Practice 1

I. Put each word in brackets into an appropriate form. Write the answers.
1. I think most of the local _____________ around here are very friendly. (inhabit)
2. Both Hoa and Nam are stamp ____________. They share the same hobby. (collect)
3. Air ___________ is a big problem in many cities in the world. (pollute)
4. One of the reasons why ancient buildings still stand is because they are __________ structures.
(conservation)
5. The world’s rain forests must be safe from ____________. (destroy)
6. The giant panda is an ____________ species. (danger)
7. Water ____________ is necessary for hydropower stations. (conserve)
8. People are ____________ doing harm to the environment. (constant)
9. Because of the axhaust fumes from vehicles, the air becomes ____________. (contaminate)
10. Thousands of people have been made ____________ by the war. (home)
11. We’re very impressed by the ____________ of your town’s people. (friend)
12. Is it possible to ____________ between a hobby and an interest? (distinct)
13. Young children are often very ____________. They can’t sit still for a moment. (live)
14. The old couple have saved a lot of money for their ____________. (retire)
15. He is one of the most famous ____________ in the world. (environment)
16. Some designers have ____________ the Ao Dai by printing lines of poetry on it. (modern)
17. It is usually forbidden to destroy ____________ buildings. (history)
18. He has a great ____________ in God. (believe)
19. Women nowsadays have more ____________ to participate in social activities. (free)
20. A large number of inhabitants have made ____________ on how to protect the environment.
(suggest)
II. Read the passage and choose the correct answer.
A new study shows that women can reduce their chances of developing heart disease
(1)________ jogging for about three hours every week. The researchers at Harvard Medical
University in Boston have just reported the results of the study on the New England Journal of
Medicine. The study is the first to show the effectiveness of jogging in the developing of heart disease
in women. Only (2) ________ earlier studies have examined the effects of jogging on the heart, but
nearly all have been done on men. The new study involves more than 72,000 women between the
(3)________ of forty and sixty-five during a period of eight years. The researchers have found that
women (4)________ jog at least three hours a week have a thirty to forty percent lower chance of
(5)________ a heart attack than those who do not.
1. A. by B. to C. of D. in
2. A. a little B. a few C. many D. much
3. A. age B. years C. years old D. ages
4. A. who B. which C. how D. those
5. A. holding B. owning C. suffering D. finding
III. Read the following passage and choose the correct word for each of the blanks.
YOU CAN’T ESCAPE THE INTERNET
Over the last few years, the use of the Internet has increased dramatically in French schools,
offices, and homes and this trend continues to grow. Who could have imagined, even in the last
decade, that we would be able to (1) __________ our friends, colleagues, and clients around the

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world simply through the (2) __________ of a mouse and a modem? There is no doubt, like any
invention, that the Internet can be used for good or bad but it is here to stay and has (3) __________
the way we communicate.
In the world of business, no corporation can be competitive unless it (4) __________ to the
Internet. It has become essential to advertise your product and service in this way and an increasing
number of companies are using this opportunity to reach a greater number of (5) __________
consumers. Indeed, the bigger the website is, (6) __________ professional the company seems to be.
Similarly in education, the opportunities that the Internet can (7) __________ are vast. More
and more students are (8) __________ on the Internet for their research; for instance, a physics
undergraduate in Paris can download information from a university library in the United States in
minutes. From the latest research in scientific and linguistic fields to new theories in psychology and
history, all this may be published on the world wide web.
What will be the future for the Internet in France? It has been (9) __________ that 60% of
homes and 50% of businesses will have access to the Internet within five years. Children, students,
and professionals will be able to (10) __________ and explore the world as they have never done
before.
1. A. contact B. keep touch C. stay in touch D. talk
2. A. tick B. running C. clap D. click
3. A. modified B. been changed C. adapted D. revolutionized
4. A. access B. use C. approach D. downloading
5. A. future B. competent C. potential D. would be
6. A. more and more B. the more C. more D. the most
7. A. take B. provide C. support D. miss
8. A. relying B. surfing C. working D. downloading
9. A. established B. announced C. claimed D. calculated
10. A. log on B. take on C. log off D. switch on
IV. Read the following passage and then choose the most suitable word for each space.
Australia is located in the southern hemisphere. It is the driest country on earth and is the only
country which (1) —— an entire continent. From north to south the (2) —— is 3,220km and from
east to west 3,860 km. (3) —— area it is about the same size as the USA. Today about 85% of the
population of 18 million live in six major cities around the (4) ——. Two thirds of the country is dry
or desert.
Australia is an extremely rich country. It produces metals, (5) —— stones, coal, grain, meat,
and wine, and has the biggest iron (6) —— in the world.
Australia has about one sixth of the world’s sheep and produces (7) —— one third of its wool.
Cattle are also kept, and about 15 million tons of wheat are grown every year. Fruits and vegetables
are grown in areas where there is enough water. The climate is different (8) —— on area. The south
has cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The north has warm, dry winters and hot, wet
summers. The centre of Australia is hot and dry all the year (9) —— Because of such a climate, much
of daily life (10) —— indoors.
1. A. runs B. covers C. consists D. lies
2. A. length B. area C. distance D. route
3. A. On B. With C. By D. In
4. A. coast B. coastline C. seaside D. beach
5. A. precious B. worthy C. wealthy D. expensive

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6. A. caves B. regions C. mines D. fields
7. A. almost B. much C. most D. near
8. A. relying B. concentrating C. depending D. going
9. A. long B. around C. wide D. round
10. A. occurs B. happens C. arises D. exists
V. Read the passage and choose the best answers to the questions below.
Every four to ten years something happens to the weather system of the Earth. Everything
changes, and scientists don’t know why. The low-pressure area moves toward the east, the high-
pressure area is very weak, and the winds blow toward the east. A great pile of warm surface water
moves toward South America. People call this “ EL Nino”. It usually happens at Christmas time, and
EL Nino is the Spanish name for the baby Jesus.
Usually, the effects of EL Nino are very mild. However, the one that started in 1982 was
different from the other recent ones. It had a very powerful effect on the world’s climate. It caused
huge changes in the ocean currents. It caused floods in some areas and droughts in others. There were
terrible windstorms and huge ocean waves swept houses into the sea. EL Nino did billions of dollars
worth of damage. Thousands of people lost their lives and thousands of others were left homeless.
In 1983, the winds, ocean currents, and pressure areas started to become normal again.
Meanwhile, scientists throughout the world organized research to learn more about EL Nino. They are
using satellites and research boats to observe the atmosphere and the ocean. It is a very complicated
problem, but if the scientists of the world work together, they should be able to learn the causes of EL
Nino. Then they will be able to predict what will happen and work to prevent a repeat of the death
and destruction of 1982 - 1983.
1. The reason why the weather system changes ——
A. are known in advance by all scientists.
B. are not mysterious to scientists today.
C. are still unknown to scientists nowadays.
D. are easy and simple to scientists today.
2. The effects of EL Nino are ——
A. usually mild B. very violent
C. sometimes very powerful D. both A and C
3. The EL Nino that started in 1982 was ——
A. the same as the other recent ones.
B. less powerful than the other recent ones.
C. more powerful and destructive than the other recent ones.
D. very powerful but caused no damage.
4. The word “EL Nino” is the Spanish name for the baby Jesus because ——
A. EL Nino usually happens at Christmas time.
B. it first happened in Spain.
C. it first happened when Jesus was born.
D. Jesus used the Spanish name to call it.
5. Since 1983, scientists all over the world ——
A. have used satellites to study the oceans.
B. have used research boats to study the atmosphere.
C. have organized research to learn more about EL Nino.
D. have helped people to recover the damage and loss from EL Nino.

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VI. Read the following passage and choose the best answer to each question.
Dinosaurs were reptiles that lived during a period of earth’s history called the Mesozoic Era,
which is known as the Age of Reptiles. The first dinosaurs appeared more than 200 million years ago.
For many millions of years, they dominated the land with their huge size and strength. Then about 65
million years ago, they died out rather suddenly, never to reemerge.
The word dinosaur comes from two Greek words meaning “terrible lizard”. Dinosaurs were not
lizards, but their appearance could be truly terrifying. The biggest ones weighed more than ten times
as much as a mature elephant and nearly equaled the size of most modern-day whales. The famous
kinds of dinosaurs, including the brontosaurus and tyrannosaurus, reached 80 to 90 feet in length. Not
all dinosaurs were giants, however, some were actually no larger than a chicken.
Scientists still do not know what caused dinosaurs to disappear. One theory involves a change
in the earth’s climate. It is believed that temperature dropped significantly towards the end of the
Cretaceous Period. Too large to hibernate and not having fur or feathers for protection, it is possible
that the climate became too chilly for dinosaurs. In contrast, other species having protection, such as
mammals and birds, were able to survive.
1. What is the best title for this passage?
A. The Domination of the Land B. Dinosaurs and their extinction
C. Earth’s Largest Reptiles D. The History of Earth
2. It can be inferred from the passage that the Age of Reptiles lasted about:
A. 200 million years B. 135 million years C. 80 million years D. 65 million years
3. The author uses the phrase “never to reemerge” to indicate that the dinosaurs:
A. became extinct B. went to hiding C. never died out D. lost their way
4. According to the passage, what is TRUE about the size of dinosaurs?
A. It made them the largest creatures ever on earth
B. It varied quite greatly
C. It guaranteed their survival
D. It was rather uniform
5. Which of the following can be inferred about mammals and birds?
A. Most have either fur or feathers over their bodies.
B. They preceded the dinosaurs.
C. They were too large to hibernate.
D. They could not survive the chilly temperatures.
VII. Read the following passage and choose the best answer to each question.
Millions of people are using cell phones today. In many places, it is actually considered unusual
not to use one. In many countries, cell phones are very popular with young people. They find that the
phones are more than a means of communication - having a mobile phone shows that they are cool
and connected.
The explosion in mobile phone use around the world has made some health professionals
worried. Some doctors are concerned that in the future many people may suffer health problems from
the use of mobile phones. In England, there has been a serious debate about this issue. Mobile phone
companies are worried about the negative publicity of such ideas. They say that there is no proof that
mobile phones are bad for your health.
On the other hand, medical studies have shown changes in the brain cells of some people who
use mobile phones. Signs of change in the tissues of the brain and head can be detected with modern
scanning equipment. In one case, a traveling salesman had to retire at young age because of serious

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memory loss. He couldn't remember even simple tasks. He would often forget the name of his own
son. This man used to talk on his mobile phone for about six hours a day, every day of his working
week, for a couple of years. His family doctor blamed his mobile phone use, but his employer's
doctor didn't agree.
What is it that makes mobile phones potentially harmful? The answer is radiation. High-tech
machines can detect very small amounts of radiation from mobile phones. Mobile phone companies
agree that there is some radiation, but they say the amount is too small to worry about.
As the discussion about their safety continues, it appears that it's best to use mobile phones less
often. Use your regular phone if you want to talk for a long time. Use your mobile phone only when
you really need it. Mobile phones can be very useful and convenient, especially in emergencies. In
the future, mobile phones may have a warning label that says they are bad for your health. So for
now, it's wise not to use your mobile phone too often.
1. According to the passage, cell phones are especially popular with young people because ______.
A. they make them look more stylish.
B. they keep the users alert all the time.
C. they cannot be replaced by regular phones.
D. they are indispensable in everyday communications.
2. The word "means" in the passage most closely means ____________.
A. meanings B. expression C. transmission D. method
3. Doctors have tentatively concluded that cell phones may ____________.
A. cause some mental malfunction B. change their users’ temperament.
C. change their users’ social behaviours. D. damage their users’ emotions.
4. "Negative publicity" in the passage most likely means ____________.
A. widespread opinion about bad effects of cell phones.
B. information on the lethal effects of cell phones.
C. the negative public use of cell phones.
D. poor ideas about the effects of cell phones.
5. The changes possibly caused by the cell phones are mainly concerned with ____________.
A. the smallest units of the brain B. the mobility of the mind and the body
C. the resident memory D. the arteries of the brain
6. The man mentioned in the passage, who used his cell phone too often, ____________.
A. had a problem with memory. B. abandoned his family.
C. suffered a serious loss of mental ability. D. could no longer think lucidly.
7. The word "potentially" in the passage most closely means ____________.
A. certainly B. obviously C. privately D. possibly
8. According to the passage, what makes mobile phones potentially harmful is ____________.
A. their radiant light.
B. their raiding power.
C. their power of attraction.
D. their invisible rays.
9. According to the writer, people should ____________.
A. keep off mobile phones regularly.
B. never use mobile phones in all cases.
C. only use mobile phones in medical emergencies.
D. only use mobile phones in urgent cases.
10. The most suitable title for the passage could be ____________.

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 A. Technological Innovations and Their Price.
B. The Way Mobile Phones Work.
C. The Reasons Why Mobile Phones Are Popular.
D. Mobile Phones: A Must of Our Time
VIII. Read the following passage and choose the best answer to each question.
Over the past 600 years, English has grown from a language of few speakers to become the
dominant language of international communication. English as we know it today emerged around
1350, after having incorporated many elements of French that were introduced following the Norman
invasion of 1066. Until the 1600s, English was, for the most part, spoken only in England and had not
extended even as far as Wales, Scotland, or Ireland. However, during the course of the next two
centuries, English began to spread around the globe as a result of exploration, trade (including slave
trade), colonization, and missionary work. Thus, small enclaves of English speakers became
established and grew in various parts of the world. As these communities proliferated, English
gradually became the primary language of international business, banking, and diplomacy.
Currently, about 80 percent of the information stored on computer systems worldwide is in
English. Two-thirds of the world's science writing is in English, and English is the main language of
technology, advertising, media, international airports, and air traffic controllers. Today there are more
than 700 million English users in the world, and over half of these are nonnative speakers,
constituting the largest number of nonnative users than any other language in the world.
1. What is the main topic of this passage?
A. The French influence on the English Language.
B. The history of the English language.
C. The expansion of English as an international language.
D. The use of English for science and technology.
2. Approximately when did English begin to be used beyond England?
A. In 1066 B. Around 1350 C. Before 1600 D. After 1600
3. According to the passage, all of the following contributed to the spread of English around the
world EXCEPT ___________.
A. the slave trade B. the Norman invasion
C. missionaries D. colonization
4. Which of the following statements is NOT true?
A. Most of the information stored on computer systems is in English.
B. Only one-third of the world’s science writing is in languages other than English.
C. English is the only language used in technology and advertising.
D. International airports and air controllers use mostly English.
5. According to the passage, approximately how many non-native users of English are there in the
world today?
A. A quarter million B. Half a million C. 350 million D. 700 million
IX. Read the following passage and choose the best answer for each question.
Have you ever thought about the names of the months? Why are “January” and “February” not
called “Primo” or “Secondo”? Is it because the original names were created in ancient times? Or is it
because the originators preferred odd words?
Take February, for example. Say it aloud a few minutes and you start to wonder. Most people
don’t know who developed these names. However, a little research reveals that the names of the

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months came mostly from a combination of the names of Roman gods and goddesses, important
festivals, and the original numbers of the months.
Julius Caesar and Pope Gregory XIII changed the calendar to make it more exact. Caesar
developed a new calendar of 364 and a quarter days, the time it takes the earth to orbit the sun from
one spring season to the next. The Pope’s astronomers refined the calendar regarding leap years; they
determined that there should be no leap year in years ending in 00- unless they were divisible by 400;
the years 1700, 1800, 1900 and 2100 would not be considered leap years, while the years 1600 and
2000 would be. This new Gregorian calendar was so accurate that today, scientists need only add leap
seconds every few years to the clock in order to keep the calendar matching the Earth’s cycles.
1. What is the topic of the passage?
A. how the modern calendar was named and developed
B. how the months were named
C. how the leap year system was developed
D. how accurate the modern day is calendar
2. It can be inferred from paragraph 1 that the author thinks the names of the months are _______.
A. odd B. difficult to pronounce C. inappropriate D. none of the answers
3. The word “they” in paragraph 3 refers to ______________.
A. calendars B. days C. astronomers D. years
4. The word “accurate” in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to ____________.
A. interesting B. informative C. correct D. simple
5. Which of the following will be a leap year?
A. 2300 B. 2400 C. 2200 D. 2500
6. Which of the following is true of the Gregorian calendar?
A. It needs major improvements.
B. It was so well designed, it needs little adjusting today.
C. It copied the Roman calendar’s formula of leap years.
D. none of the answers
7. Why is Caesar important in calendar making?
A. He changed the length of the year B. He extended summer.
C. He has a month named for him D. He altered the number of days in the year.
8. In what order is the information in the passage presented?
A. Caesar’s calendar, the Gregorian calendar, the modern calendar
B. Roman Gods, important festivals, original numbers of months
C. names of months, Caesar’s calendar, the Gregorian Calendar
D. none of the answers
9. The word “refined” in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to ____________.
A. studied B. invented C. observed D. improved
10. Why is the number of 364 and a quarter important?
A. It is the length of time from the beginning of spring to the end of winter.
B. It is the length of a planetary year.
C. It is the most accurate number for calendars.
D. It was a number randomly chosen by Caesar for his calendar.