Directions: Choose the appropriate words or phrases that best fit the blanks in the passages.
The transformation of the American living room into a multiscreen communication and
entertainment hub promises to change our domestic life. Individual family members
might find themselves contently connected (1) parallel worlds almost all the time.
Dr. Turkle in her book “Alone Together: Why We Expect More From Technology and
Less From Each Other” that people’s reliance (2) technology to establish
emotional intimacy can actually increase our sense of feeling busy and empty. The new
technologies allow us to ‘dial down’ human (3) . “People who think every minute
we’re together we have to connect are going to (4) each other crazy, because we
all need some alone time, no matter how (5) a couple might be, ” Dr. Brown said.
1
to
through
over
for
Directions: Choose the appropriate words or phrases that best fit the blanks in the passages.
The transformation of the American living room into a multiscreen communication and
entertainment hub promises to change our domestic life. Individual family members
might find themselves contently connected (1) parallel worlds almost all the time.
Dr. Turkle in her book “Alone Together: Why We Expect More From Technology and
Less From Each Other” that people’s reliance (2) technology to establish
emotional intimacy can actually increase our sense of feeling busy and empty. The new
technologies allow us to ‘dial down’ human (3) . “People who think every minute
we’re together we have to connect are going to (4) each other crazy, because we
all need some alone time, no matter how (5) a couple might be, ” Dr. Brown said.
2
for
with
at
on
Directions: Choose the appropriate words or phrases that best fit the blanks in the passages.
The transformation of the American living room into a multiscreen communication and
entertainment hub promises to change our domestic life. Individual family members
might find themselves contently connected (1) parallel worlds almost all the time.
Dr. Turkle in her book “Alone Together: Why We Expect More From Technology and
Less From Each Other” that people’s reliance (2) technology to establish
emotional intimacy can actually increase our sense of feeling busy and empty. The new
technologies allow us to ‘dial down’ human (3) . “People who think every minute
we’re together we have to connect are going to (4) each other crazy, because we
all need some alone time, no matter how (5) a couple might be, ” Dr. Brown said.
3
contract
conduct
contact
content
Directions: Choose the appropriate words or phrases that best fit the blanks in the passages.
The transformation of the American living room into a multiscreen communication and
entertainment hub promises to change our domestic life. Individual family members
might find themselves contently connected (1) parallel worlds almost all the time.
Dr. Turkle in her book “Alone Together: Why We Expect More From Technology and
Less From Each Other” that people’s reliance (2) technology to establish
emotional intimacy can actually increase our sense of feeling busy and empty. The new
technologies allow us to ‘dial down’ human (3) . “People who think every minute
we’re together we have to connect are going to (4) each other crazy, because we
all need some alone time, no matter how (5) a couple might be, ” Dr. Brown said.
4
create
craft
drive
force
Directions: Choose the appropriate words or phrases that best fit the blanks in the passages.
The transformation of the American living room into a multiscreen communication and
entertainment hub promises to change our domestic life. Individual family members
might find themselves contently connected (1) parallel worlds almost all the time.
Dr. Turkle in her book “Alone Together: Why We Expect More From Technology and
Less From Each Other” that people’s reliance (2) technology to establish
emotional intimacy can actually increase our sense of feeling busy and empty. The new
technologies allow us to ‘dial down’ human (3) . “People who think every minute
we’re together we have to connect are going to (4) each other crazy, because we
all need some alone time, no matter how (5) a couple might be, ” Dr. Brown said.
5
competent
compatible
convincing
conceivable
Although the American economy is shaking and nearly 14 million people are looking for
work, some employers are having a hard time (6) skilled workers. Manufacturers
complain that few applicants can operate computerized equipment, read blueprints and
solve production problems. And (7) the baby boomers starting to retire, employers
worry there will be few young workers to (8) them. Since the fragile recovery
began, manufacturing is one of the few (9) that have added jobs. But the image of
manufacturing as a job of the future has been influenced by the use of (10) to
replace workers. Some experts think that there’s a myth that manufacturing is dirty and
undesirable, but it’s really highly technological.
6
to find
finding
found
to be found
Although the American economy is shaking and nearly 14 million people are looking for
work, some employers are having a hard time (6) skilled workers. Manufacturers
complain that few applicants can operate computerized equipment, read blueprints and
solve production problems. And (7) the baby boomers starting to retire, employers
worry there will be few young workers to (8) them. Since the fragile recovery
began, manufacturing is one of the few (9) that have added jobs. But the image of
manufacturing as a job of the future has been influenced by the use of (10) to
replace workers. Some experts think that there’s a myth that manufacturing is dirty and
undesirable, but it’s really highly technological.
7
by
on
for
with
Although the American economy is shaking and nearly 14 million people are looking for
work, some employers are having a hard time (6) skilled workers. Manufacturers
complain that few applicants can operate computerized equipment, read blueprints and
solve production problems. And (7) the baby boomers starting to retire, employers
worry there will be few young workers to (8) them. Since the fragile recovery
began, manufacturing is one of the few (9) that have added jobs. But the image of
manufacturing as a job of the future has been influenced by the use of (10) to
replace workers. Some experts think that there’s a myth that manufacturing is dirty and
undesirable, but it’s really highly technological.
8
transfer
replace
shift
displace
Although the American economy is shaking and nearly 14 million people are looking for
work, some employers are having a hard time (6) skilled workers. Manufacturers
complain that few applicants can operate computerized equipment, read blueprints and
solve production problems. And (7) the baby boomers starting to retire, employers
worry there will be few young workers to (8) them. Since the fragile recovery
began, manufacturing is one of the few (9) that have added jobs. But the image of
manufacturing as a job of the future has been influenced by the use of (10) to
replace workers. Some experts think that there’s a myth that manufacturing is dirty and
undesirable, but it’s really highly technological.
9
sectors
regions
segments
sections
Although the American economy is shaking and nearly 14 million people are looking for
work, some employers are having a hard time (6) skilled workers. Manufacturers
complain that few applicants can operate computerized equipment, read blueprints and
solve production problems. And (7) the baby boomers starting to retire, employers
worry there will be few young workers to (8) them. Since the fragile recovery
began, manufacturing is one of the few (9) that have added jobs. But the image of
manufacturing as a job of the future has been influenced by the use of (10) to
replace workers. Some experts think that there’s a myth that manufacturing is dirty and
undesirable, but it’s really highly technological.
10
apparatus
gadget
machinery
mechanism
Abnormalities in the brain may make some people more likely to become drug addicts,
according to scientists at the University of Cambridge. They found the same differences
in the brains of addicts and their non-addicted brothers and sisters. The study suggested
addiction is in part a “disorder of the brain.” It has long been established (11) the
brains of drug addicts have some differences to other people, but (12) that finding
has been more difficult. This study, funded by the Medical Research Council, attempted
to answer that by comparing the brains of 50 cocaine addicts (13) the brain of
their brother or sister, who had always been clean. Both the addicts and the non-addict
siblings had the same abnormalities in the region of the brain (14) controls
behavior. Many specialists believe these findings open up new avenues for (15) .
11
which
what
that
how
Abnormalities in the brain may make some people more likely to become drug addicts,
according to scientists at the University of Cambridge. They found the same differences
in the brains of addicts and their non-addicted brothers and sisters. The study suggested
addiction is in part a “disorder of the brain.” It has long been established (11) the
brains of drug addicts have some differences to other people, but (12) that finding
has been more difficult. This study, funded by the Medical Research Council, attempted
to answer that by comparing the brains of 50 cocaine addicts (13) the brain of
their brother or sister, who had always been clean. Both the addicts and the non-addict
siblings had the same abnormalities in the region of the brain (14) controls
behavior. Many specialists believe these findings open up new avenues for (15) .
12
explained
to explain
explain
explaining
Abnormalities in the brain may make some people more likely to become drug addicts,
according to scientists at the University of Cambridge. They found the same differences
in the brains of addicts and their non-addicted brothers and sisters. The study suggested
addiction is in part a “disorder of the brain.” It has long been established (11) the
brains of drug addicts have some differences to other people, but (12) that finding
has been more difficult. This study, funded by the Medical Research Council, attempted
to answer that by comparing the brains of 50 cocaine addicts (13) the brain of
their brother or sister, who had always been clean. Both the addicts and the non-addict
siblings had the same abnormalities in the region of the brain (14) controls
behavior. Many specialists believe these findings open up new avenues for (15) .
13
with
for
over
by
Abnormalities in the brain may make some people more likely to become drug addicts,
according to scientists at the University of Cambridge. They found the same differences
in the brains of addicts and their non-addicted brothers and sisters. The study suggested
addiction is in part a “disorder of the brain.” It has long been established (11) the
brains of drug addicts have some differences to other people, but (12) that finding
has been more difficult. This study, funded by the Medical Research Council, attempted
to answer that by comparing the brains of 50 cocaine addicts (13) the brain of
their brother or sister, who had always been clean. Both the addicts and the non-addict
siblings had the same abnormalities in the region of the brain (14) controls
behavior. Many specialists believe these findings open up new avenues for (15) .
14
in which
which
what
who
Abnormalities in the brain may make some people more likely to become drug addicts,
according to scientists at the University of Cambridge. They found the same differences
in the brains of addicts and their non-addicted brothers and sisters. The study suggested
addiction is in part a “disorder of the brain.” It has long been established (11) the
brains of drug addicts have some differences to other people, but (12) that finding
has been more difficult. This study, funded by the Medical Research Council, attempted
to answer that by comparing the brains of 50 cocaine addicts (13) the brain of
their brother or sister, who had always been clean. Both the addicts and the non-addict
siblings had the same abnormalities in the region of the brain (14) controls
behavior. Many specialists believe these findings open up new avenues for (15) .
15
remedial
soothing
corrective
treatment
Women have been knocking on the door to the boardroom for decades, mainly in vain,
but there is a good chance that more of them will be allowed in soon. The (16) of
women in junior and middle management has been growing rapidly for some time, but at
the very top their numbers remain (17) small. Only the Nordic countries, like
Norway or Sweden, have (18) numbers of women on boards. But pressure is now
building to (19) the numbers everywhere. Although the phenomenon seems more
obvious in Europe, a number of other countries have brought in rules asking companies
either to appoint more women or explain why they haven’t. The implied threat is that if
voluntary rules do not (20) results, something stronger may follow.
16
position
group
component
share
Women have been knocking on the door to the boardroom for decades, mainly in vain,
but there is a good chance that more of them will be allowed in soon. The (16) of
women in junior and middle management has been growing rapidly for some time, but at
the very top their numbers remain (17) small. Only the Nordic countries, like
Norway or Sweden, have (18) numbers of women on boards. But pressure is now
building to (19) the numbers everywhere. Although the phenomenon seems more
obvious in Europe, a number of other countries have brought in rules asking companies
either to appoint more women or explain why they haven’t. The implied threat is that if
voluntary rules do not (20) results, something stronger may follow.
17
intensely
heatedly
shockingly
dreadfully
Women have been knocking on the door to the boardroom for decades, mainly in vain,
but there is a good chance that more of them will be allowed in soon. The (16) of
women in junior and middle management has been growing rapidly for some time, but at
the very top their numbers remain (17) small. Only the Nordic countries, like
Norway or Sweden, have (18) numbers of women on boards. But pressure is now
building to (19) the numbers everywhere. Although the phenomenon seems more
obvious in Europe, a number of other countries have brought in rules asking companies
either to appoint more women or explain why they haven’t. The implied threat is that if
voluntary rules do not (20) results, something stronger may follow.
18
respective
respectable
respected
respecting
Women have been knocking on the door to the boardroom for decades, mainly in vain,
but there is a good chance that more of them will be allowed in soon. The (16) of
women in junior and middle management has been growing rapidly for some time, but at
the very top their numbers remain (17) small. Only the Nordic countries, like
Norway or Sweden, have (18) numbers of women on boards. But pressure is now
building to (19) the numbers everywhere. Although the phenomenon seems more
obvious in Europe, a number of other countries have brought in rules asking companies
either to appoint more women or explain why they haven’t. The implied threat is that if
voluntary rules do not (20) results, something stronger may follow.
19
push up
rush in
balance out
focus on
Women have been knocking on the door to the boardroom for decades, mainly in vain,
but there is a good chance that more of them will be allowed in soon. The (16) of
women in junior and middle management has been growing rapidly for some time, but at
the very top their numbers remain (17) small. Only the Nordic countries, like
Norway or Sweden, have (18) numbers of women on boards. But pressure is now
building to (19) the numbers everywhere. Although the phenomenon seems more
obvious in Europe, a number of other countries have brought in rules asking companies
either to appoint more women or explain why they haven’t. The implied threat is that if
voluntary rules do not (20) results, something stronger may follow.
20
propose
produce
implement
spread
Reading Comprehension
Directions: Read and choose the best answer to each question.
Workers are dropping out of the labor force, and they are mostly women. In fact, many
are young women. But they are not dropping out forever, instead, these young women
seem to be postponing their working lives to get more education. There are now – for the
first time in three decades – more young women in school than in the work force. Now,
as was the case then, one sex is the primary beneficiary. Though young women in their
late teens and early 20’s view today’s economic lull as an opportunity to upgrade their
skills, their male counterparts are more likely to take whatever job they can find. The
longer-term consequences are that the next generation of women may have a
significant advantage over their male counterparts, whose career options are
already becoming constrained. For now at least many young women still feel that the
deck is stacked against them. As women they feel like they have to be more educated to
be able to compete in really any field. Women still earn significantly less than men. And
in the two and a half years since the recovery officially began, men age 16 to 24 have
gained 178,000 jobs, while their female counterparts have lost 255,000 positions,
according to the Labor Department. Some studies suggest that women are pickier about
their job choices than men. Already earning lower pay, women are less willing to work
when wages fall further, especially if they are able to rely on an employed husband.
Women are also more reluctant to work night or weekend shifts partly because they have
more family responsibilities.
Which of the following statements is true, according to the passage?
Men are pickier about their job choices than women.
More young men stay in school than in the work force.
Young women are leaving their jobs for advancing their skills.
Young women are leaving their jobs for families.
Reading Comprehension
Directions: Read and choose the best answer to each question.
Workers are dropping out of the labor force, and they are mostly women. In fact, many
are young women. But they are not dropping out forever, instead, these young women
seem to be postponing their working lives to get more education. There are now – for the
first time in three decades – more young women in school than in the work force. Now,
as was the case then, one sex is the primary beneficiary. Though young women in their
late teens and early 20’s view today’s economic lull as an opportunity to upgrade their
skills, their male counterparts are more likely to take whatever job they can find. The
longer-term consequences are that the next generation of women may have a
significant advantage over their male counterparts, whose career options are
already becoming constrained. For now at least many young women still feel that the
deck is stacked against them. As women they feel like they have to be more educated to
be able to compete in really any field. Women still earn significantly less than men. And
in the two and a half years since the recovery officially began, men age 16 to 24 have
gained 178,000 jobs, while their female counterparts have lost 255,000 positions,
according to the Labor Department. Some studies suggest that women are pickier about
their job choices than men. Already earning lower pay, women are less willing to work
when wages fall further, especially if they are able to rely on an employed husband.
Women are also more reluctant to work night or weekend shifts partly because they have
more family responsibilities.
What does “beneficiary” mean?
Investor.
Sponsor.
Supporter.
Recipient.
Reading Comprehension
Directions: Read and choose the best answer to each question.
Workers are dropping out of the labor force, and they are mostly women. In fact, many
are young women. But they are not dropping out forever, instead, these young women
seem to be postponing their working lives to get more education. There are now – for the
first time in three decades – more young women in school than in the work force. Now,
as was the case then, one sex is the primary beneficiary. Though young women in their
late teens and early 20’s view today’s economic lull as an opportunity to upgrade their
skills, their male counterparts are more likely to take whatever job they can find. The
longer-term consequences are that the next generation of women may have a
significant advantage over their male counterparts, whose career options are
already becoming constrained. For now at least many young women still feel that the
deck is stacked against them. As women they feel like they have to be more educated to
be able to compete in really any field. Women still earn significantly less than men. And
in the two and a half years since the recovery officially began, men age 16 to 24 have
gained 178,000 jobs, while their female counterparts have lost 255,000 positions,
according to the Labor Department. Some studies suggest that women are pickier about
their job choices than men. Already earning lower pay, women are less willing to work
when wages fall further, especially if they are able to rely on an employed husband.
Women are also more reluctant to work night or weekend shifts partly because they have
more family responsibilities.
Which of the following statements best expresses the essential information in the
highlighted sentence in the passage?
“Next generation of women may have a significant advantage over their male
counterparts, whose career options are already becoming constrained.”
Women may have better and more career opportunities in the future than men.
The career options for men would be more promising and demanding in the future.
Both men and women have to build a competitive advantage for their future
careers.
Women may be ready for taking advantage over men’s future career opportunities.
Reading Comprehension
Directions: Read and choose the best answer to each question.
Workers are dropping out of the labor force, and they are mostly women. In fact, many
are young women. But they are not dropping out forever, instead, these young women
seem to be postponing their working lives to get more education. There are now – for the
first time in three decades – more young women in school than in the work force. Now,
as was the case then, one sex is the primary beneficiary. Though young women in their
late teens and early 20’s view today’s economic lull as an opportunity to upgrade their
skills, their male counterparts are more likely to take whatever job they can find. The
longer-term consequences are that the next generation of women may have a
significant advantage over their male counterparts, whose career options are
already becoming constrained. For now at least many young women still feel that the
deck is stacked against them. As women they feel like they have to be more educated to
be able to compete in really any field. Women still earn significantly less than men. And
in the two and a half years since the recovery officially began, men age 16 to 24 have
gained 178,000 jobs, while their female counterparts have lost 255,000 positions,
according to the Labor Department. Some studies suggest that women are pickier about
their job choices than men. Already earning lower pay, women are less willing to work
when wages fall further, especially if they are able to rely on an employed husband.
Women are also more reluctant to work night or weekend shifts partly because they have
more family responsibilities.
What can be inferred according to the Labor Department?
The female employment options grow.
The number of male employment increases.
It is easier for women to earn higher pay.
It is easier for men to lose their jobs.
Reading Comprehension
Directions: Read and choose the best answer to each question.
Workers are dropping out of the labor force, and they are mostly women. In fact, many
are young women. But they are not dropping out forever, instead, these young women
seem to be postponing their working lives to get more education. There are now – for the
first time in three decades – more young women in school than in the work force. Now,
as was the case then, one sex is the primary beneficiary. Though young women in their
late teens and early 20’s view today’s economic lull as an opportunity to upgrade their
skills, their male counterparts are more likely to take whatever job they can find. The
longer-term consequences are that the next generation of women may have a
significant advantage over their male counterparts, whose career options are
already becoming constrained. For now at least many young women still feel that the
deck is stacked against them. As women they feel like they have to be more educated to
be able to compete in really any field. Women still earn significantly less than men. And
in the two and a half years since the recovery officially began, men age 16 to 24 have
gained 178,000 jobs, while their female counterparts have lost 255,000 positions,
according to the Labor Department. Some studies suggest that women are pickier about
their job choices than men. Already earning lower pay, women are less willing to work
when wages fall further, especially if they are able to rely on an employed husband.
Women are also more reluctant to work night or weekend shifts partly because they have
more family responsibilities.
What does the word “recovery” refer to?
Health.
Environment.
Funding.
Economy.
An average gold mine produces 5 grams of gold per ton of rock whereas cell phones
contain 150 grams or more per ton. In addition, a ton of cell phones contains 100 kg of
copper and 3 kg of silver, as well as other valuable metals – all of which have been
soaring in price. The quantity of precious metals to be found in discarded electric devices
has led to a new phenomenon – urban mining. Companies primarily located in Germany
and Japan are trying to recover these precious metals from the tens of millions of cell
phones and other electronic gadgets that are thrown away every year. Individuals such as
geologists are working on ways to collect platinum, which comes off catalytic
converters in cars. Platinum is a vital component not only of catalytic converters but also
of fuel cells, and supplies are running out. It has been estimated that if all the 500 million
vehicles in use today were re-equipped with fuel cells, all the world’s sources of
platinum would be exhausted within 15 years. The same goes for many other rare metals.
That is why urban mining is crucial to any technological fix for the looming problems of
peak oil and global warming.
What is the main idea of this passage?
Companies are developing new ways to urban mine precious metals.
Recycling electronic gadgets is the primary goal of urban mining.
Urban mining is a growing green business that helps preserve valuable resources.
Platinum is the most sought-after metal four urban mining companies and
individuals.
An average gold mine produces 5 grams of gold per ton of rock whereas cell phones
contain 150 grams or more per ton. In addition, a ton of cell phones contains 100 kg of
copper and 3 kg of silver, as well as other valuable metals – all of which have been
soaring in price. The quantity of precious metals to be found in discarded electric devices
has led to a new phenomenon – urban mining. Companies primarily located in Germany
and Japan are trying to recover these precious metals from the tens of millions of cell
phones and other electronic gadgets that are thrown away every year. Individuals such as
geologists are working on ways to collect platinum, which comes off catalytic
converters in cars. Platinum is a vital component not only of catalytic converters but also
of fuel cells, and supplies are running out. It has been estimated that if all the 500 million
vehicles in use today were re-equipped with fuel cells, all the world’s sources of
platinum would be exhausted within 15 years. The same goes for many other rare metals.
That is why urban mining is crucial to any technological fix for the looming problems of
peak oil and global warming.
According to the passage, how does urban mining work?
Precious metals are retrieved from unwanted electronic gadgets.
Precious metals are often found in urban areas in Germany and Japan.
Metal detecting technology is used to find gold mines more efficiently.
Metal detecting technology is mainly developed by urban companies.
An average gold mine produces 5 grams of gold per ton of rock whereas cell phones
contain 150 grams or more per ton. In addition, a ton of cell phones contains 100 kg of
copper and 3 kg of silver, as well as other valuable metals – all of which have been
soaring in price. The quantity of precious metals to be found in discarded electric devices
has led to a new phenomenon – urban mining. Companies primarily located in Germany
and Japan are trying to recover these precious metals from the tens of millions of cell
phones and other electronic gadgets that are thrown away every year. Individuals such as
geologists are working on ways to collect platinum, which comes off catalytic
converters in cars. Platinum is a vital component not only of catalytic converters but also
of fuel cells, and supplies are running out. It has been estimated that if all the 500 million
vehicles in use today were re-equipped with fuel cells, all the world’s sources of
platinum would be exhausted within 15 years. The same goes for many other rare metals.
That is why urban mining is crucial to any technological fix for the looming problems of
peak oil and global warming.
Why is “platinum” mentioned in the passage?
To show how rare metals are exhausted by urban mining.
To show why urban mining is worth the effort.
To show how urban mining becomes part of car industry.
To show why urban mining has to depend on car industry.
An average gold mine produces 5 grams of gold per ton of rock whereas cell phones
contain 150 grams or more per ton. In addition, a ton of cell phones contains 100 kg of
copper and 3 kg of silver, as well as other valuable metals – all of which have been
soaring in price. The quantity of precious metals to be found in discarded electric devices
has led to a new phenomenon – urban mining. Companies primarily located in Germany
and Japan are trying to recover these precious metals from the tens of millions of cell
phones and other electronic gadgets that are thrown away every year. Individuals such as
geologists are working on ways to collect platinum, which comes off catalytic
converters in cars. Platinum is a vital component not only of catalytic converters but also
of fuel cells, and supplies are running out. It has been estimated that if all the 500 million
vehicles in use today were re-equipped with fuel cells, all the world’s sources of
platinum would be exhausted within 15 years. The same goes for many other rare metals.
That is why urban mining is crucial to any technological fix for the looming problems of
peak oil and global warming.
What word is “fix” closest in meaning to?
Repair.
Solution.
Approach.
System.
An average gold mine produces 5 grams of gold per ton of rock whereas cell phones
contain 150 grams or more per ton. In addition, a ton of cell phones contains 100 kg of
copper and 3 kg of silver, as well as other valuable metals – all of which have been
soaring in price. The quantity of precious metals to be found in discarded electric devices
has led to a new phenomenon – urban mining. Companies primarily located in Germany
and Japan are trying to recover these precious metals from the tens of millions of cell
phones and other electronic gadgets that are thrown away every year. Individuals such as
geologists are working on ways to collect platinum, which comes off catalytic
converters in cars. Platinum is a vital component not only of catalytic converters but also
of fuel cells, and supplies are running out. It has been estimated that if all the 500 million
vehicles in use today were re-equipped with fuel cells, all the world’s sources of
platinum would be exhausted within 15 years. The same goes for many other rare metals.
That is why urban mining is crucial to any technological fix for the looming problems of
peak oil and global warming.
What can be inferred from the passage?
All precious metals will run out within 15 years.
The Japanese own more cell phones than people from other countries.
Urban mining has become the most profitable business in global economy.
Urban mining plays an important role in environmental protection.
Leaning a second or foreign language implies not only studying grammatical aspects of
the language, but also dealing with the culture of its speakers. A language cannot be
taught without taking into account its sociocultural system: appropriateness of language,
gestures, social distance, values, traditions, taboos, habits, social institutions, registers,
dialects, and so forth. For example, when teaching vocabulary, teachers have to decide
what sociocultural factors are involved. The word “stupid”, for instance, may be
semantically and culturally stronger in Spanish-speaking countries than in
English-speaking ones. Furthermore, some words may convey different affective or
connotative meanings in the target culture, e.g. “Anne is a single woman” differs
completely from “Anne is a spinster.” The goal of integrating these social aspects of
language into the teaching and learning of English is to help students use the language
within the social context appropriately, to make students aware of how English speakers
use their language in terms of style and register and to encourage students to be able to
cope with cross-cultural misunderstandings. Through the study of the sociolinguistic
nature of language, the four language skills can be exploited in all areas of language.
What is the main idea of the passage?
How to study the grammar of the English language.
The importance of the sociocultural factors of language.
Cross-cultural trends of learning the English language.
The importance of learning a language.
Leaning a second or foreign language implies not only studying grammatical aspects of
the language, but also dealing with the culture of its speakers. A language cannot be
taught without taking into account its sociocultural system: appropriateness of language,
gestures, social distance, values, traditions, taboos, habits, social institutions, registers,
dialects, and so forth. For example, when teaching vocabulary, teachers have to decide
what sociocultural factors are involved. The word “stupid”, for instance, may be
semantically and culturally stronger in Spanish-speaking countries than in
English-speaking ones. Furthermore, some words may convey different affective or
connotative meanings in the target culture, e.g. “Anne is a single woman” differs
completely from “Anne is a spinster.” The goal of integrating these social aspects of
language into the teaching and learning of English is to help students use the language
within the social context appropriately, to make students aware of how English speakers
use their language in terms of style and register and to encourage students to be able to
cope with cross-cultural misunderstandings. Through the study of the sociolinguistic
nature of language, the four language skills can be exploited in all areas of language.
What word is “register” closest in meaning to?
Display of language habits.
Record of language goals.
Variations in language use.
Values of nonverbal language.
Leaning a second or foreign language implies not only studying grammatical aspects of
the language, but also dealing with the culture of its speakers. A language cannot be
taught without taking into account its sociocultural system: appropriateness of language,
gestures, social distance, values, traditions, taboos, habits, social institutions, registers,
dialects, and so forth. For example, when teaching vocabulary, teachers have to decide
what sociocultural factors are involved. The word “stupid”, for instance, may be
semantically and culturally stronger in Spanish-speaking countries than in
English-speaking ones. Furthermore, some words may convey different affective or
connotative meanings in the target culture, e.g. “Anne is a single woman” differs
completely from “Anne is a spinster.” The goal of integrating these social aspects of
language into the teaching and learning of English is to help students use the language
within the social context appropriately, to make students aware of how English speakers
use their language in terms of style and register and to encourage students to be able to
cope with cross-cultural misunderstandings. Through the study of the sociolinguistic
nature of language, the four language skills can be exploited in all areas of language.
What can be inferred according to the passage?
It is important to understand the sociocultural factors while learning a language.
A language can be taught without taking into account its grammatical system.
Studying the cultural appropriateness is less significant than studying vocabulary.
Studying grammatical aspects of the language is as important as studying lexis.
Leaning a second or foreign language implies not only studying grammatical aspects of
the language, but also dealing with the culture of its speakers. A language cannot be
taught without taking into account its sociocultural system: appropriateness of language,
gestures, social distance, values, traditions, taboos, habits, social institutions, registers,
dialects, and so forth. For example, when teaching vocabulary, teachers have to decide
what sociocultural factors are involved. The word “stupid”, for instance, may be
semantically and culturally stronger in Spanish-speaking countries than in
English-speaking ones. Furthermore, some words may convey different affective or
connotative meanings in the target culture, e.g. “Anne is a single woman” differs
completely from “Anne is a spinster.” The goal of integrating these social aspects of
language into the teaching and learning of English is to help students use the language
within the social context appropriately, to make students aware of how English speakers
use their language in terms of style and register and to encourage students to be able to
cope with cross-cultural misunderstandings. Through the study of the sociolinguistic
nature of language, the four language skills can be exploited in all areas of language.
Which of the followings is NOT one of the goals of integrating the sociolinguistic
nature of language into language teaching?
To help students to understand how to use the language in the social context.
To help students to handle international communication in cross-cultural context.
To help students build awareness of language style, register and dialect.
To help students learn vocabulary in different lexical meanings.
Leaning a second or foreign language implies not only studying grammatical aspects of
the language, but also dealing with the culture of its speakers. A language cannot be
taught without taking into account its sociocultural system: appropriateness of language,
gestures, social distance, values, traditions, taboos, habits, social institutions, registers,
dialects, and so forth. For example, when teaching vocabulary, teachers have to decide
what sociocultural factors are involved. The word “stupid”, for instance, may be
semantically and culturally stronger in Spanish-speaking countries than in
English-speaking ones. Furthermore, some words may convey different affective or
connotative meanings in the target culture, e.g. “Anne is a single woman” differs
completely from “Anne is a spinster.” The goal of integrating these social aspects of
language into the teaching and learning of English is to help students use the language
within the social context appropriately, to make students aware of how English speakers
use their language in terms of style and register and to encourage students to be able to
cope with cross-cultural misunderstandings. Through the study of the sociolinguistic
nature of language, the four language skills can be exploited in all areas of language.
What word is “exploited” closest in meaning to?
Achieved.
Mistreated.
Ventured.
Affected.
As Facebook prepares for a much-anticipated public stock offering this spring, the
company is eager to show off its momentum by building on its huge membership: more
than 800 million active users around the world and roughly 200 million in the United
States, or two-thirds of the population. But the company is running into a roadblock.
Some people, even younger ones, refuse to participate, including people who have given
Facebook a try. One of Facebook’s main selling points is that it builds closer ties among
friends and colleagues. But some who avoid the site say it can have the opposite effect of
making them feel more alienated. The Facebook-free life has its disadvantages in an era
when people announce all kinds of major life milestones on the Web. But many people
now feel that their Facebook accounts have created between them and their closest
friends, so they shut it down. Facebook executives say they don’t expect everyone to sign
up. Instead they are working on ways to keep current users on the site longer. And the
company’s biggest growth is now in places like Asia and Latin America, where there
might be people who have not heard of Facebook. The number of Americans who visited
Facebook grew only 10 percent over the previous year, according to analysis who track
Internet traffic. Nonetheless, many analysts said this slowdown was not a
make-or-break issue. What does matter is Facebook’s ability to keep its millions of
current users coming back.
What is the main idea of this passage?
Facebook now has more users in Asia and Latin America.
Facebook is still the most powerful social-network website.
Facebook is facing the challenge of keeping current members.
Facebook has two-thirds of its users from the United States.
As Facebook prepares for a much-anticipated public stock offering this spring, the
company is eager to show off its momentum by building on its huge membership: more
than 800 million active users around the world and roughly 200 million in the United
States, or two-thirds of the population. But the company is running into a roadblock.
Some people, even younger ones, refuse to participate, including people who have given
Facebook a try. One of Facebook’s main selling points is that it builds closer ties among
friends and colleagues. But some who avoid the site say it can have the opposite effect of
making them feel more alienated. The Facebook-free life has its disadvantages in an era
when people announce all kinds of major life milestones on the Web. But many people
now feel that their Facebook accounts have created between them and their closest
friends, so they shut it down. Facebook executives say they don’t expect everyone to sign
up. Instead they are working on ways to keep current users on the site longer. And the
company’s biggest growth is now in places like Asia and Latin America, where there
might be people who have not heard of Facebook. The number of Americans who visited
Facebook grew only 10 percent over the previous year, according to analysis who track
Internet traffic. Nonetheless, many analysts said this slowdown was not a
make-or-break issue. What does matter is Facebook’s ability to keep its millions of
current users coming back.
What word is “roadblock” closest in meaning to?
Obstacle.
Roadwork.
Devastation.
Roadmap.
As Facebook prepares for a much-anticipated public stock offering this spring, the
company is eager to show off its momentum by building on its huge membership: more
than 800 million active users around the world and roughly 200 million in the United
States, or two-thirds of the population. But the company is running into a roadblock.
Some people, even younger ones, refuse to participate, including people who have given
Facebook a try. One of Facebook’s main selling points is that it builds closer ties among
friends and colleagues. But some who avoid the site say it can have the opposite effect of
making them feel more alienated. The Facebook-free life has its disadvantages in an era
when people announce all kinds of major life milestones on the Web. But many people
now feel that their Facebook accounts have created between them and their closest
friends, so they shut it down. Facebook executives say they don’t expect everyone to sign
up. Instead they are working on ways to keep current users on the site longer. And the
company’s biggest growth is now in places like Asia and Latin America, where there
might be people who have not heard of Facebook. The number of Americans who visited
Facebook grew only 10 percent over the previous year, according to analysis who track
Internet traffic. Nonetheless, many analysts said this slowdown was not a
make-or-break issue. What does matter is Facebook’s ability to keep its millions of
current users coming back.
According to the passage, why do some people refuse to have a Facebook account?
Facebook is not powerful and they don’t want to give it a try.
Facebook doesn’t make them feel more connected with others.
They have not heard of Facebook on the internet.
They prefer not to post major life events on the Internet.
As Facebook prepares for a much-anticipated public stock offering this spring, the
company is eager to show off its momentum by building on its huge membership: more
than 800 million active users around the world and roughly 200 million in the United
States, or two-thirds of the population. But the company is running into a roadblock.
Some people, even younger ones, refuse to participate, including people who have given
Facebook a try. One of Facebook’s main selling points is that it builds closer ties among
friends and colleagues. But some who avoid the site say it can have the opposite effect of
making them feel more alienated. The Facebook-free life has its disadvantages in an era
when people announce all kinds of major life milestones on the Web. But many people
now feel that their Facebook accounts have created between them and their closest
friends, so they shut it down. Facebook executives say they don’t expect everyone to sign
up. Instead they are working on ways to keep current users on the site longer. And the
company’s biggest growth is now in places like Asia and Latin America, where there
might be people who have not heard of Facebook. The number of Americans who visited
Facebook grew only 10 percent over the previous year, according to analysis who track
Internet traffic. Nonetheless, many analysts said this slowdown was not a
make-or-break issue. What does matter is Facebook’s ability to keep its millions of
current users coming back.
What does the phrase “make-or-break” mean?
Collective.
Critical.
Consistent.
Controversial.
As Facebook prepares for a much-anticipated public stock offering this spring, the
company is eager to show off its momentum by building on its huge membership: more
than 800 million active users around the world and roughly 200 million in the United
States, or two-thirds of the population. But the company is running into a roadblock.
Some people, even younger ones, refuse to participate, including people who have given
Facebook a try. One of Facebook’s main selling points is that it builds closer ties among
friends and colleagues. But some who avoid the site say it can have the opposite effect of
making them feel more alienated. The Facebook-free life has its disadvantages in an era
when people announce all kinds of major life milestones on the Web. But many people
now feel that their Facebook accounts have created between them and their closest
friends, so they shut it down. Facebook executives say they don’t expect everyone to sign
up. Instead they are working on ways to keep current users on the site longer. And the
company’s biggest growth is now in places like Asia and Latin America, where there
might be people who have not heard of Facebook. The number of Americans who visited
Facebook grew only 10 percent over the previous year, according to analysis who track
Internet traffic. Nonetheless, many analysts said this slowdown was not a
make-or-break issue. What does matter is Facebook’s ability to keep its millions of
current users coming back.
What can be inferred from the passage?
The slow growth in the number of new American visitors worries both analysts of
Internet traffic and Facebook executives.
Facebook executives worry about the slowdown in growth in the United States,
but analysts of Internet traffic are optimistic.
Both Facebook executives and analysts of Internet traffic are pessimistic about the
future of Facebook.
None of Facebook executives or analysts of Internet traffic consider the slowdown
in growth in the United States a serious issue.
Writing at sentence level
Directions: Read and choose the best answer to each question.
Which of the following sentences is correct?
He would solve the problem if he had known how.
Who knows what may have happened if he accepted the job in South America last
year.
Hardly had he finished working, when his colleagues arrived.
No sooner has he returned home than it began to snow.
Writing at sentence level
Directions: Read and choose the best answer to each question.
Which of the following sentences is correct?
We managed to get up the steep hill only because our car is very aggressive.
He had to go to the hospital because it was a very heavy cut.
I don’t know him that well. He’s only a loose acquaintance.
We didn’t arrange to meet. It was pure coincidence that I saw him.
Writing at sentence level
Directions: Read and choose the best answer to each question.
Which of the following sentences is correct?
Visiting Moscow was great but the temperature was 25 below freezing.
Unemployment has just risen again; this time on 0.5%. It’s now 5.5%.
That restaurant on the corner of High Street is below new management.
The police have caught the suspected thief and he’s on arrest.
Writing at sentence level
Directions: Read and choose the best answer to each question.
Which of the following sentences is correct?
When a tornado comes into contact with the ground, it is produced a strong
spiraling column of wind that can reach speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour.
Traveling across the landscape, the tornado wreaking a path of concentrated
destruction.
On average, there are 1,200 tornadoes per year in this vast nation, causes 70
fatalities and 1,500 injuries.
Although taking myriad shapes and sizes, tornadoes are generally categorized as
weak, strong, or violent.
Writing at sentence level
Directions: Read and choose the best answer to each question.
Which of the following sentences is correct?
Damage by built structures can be avoided if windows opened prior to the impact
of the strong wind.
Until more recent data becomes available, we don’t know the half of it.
Crossing arms is a defensive stance adopting by people when surrounding by
strangers.
There are a number of myths and misconceptions surrounding these destructive
winds.
Writing at paragraph level
Directions: The topic sentence or one of the transitional sentences in each paragraph
has been removed. Choose the best answer to each paragraph.
Money is basically a method of exchange, and
coins and notes are just items of exchange. But money was not always the same
form as the money today and is still developing.
The basis of all early commerce was barter, in other words the direct exchange of
one product for another, with the relative values a matter for negotiation.
Subsequently both livestock, particularly cattle, and plant products such as grain,
come to be used as money in many different societies at different periods. Cattle are
probably the oldest of all forms of money, as domestication of animals tended to
precede the cultivation of crops. The earliest evidence of banking is found in
Mesopotamia between 3000 and 2000 B.C. when temples were used to store grain
and other valuables used in trade.
The values of money are relative in the human development.
The advantage of money is important in the human history.
The use of money is as old as the human civilization.
The human civilization is highly connected with trade.
Writing at paragraph level
Directions: The topic sentence or one of the transitional sentences in each paragraph
has been removed. Choose the best answer to each paragraph.
English is part of the Germanic branch of the Indo-European family of languages. It
is spoken as a native language by around 377 million and as a second language by
around 375 million speakers in the world. Speakers of English as a second language
will soon outnumber those who speak it as a first language. Around 750 million
people are believed to speak English as a foreign language. English has an official
or a special status in 75 countries with a total population of over 2 billion.
English is the language of diplomacy and international
communications, business, tourism, education, science, computer technology, media
and Internet. Because English was used to develop communication, technology,
programming, and so on, it dominates the web. 70% of all information stored
electronically is in English nowadays.
The importance of the English language is under investigation.
The usage of the English language is universally accepted.
The status of the English language is technologically dominant.
The domination of the English language globally is undeniable.
Writing at paragraph level
Directions: The topic sentence or one of the transitional sentences in each paragraph
has been removed. Choose the best answer to each paragraph.
The development of electronic communications has
increased the need for written correspondence. More so than ever before, there is a
requirement to ensure clarity and effectiveness in the written message. E-mails may
have reduced the need for stationery and snail mail but they still require the writer
to convey his thoughts clearly and concisely, following the principles of good
business writing. A business letter is a formal communication between people or
companies and it is written to conduct some sort of business. For example, you
might write to inform readers of specific information, create proposals for clients,
make an arrangement, request a price list, thank someone for a service or apply for a
job. It differs from personal letters exchanged by friends in both its layout and
content.
Writing is one of the most important and valued skills in the business world today.
Business writing through electronic communications is a major issue today.
Writing for formal communication between companies can be done by electronic
communications.
Clarity and effectiveness in business writing can help inform readers of valued
information.
Writing at paragraph level
Directions: The topic sentence or one of the transitional sentences in each paragraph
has been removed. Choose the best answer to each paragraph.
According to behavior scientists, during face-to-face conversations, 5% of our
message is verbal, 38% vocal (including tone of voice), while 55% is nonverbal –
through gestures. By that they mean we communicate with our bodies in the form of
gestures. Everybody communicates using these gestures and if we understand the
gestures and their meaning we will be in a position to read others and know what
they are really communicating to us. We can speak to hide what’s on our minds. But
gestures cannot lie.
Palm, hand and arm gestures: An open palm facing upwards or away from
the body indicates honesty and openness.
? Hand to face gestures: A friend was talking about her uncle’s business in
Australia. As she recounted how he generated millions, she lightly rubbed her
nose with her fore-finger. That indicated she was exaggerating.
Here is a guide to the nonverbal communication for honesty.
Here is a guide to the main gestures and their meaning.
The following guideline is to help face-to-face conversations.
The following guideline is to help hide what’s on our minds.
Writing at paragraph level
Directions: The topic sentence or one of the transitional sentences in each paragraph
has been removed. Choose the best answer to each paragraph.
There were many different kinds of schools in
Medieval England and the English universities were one of the most significant
creations. The students who attended either Oxford or Cambridge Universities set
an intellectual standard that contrasted markedly with the norm of Medieval
England. Today both Universities are internationally renowned centers for teaching
and research, attracting students and scholars from all over the world. The
University of Oxford is one of the oldest and most highly revered Universities in
Europe. It was the first university established in Britain. The story of Oxford is one
of a war, plague, religious persecution, heroes and the emergence of one of the
greatest Universities in the world. University of Cambridge is the second-oldest
university in the English-speaking world (after Oxford). The start of the University
is generally taken as 1209, when some masters and students arrived in Cambridge
after fleeing from rioting in Oxford.
England is renowned for its oldest research centers.
England is recognized for intellectuals in higher education.
England is internationally renowned for its university standards.
England is famous for its educational institutes.
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