READING PAPER 1

Time permitted: 60 minutes

Number of questions: 40
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Directions:In this section you will read FOUR different passages. Each one is followed by
10 questions about it. For questions 1-40, you are to choose the best answer A, B, C or D,
to each question. Then, on your answer sheet, find the number of the question and fill in the
space that corresponds to the letter of the answer you have chosen. Answer all questions
following a passage on the basis of what is stated or implied in that passage.

You have 60 minutes to answer all the questions, including the time to transfer your
answers to the answer sheet.

PASSAGE 1 – Questions 1-10

Hong Kong is the name of an island off the coast of mainland China. The biggest and most
important city on Hong Kong is Vitoria, but not many people use this name. People usually
call the city Hong Kong too. Even though Hong Kong is small, only about 1000 square
kilometers, around seven million people live there today. Hong Kong has a very interesting
history. Many years ago the island of Hong Kong belonged to China and now it belongs to
China again. However, for more than 150 years, Hong Kong was ruled by the British.

Hong Kong has a very good port and in the middle of the 19th century, British ships often
stopped there. They came to China to trade. However, in 1839 a war began between China
and Britain which continued for three years. In 1842 the Chinese and the British held a
meeting which ended the war. At the meeting, the island of Hong Kong was given to
Britain. Fifty years later, 1898, China gave the area around Hong Kong to the British for 99
years. In 1997 the British returned Hong Kong to China but it was a very different place
from the deserted island of 150 years ago.

Not many people lived in Hong Kong when it was first given to Britain. Most of the people
were Chinese farmers and fishermen and soon more Chinese arrived. Some of them left
China because they could not find work there and others came to Hong Kong when there
was a war in China. All of these people came to find a better life for themselves and their
children. Beside the Chinese, many other people came. They came from India, Britain,
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Holland and many other countries. After some years they began to think of Hong Kong as
their home and they began to work hard for their new home. They too wanted to make a
better life for their families.

People began to build factories and many kinds of things were produced such as clothes,
medicines, machines and radios. These things were not only sold in Hong Kong but also to
many other countries. Hong Kong soon became famous as a world centre for buying and
selling, and it has continued to get stronger and stronger.

7A In 1997, When Britain returned Hong Kong to China, there were many differences
between the Hong Kong way of life and the Chinese way of life and people thought there
might be some problems. 7B Many people from Hong Kong didn’t want to live by the
Chinese rules. 7CMeetings between the leaders of both countries were held and it was
decided that Hong Kong would be ruled by “One country, two systems”. 7D

Today, Hong Kong is a world centre for trade and banking. There are world famous
universities teaching in both English and in the Chinese language of Cantonese. The port is
one the the finest in the world and the beautiful city of Victoria is built surrounding hills.
For the visistor Hong Kong offers both East and West. You can go shopping, try food from
many different countries, visit interesting places, and have a great time.

1. What does “this” in paragraph 1 refers to

A. Hong Kong
B. Victoria
C. city
D. the coast
2. There was a meeting between Britain and China because
A. They were fighting each other.
B. Britain wanted to buy Hong Kong.
C. China and Britain were friends.
D. China and Britain wanted to attack Hong Kong.
3. The word “deserted” in paragraph 2 could best be replaced by

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A. crowded
B. rich
C. poor
D. abandoned
4. The main idea of the third paragraph is
A. How Hong Kong became a colony of Britain
B. Why Britain wanted Hong Kong
C. When China gave Hong Kong to Britain
D. Why Britain returned Hong Kong to China.
5. Before the British came to Hong Kong,
A. there were many Chinese universities.
B. there were only a few English schools.
C. there were many English schools.
D.There were a few people living on the island.
6. What does the author imply when stating “one country, two systems”?
A. Hong Kong is not ruled by China because it has different way of life.
B. Hong Kong still belongs to Britain, but follows Chinese way of life.
C. Hong Kong is a part of China, but has its own way of life.
D. Hong Kong does not want to be a part of China.
7. Look at paragraph 5, where the following sentence can be added?
This meant that Hong Kong people could continue to live in the way that they had,
while being a part of of China.
A. 7A
B. 7B
C. 7C
D. 7D
8. How is the information in the passage organized?
A. in order of importance
B. in order of space
C. in chronological order
D. causes and effects

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9. In what paragaph does the author mention the jobs people in Hong Kong were
mainly doing when it started to be an official colony of Britain?
A. Paragraph 1
B. Paragaph 2
C. Paragraph 3
D. Paragraph 4
10. What is the main purpose of the author when writing this passage?
A. To explain why Hong Kong didn’t want to become a part of China
B. To help the readers understand more about the history of Hong Kong
C. To persuade foreigners to visit Hong Kong
D. To explain why Hong Kong is a powerful island
PASSAGE 2 - Questions 11 –20
Constellations are patterns of stars in the sky. Over many thousands of years, human beings
living on the Earth have looked up and seen the shapes of people, animals and everyday
objects - they 'joined the dots' of the stars to form patterns in the sky. They gave these
shapes names, some of which we still use today. But why did they bother with constellations
at all? One reason is that having constellations makes it easier to find your way around the
sky. This is useful for finding north, or working out the date or the time. When there were
no compasses, clocks or watches, this was all very important.

There is another reason why constellations were so important. Imagine going back to a time
before paper and pencil had been invented. Life was sparse. If you wanted to draw a picture,
you had to scratch it out on a dark cave wall or write it in sand that could blow away. But at
night an amazing pattern of bright specks of light would appear above your head. By joining
the dots you could see almost any picture you wanted. You could imagine seeing your
favourite shapes in the sky. You might tell others about the constellations you have made
up. They might tell others, and your constellation could be passed down from generation to
generation for hundreds or even thousands of years. This is how many of the constellations
got the names we use.

You don't see exactly the same part of the sky every night, though between one night and
the next you won't see much of a difference. Over a few weeks you'll definitely notice that

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you can see some constellations that you couldn't see before and some constellations that
you could see aren't there any more. This is because the Earth is moving around the Sun. As
the Earth moves round in its orbit, the night side of the Earth (the side facing away from the
Sun) faces out to different parts of space, where there are different constellations.

This means that you see different constellations in different seasons. Orion and Taurus are
(Northern Hemisphere) winter constellations, because you can see them on winter evenings.
Cygnus and Scorpius are (Northern Hemisphere) summer constellations, because you can
see them on summer evenings.

So who made up the constellations and their names? The earliest people on the Earth were
hunters and gatherers. They looked up into the sky and saw shapes that were important to
them - like Orion the

Hunter. Much later in human history, English farmers looked up into the sky and saw the
shape of a Plough. Russian peasants, looking at the same group of stars, called it Ursa
Major or The Great Bear. People in France called it Le Casserole meaning the Saucepan.
People in the USA called it The Big Dipper meaning a soup ladle. All of these different
names are used today. The only people who have decided on one set of names for the
constellations are the astronomers. For example, they always call the Plough 'Ursa Major',
and never any of the other names. They had to do this so that they all knew what other
astronomers across the world were talking about.

The stars in a constellation have nothing to do with each other; they can be very, very far
apart, even if they appear to be right next to each other in the sky. Imagine looking up while
standing in a street. You might see your hand next to a street light, which is next to the
Moon, which is next to a planet, which is next to a star. All of these things are far away
from each other, yet they can be next to each other when you look at them.

If you like, you can look up into the sky, join the dots and make up your own constellations.
Tell other people about your constellations. Maybe one day people all around the world will
be using one of your constellation names!

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11. What use for constellations is NOT mentioned in the opening paragraphs?
A. To help people find their way
B. To understand the origins of life in the universe
C. To provide entertainment
D. To allow people to orientate themselves
12. What is the best meaning of the word "sparse" in the second paragraph?
A. rare
B. boring
C. difficult
D. tough
13. Why do constellations change in the sky from month to month?
A. Because of passing fashions
B. Because of the weather
C. Because of the Earth's movements
D. Because stars are always moving
14. What is the best meaning of the phrase "made up" in the fourth paragraph?
A. decided
B. looked into
C. worked out
D. discovered
15. What is the best meaning of the phrase "peasants" in paragraph 5?
A. workers
B. hunters
C. gatherers
D. farmers
16. Why do astronomers call the constellation 'Ursa Major' by this name?
A. To ease international communication
B. Because the Russians insisted
C. Because Russia provides much of the finance for these organisations
D. They decided that's what it most looks like
17. What point is being made in the penultimate paragraph?
A. Stars used to be closer together

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B. The stars look different depending on where you are standing
C. You won't see stars well under street lights
D. Perspective makes stars seem closer
18. In which paragraph does the writer state examples of differentconstellations in
different seasons?
A. Paragraph 2
B. Paragraph 3
C. Paragraph 4
D. Paragraph 5
19. Where would you most likely find this text?
A. A scholarly publication
B. A newspaper
C. A children's encyclopedia
D. A political leaflet
20. What is the purpose of the writer when writing this text?
A. To explain why people can see different constellations in different seasons
B. To explain why constellations are so important to people
C. To help readers know more about patterns of stars on the sky
D. To describe a phenomenon on the sky
PASSAGE 3 - Questions 21–30
The discoveries of the white dwarf, the neutron star, and the black hole, coming well after
the discovery of the red giant are among the most exciting developments in decades because
they may be well present physicists with their greatest challenge since thefailure of classical
mechanics. In the life cycle of the star, after all of the hydrogen and helium fuel has been
burned, the delicate balance between the outer nuclear radiation, pressure and the stable
gravitational force becomes disturbed and slow contraction begins. As compression
increases, a very dense plasma forms. If the initial star had mass of less than 1.4 solar
masses (1.4 times the mass of our sun), the process ceases at the density of 1,000 tons per
cubic inch, and the star becomes the white dwarf. However, if the star was originally more
massive, the white dwarf plasma can’t resist the gravitations pressures, and in rapid
collapse, all nuclear of the star are converted to a gas of free neutrons. Gravitational
attraction compresses this neutron gas rapidly until a density of 10 tons per cubic inch is

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reached; at this point the strong nuclear force resists further contraction. If the mass of the
star was between 1.4 and a few solar masses, the process stops here, and we have a neutron
star. But if the original star was more massive than a few solar masses, even the strong
nuclear forces cannot resist the gravitational crunch. The neutrons are forced into one
another to form heavier hadrons and these in turn coalesce to form heavier entities, of which
we as yet know nothing. At this point, a complete collapse of the stellar mass occurs;
existing theories predict a collapse to infinite density and infinitely small dimensions Well
before this, however, the surface gravitational force would become so strong that no signal
could ever leave the star - any photon emitted would fall back under gravitational attraction
– and the star would become black hole in space. This gravitational collapse poses a
fundamental challenge to physics. When the most widely accepted theories predict such
improbable things as infinite density and infinitely small dimensions, it simply means that
we are missing some vital insight. This last happened in physics in the 1930’s, when we
faced the fundamental paradox concerning atomic structure. At that time, it was recognized
that electrons moved in table orbits about nuclei in atoms. However, it was also recognized
that if charge is accelerated, as it must be to remain in orbit, it radiates energy; so,
theoretically, the electron would be expected eventually to spiral into the nucleus and
destroy the atom. Studies centered around this paradox led to the development of quantum
mechanics. It may well be that an equivalent advance awaits us in investigating the
theoretical problems presented by the phenomenon of gravitational collapse.
21. Which of the following things was first discovered?
A. The white dwarf
B. The neutron star
C. The black hole
D. The red giant
22. What does the word “they” in line 3 refer to?
A. The white dwarf
B. The white dwarf and the neutron star
C. The white dwarf, the neutron star and the black hole
D. The white dwarf, the neutron star, the black hole and the red giant
23. The author asserts that the discoveries of the white dwarf, the neutron star, and the
black hole are significant because these discoveries

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A. demonstrate the probability of infinite density and infinitely small dimensions
B. pose the most comprehensive and fundamental problem faced by physicists in decades
C. clarify the paradox suggested by the collapse of electrons into atomic nuclei.
D. establish the relationship between the mass and gravitational pressure.
24. What happens when compression increases?
A. The hydrogen and helium fuel has been burned
B. The stable gravitational force becomes disturbed
C. very dense plasma forms
D. The process ceases at the density of 1,000 tons per cubic inch
25. According to the passage, an imbalance arises between nuclear radiation pressure
and gravitational force in stars because
A. the density of a star increases as it ages
B. radiation pressure increases as a star increases in mass
C. radiation pressure decreases when a star’s fuel has been consumed
D. the collapse of a star increases its gravitational force.
26. According to the passage, in the final stages of its development, our own sun is
likely to take the form of a
A. white dwarf
B. neutron star
C. red giant
D. black hole
27. The phrase “at this point” in the passage refers to
A. the white dwarf plasma can’t resist the gravitations pressures.
B. all nuclear of the star are converted to a gas of free neutrons.
C. a density of 10 tons per cubic inch is reached.
D. the strong nuclear force resists further contraction.
28. The word “massive” in the passage is closest in meaning to
A. Concrete
B. Enormous
C. Limited
D. Popular

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29. The author introduces the discussion of the paradox concerning atomic structures
in order to
A. show why it was necessary to develop quantum mechanics.
B. compare the structure of an atom with the structure of star.
C. demonstrate by analogy that a vital insight in astrophysics is missing.
D. illustrate the contention that improbable things do happen in astrophysics.
30. The primary purpose of the passage is toC
A. offer new explanations for the collapse of stars.
B. explain the origins of black holes, neutron stars, and white dwarfs.
C. compare the structure of atoms with the structure of the solar system.
D. explain how the collapse of stars challenges accepted theories of physics.

PASSAGE 4 – Questions 31-40

Minerals are naturally occuring solid substances formed by geologic movements in the
Earth. Their main defining characteristics are that 1) they are inorganic (composed of non-
living matter); 2) they have a crystal structure; and 3) they have a unique chemical
composition. The type of mineral is determined both by its crystal structure and its chemical
composition. A crystal structure occurs when the atoms inside the mineral are ordered in a
geometric pattern that repeats itself throughout the mineral. All crystal structures fit into one
of 14 possible “lattice” – regular pattern – arrangements of atoms, which lattices can be
detected by X-rays.

A mineral’s physical traits are influenced by its crystal form. For example, both diamond
and graphite are composed of the same element (carbon), but the former is the hardest
mineral while the latter is soft. This is because graphite’s crystal structure arranges the
carbon atoms in sheets that can slide past each other, while diamond’s carbon atoms are
arrayed in a strong, interlocking network.

Two minerals with identical crystal structures can have different chemical compositions.
Thus, halite and gelena share the same crystal structure but are composed of different
chemicals. Conversely, two minerals with the same chemical ingredients can differ in their

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crystal structure. For example, pyrite and marcasite both are made of iron sufide, but the
arrangement of their atoms differs.
According to the International Mineralogical Association, 4,000 minerals have been
identified to date. Only about 150 of them are plentiful, and about 50 are classified as
“occasional”. The remainder are rarely found, some consisting of only small grains of rock.

Minerals are often found as components of rocks, which may contain organic matter as well.
Some rocks, which consist wholly of one mineral, such as calcite in limestone rock. Other
rocks may host many minerals. Almost all of the rocks visible today contain one or more of
a group of about 15 minerals, including quartz, mica, and felspa.

The kinds of minerals found in any given rock are determined by these factors. First, the
rock’s chemical composition must be hospitable to particular mineral. For example, rocks
containing silicon will likely contain quartz. Second, the conditions under which the rock
was formed will influence the kinds of minerals found in the rock. Thus, rock born from
volcanic movements at high temperatures and pressures may contain granite. Third,
mineral distribution is affected by the geological stages through which the rock passed
before reaching its present state. For example, exposure to moisture and acids may decay
some minerals and cause others to take their place. During the changes from one ecological
stage to another, the rock may disintergrate into sand or soil.

Mineralogists classify minerals according to either physical properties or chemical

composition. Minerals have numerous measurable physical properties. Hardness is
measured on the “Mohs scale”, which ranks hardness from one to 10. Any mineral can be
cut or marked by a mineral with a higher ranking on the Mohs scale. Thus a diamond, with a
rank of 10, can cut into quartz, with a rank of 7. Luster measures the reflection of light by
the surface of the mineral. Metals have a higher luster than gypsum, which has a porous
surface. Cleavage refers to the way a mineral splits apart along its natural grain, and fracture
refers to its breakage against its natural cleavage planes. Streak is the color of the residue
left by a mineral as it is rubbed across a special plate. Specific gravity measures the density
of the mineral; it is computed by comparing the mass of the mineral to the mass of an equal
volumn of water.

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Minerals can also be classified by their chemical characteristics. The most frequently
occuring minerals are called silicates because of their large shares of silicon and oxygen.
Almost all rocks fit this category. The second most common minerals are carbonates, which
contain carbon and oxygen. Carbornates are found on the ocean floor as the deposits of
decayed plankton. Aother grouping, halides, are found where water has evaporated, as in
dried lake beds and landlocked seas such as the Great Salt Lake in Utah. Other common
classes include sulfates, oxides, sulfides, and phosphates.

31. According to paragraph 1, which of the following is a characteristic of mineral?

A. Crystal structure
B. Organic matter
C. Hardness
D. Smooth surface
32. The word “the latter” in the passage refers to
A. Mineral
B. Diamond
C. Graphite
D. Carbon
33. The word “identical” in the passage is closest in meaning to
A. Similar
B. Complex
C. Same
D. Contrasting
34. According to the passage, two minerals with the same crystal structure can be
different because____
A. They have different specific gravities
B. They are found in different locations
C. They were formed by different geologic processes
D. They have different chemical compositions
35. According to paragraph 3, halite and galena are different elements because
A. They have the same crystal sructure

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B. They have different chemical compositions
C. They were formed by different geologic processes
D. They have different rankings on the Mohs scale
36. The word “hospitable” in the passage is closest in meaning to
A. Welcoming
B. Hostile
C. Comparable
D. Reactive
37. Why does the author discuss the role of volcanic movements in creating rocks?
A. To give an example of one of the Earth’s geologic forces
B. To identify a factor that determines what kinds of minerals are found in rocks
C. To explain why some rocks contain silicon
D. To criticize the theory that minerals are created only by chemical reactions
38. The word “disintergrate” in the passage is closest in meaning to
A. Decompose
B. Imbed
C. Pressurize
D. Decline
39. Which of the following can be inferred about minerals on the Mohs scale?
A. Graphite is softer then gypsum.
B. Quartz can cut a mineral with a rank of 8.
C. Diamond can cut a mineral with a rank of 9.
D. The hardest minerals are metals.
40. According to the passage, all of the following are properties of minerals except:
A. Claeavage
B. Luster
C. Streak
D. Weigh

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 ĐÁP ÁN

1. B 5.D 9.C 13. C 17. D 21. D 25. C 29. C 33. C 37. B

2.A 6.C 10.B 14. D 18. C 22. D 26. A 30. D 34. D 38. A

3.D 7.D 11.B 15. D 19. C 23. B 27. C 31. A 35. B 39. C

4.A 8.C 12.B 16. A 20. C 24. C 28. B 32. C 36. A 40. D

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