71. The passage recommends setting as ide for reading practice

A. two hours a day B. one hour a day

C. 15 minutes or half an hour a day D. three times a day before meals 72. One famous surgeon always made it a rule to read

A. for 15 minutes at 10 p.m. each night.

B. at least 15 minutes at bedtime

C . at least 15 minutes at either 10 p.m. or 2.30 a.m.

D. whether he had a spare moment. 73. It is a good idea always to carry in your pocket

A. a book you will never forget B. a serious book

C. several books of various kinds D. an easy and entertaining English book 74. A “ pacing ” device

A. times a student’s reading speed

B. is not included in most speed reading courses

C. is an aid to vocabulary learning

D. should be used whenever we read alone. 75. Looking at your watch every 5 or 10 minutes

325 A. avoids the need f or reading faster

B. is not the same as pacing

C. is not easy at first

D. help you to remember the page number you were at last time 76. The passage recommends pacing yourself

A. every two days with different kinds of book

B. every three or four days with the same kind of book

C. every week with the same kind of book

D. as often as you read a book 77. When you are reading a novel the passage advises you to pause to check the content

A. every chapter B. every hour

C. every three or four pages D. after every page 78. The purpose of pausing for though t every chapter so often is to

A. rest the eyes

B. make sure you have not missed any pages

C. make sure you really understand what you have read

D. prevent brain fatigue 79. If you have lost the thread of a story you are reading, the passage recommends

A. choosing an easier book

B. glancing back over the chapter you have just read

C. asking a friend to help you with the difficult words

D. learning the previous chapter by heart 80. The purpose of the lightning speed exercise is to

A. increase your normal speed by practicing at a very high rate

B. get through the book in half the time so that you can go on to the next

C. help you understand more of the content of the book

D. enable you to win reading races against your friends

B. WRITTEN TEST I. CLOZE TEST (20 PTS) Read the text below and think of the word which best fits each space. Use only ONE WORD for each space. PASSAGE A

Chewing gum, (1)…………. now considered the ultimate junk food and the national dish of the gormless, turns out to have a positive effect on cognitive performance. In the first intellectual victory for supporters of progressive education in many years, it seems that the teacher (2)…………. the child at the back of the class to ‘spit it out’ has got it (3)………….wrong. The Human Cognitive Neuro-Science Unit at the University of Northumbria has tested the thinking and memory of those who chew gum. The results show that gum-chewers perform far better in cognitive tests than those who did not partake.

This new information makes many things clear that were previously (4)………….in mystery. It was (5)………….of Gerald Ford that he could walk and chew gum at the same time. That he proved so bad at walking and was constantly falling over was seen as a (6)………….that he was not up to the job. Now it is apparent that faced with the choice between walking and masticating he picked wisely. Even though he fell down the steps of many aircraft, his performance (7)………….he reached the ground was greatly enhanced.

The beneficial effects of gum may come as a surprise to some, but chewers themselves, (8)………… intellectually superior to everyone else, of course, have been aware of gum 's advantages for years. Sadly, some politicians want to tax gum to pay for the price of. scraping discarded pieces from the street. It can confidently be predicted that such small-mindedness (9)…………. non-chewers will leave the mouths of gum consumers everywhere gaping (10)…………. .

KINGSTON

Overwhelming and fascinating in equal (1)…………. , Kingston is quite unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean. (2)…………. its troubled reputation, it’s hardly surprising that few tourists visit, and while the scare stories are absurdly exaggerated, Kingston is certainly not a place for the faint-hearted. In the 1950’s, Ian Fleming called it a "tough city", and that still (3)………….true today. Jamaica’s capital is rough and (4) …………., a little uncompromising, but always exciting and absorbing. With just under 600,00 residents, Kingston (5)…………. with life, noise and activity, and if you venture downtown, you’ll see the (6)…………. edges. Nonetheless, the capital offers a look at a side of Jamaica that couldn't be more different from the resorts. As well as being the seat of government and the island’s administrative centre, Kingston is Jamaica’s cultural heart, the city that spawned Bob Marley, Buju Banton, Beenie Man and countless other reggae stars. If you do decide to visit - and it's well worth the effort for anyone with even a (7)…………. interest in Jamaican culture – you’ll find that not only is it easy to steer clear (8)…………. the troubled areas, but that there’s (9) ………….of the persistent harassment that bedevils parts (10) …… the north coast.

II. WORD FORMATION (20 PTS) PART 1: Complete each sentence, using the correct form of the word in parentheses. 1. Copernicus justified his innovation by citing …………. authorities. (PEACH) 2. The strike was engineered by a handful of …………. who whined about the smallest issues.(CONTENT) 3. The attorney’s rambling………….in court proved that he was unprepared for the trial and was flying by the seat of his pants. (TEM PORARY) 4. While the restaurant's kitchen is not overly attractive, its …………. layout allows the cooks to prepare meals quickly and competently. (UTILIZE) 5. Inside the American Museum of Natural History were…………. preserved specimens of wild animals, which beckoned every tourist to enter and take photographs. (TAXI) 6. It’s very difficult to tell the…………. difference between the identical twins. (MEASURE) 7. The president visited a local community on the outskirts of Da Nang in the immediate………….of Typhoon Damrey. (MATH) 8. In order to raise funds for impoverished musicians, an auction of Beatles………….is to be held next week. (MEMORY) 9. The doctor prescribed …………. drugs to reduce the old man’s arthritis. (FLAME) 10. Immigration has played a significant role in the development of the US economy; however, this ever increasing ………….of the nation’s population will bring about a whole new set of challenges. (GENEROUS)

PART 2: Complete tile passage with appropriate forms from the words given in the box.

ascend deny fulfill long multitude odd possess prove right vary

DICKENS AND HIS WORLD

With the circulation of Pickwick Papers in 1836, young Dickens enjoyed an unprecedented (11)……… into the favour of the British reading public. He magnificently (12)…………… a theory that his fame would disappear just as quickly as it had come. He remained until his death 34 years later (13)…………… the most popular novelist the English-speaking world had ever known.

The public displayed an insatiable appetite for his works, and there was also a great diffusion of them

327 through (14)…………… dramatic adaptations (nearly all completely unauthorized, the (15)…………… laws being weaker).

His immense popularity was based on the widespread perception of him as a great champion of the poor and (16)……………against all forms of injustice and abuse of power. In his personal life, however, he was incapable of achieving the level of (17)…………… that he enjoyed with the public, and all his close emotional relationships with women (18)…………… ended in failure. Yet out of his needs and fears, his disappointments and his (19)…………… , Dickens created an extraordinary range and variety of female characters. They live on in our minds and our culture in all their (20)…………… and distinctiveness, unlike any other female characters created by Victorian novelists, no matter how well they may have understood women.

III. ERROR CORRECTION (10 PTS) The following passage contains 10 errors. Identify and correct them. AN UGLY HABIT

Smoking is one of the most common and dead habits in the world. You have probably seen thousand of cigarettes smoked in your life time, but perhaps not by your family. Even though few people smoke today than in the past, one in every four adults still smokes, and there are parts of the world where smoking is increasing. Most people who become regular smokers started when they were young. This is the time to get the facts straight: smoking does no one not good, and it does a great number of harm to your health. It also often means giving up a lot later in life, such as the chance to excel in sports, extra spending money, and even years of one's life. There is much to lose. Most smokers have a hard time explaining why they started - and why they continue. They know it is harmful, and much even know someone who has died for a smoking-related illness, like lung cancer or heart disease. But at the same time, these smokers continue lighting up when they go out for a drink, take a break from work, or hear alarmed news. Some smokers even light up when they learn about the dangers of smoking, because they become worried. Whatever the reason people start smoking, the habit soon loses its attraction. Apart from the obvious health risks, smoking is an ugly, unpleasant habit. Most people would prefer avoiding a room that someone was filling with smelly smoke. 1………………. 2………………. 3………………. 4………………. 5………………. 6………………. 7………………. 8………………. 9………………. 10………………

IV. SENTENCE TRANSFORMATION (20 PTS) Rewrite the following sentences using the words given. 1. I'm not in the habit of sleeping in the afternoon. → Rarely…………………………………………………………………………… 2. So smart and flexible was the coach’s tactics that Vietnam’s national football team achieved a great success in the AFC Championship → It was ……………………………………… Vietnam’s national football team to the victory in the AFC Championship. 3. I know he has tried hard; but his work is unacceptable. → I know he has tried hard; be……………………………………were good enough. 4. it is common knowledge that a cooked meal is far more nutritious than junk food. → Junk food can nowhere ……………………………………………… belief. 5. I didn’t have the faintest idea about the quirks of the antiques business, so I couldn’t give you any advice. (KEN) → Had ……………………………………………………………… 6. His parents allowed him to buy an iPhone X after they had considered it for three weeks. (GO-AHEAD)

→ Having mulled ………………………………………………………… 7. Although the people here are of the working class, they are kindness and honesty personified. (SALT) → Notwithstanding their………………………………………………………… 8. Tom is forever teasing Daisy for having spoonerism. (MICKEY) → On account……………………………………………………………………. 9. It was about time I went over there and made up with her. (OLIVE) → It was about time……………………………………………………………… 10. Remember to check out our thirteen language learning tips! (BAKER) → Remember to…………………………………………………………………..

329 A. MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS I. PHONOLOGY (5 PTS) Choose the word whose underlined part is pronounced differently from that of the others. 1. A. fathom B. feather C. anthem D. southern 2. A. blizzard B. puzzle C . pizza D. drizzle 3. A. libel B. revival C . liable D. liberal 4. A. saboteur B. amateur C. entrepreneur D. hauteur 5. A. tabulate B. draconian C . sanctuary D. plateau

Choose the word whose main stressed syllable is placed differently from that of the others. 6. A. tuberculosis B. mathematician C. psychopathology D. complimentary 7. A. infamous B. impotent C. affidavit D. inventory 8. A. expertise B. hypocrisy C. respiratory D. paralysis 9. A. sanctuary B. perseverance C. practicality D. conscientious 10. A. peninsula B. pneumonia C. metropolis D. euphemism

II. WORD CHOICE (5 PTS) Choose the best answer to complete each of the following sentences. 11. The drought…………….considerable problems for farmers.

A. instigated B. posed C. flexed D. pressed 12. Simon…………….in me on the understanding that I wouldn’t tell anyone else.

A. confided B. trusted C. confessed D. disclosed 13. Would passengers please……………. from using any electronic equipment until the plane is airborne?

A. exclude B. resist C. restrain D. refrain 14. We talked to each other all night and resolved some of our problems. It' good to have a proper ……… sometimes.

A. head-to-head B. heart-to-head C. head-to-heart D. heart-to-heart 15. My father…………….when he found out that I’d damaged the car.

A. hit the roof B. saw pink elephants

C. made my blood boil D. brought the house down 16. The optician says you have to wear glasses, like it or…………….it.

A. jump B. lump C. dislike D. loathe 17. You will be putting your life on the…………….if you take up skydiving.

A. ground B. way C. lane D. line 18. His friends and family left him in the ……………. when he went bankrupt.

A. church B. lurch C. end D. street 19. Hotel rooms must be…………….by noon, but luggage must be left with the porter.

A. vacated B. evacuated C. abandoned D. left 20. Tara was really laying it on ……………. about her accident at work.

A. fine B. broad C. thick D. thin

III. STRUCTURES AND GRAMMAR (5 PTS) Choose the best answer to complete each of the following sentences. 21. Unsalted butter is best for this recipe, but …………. that, margarine will do.

A. except B. failing C. for all of D. given 22. In front of the door…………..

A. a dog sat B. was seated a dog C. seated a dog D. was a dog seating 23. Every Christmas of my childhood was the same. My father…………. late for lunch, weighed down with presents for the family.

A. would arrive B. had arrived

C. was arriving D. was used to arriving 24. I would never have entered the woods so slightly …………. I was trespassing on his domain.

A. did I know B. for all I knew C. I had known D. had I known 25. The sudden expansion of heated air associated with lightning produces………….often heard during a storm.

A. thunder is the rumbling sound B. the rumbling sound, thunder is

C. the rumbling sound, thunder, that D. thunder, the rumbling sound 26. We all decreed that …………..

A. there be an end to their quarrel B. their quarrel should put an end to

C. they ended their quarrel then D. their quarrel be coming to an end 27. I'd rather you…………..a noise last night; I couldn't get to sleep.

A. wouldn’t make B. hadn't made C. didn’t make D. haven’t made 28. Sally would prefer to pursue her studies………….. to look for a job.

A. rather than start B. to starting C. rather than starting D. than to start 29. This car is…………..of the two models in the showroom.

A. the more modern B. the most modern

C. more modern D. one of the most modern 30. ‘Well, I first came here last June,’ – ‘So by the end of May you…………..with us for almost a year.’

A. will have been working B. are going to have worked

C. will have working D. will work

IV. PREPOSITIONS AND PHRASAL VERBS (5 PTS) 31. She played…………..the fact that I’d enjoyed studying Shakespeare at school and suggested that I audition for a part.

A. off B. over C. by D. up 32. I was so tired that I just………….. in the armchair.

A. flaked out B. broke up C. dropped out D. fell over 33. We hadn’t ………….. such heavy traffic; and we were delayed for hours.

A. gone in for B. set about C. worked out D. bargained for 34. Two of the students in our class are identical twins and most of the teachers can’t …………...

A. see between them B. tell them apart

C. see them through D. find them between 35. I’ve never met my boss’s wife but,………….. , she’s a very nice woman.

A. by all accounts B. under discussion C. out of kindness D. on bail 36. During the lead-up to Christmas, many teachers have so much work that they get completely ……….

A. covered up B. washed off C. snowed under D. rubbed out 37. I'm afraid that the facts don’t…………..your theory.

A. pull off B. check out C. show off D. bear out 38. How did you come…………..that wonderful painting over there?

A. about B. in for C. by D. out with 39. I wouldn’t…………..too much into her comments, I’m sure they were meant as a joke.

A. draw B. see C. take D. read 40. He refused to…………..on why he took such an unexpected decision.

A. elaborate B. amplify C. account D. clarify

V. READING COMPREHENSION (10 PTS) Rea d the texts below and choose the best answer to each question. PASAGE 1:

How a man uses money - makes it, saves it, and spends it - is perhaps one of the best tests of practical

331 wisdom. Although money ought by no means to be regarded as a chief end of mail's life, neither is it a trifling matter, to be held in philosophic contempt, representing as it does to so large an extent, the means of physical comfort and social well-being. Indeed, some of the finest qualities of human nature are intimately related to the right use of money; such as generosity, honesty, justice, and self - sacrifice; as well as the practical virtues of economy and providence. On the other hand, there are their counterparts of avarice, fraud, injustice, and selfishness, as displayed by the inordinate lovers of gain; and abuse the means entrusted to them. "So that", as it wisely observed by Henry Taylor in his thoughtful "Notes from Life", "a right measure and manner in getting, saving, spending, giving, taking, lending, borrowing, and bequeathing, would almost argue a perfect man".

Comfort in worldly circumstances is a condition which every man is justified in striving to attain by all worthy means. It secures that physical satisfaction, which is necessary for the culture of the better part of his nature; and enables him to provide for those of his own household. Nor ought the duty to be any the less indifferent to us, that the respect which our fellow men entertain for us in no slight degree depends upon the manner in which we exercise the opportunities which present themselves for our honorable advancement in life. The very effort required to be mad e to succeed in life with this object, is of itself an education; stimulating a man’s sense of self-respect, bringing out his practical qualities, and disciplining him in the exercise of patience, perseverance, and such like virtues. The provident and careful man must necessarily be a thoughtful man, for he lives mot merely for the present, but with provident forecast makes arrangements for the future. He must also be a temperate man, and exercise the virtues of self-denial, than which nothing is so much calculated to give strength to the character. John Sterling says truly, that "the worst education which teaches self denial is better than the best which teaches everything else, and not that." The Romans rightly employed the same word (virtus) to designate courage, which is in a physical sense what the other is in moral; the highest virtue of all being victory over ourselves. 41. What is the main idea of his passage?

A. Wealthy people and poor people can both be virtuous.

B. Money is insignificant.

C. Money is the most important thing in the world.

D. The way a person handles money indicates his or her general character. 42. The author’s purpose in writing this essay is………….

A. to teach people how to earn a great deal of money

B. to warn readers about the dangers of greed

C. to describe the life of a wealthy person

D. to convince the reader that proper money management is a sign of good character 43. Which is the best synonym for the word “providence”?

A. prudence B. fate C. sustenance D. doom 44. What would be the author's response to those who say that poverty is noble?

A. The author would agree with this statement.

B. In order to cultivate other virtues a person must have money.

C. Once a person gets rich, they can start worrying about self-discipline.

D. The Romans believed that poor people are evil. 45. Which word best describes the author’s attitude to Henry Taylor?

A. admiring B. condescending C. skeptical D. disgusted 46. What does the author imply by saying that money provides “physical satisfaction, which is necessary for the cultivation of the better part of his nature”?

A. People are friendlier after they have had a hot bath

B. In order to improve oneself in more lofty ways, one must attain the basic necessities.

C. The most important thing in life is physical pleasure

D. Money can only provide physical pleasure 47. What does the author mean by the comment “The very effort required to be made to succeed in life

with this object, is of itself an education”?

A. In order to earn money a person needs to go to college.

B. Money makes people seem smarter than they are.

C. That learning to manage money effectively entails learning a number of other valuable skills.

D. Only intelligent people can earn money. 48. Why must the "provident and careful man" be a thoughtful man?

A. Because he has earned a great deal of money.

B. Because he is familiar with the works of Henry Taylor.

C. Because he gives most of his money to charity.

D. Because he must always.be planning for the future. 49. The author brings up the Roman word for courage to illustrate ……………

A. his knowledge of the classics

B. that people throughout history have valued money

C. that self-discipline is less important than physical bravery

D. that self-discipline is similar to physical bravery 50. What is the definition of the word temperate as it is used in this essay?

A. moderate B. irritated C. self-denying D. warm

PASSAGE 2:

MUSICAL TALENT

Among all the abilities with which an individual may be endowed, musical talent appears earliest in life. Very young children can exhibit musical precocity for different reasons. Some develop exceptional skill as a result of a well - designed instructional regime, such as the Suzuki method for the violin. Some have a good fortune to be born into musical family in a household filled with music. In a number of interesting cases, musical talent is part of an otherwise disabling condition such as autism or mental retardation. A musically gifted child has an inborn talent, however, the extent to which the talent is expressed publicly will depend upon the environment in which the child lives.

Musically gifted children master at an early age the principal elements of music, including pitch and rhythm. Pitch - or - melody - is more central cultures, for example, in Eastern societies that make use of tiny quarter - tone interval. Rhythm, sounds produced at certain auditory frequencies and grouped according to a prescribed system, is emphasized in sub - Saharan Africa, where the rhythmic ratios can be very complex

All children have some aptitude for making music. During infancy, normal children sing as well as babble, and they can produce individual sounds and sounds pattern. Infants as young as two months can match their mother’s songs in pitch, loudness, and melodic shape, and infants at four months can match rhythmic structure as well. Infants are especially predisposed to acquire these core aspects of music, and they can also engage in sound play that clearly exhibits creativity.

Individual differences begin to merge in young children as they learn to sing. Some children can match segments of a song by the age of two or three. Many others can only approximate pitch at this age and may still have difficulty in producing accurate melodies by the age of five or six. However, by the time they reach school age, most children in any culture have a schema of what a song should be like and can produce a reasonably accurate imitation of the songs commonly heard in their environment.

The early appearance of superior musical ability in some children providence that musical talent may be separate and unique form of intelligence. There are numerous tales of young artist who have a remarkable "ear" or extraordinary memory for music and a natural understanding of musical structure. In many of these cases, the child is average in every other-way but displays an exceptional ability in music. Even the most gifted child, however, takes about ten year to achieve the levels of performance or composition that would constitute mastery of the musical sphere.

Every generation in music history has it famous prodigies - individuals with exceptional musical powers that emerge at a young age. In the eighteenth century, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart began

333 composing and performing at the age of six. As a child, Mozart could play piano like an adult. He had perfect pitch, and at the age of nine he was also a master of the art of modulation - transition from one key to another - which became one of the hallmarks of his style. By the age of eleven, he had composed three symphonies and 30 other major works. Mozart’s well - developed talent was preserved into adulthood.

Unusual musical ability is a regular characteristic of certain anomalies such as autism. In one case, an autistic girl was able to "Happy Birthday" in the style of various composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, Verdi, and Schubert. When the girl was three, her mother called her by playing incomplete melodies, which the child would complete with the appropriate tone in the proper octave. For the autistic child, music may be the primary mode of communication, and the child may cling to music because it represent as a haven as a world that is largely confusing and frightening. 51. Which sentence below best expresses the essential information, in the highlighted sentence in paragraph 1?

A. Children may be born with superior musical ability, but their environment will determine how this ability is developed.

B. Every child is naturally gifted, and it is responsibility of the public schools to recognize and develop these talents.

C. Children with exceptional musical talent will look for the best way to express themselves through music - making.

D. Some musically talented children live in an environment surrounded by music, while others have little exposure to music. 52. The author makes the point that musical elements such as pitch and rhythm………….

A. distinguish music from other art forms

B. vary in emphasis in different cultures

C. make music difficult to learn

D. express different human emotions 53. The word "predisposed" in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to………….

A. inclined B. gifted C. pushed D. amused 54. According the passage, when does musical talent usually begin to appear?

A. When infants start to babble and produce sound patterns

B. Between the ages of two and four months

C. When children learn to sing.at two or three years old

D. Between ten years old and adolescence 55. According the passage, which of the following suggests that musical talent in the separate form of intelligence?

A. Exceptional musical ability in an otherwise average child .

B. Recognition of the emotional power of music

C. The ability of all babies to acquire core elements of music

D. Differences between learning music and learning language 56. Why does the author discuss Mozart in paragraph 6?

A. To compare past and present views of musical talent

B. To give an example of a well - known musical prodigy

C. To list musical accomplishments of the eighteenth century

D. To describe the development of individual musical skill 57. In music, the change from one key to another is known as………...

A. Rhythm B. Prodigy C. perfect pitch D. modulation 58. All of the following are given as example of exceptional musical talent EXCEPT…………

A. a remarkable “ear” or perfect memory for music

B. ability to compose major works at a young age

C. appreciation for a wide variety of musical styles

D. playing a single song in the style of various composers